Them's fightin words...

 

I started with a sportster because of being a new rider and immediately wanted a bigger bike for long trips. The Dyna will not be any more difficult to learn on. Good luck.

 

You know that if you ask the dyna forum which bike we think you should get, we're not going to tell you to buy a sportie? Sportster low was my 2nd bike - only having ridden for 8 months before it. Was fun to ride but any long trip and that skinny front tire just kicked my a$$. Always felt like I was gertting sucked into every bump and crevace in the road. Also, while my husband and his friends were all cruising along on the interstate, I always felt like I was maxxed out in power. I sat on a lot of bikes when I decided 6 months into that sportie that a new ride was in my future - once my butt hit the streetbob's seat I was in love. Fits like a glove.
As for the little bit of extra weight, I don't plan on carrying my ride on my back. That extra 100 pounds or so helps with the amazing balance you feel on a dyna.

 

I probably shouldn't weigh in on this because it looks like I'm the only one here that's missing my Sportster, but it's only because of one thing, 'vibration problem'. Otherwise the Dyna is a better bike at most things. Smoother ride and the 6 speed is nice on the highway. My problem is when I get my new Dyna up to about 4000 rpm the motor vibrates tearable like my old solid mount Sporty did. My last Sportster was a rubber mount 06 and that motor was smoother then my new Dyna when the rpm go up. I'm stuck at 842 miles because of cold wet Michigan Weather and working late. As soon as I get time I will take it in and see if there is something Wrong with my new Dyna. If they tell me this motor vibration is normal for a Dyna, then I will be the only one here that will wish I still had my 06 sporty. Most every one that's had a Sportster likes the Dyna a lot better, and I would too, if the motor didn't vibrate so much.

 

My neighbor is also 5'5" and he had a Sportster 1200 Custom for about a year. He wanted something bigger so he got a Street Bob with progressive lowering shocks, he says he has no regrets on the change. I say if it is possible test both the Sporty and a Dyna. Good luck in your decision.

 

I rode a 1200C for 10 yrs before getting my FXDC. The Sporty's a great bike, but the FXDC gives you more options. The advice to get the dealer to let you ride both is solid. If you're concerned about your height, then you need to look at the 883 or 1200 Low. If power's an issue, i.e. too much, then I'd recommend the 883L. You can always upgrade the engine to a 1200.

 

How can you resist?

 

the Dyna will not overpower you... I no time it will be just right.

 

Dude I'm the same height as you and haven't lowered my bike or anything. You will have no problems on a Dyna. Just think of a Dyna as a Sporty on steroids.

 

Dyna,it will fit you better and there's no such thing as too much power.