I really want to bye HD before i return from Canada to Europe next June. I've been always dreaming of it. It should something like Super Glide, Softail Standard or Fat boy, however my budget is quite limited to US$ 12500. It also must be 1998 and newer so I can register it in Europe.

1) What's the basic difference between Softail and Dyna. Is any analysis anywhere?
Difference i price is quite significant, however when I look at the pictures I can't see many differences. Is it e.g. the angle of fork?

2) Is it possible to buy Softail Standard or Fat boy for US$ 12500

Thanks.

 

Welcome from Minnesota.........To answer your question with regards to the difference between the softail and dyna........the most notible are:

1) DYNA = rubber mounted motor,and external rear suspension (visible)
2) Softail = balanced motor vs rubber mounted,and rear suspension is under the frame(hidden)

The pro's and Cons can be debated for ever.........I suggest you search the dyna,and the softail sections of this forum.They will explain more in detail.I hope this helps.

 

Dyna's shake the bike at idle becouse the rubber engine mounts and the motor is not balanced.
But they ride smooth even at high rpm"s
Softails idle real smooth becouse of the balanced motor.
But if you run them hard (above 3500 rpm ) the bike will vibrate almost like holding on to a sander becouse the balanced motor can only remove so much vibration and the motor is mounted directly to the frame.
Normal cruzn is smooth.

Another difference is that on dyna's you can see the rear shocks.
The softails you can not see the rear shocks. They are hidden under the bike.

David

 

Very hard choice to have to make. Have rode both and like them a lot. Either way, you will be riding a Harley ! Good luck and Happy Hunting !

 

Most Dyna's have mid controls (except Wide Glide) but can have forwards installed.

Softtails have forward controls.

I think Dyna's handle a bit better (just my humble opinion.)

If you want a Harley that handles better than the other air cooled Harley's check out the FXDX. (It is what I ride.)

FXDX sits a little taller for better ground clearance and lean angle, also has adjustable suspension front and rear. If you are coming off a sport bike you might find the FXDX "interesting."

You can find used bikes in the price range you are working with.

Good luck and ride safe.

Crow

 

I have a Softail Heritage and love the Riding position but I must agree with crowdog the Dyna does handle better I'm forever grinding the footboards down.

A good dealer will let you test ride what you want before you buy it .

They do in the UK.

 

Which ever you decide, do some serious shoppin around and I bet you could end up with a 2003-2004 standard, ive seen some quick turn arounds on standards with less than 2k miles. Keep on checkin ebay, cycletrader etc....... Im partial to the softail but love the engine on the dyna.....GOOD LUCK

 

welcome from nc, good luck with your purchase!!