Hey folks, well I always read about Softails bottoming out easy sometimes. I was at the dealer and asked about it ( I asked which is smoothest..I should have asked which one bottoms out less) and he said Softails are smoother, Dynas are rougher, n' that Sportsters can be teeth rattlers. It looks like Dynas have more rear travel than a Softail. So does a Dyna bottom out as much as a Softail? As much input from everyone as possible would be a great help.

 

Wife and I had ours bottom out a few times in the first K,, at the 1k service I had them put more pre-load in the shocks and they have been perfect for us and still not hard on solo rides. they set for 350 total #'s.

haven't rode a Dyna so can't compare, have rode a RK and SG touring bikes, IMO there not much if any better than our Heritage. I believe the Heritage rides better than several of the other ST's mostly because its heavier and the big A$$ seat...

 

I had a wide glide and a softail now. I lowered both and the softail does probably bottom out more than the dyna did but I still like the softail more. Dynas probably are smother in my honest opinion. Just test ride both and make your own decision is the best advice I'd say.

 

they are both under sprung for the weight of the motorcycle

 

never had my dyna bottom out....... even since I lowered it

 

Depending on who you talk to, opinions will vary, fact is they all have adjustable rear suspension and unless your a BIG Fella with a BIG Lady and or you lower the bike or race motocross, it will not be a problem. Aftermarket springs are available if the adjustable shocks don't go far enough.
Average size person, stock suspension, in good condition, will not have a problem on any Harley until suspension parts are changed/modified. When you lower a bike, you take away that amount of wheel travel.
Happy Hunting!

 

I have an 07 FXSTC purchased in Aug. 06, an 09 XR1200 Sportster and a 010 Dyna. I am 230 lbs. None have ever bottomed out and Illinois roads are not too good.

Do you go of road or try to jump curbs?

 

just look at the softail shocks there 3 inches or so, again all depends on what you do i have a dyna lowered and it bottoms out all the time

 

I am 300 lbs at this time and when my wife and I ride the heritage it doesnt bottom out.
I had the shocks adjusted some at around 3000 miles as they seemed to be getting softer, but only bottomed out once before having them adjusted, but it was a mighty big dip in the road that it happend on.

 

So you ALWAYS read about Softails bottoming out? Where did you read this? I've been on all types of bike forums for over 10 years and this is the FIRST post I've read about this.

If you're really worried about it .....

Just how big a fella are ya anyways???????