There's a similar thread in the Softail forum but I am leaning towards the Dyna Street Bob over the Softail Standard or Night Train. I thought a better perspcetive could be gained by posing the question on this forum too.

I've been looking at both, and based purely on looks, I am leaning slightly towards the Bob but I like the idea of a balanced motor alot too.

If you were looking at roughly the same price for both bikes (rigid frame looks not a factor), why would one pick a softtail over a dyna? I've been told the dyna has better handling and acceleration, but the softail is more versatile.

Has anyone ever owned or ridden both? I'll be trading in my sporty, so I have grown accustom to great handling. Is the softail a little more comfortable on the highways for longer rides?

EDIT - I'm just looking for a general idea on Dyna and Softails - not any specific type.

 

Before i bought my street bob i was thinking of a soft tail, but for me the street bob was the best looking stock bike. I have never really liked the rear of the soft tails either. As far as handling i can only offer my experience with the street bob as i have never riden a soft tail. Before my street bob i had a buell and man could that thing handle, the dyna is no buell but with some time getting use to the difference i no longer miss the buell in the twisties. I am very happy with how the dyna handles. I also really like the unbalanced engine, forgive me but the balanced engine kinda has a watered down feel to me, i like the bounce and vibe of the dyna, but once i get going its as smooth as silk. The street bob is a great looking bike and also a good starting point to make it your own and not to mention a great price.

 

dyna guys get more puhaa

I don't think one is better than the other....I just like the twin rear shocks and beefier front ends...but that's just me


Todd

 

Read my reply in the prior mentioned softail forum.

 

Did someone say beefier front ends? What about the fatboy and deluxe? Those look beefier than a dyna to me anyday...

 

Thats BEEEEEFFFFFYYYYYYY

 

Perhaps I wasn't clear...I wasn't referring to FL models...I was referring to FX models...and if you compare a dyna (06-later) to a softail, the front ends are thicker. That was one of the major changes in 06. My WG has thicker fork legs/bars than an FX softail/custom/nitetrain.

The person who started this thread asked about a street bob vs a softail standard/nitetrain....they didn't mention anything about a fat boy or delux


Todd

 

The main sour point with the Softails for me is the balanced motor. They are too smooth at idle and I'm not real nuts about that high rpm buzz so prevalent when you wind them out. I love the rubber mounted "A" motor. The heavy shaking at idle and the smooth powerband. A plus is that the Dynas handle and ride better than any of the Softails. That said, I'd never turn down a free one. It's just all a matter of what you're looking for in a motorcycle.

 

I think it is a matter of what you prefer.
In past Dyna forums, I have seen it mentioned over and over again by Dyna (myself included) owners that we prefer an exposed shock on the back.
I have a buddy I ride with on ocassion that has a 1996 BadBoy. He never seems to have any problems in the twisties (springer front end).

 

unbalanced vs. balanced motor... man I have a lot to learn about Harleys... cool