Harley Dyna vs. Softail Comparison – Details Overview

Harley Davidson (HD) or Harley is one industry-leading motorcycle brand. They have faced and beat the consistent ups and downs since they started a business. Over the years, they have produced user-friendly, attractive, and efficient two-wheelers in different models.

Consequently, Dyna and Softail are great examples of these models. Both models have got their fame and love from the riders. Also, due to their popularity, people often engage in the debate for Harley Dyna vs. Softail comparison. 

These bikes aren’t the same model. So, there are considerable differences between these two Harley models. Both styles of bike offer a different riding experience. Also, there are some critical differences in their engine power, performance, look, and comfort.

It’s essential to decide what you’re looking for in a motorcycle before planning. Thus, we will include the key comparative points of Harley Softail and Harley Dyna before you finalize your buying decision. 

Harley Dyna Vs. Softail Comparison 

Dyna and Softail from Harley Davidon belong to the cruiser category of motorbikes. Here is a quick comparison table that shows the primary concept of these two models. 

A Short Comparison

Point of comparison	Harley Dyna	Harley Softail
Engine	4V air-cooled, V-Twin	4-stroke, 45° V-Twin, Twin Cam 96 vibration isolation
Transmission	6-speed	6-speed
Capacity	1580 cc	1584 cc
Weight	295 kg	312 kg
Fuel Capacity	4.67 gal.	3.48 gal.
Dimensions	92.8” x 36.7” x 48.5” (L x W x H)	94.5” x 36.5” x 51.7” (L x W x H)
Max Speed	115 mph	110 mph
Fuel Consumption	44 mph avg.	44 mpg avg.
Best for	Riding 2 persons	Only one rider
Price	Affordable than Softail	A bit costly

The Comparison Of Standard Specifications

The structural differences are also notable in these two models. This part will compare standard specifications like their dimension, engine, chassis, performance, look, etc. 

Specifications Of Physical Dimensions

Here you will learn the difference in physical attributes of Harley Softail and Dyna models. It will help you know the weight, ground clearance, and oil capacity of the bike. So, you can take a better decision about purchasing your motorcycle. 

Point of comparison	Harley Dyna	Harley Softail
Total length	92.72 inches	91.3 inches
Seat height	26.5 inches	25.8 inches
Trail	5.7 inches	6.2 inches
Fuel Capacity	4.67 gal.	3.48 gal.
Oil Capacity	5 quarts	5 quarts
Front Tire	110/90B19, 62H, BW	100/90B19, 57H, BW
Rear Tire	180/70B16, 77H, BW	150/80B16, 77H, BW
Weight (when shipped)	650 pounds	630 pounds
Weight (when in order)	679 pounds	655 pounds
Base of Wheel	63.6 inches	64.2 inches
Clearance of Ground	4.7 inches	4.9 inches

Specifications Of Engine

Both Harley Dyna and Softail have a V-twin engine. This type of engine provides more power than a conventional single-cylinder engine. Here is the comparison table of Dyna and Softail engines:

Point of comparison	Harley Dyna	Harley Softail
Engine Type	Pushrod V-twin; High-Output Twin Cam 103	Milwaukee Eight 107 V-twin
Displacement	103 cubic inches	107 cubic inches
Ratio of Compression	9:6:1	10:0:1
Bore Stroke	3.87” x 4.37”	3.94” x 4.37”
Maximum Torque	99.5 ft/lbs., 3750 rpm	110 ft/lbs., 3000 rpm
Transmission	6-speed	6-speed
Lubricant	Dry sump	–
Cooling	Air	Air, oil
Primary ride	Chain	Chain
Final Ride	Belt	Belt
Fuel System	Electronic sequential port fuel injection
Clutch	Web multi-plate
Exhaust		2-into-2

Specifications Of Chassis

There are significant chassis differences between the Dyna and Softail from Harley Davidson. Below you can check out the details about the chassis:

Point of comparison	Harley Dyna	Harley Softail
Frame Structure	Mild tubular steel	Carbon steel tubular
Front suspension	Non-adjustable 49mm forks/5” of travel	5.1 inches unadjusted Dual Bending Valve fork
Rear suspension	Non-adjustable shocks/3.1 inches of travel	Travel: Spring-preload flexible shock, 3.4 inches
Front Wheel	21” x 2.15”; Steel laced rim	21” x 2.15”; Steel laced rim
Rear Wheel	17” x 4.5”; Steel laced rim	17” x 4.5”; Steel laced rim
First Tire	80/90 x 21	100/90 x 19
Rear Tire	180/60 x 17	150/ 80 x 16
Front Brake	300mm floating disc w/ 2-piston caliper	300mm disc/ fixed 4-piston caliper
Rear Brake	292mm disc w/ 2-piston caliper	292mm disk w/ floating 2-piston caliper

Performance Comparison

If we think of the performance, Dyna gives more torque than Softail. Similarly, there are few differences between these two models in their performance. 

Point of comparison	Harley Dyna	Harley Softail
Torque testing method	J1349	J1349
Torque volume	119 ft/lbs.	110 ft/lbs.
Torque	3000 rpm	3000
Lean angle, right (DEG.)	30.1	28.5
Lean angle, left (DEG.)	30.1	28.5
Method of fuel economy testing	Estimated city or highway	Estimated city or highway
Economy of fuel	47 mpg	47 mpg

Comparison Of Design And Comfort

Dyna from Harley more looks like a sporty, adventurous motorbike. It is an excellent alternative to the Sportster, a smaller type of HD bike. Additionally, Dyna also has an energetic look like the Sportster. But it is much more extensive compared to Dyna. Even the maximum high-performing bike series from Harley is made following the structure of Dyna. 

The Softail, the most trendy model of Harley Davidson, features a unique design to support the rider for riding a long distance. It looks like the traditional tail cruiser with aesthetic architecture. Consequently, there is a hidden monotube suspension placed on the back of the bike. Softail has solid engine mounts, whereas Dyna has rubbery elastomer ones. 

Performance Comparison 

Harley Davidson’s Dyna and Softail are manufactured to win the race of the motorcycle market. In fact, they have already in the hearts of people who love long, comfy rides. While digging to the depth, I have found that the Softail offers more features to the riders. 

The Harley Dyna absorbs shocks well for its exposed shock absorber. It prevents the discomfort of riding on hilly terrains. Alternatively, the engine of Softail is rubber-mounted so that the rider gets vibration-free rides. 

Dyna helps to make the corners very quickly. Also, you can steer the bike with perfect precision. If you love to ride with your beloved, you should prefer this HD motorcycle. But being a solo traveler, you should select Softail for flexible rides. 

Price Comparison 

Price also matters when you want your dream bike. Likewise, there is a difference in price between these Harley bikes’ variations. The current (2022) model year of Softail costs about $13,949. On the other hand, the discontinuation of Dyna has led people to buy used units if anyone wishes to have them.

A used Dyna 2016/2017 model year may cost between $14K-$17K.  Earlier, people considered that Dyna was affordable. But the discontinuation has made Softail comparatively cheaper for the new model. 

Conclusion

So, which is the better bike for you after reading the Harley Dyna vs. Softail comparison? Obviously, it depends on your preference, like what you search for in a motorbike. The Dyna is the way to go for a light, agile bike with greatness in taking on tight turns. On the other hand, Harley Softail is a better choice if you want a more stable ride and don’t mind paying more.