MOTORCYCLE REVIEW: Harley-Davidsons Exciting Dyna Models

Harley-Davidsons Dyna models are some of the smoothest and most comfortable motorcycles in the Motor Companys lineup. Why? The engine is rubber mounted to the frame. This drastically reduces vibration. The Dynas are also extremely ergonomically friendly for the average female rider.

With the 2006 model year, the Dyna platform went through a makeover and welcomed two new additions. The family includes: the Dyna Super Glide, (the Dyna Super Glide Sport was discontinued in 2006) the Dyna Low Rider, the Dyna Wide Glide, the new Dyna Street Bob, and the new limited-production 35th Anniversary Dyna Super Glide. In 2007, the Dyna Super Glide Custom, was added to the family.

The Dynas were the only model family in 2006 to receive the new 6-speed transmission. This Cruise Drive, as its called, was then introduced on all 2007 Harleys when the Motor Company rolled out its new engine, the Twin Cam 96, this summer. The Cruise Drive transmission extends the top gear ratio widening the powerband lowering rpms at highway cruising speeds. When rolling along at 75 mph, it doesnt feel like the bike is screaming for power.

New helical-cut gears were part of the new transmission on the 2006 Dynas. This type of gearing meshes more quietly than straight-cut gears used on the previous transmission. One noticeable difference on the 06 Dynas is the effort to engage the clutch, reduced by 35 percent over the previous year. As one who has ridden a Dyna most of her life, I definitely noticed the difference. Women who complain their hands get tired easily from engaging a stiff clutch in stop-and-go traffic will love the easy-to-pull-in clutch.

The 2006 Dynas arent short on power. The Twin Cam 88 engine turns out 1450ccs of power and torque. Zipping through the twisties is a blast. Unlike some larger cruisers where you can feel like youre lumbering through the turns, the Dynas are compact and light enough to propel you forward, yet still maintain that cruiser quality. The Sportsters are so light and nimble theres almost a sportbike quality to the ride. Not with the Dynas. Youre definitely on a cruiser. In fact, Id say Dynas nearly define the term cruiser.

Big Changes in 2007
In 2007, the Dynas became even more attractive with the introduction of the new Twin Cam 96 (1584cc) engine and electronic fuel injection on all the Big Twin models. The bigger engine translates to 17 percent more power and torque on the Dynas.

With the new engine comes a new exhaust sound noticeable to Harley diehards. Its throatier, deeper and richer. You have to know that Harley engineers spent considerable time redefining and then refining this trademark sound.

With the six speed transmission comes refined shifting. Several enhancements were made to the gear box to make shifting easier and smoother, another noticeable improvement. And the gauges have been redesigned to now include a clock.

WRN Spotlight: FXDL Dyna Low Rider
The Low Rider is very popular among women because of its ideal ergonomic set-up. Seat height is a low 25.8 inches and the stock seat is narrow enough so a rider wont lose precious leg inches in the spread like one would, say, in the wide bucket seat of the Fat Boy.

Many women love the Low Rider because the reach to the handlebars is not a reach. Risers bring the bars ideally placed in front of the rider. Plus, foot controls are right beneath the rider instead of out in front where some women have a tough time reaching their legs. Highway pegs mounted up front come standard so a rider can rest her feet on long cruises.

Fatter forks were introduced on the Low Rider in 2006 giving the rider a stronger and more commanding grip of the road. A big 160mm rear tire also adds to the bikes planted feel helping to boost rider confidence levels.

WRN Spotlight: FXDB Dyna Street Bob
Weve seen lots of women riding the Street Bob since it was introduced 12 months ago. Something about that old school look wrapped in the attractive Dyna package is quite appealing for women who want a little attitude in their ride. The Street Bobs minimalist styling with its mini-apehanger handlebars, the classic Fat Bob fuel tank, and solo seat (without rear pegs), are reminiscent of the post-World War II “bobber” movement. Whats a bobber? A minimalists chopper. A chopped chopper. A solo game.

Seat height is the same as the Low Rider, 25.8 inches. Most of whats different with the Street Bob is styling. The flat black or “Black Denim” as Harley calls it with the wrinkle black finish on the battery box, console and belt guard, was a popular color choice in 2006 for riders wanting to make a statement. In 2007, several new colors were introduced.

The Street Bob is just as smooth and fun as the Low Rider, but the ape hangers take some getting used to for those not accustomed to riding with their arms up instead of down. I put mini-apes on my 1994 Dyna Low Rider years ago because Im one who prefers riding with my arms up. A lot of people always ask me, “Isnt it uncomfortable to ride that way?” I say no way, and invite them to try it out. Most are convinced riding with their arms up is quite comfortable. If it wasnt do you think youd see so many people riding with ape hangers and do you think Harley would make a bike with mini-apes? I think not. The Street Bob is one cool motorcycle.

Specs at a Glance
2007 Harley-Davidson Dyna Low Rider
Displacement: 1584cc
Seat height: 25.8 inches
Fuel Capacity: 4.8 gallons
Weight: 672 pounds in running order
MSRP: starts at $15,795

WRN Recommendation:
If you havent figured it out, Im biased about the Dyna Low Rider as Ive owned one for 12 years. Its the third Harley I bought after my Sportster 1200 and Dyna Super Glide and have ridden many long distance miles on it. It can easily be set-up with a windshield, saddlebags, backrest and luggage rack for holding extra bags, and keeps up with the bigger bikes just fine. Dont be swayed by people who think you need a bigger bike for touring. With the right accessories, the Low Rider does just fine.
____________________________________________

Specs at a Glance
2007 Harley-Davidson Dyna Street Bob
Displacement: 1584cc
Seat height: 25.8 inches
Fuel Capacity: 4.8 gallons
Weight: 667 pounds in running order
MSRP: starts at $13,595

WRN Recommendation:
I see the Street Bob suited for riders who want the comfort and ease of a Dyna, but desire a little attitude and edge to their ride. When I think of what I did to my Low Rider many years ago by putting a solo gunfighter seat and mini-apes on it, I was actually turning my Low Rider into a Street Bob. Thank goodness Harley had the smarts to make add some attitude to the Dyna family. It needed it.nbsp;nbsp;

For more information, visit Harley-Davidson.com.