Harley Davidson Dyna Fat Bob vs Harley Davidson Softail Fat Bob

• Table of Contents
• 1. HARLEY DAVIDSON DYNA FAT BOB VS HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL FAT BOB
• 2. DETAILED SPECS COMPARISON: DYNA FAT BOB & SOFTAIL FAT BOB
• 3. SIMILARITIES & DIFFERENCES: DYNA FAT BOB & SOFTAIL FAT BOB
• 4. DESIGN: DYNA FAT BOB VS SOFTAIL FAT BOB
• 4.1 Design: Harley Davidson Dyna Fat Bob
• 4.2 Design: Harley Davidson Softail Fat Bob
• 5. ENGINE & PERFORMANCE: DYNA FAT BOB VS SOFTAIL FAT BOB
• 5.1 Engine & Performance: Harley Davidson Dyna Fat Bob
• 5.2 Engine & Performance: Harley Davidson Softail Fat Bob
• 6. COMFORT & ERGONOMICS: DYNA FAT BOB VS SOFTAIL FAT BOB
• 6.1 Comfort & Ergonomics: Harley Davidson Dyna Fat Bob
• 6.2 Harley Davidson Softail Fat Bob: Comfort & Ergonomics
• 7. TECHNOLOGY & FEATURES: DYNA FAT BOB VS SOFTAIL FAT BOB
• 8. PROS & CONS: DYNA FAT BOB VS SOFTAIL FAT BOB:
• 8.1 Pros & Cons: Harley Davidson Dyna Fat Bob
• 8.2 Pros & Cons: Harley Davidson Softail Fat Bob
• 9. FAQ
• 9.1 What were the key improvements made to Harley Davidson Fat Bob when it was changed from a Dyna to a Softail?
• 9.2 What is the difference between Dyna and Softail?
• 9.3 Why is the Harley Davidson Dyna Fat Bob so underrated?
• 9.4 Why is the Harley Davidson Softail so expensive?
• 10. Takeaway

1. HARLEY DAVIDSON DYNA FAT BOB VS HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL FAT BOB

The HARLEY DAVIDSON DYNA was introduced in the 1980s. Until 2008, different Dyna models were released, including a SUPER GLIDE, STREET BOB, LOW RIDER, and WIDE GLIDE. In 2008, the HARLEY DAVIDSON DYNA FAT BOB was introduced as the newest model in the Dyna lineup. The word Dyna means “power,” and as the name suggests, all Harley Dyna models have an engine size of 1,200 cc or bigger. The Harley Davidson Dyna remained in production until 2017. The Harley Davidson Dyna Fat Bob shares similarities with the Street Bob and the Low Rider.

In 2018, the Harley Davidson Dyna was replaced by the Harley Davidson Softail. All the HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL models have a hidden mono-shock at the rear. The Softail series was introduced in 1983. The Harley Davidson Softail Fat Bob shares many similarities with its predecessor the Dyna Fat Bob, except with a new design and different chassis. 

Also Read: HARLEY DAVIDSON ROAD KING VS HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL HERITAGE CLASSIC

2. DETAILED SPECS COMPARISON: DYNA FAT BOB & SOFTAIL FAT BOB

	Harley Davidson	Harley Davidson
BASIC INFORMATION
Year	2017	2022
Model	Dyna Fat Bob	Softail Fat Bob
Motorcycle Type	Cruiser	Cruiser
Base Price	$16,049	$18,330
Colors	Vivid Black, Black Denim, Crushed Ice Denim, and Red Iron Denim/Laguna Orange	Vivid Black and White Sand Pearl
ENGINE & SYSTEMS
Displacement	103 cu (1,690-cc)	114 cu (1,868-cc)
Engine Type	Four-Stroke, V-Twin	Four Stroke, V-Twin
Cooling System	Air-Cooled	Air-Cooled
Compression Ratio	9.6:1	10.5:1
Stroke	111.1 mm (4.37 in)	114.3 mm (4.48 in)
Bore	98.4 mm (3.87 in)	102 mm (4.01 in)
Cylinders	Two	Two
Drive Train	Belt Drive Train	Belt Drive Train
Transmission	Six-Speed	Six-Speed
Clutch	Multi-plate, wet	Multi-plate, wet
Starter	Electric	Electric
Exhaust	Two-into-Two	Two-into-Two
Fuel Delivery System	Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)	Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
PERFORMANCE & CAPACITY
Horsepower	80 hp	94 hp
Torque	98.0 ft-lb (132.8 Nm) @ 3,250 rpm	114.3 ft-lb (155 Nm) @ 3,500 rpm
Fuel Tank Capacity	5 gal (18.9 L)	3.5 gal (13.25 L)
Mileage	42 MPG (17.9 km/l)	47 MPG (19.9 km/l)
Oil Capacity	3.0 quarts (2.8 L)	5.0 quarts (4.7 L)
DIMENSIONS
Trail	125 mm (4.9 in)	132 mm (5.2 in)
Rake	29^o	28^o
Seat Height	690 mm (27.2 in)	703.58 mm (27.7 in)
Wheelbase	1,620 mm (63.8 in)	1,615.4 mm (63.6 in)
Weight	708 lb (321 kg)	675 lb (306.17 kg)
Ground Clearance	125 mm (4.9 in)	119.3 mm (4.7 in)
Length	2,400 mm (94.5 in)	2,339.3 mm (92.1 in)

3. SIMILARITIES & DIFFERENCES: DYNA FAT BOB & SOFTAIL FAT BOB

Key Similarities	Key Differences
Both have the same handlebars	The Softail Fat Bob has a horizontal LED headlight, while the Dyna Fat Bob has two round halogen headlights
Both have the same side mirror position	The Softail Fat Bob has a matte black fairing around the headlight, while the Dyna Fat Bob does not
Both have two-into-two dual exhausts	Both have differently designed fuel tanks
Both have the same seating position for the rider and passenger	The Softail Fat Bob has a smaller fuel tank than the Dyna Fat Bob
Both have a speedometer on the fuel tank	The Softail Fat Bob has a hidden mono-shock at the rear, while the Dyna Fat Bob has dual shocks at the rear
Both have a six-speed belt drive train system	The Softail Fat Bob has a dual round LED tail light
Both have dual disc brakes at the front and a single disc brake at the rear	The Softail Fat Bob has its license plate at the side, while the Dyna Fat Bob has its license plate exactly beneath the tail light.
Both have the same sized rim at the front and rear	The Softail Fat Bob has a single cap on the fuel tank, while the Dyna Fat Bob has two caps on the fuel tank.
Both have the same size rear tire	Both have differently styled dual exhausts.
	The Softail Fat Bob’s front tire is slightly thicker than the Dyna Fat Bob’s front tire.
	Both have different footrest positions for the rider and passenger.

4. DESIGN: DYNA FAT BOB VS SOFTAIL FAT BOB

4.1 Design: Harley Davidson Dyna Fat Bob

The HARLEY DAVIDSON DYNA FAT BOB has a bulkier design and gives off the vibe of old-school cruisers. However, unlike other cruisers, the Dyna Fat Bob has a dual small circular headlight and a dual-LED tail light. It has dual seats and standard footrests for the rider and passenger. The mudguards and fuel tank are the only colored parts of the Dyna Fat Bob, while the rest of its parts are covered in a matte finish. Like many other Softail models,  cruisers, and touring motorcycles, the Harley Dyna Fat Bob has a speedometer on the fuel tank. The traditional design of the Dyna Fat Bob means that they are not fitted with SADDLEBAGS, CRASH BARS, and SISSY BARS. It has a chrome two-into-two exhaust and like other Harley cruiser models, has a belt drive train. The Harley Dyna Fat Bob has a 49 mm telescopic fork at the front with a wheel travel of 127 mm (4.9 in) and a dual 300 mm disc brake at the front with a tire size of 130/90B16 67H. Meanwhile, at the rear, unlike the Softail models, it has dual shocks with a wheel travel of 54 mm (2.1 in), The Harley Dyna Fat Bob also has a single 292 mm disc brake at the rear with a tire size of 180/70B16 77H.

4.2 Design: Harley Davidson Softail Fat Bob

The HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL FAT BOB has a completely different design than the older Fat Bob models released before 2018. It has a speedometer on the fuel tank like the previous models. However, the Softail Fat Bob’s fuel tank is smaller than the older Fat Bob models. It has dual SEATS, one for the rider and one for the passenger, with both having standard footrests style except for the riders’ footrests being more towards the front. The fuel tank and mudguards are the only colored parts of the motorcycle, while the rest are covered in matt black, except for the exhaust. Like older Fat Bob models, the Softail Fat Bob also does not come with SADDLEBAGS, CRASH BARS, and SISSY BARS. It has two-into-two dual exhausts, but the styling of the exhaust is unlike any other Harley Davidson model, looking more like a sports bike’s exhaust instead. The Softail Fat Bob has a horizontal LED headlight that looks similar to the Harley Davidson Sportster S. However, the Softail Fat Bob has a matte black fender around the headlight. Towards the front, it has dual 43 mm inverted fork suspensions and dual disc brakes with a tire size of 150/80-16 71H BW. Like the other Softail models, the Softail Fat Bob has a hidden 56 mm pre-load adjustable mono-shock and it has a single disc brake with a tire size of 180/70B16, 77H, BW towards the rear.

5. ENGINE & PERFORMANCE: DYNA FAT BOB VS SOFTAIL FAT BOB

5.1 Engine & Performance: Harley Davidson Dyna Fat Bob

With a four-stroke V-twin engine, the HARLEY DAVIDSON DYNA FAT BOB has an engine displacement size of 103 cu (1,690 cc). Its engine has the ability to produce a maximum torque of 98.0 lb-ft (132.8 Nm) @ 3,250 rpm. It has a stroke and bore size of 111.1 mm (4.37 in) and 98.4 mm (3.87 in) respectively. Because of the larger stroke and bore size, the Harley Dyna Fat Bob can produce a horsepower of 80 hp. It has a reliable transmission system because of its low-maintenance belt drive train.

5.2 Engine & Performance: Harley Davidson Softail Fat Bob

With a four-stroke, V-twin engine, the HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL FAT BOB has an engine displacement size of 114 cu (1,868 cc). It has a stroke size of 114.3 mm (4.48 in) and a bore size of 102 mm (4.01 in) which can produce a peak torque of 114.3 lb-ft (155 Nm) @ 3,500 rpm and a horsepower of 94 hp. Like other Harley cruisers, it also operates on a low-maintenance belt drive train.

6. COMFORT & ERGONOMICS: DYNA FAT BOB VS SOFTAIL FAT BOB

6.1 Comfort & Ergonomics: Harley Davidson Dyna Fat Bob

Photo Credit: @ultimatemotorcycling

The HARLEY DAVIDSON DYNA FAT BOB has an overall weight of 708 lb (321 kg), making it a heavyweight cruiser. It has a seat height of 690 mm (27.2 in) and a wheelbase of 1,620 mm (63.8 in) that helps provide a comfortable riding position. The Harley Dyna Fat Bob has a rake angle of and a trail size of 125 mm (4.9 in), giving this motorcycle a good aerodynamic design. To ensure a comfortable seating position for the rider, the Harley Davidson Dyna Fat Bob has a curved seat that also provides support for the tailbone.

6.2 Harley Davidson Softail Fat Bob: Comfort & Ergonomics

Photo Credit: @motorcycle

The HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL FAT BOB has a seat height of 703.58 mm (27.7 in). It also has a wheelbase of 1,615.4 mm (63.6 in), a rake angle of , and a ground clearance of 119.3 mm (4.7 in). The Softail Fat Bob provides a confident and comfortable riding position for the rider, ensuring the rider has complete control of the motorcycle.

Also Read: 10 TIPS ON HOW TO GET THE BEST GAS MILEAGE OUT OF YOUR MOTORCYCLE

7. TECHNOLOGY & FEATURES: DYNA FAT BOB VS SOFTAIL FAT BOB

FEATURES	HARLEY DAVIDSON DYNA FAT BOB	HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL FAT BOB
ABS	✔	✔
Instrument Cluster	Digital	Digital
Clock	X	✔
Engine Kill Switch	✔	✔
Speedometer	✔	✔
Odometer	✔	✔
Tachometer	✔	✔
Gear Indicator	✔	✔
Fuel Gauge	✔	✔
Fuel Warning Indicator	✔	✔
Low Battery Indicator	X	X
Low Oil Indicator	✔	✔
Slip & Assist Clutch	✔	✔

8. PROS & CONS: DYNA FAT BOB VS SOFTAIL FAT BOB:

8.1 Pros & Cons: Harley Davidson Dyna Fat Bob

HARLEY DAVIDSON DYNA FAT BOB PROS	HARLEY DAVIDSON DYNA FAT BOB CONS
ABS is included (optional)	Not suitable for shorter riders
Suitable for all riders	No extra LUGGAGE included
Requires less maintenance	Not an entry-level motorcycle
Comfortable on long rides	No riding modes
Good ground clearance	No cruise control included

8.2 Pros & Cons: Harley Davidson Softail Fat Bob

HARLEY SOFTAIL FAT BOB PROS	HARLEY SOFTAIL FAT BOB Cons
Responsive throttle	No riding modes
Good ground clearance	More expensive
Not much vibration at higher rpm	No extra LUGGAGE included
Suitable for all riders	No wobble sound
Requires less maintenance
ABS is included (optional)
Very comfortable on long trips

9. FAQ

9.1 What were the key improvements made to Harley Davidson Fat Bob when it was changed from a Dyna to a Softail?

Several changes were made to the HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL FAT BOB when it replaced the Dyna Fat Bob. The changes made to the Harley Softail Fat Bob are provided below:

• The Softail Fat Bob has a more aesthetically pleasing headlight and tail light.
• The Softail Fat Bob’s chassis and design were changed to make it look more like an evolved Dyna Fat Bob model.
• The Softail Fat Bob has a hidden mono-shock at the rear, while Dyna Fat Bob had dual shocks at the rear.
• The Softail Fat Bob has a bigger engine, can produce larger torque and has more horsepower than the Dyna Fat Bob.

9.2 What is the difference between Dyna and Softail?

Both Dyna and Softail are popular Harley Davidson series. The major differences between these two Harley series are discussed below:

• Softail models have hidden mono-shock at the rear, while the Dyna models have dual shocks at the rear.
• Most Softail models have a solo seat, while the Dyna models have dual seats.
• Softail is a Harley series still in production, therefore it is more expensive and has more accessories or features than Dyna models.
• Most Dyna models have V-twin engines, while most Softail models have Twin Cam engines.
• Most Dyna models handle well when turning corners compared to Softail models.

Also Read: BEST OFF-ROAD MOTORCYCLE RIDING TIPS FOR BEGINNERS

9.3 Why is the Harley Davidson Dyna Fat Bob so underrated?

The main reason the HARLEY DAVIDSON DYNA FAT BOB is not very common is because of its overall look. The Dyna Fat Bob’s front and back have received mixed reviews. In terms of specs and riding experience, many riders consider the Harley Davidson Dyna Fat Bob as one of the best Dyna you can buy at a reasonable price. But due to its looks, many riders prefer more attractive-looking Harley models. However, many enthusiasts still buy and modify this motorcycle to better suit their needs.

9.4 Why is the Harley Davidson Softail so expensive?

Most Harley Davidson Softail models are expensive for the following reasons:

• They are still in production, so they are not considered outdated Harley Davidson models. Therefore, they keep their monetary value.
• They have a bigger and more reliable engine with extra features or accessories.
• There are a lot of aftermarket parts available for Softail models.

10. Takeaway

Both the Harley Davidson Dyna Fat Bob & Softail Fat Bob are masterpieces of their era. The Harley Davidson Dyna has been discontinued since 2017. They are considered by many riders to be heavyweight cruisers, therefore making them unsuited as beginner-friendly motorcycles. On the other hand, the HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL FAT BOB is a continuous model with better resale value but is also more expensive as well. For taller and heavyweight riders, the Harley Davidson Dyna Fat Bob may seem like a better option while the Softail Fat Bob weighs slightly less than the Dyna, making it better suited for shorter riders.