I had jap bikes years ago, and am getting ready to buy my first Harley. What are the main differences between these two bikes? Does one ride or handle better than the other? I will mainly be riding short trips through the mountains by myself, but will occasionaly haul my wife. I am sure I will end up going to a touring bike later, but don't want to start on one. I will not be buying new, but somthing in the 05=07 range most likely.
Thanks for any help.
Bill

 

The dyna will handle better, is faster, and a decent two-up bike... Check out the dyna section... There is a running thread in the first couple pages about fatbob or fatboy... You'll find all the info your looking for in that thread.

But you cant go wrong with either bike... You'll love which ever one you get!

 

i agree with shimmon a dyna will be the way to go, ya can mod it up for touring or strip it down for cruisin.

i have also heard ( i don't have extensive expiernce just small trips) that sinse softail shocks are horizontal and dyna shocks are vertical that the softail can make ya feel a little like yr on a boat if ya get on some super slab or somthin.

dynas have pegs witch is for more agressive riddin, softails have floorboards...not so agressive.

havin said this, i ride with ppl with both and niether would ever trade. sounds like for what ya want though, get the dyna

 

Interestingly, I started out with a Dyna even though I wanted a Fatboy because it was cheaper and easier to handle. Of course, every time I was on the road or at the dealer and saw a Fatty, I envied and drooled a bit Put 22k miles on the SuperGlide Custom in 2 yrs and finally stepped up to what I wanted to begin with in Spring 07

That being said, the Fatboy is a true cruiser...great for 2 up OR solo, and you can mod the **** out of it pretty easily. The Dyna was SCARY fast, nimble, and ok for 2up. If I didn't already have the Ultra and the Fatboy, I'd have my sights set on a denim black FatBob as a solo seat, ride-it-like-u-stole-it scoot

Decisions....decisions.... Godd luck with whichever and ride safe!

 

Having owned both I would suggest the Dyna based on your comming from metrics. It will be quicker and more nimble. You can find a low mile Street Bob for a very reasonable price on Craigslist or eBay. I've seen some 07s with the 96" motor for under 10K. BTW, try to get the 07 or newer so you can get the 96" vs the 88".

 

What he said.

 

The Street Bob is a great bike to ride.....Maybe you should go to a dealer and rent both bikes and ride them and see what you like better...!

 

The Dyna line has external shocks, rubber-mounted engine, and footpegs. They usually handle better and have a vibrating motor at idle that smooths out at speed. The touring line of Harleys has the same engine feel.

The Fatboy has a hidden shock, counter-balanced engine, and floorboards. They have less handling and a smoother feeling motor both at idle and speed, though I found they tend to feel “buzzy” at highway speeds.

In my opinion, both bikes require aftermarket components to be comfortable for distance riding. They both need good two-up seats, saddlebags, and windshields.

In the end, however, you cannot go wrong with either choice.

 

Get the one that puts a smile on your face when you look at it

 

You really gotta ride them to know what really suits you...You can sit on a bike with a predetermined preference but that can change with a trip down the road!