Originally Posted by Jeff Higgins
Huh? You lost me here. I'm endorsing the Sporty over the Dyna - Dottore asked which of the two we would recommend. I don't own a new Sporty. The one I do own dates from 1976, and is not even in the running. What gives?
And, yes I do think the newer Twin-Cam powered H-D touring bikes are better motorcycles than every one of their competitors you mention. For a lot of reasons. Sheer horsepower and gadgetry are not what make a quality motorcycle, or a quality riding experience. Many of the "conveniences" and wiz-bang accessories on those bikes simply dilute the riding experience. If I'm going to go that far down that path, I'll just go all the way and hop into my 911, thank you very much.
H-D has compromised the Dyna platform a great deal to appeal the "showroom chopper" crowd. The rear suspension travel was reduced significantly several years ago to lower them, and had to be stiffened accordingly to keep the damn things from bottoming all the time. The Super Glide was actually a great bike until they did that to all of the Dynas, with its standard foot position, reasonable handlebars, and resultant great ergonomics.
Speaking of ergos, the Dyna has very much compromised them to appeal to that bar-hopper wannabe bad ass crowd. It's the worst of the bunch. Between the forward controls, handlebars, seating position, and suspension, it's the worst of the lot. Granted, you can buy a Sporty that is just as bad, and spend a good deal more for it than one that is actually far better.
Stay away from any Harley that has "low" associated with its name or advertising in any way. Stay away from the forward controls and that silly 21" front wheel. Finally, stay away from the Dyna platform altogether for any serious riding. Even the Soft Tail family is better, if you stick to the Heritage. It's actually a pretty darn good touring bike. H-D fully reworked the Soft Tail frame and suspension about 8-9 years ago, and it is now their second best riding big twin platform.
But, in the end, the best bikes Harley builds are their touring bikes. Other than the more "sporting" Sportsters, it's the only platform that is not compromised to attain "the look". The FL line has the best frame, best brakes (only big twin with dual front discs, now with optional Brembo anti-locks to boot), best ergos, and best suspension by far. They are designed by serious high milage riders for serious high milage riders.
Anyway, the above represents no more than my humble opinion. I have been around Harleys since I was 16 years old, having had one kind or another continuously for the last 32 years. I've seen their good and their bad, and have stuck with them through it all. My best guess is that I have somewhere between 350,000 and half a million miles in the saddle of various Harleys. Yes, that kind of seat time tends to form some strongly held opinions about the make, and models they produce. If you think my opinions are wrong, that's great. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions. Just don't ever tell me to "grow up"; I've almost quite literally done so on a Harley.
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