After a three-year hiatus, the FXDL Dyna Low Rider is now back as part of Harley-Davidson’s lineup for model year 2014. The model was discontinued in 2010 while the company gave it a makeover.
The 2014 Dyna Low Rider in Amber Whisky/Vivid Black color scheme. It also comes in Brilliant Silver/Vivid Black, and just Vivid Black. Price for this two-tone paint is $14,929; black is $14,199.
The Dyna Low Rider features the powerful Twin Cam 103 c.i. (cubic inch) engine, with Harley-Davidson’s six-speed “Cruise Drive” transmission. This means the sixth gear is an overdrive gear that lowers RPMS at top highway speeds.
Seat height is a 25.4 inches, low enough for many women and smaller men to feel comfortable. Because The Motor Company knows this motorcycle is so popular with smaller riders who want to ride a Big Twin Harley-Davidson, there are several features built into the stock bike to ensure it fits a wide size variety of riders.
• The handlebar riser offers 2.4 inches of adjustment so the rider can move the handlebars closer if the stock reach is too far forward.
• A two-position ergonomic seat has a removable bolster, that when in place can “push” the rider forward in the seat enabling a shorter reach to the bars, and a shorter reach for the feet to the foot pegs.
Other favorable ergonomic features include mid-mounted foot pegs, which means they are not as far forward as forward controls and not right underneath the knees like on the Sportster models. The slightly forward position is an optimal placement for most average leg-length riders.
Weight is a moderate 666 pounds, not overly heavy but not light either. Remember, were not meant to lift our motorcycles, were just meant to be able to handle them, and fortunately the very low seat height of the Low Rider, one where you sit “into” the bike, gives it a low center or gravity so the Dyna Low Rider is one of the easiest Harley-Davidsons to maneuver around in parking lots. Additionally, the fuel tank holds a generous 4.7 gallons of gas.
The Dyna Low Rider is great for cruising around town as is, but add a windshield and saddlebags and the bike becomes a long distance touring motorcycle.
Touring Capabilities: The Dyna Low Rider can easily be outfitted with saddlebags, a windshield and even floorboards to make it suitable for touring, but if long days in the saddle is your goal, you might be more comfortable in on theDyna Switchback, a touring model in the Dyna family. The Switchback has a wider front end, which provides a more solid, “planted” ride at highway speeds. It also comes stock with a windshield and saddlebags. Just something to think about.
Options for the Dyna Low Rider include:
• Harley-Davidson Smart Security System with hands-free security fob
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
• Chrome, steel lace wheels in select marks
The other Dyna models are: FXDB Street Bob, FXDC Super Glide Custom, FXDF Fat Bob, FXDWG Dyna Wide Glide, and FLD Switchback
Fun Fact:
In 1977, Harley-Davidson created a ride-it-hard, put-it-away dirty, make-your-own-boundaries custom motorcycle that became an icon—the Low Rider.
Editor’s Note:
I owned a 1994 Dyna Low Rider and rode it for many years. I love this motorcycle. At 5-feet-7 I could handle this bike easily in all situations. I added leather saddlebags and a detachable windshield and put many, many touring miles on it. When I bought it used, it came with a fork brace, which I was told was there for added stability at top highway speeds.
Heading to Sturgis with my Harley-Davidson Dyna Low Rider in 2001, a motorcycle Ive had since 1995.
Inevitably, the 1340cc carbureted Evolution engine on my 94 Low Rider was showing its age. I had a hard time keeping up with the more powerful touring motorcycles I was riding with during the early-to mid-2000s. Plus the long distance rides just weren’t as smooth for me as they once were for my aging bones. In 2008, I purchased a Street Glide so that I’d be able to tour more comfortably and have more packing space.
Now its your turn. Please share your experiences with the Dyna Low Rider in the comments below. If you have pictures, we invite you submit a reader review to our Your Reviews section on WRN. Thanks!
I began on a Honda Shadow 750cc, but desperately waited with baited breath to move to a Harley (don’t care what others say that Harley is “just an image”…I wanted my Harley). I knew I did not want to start on a Sportster. I felt my confidence level could lend me to something in the Dyna line. In 2006 I purchased a used ’02 Dyna Low Rider; I rode it off the lot like it was a second skin (which, incidentally, was a steep hill out of the dealership). I rode that bike for seven wonderful years and then moved to my current ’13 Street Glide. When talking to women who are just beginning to ride and are on a metric, but wishing to move to a Harley, I recommend the Dyna Low Rider. Was thrilled to see it come back into the line. Go girls! Never look back.
Just recently purchased a 2016 Lowrider. Its got great adjustability and plenty of power. Great bike! Get out and ride!
I began on a Honda Shadow 750cc, but desperately waited with baited breath to move to a Harley (don’t care what others say that Harley is “just an image”…I wanted my Harley). I knew I did not want to start on a Sportster. I felt my confidence level could lend me to something in the Dyna line. In 2006 I purchased a used ’02 Dyna Low Rider; I rode it off the lot like it was a second skin (which, incidentally, was a steep hill out of the dealership). I rode that bike for seven wonderful years and then moved to my current ’13 Street Glide. When talking to women who are just beginning to ride and are on a metric, but wishing to move to a Harley, I recommend the Dyna Low Rider. Was thrilled to see it come back into the line. Go girls! Never look back.