HD Forums Australia
Home
Online: blueystar, Wanderer57, flstc08
Topics

Help!!

  • Viking_too
    Viking_too
    7 years ago
    Hi All. I imagine you get this question a lot but would be eager to get any advice I can to make a tough decision.
    The choice : 2011 Softail Standard with 3,300kms on the clock - 1584, stock standard apart from a front mag wheel, VERSUS, 2014 Dyna Street Bob with 1,700kms on the clock, 1690, mags front & back, SS pipes still under warranty. Both around the same price. 

    Love the softail on the road - very smooth and well-balanced, but lacks the power of the 1690 which is louder and a bit rougher to ride. I'm pretty sure I'd get used to riding either bike. Finding it hard to reconcile $500 difference for such different bikes.

    All comments welcome, especially from those who have ridden bothe dyna and softail. Thanks guys!
  • Far Canal
    Far Canal
    7 years ago
    Hello and welcome.
    Both bikes are incredibly low mileage, so ya cant go wrong there.
    Not really a great deal of difference between 1584 and 1690cc either.
    The softails with the balanced motor tend not to vibrate so much at idle, however the vibration seems to go away a bit on the dynas when you are up and going.
    Also the dynas seem to be more nimble around the twisties. However the softails give a more plush sort of a ride.
    So many flamin decisions, either way you can't really go wrong! Worse case scenario is you have a low kilometer Harley, first world problem. Happy times.
  • Viking_too
    Viking_too
    7 years ago
    Hi Far Canal. 
    Thanks for your response and your kind welcome. Great to know that I can't go far wrong with either bike. Rode a lot of dynas before trying my first softail last week. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the ride! Your comments will definietly help me to make a final decision. Much appreciated!
  • Far Canal
    Far Canal
    7 years ago
    I have a softail standard.
    Sometimes I wish I had bought a fatbob instead because they handle better. However the fatbobs I have ridden do not handle the horrible bumpy road you have to ride on to get to my place as well as the softail standard. The smaller diameter wheels seem to drop further into the potholes or something.
    I hated the 90mm wide x 21 inch front tyre on mine and changed it to a rim that could take a 120/130 wide front tyre and like it much better. Also love the stage 4 kit that I got put in it and the extra oomph you get with it. Still not convinced the stock 200mm wide rear tyre is a good thing either.
    I use to be indecisive, now I aint so sure. So many options and modifications available with these HD bikes.
  • JFE
    JFE
    7 years ago
    Welcome!
    Like Far Canal said it certainly sounds like you couldn't go too wrong with either. What sort of riding do you see yourself doing? Dyna's are generally more nimble but if you just wanna cruise then maybe the softail.pillion accommodation would probably be a bit better too.I do like the idea of the newer engine (1690), noting it's now superseded, and as a Fat Bob rider I certainly rate Dyna's!

    Tell me one thing -- after you test rode both, which one did you walk away from with that special feeling you get and you have to keep looking back at it (much like dating that gorgeous girl in your early 20's). Please didn't say both bikes made you feel the same...
  • Viking_too
    Viking_too
    7 years ago
    Thanks Far Canal. I get what you mean about indecisiveness - as this is my first HD, I'm wanting to make the best choice I can. It sounds like you've done some great modifications to your own Softail Standard to make it your own. Seems to be another common trait among HD owners. I live and travel on sealed roads, so the wheel size shouldn't be an issue, but I do like the smooth ride of the softail.
  • Viking_too
    Viking_too
    7 years ago
    Hi JFE and thanks for the welcome!
    I really enjoy cruising and, although I'll zip through traffic when the mood grabs me, I tend to be a reasonably cautious rider. I've ridden quite a bit with gun-riders but choose to cruise the twisties and am happy to arrive everywhere about 5 mins after them.
    Funnily enough, I rode a 2013 Fat Bob and loved it! I was attracted to the sound of the SS pipes and power of the 1690. Unfortunately I couldn't swing it within my budget. I had a similar experience on the Street Bob which is in my price range. 
    In comparison, I felt more comfortable on the softail. It seemed to be a natural fit for me, cornered easily and had a soft touch while manoeuvring. I guess I did feel more "at one" with the softail.
  • keith
    keith
    7 years ago
    Welcome, which ever way you go the buyer has the upper hand always come decision time, enjoy your new purchase.
  • Wimbo
    Wimbo
    7 years ago
    Welcome mate and good luck with the decision. 
  • Viking_too
    Viking_too
    7 years ago
    Hi Keith. Thanks buddy! Really excited, either way. Stay upright ??????
  • Viking_too
    Viking_too
    7 years ago
    Cheers Wimbo. See you out there.
  • aido
    aido
    7 years ago
    welcome mate. which one you choose?
  • Viking_too
    Viking_too
    7 years ago
    Hey aido. Thanks buddy. 
    Settled on the Softail Standard. Less shiny, less extras and less rumble, but it's definitely the right fit for me. Having the handlebars changed so will pick it up Friday. Already had a run planned for Sat! Can't wait.
  • Illustrated_Man
    Illustrated_Man
    7 years ago
    Softail all the way. But im biased. 
  • JFE
    JFE
    7 years ago
    Well if it's right for you then it's the best choice!
Topics