Dyna Super Glide custom VS. Softail Night Train?

Question

Do tell me the difference between these two models please. I am looking to buy one of these two but I know nothing about the bikes. I'm looking to educate myself beforehand. I have never ridden a bike but I am going to take a course in September. How do they handle? Pro's and con's of both? I've searched the Harley site for info but I don't know what most of the lingo means so if you know of a website which explains the technical stuff that'd be great too. Rake? What the heck is that? Wide back tire vs standard size? How much is insurance? Expensive upkeep? Thanks a bunch.

Answer 1

The biggest difference between a Dyna and a Softail are the shocks. The dyna shocks go from the swingarm up to the back fender strut, they are vertical, softail shocks are under the bike and run paralell to the bike. the rake is the angle of the front fork, the distance between the front axle and the frame down tubes. The more rake the farther the wheel is from the frame (Orange County Chopper type). Stay away from wide back tires, they mean poor handling (if they come from the factory with them they should be OK, not extreme) People on here are going to tell you the upkeep is really expensive, I've been buying HDs since 1959 and my biggest expense are tires and oil changes. You take some what good care of it and it will last your life time.

Answer 2

The softail will have a rigid mounted balanced motor, which means you won't get a whole lot of vibration while you're putzing about town. I don't know how they are at freeway speeds though, haven't had one up that fast.

The dyna will have a normal twin cam that has rubber mounts. Which means the motor will shake, but the mounts absorb the shock so you get a smooth ride. I think the dynas handle better.

Go to Harley's web site, click on one of the bikes that interests you, and click compare models.

Answer 3

Not enough you can really tell  The enging mount set up is the only factor but no real diffrence there either