Harley Davidson Dyna Low Rider S Vs. Harley Davidson Softail Low Rider S

• Table of Contents
• 1. Harley Dyna Low Rider S Vs. Harley Softail Low Rider S
• 2. Detailed Specs Comparison: Harley Dyna Low Rider S Vs. Harley Softail Low Rider S
• 3. Design: Harley Dyna Low Rider S Vs. Harley Softail Low Rider S
• 3.1 Design: Harley Dyna Low Rider S
• 3.2 Design: Harley Softail Low Rider S
• 3.3 Detailed Design Comparison
• 4. Engine and Performance: Harley Dyna Low Rider S Vs. Softail Low Rider S
• 4.1 Engine and Performance: Harley Dyna Low Rider S
• 4.2 Engine and Performance: Harley Softail Low Rider S
• 5. Comfort and Ergonomics: Dyna Low Rider S Vs. Softail Low Rider S
• 6. Technology and Features: Dyna Low Rider S Vs. Softail Low Rider S
• 7. Pros and Cons: Dyna Low Rider S Vs. Softail Low Rider S
• 7.1 Pros and Cons: Harley Dyna Low Rider S
• 7.2 Pros and Cons: Harley Softail Low Rider S
• 8. Which Is Better: Harley Dyna Low Rider S Vs. Harley Softail Low Rider S
• 9. Colors and Cost: Harley Dyna Low Rider S Vs. Harley Softail Low Rider S
• 10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• 10.1 What Is the Difference Between Harley Softails and the Harley Dynas?
• 10.2 How Fast Is the Harley Softail Low Rider S?
• 10.3 What is a Death Wobble and Which Harley Motorcycles Are Prone to Death Wobbles?
• 10.4 What Should I Look for While Buying a Used Harley Motorcycle?
• 11. Takeaway

1. Harley Dyna Low Rider S Vs. Harley Softail Low Rider S

The Harley Davidson Dyna Low Rider S and the Harley Davidson Softail Low Rider S have very similar designs. This is because the Harley Davidson Softail Low Rider S is a continuation of the Harley Davidson Dyna Low Rider S model. The Harley Dyna Low Rider S was introduced in 2016 and in 2018, the whole Dyna series being replaced by the Softail series with modifications made to their design and specs.

If you examine the Harley Dyna Low Rider S and the Harley Softail Low Rider S closely, you will notice a few differences that affect their overall performance. The Harley Softail Low Rider S has a larger engine size of 1,923 cc and has both the air- and oil-cooled system, compared to the Harley Dyna Low Rider S’s less effective air-cooled system.

The Harley Davidson Softail Low Rider S is a modern version of the Harley Dyna Low Rider S capable of 13.48 Nm more torque and six hp more horsepower. The Harley Softail Low Rider S’s engine has a larger compression ratio of 10.2:1, while the Harley Dyna Low Rider S has a 9.2:1 compression ratio. The Harley Softail Low Rider S has a larger fuel tank capacity of 5 gal and a better fuel economy of 47 mpg compared to the Harley Dyna Low Rider S’s fuel tank capacity of 4.7 inches and fuel economy of 44 mpg.

These are advantages to owning a 2022 Harley Davidson Softail Low Rider S. However, despite being an older version, the Harley Dyna Low Rider S still has a better throttle response and smoother power delivery at all gear levels. Continue reading this article for a detailed comparison between the Harley Davidson Dyna Low Rider S and the Harley Davidson Softail Low Rider S.

2. Detailed Specs Comparison: Harley Dyna Low Rider S Vs. Harley Softail Low Rider S

2017 Harley Dyna Low Rider S		2022 Harley Softail Low Rider S
Identification
Harley Davidson	Maker	Harley Davidson
Dyna	Series	Softail
Low Rider S	Model	Low Rider S
2017	Year Model	2022
Cruiser	Motorcycle Type	Cruiser
$17,499	Base Price	$17,530
Engine and Performance
1,801 cc	Displacement	1,923 cc
Screamin Eagle® Twin Cam 110, V-Twin	Engine Design and Type	Milwaukee-Eight®117, V-Twin
Air-Cooled	Cooling System	Air- and Oil-Cooling System
Two	No. of Cylinders	Two
Two	Valves Per Cylinder	Four
97 hp at 5,250 rpm	Horsepower	103 hp at 4,750 rpm
156 Nm at 3,500 rpm	Torque	169.48 Nm at 3,500 rpm
N/A	Top Speed	120 mph
4.4 inches	Stroke	4.5 in
4 inches	Bore	4.075 in
Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)	Fuel Injection System	Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
9.2:1	Compression Ratio	10.2:1
Six-Speed	Transmission	Six-Speed
Belt	Final Drive	Belt
Multiplate with Diaphragm Spring in Oil Bath	Clutch	Wet,Multiplate with Hydraulic Actuation and Assist Function
44 mpg	Fuel Economy	47 mpg
Blacked-out Dual Mufflers	Muffler	Catalyst in Mufflers
Shotgun Two-Into-One-Into-Two Collector Exhaust	Exhaust	Two-Into-Two Offset Shotgun
Standard	ABS	Optional
Mild Steel, Tubular Frame	Frame	Mild Steel, Tubular Frame
Dimensions and Weight
5.1 in	Trail	5.7 in
30.5°	Rake	28°
4.7 gal	Fuel Tank Capacity	5 gal
4.9 in	Ground Clearance	5.7 in
35.5 in	Width	34.3 in
46.1 in	Height	47 in
89.9 in	Length	93.1 in
27 in	Seat Height	27 in
64.2 in	Wheelbase	63.6 in
305 kg	Wet Weight	307.99 kg
293 kg	Dry Weight	294.83 kg
29.5°	Lean Angle (Right)	31.3°
30.5°	Lean Angle (Left)	31.3°

3. Design: Harley Dyna Low Rider S Vs. Harley Softail Low Rider S

3.1 Design: Harley Dyna Low Rider S

Between the two Harley models, the Harley Davidson Dyna Low Rider S is the more aesthetically pleasing one. Aside from its chrome front fork, all of the Harley Dyna Low Rider S’s parts are blacked-out, including the engine, exhaust pipes, and battery cover. The Harley Dyna Low Rider S’s most attractive parts are the golden split five-spoke cast aluminum front and rear wheels, and a brown air breather attached to the engine.

3.2 Design: Harley Softail Low Rider S

The Harley Davidson Softail Low Rider S has a similar design and features as the Harley Dyna Low Rider S except for a slightly smaller and blacked-out air breather mounted on its engine and two separate mufflers. The Harley Softail Low Rider S’s wheels are similar to the Harley Dyna Low Rider S, except for its slimmer spokes.

3.3 Detailed Design Comparison

Both the Harley Dyna Low Rider S and the Harley Softail Low Rider S have chopper looks because of their longer trails and rake angles. Both motorcycles have taller front ends and longer wheelbases that provide better handling and stability.

Both the Harley Dyna Low Rider S and the Softail Low Rider S have similar straight, slightly swept-back, blacked-out handlebars with normal risers. Both motorcycles also have side mirrors and front turn signals mounted on the handlebars.

Both the Harley Dyna Low Rider S and the Harley Softail Low Rider S come with a solo rider seat, though the Harley Dyna Low Rider S’s seat is slightly deeper and flat.

The Harley Dyna Low Rider S’s gauges are tank-mounted and has a shotgun two-into-one-into-two collector exhaust with dual mufflers. Meanwhile, for the 2022 Harley Davidson Softail Low Rider S, the gauges are mounted on the handlebars. Both the Harley Dyna Low Rider S and the Harley Softail Low Rider S have a front bobber-style fender, but the Harley Softail Low Rider S’s rear fender is slightly larger in size with a tail light and license plate bracket mounted to it.

The Harley Davidson Dyna Low Rider S has a more compact design than the Harley Softail Low Rider S. Both motorcycles have a small nose fairing that does not provide reliable wind protection while cruising, only being installed for aesthetics.

4. Engine and Performance: Harley Dyna Low Rider S Vs. Softail Low Rider S

4.1 Engine and Performance: Harley Dyna Low Rider S

The Harley Davidson Dyna Low Rider S is fitted with a 1,801 cc Screamin Eagle® Twin Cam 110, V-Twin engine capable of a torque of 156 Nm at 3,500 rpm and a horsepower of 97 hp at 5,250 rpm. The Harley Dyna Low Rider S’s six-speed transmission drives the rear wheel via a belt drive and the power output is distributed uniformly across all gear levels.

The Harley Dyna Low Rider S’s multiplate clutch with a diaphragm spring in the oil bath ensures smooth gear shifting. The Screamin Eagle® Twin Cam 110 engine is rubber-mounted which helps to reduce vibrations. The 1,801 cc engine also ensures smooth power delivery. The Harley Dyna Low Rider S is quite responsive to pulls on the throttle and accelerates quickly at all gear levels.

Riding the Harley Davidson Dyna Low Rider S in traffic may require you to keep applying the brakes every five seconds, causing the engine to quickly get hotter. This is one of the major problems in the Harley Dyna Low Rider S.

If you use an engine upgrade kit and install an aftermarket two-into-one exhaust, the Harley Dyna Low Rider S’s performance, throttle response, acceleration, and speed can be improved significantly, being able to even outperform the Harley Softail Low Rider S.

Overall, the Harley Dyna Low Rider S has a good overall performance. It is faster, torquier, and handles well. The Harley Softail Low Rider S also comes with ABS and cruise controls as standard features to ensure a safer riding experience.

4.2 Engine and Performance: Harley Softail Low Rider S

The Harley Davidson Softail Low Rider S is powered by a 1,923 cc Milwaukee-Eight® 117, V-Twin engine that can produce a horsepower of 103 hp at 4,750 rpm and a torque of 169.48 Nm at 3,500 rpm. The Harley Softail Low Rider S’s Milwaukee-Eight engine comes with oil lines integrated with the air-cooling system to help keep the engine’s cylinders cool while riding. The Harley Softail Low Rider S’s cooling system is more effective at keeping the engine from overheating than the Harley Dyna Low Rider S.

The 2022 Harley Softail Low Rider S comes with counterbalancers to effectively reduce engine vibrations. It comes with a six-speed gearbox that powers the rear wheel via a belt drive. The Harley Davidson Low Rider S’s power output is distributed more at higher gear levels. The Milwaukee-Eight® 117 engine produces more torque but the Harley Dyna Low Rider S has better throttle response.

The Harley Softail Low Rider S has better handling and cornering with its 43 mm single cartridge inverted front forks and hidden 56 mm stroke, coil-over monoshock with hydraulic preload adjustment. The ABS is an optional feature with the Harley Softail Low Rider S and costs $819 to be added.

5. Comfort and Ergonomics: Dyna Low Rider S Vs. Softail Low Rider S

Photo Credit: @brm.co.nz

The Harley Davidson Dyna Low Rider S and the Harley Softail Low Rider S have different ergonomics. The Harley Softail Low Rider S’s foot controls are positioned slightly forward and higher, requiring the rider to bend their knees more when riding the Harley Dyna Low Rider S.

Riding the Harley Softail Low Rider S allows you to settle comfortably into your motorcycle more easily. Meanwhile, the Harley Dyna Low Rider S lets you experience the feeling of riding on top of the motorbike. The difference in comfort is due to the frames and rear fenders between both motorcycles being built differently.

The Harley Davidson Dyna Low Rider S feels more nimble and can change direction faster than the Harley Softail Low Rider S. The Harley Softail LowRider S’s stability and handling are better due to its shorter wheelbase. Riding a Harley Softail Low Rider S ensures better turning and cornering.

Photo Credit: @calienteharley

For shorter and average riders, the Harley Dyna Low Rider S has better ergonomics and comfortability. The Harley Softail Low Rider S’s stock seat is slightly uncomfortable and pushes the rider slightly forward. The Softail Low Rider S’s stock handlebars are also slightly out of the rider’s reach.

The Harley Dyna Low Rider S and the Harley Softail Low Rider S’s ergonomics are different from standard cruisers. Both motorcycles have mid-mounted foot controls and low-rise handlebars, providing an upright riding position. However, the Harley Dyna Low Rider S is more comfortable due to having a lot of legroom and the handlebars being within comfortable reach of the rider.

The Harley Davidson Dyna Low Rider S has taller suspensions which help make it more nimble. It also has dual coil-over suspension on the outer side. The Harley Softail Low Rider S has a single hidden coil-over monoshock suspension under the seat, which is why it is named Softail.

6. Technology and Features: Dyna Low Rider S Vs. Softail Low Rider S

2017 Harley Davidson Dyna Low Rider S		2022 Harley Davidson Softail Low Rider S
Technology and Features
Handlebar-Mounted	Gauges	Fuel Tank-Mounted
Standard	ABS	Optional
Yes	Cruise Control	No
Digital	Speedometer	Digital
Yes	Tachometer	Yes
Yes	Fuel Gauge	Yes
Yes	Tripmeter	Yes
Yes	Clock	Yes
Yes	Odometer	Yes

7. Pros and Cons: Dyna Low Rider S Vs. Softail Low Rider S

7.1 Pros and Cons: Harley Dyna Low Rider S

Harley Dyna Low Rider S Pros	Harley Dyna Low Rider S Cons
Nimble	Engine produces a lot of vibrations
Handles well	Less effective rubber-mounted engine
Faster	Shaky
Quicker throttle response	Engine can overheat
Aftermarket parts are easily available	Less effective air-cooling system
Comfortable ergonomics
ABS is standard
Cruiser control is standard
Good for touring and long rides
Rubber-mounted engine

7.2 Pros and Cons: Harley Softail Low Rider S

Harley Softail Low Rider S Pros	Harley Softail Low Rider S Cons
Large engine	Compact legroom
Produces more horsepower and torque	Difficult to maneuver at low speeds
Large fuel tank capacity of 5 gal	ABS is not standard
Handles well	Cruise control is not standard
Reliable	Uncomfortable ergonomics
Quality parts are used	Expensive aftermarket parts
Counterbalancers installed	Air-breather touches the rider’s shin
Produces low vibrations	due to tight legroom
Effective air- and oil-cooled system
Good for touring and long trips
Aftermarket parts are easily available

8. Which Is Better: Harley Dyna Low Rider S Vs. Harley Softail Low Rider S

The Harley Davidson Dyna Low Rider S and the Harley Davidson Softail Low Rider S are almost identical with slight differences in their shape and performance. Both motorcycles handle well and are easy to ride. The Harley Dyna Low Rider S and the Harley Softail Low Rider S’s suspensions and ergonomics can be improved by installing aftermarket parts.

The two major reasons why the Harley Davidson Softail Low Rider S is better than the Harley Davidson Dyna Low Rider S are its counterbalancers that keep the engine’s vibrations to a minimum and the air- and oil-cooling system that effectively maintains the engine’s temperature.

9. Colors and Cost: Harley Dyna Low Rider S Vs. Harley Softail Low Rider S

10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

10.1 What Is the Difference Between Harley Softails and the Harley Dynas?

The Harley Davidson Dyna series was launched in 1991 and remained in production until 2018 when the Softail series replaced the Dyna series. The Harley Davidson Dyna series was well-known for its better steering, cornering capability, and being a more balanced motorcycle. The Dyna series was also better suited for two-up riding. Meanwhile, the Harley Davidson Softail series is better suited for a single rider only. It also comes with a single rear monoshock that is hidden under the seat.

10.2 How Fast Is the Harley Softail Low Rider S?

With its six-speed transmission, the Harley Davidson Softail Low Rider S can reach a top speed of 120 mph and can complete the 0-60 mph sprint in only four seconds.

10.3 What is a Death Wobble and Which Harley Motorcycles Are Prone to Death Wobbles?

Death wobbles occur due to worn-out steering, suspension parts, bent wheels, loose wheel bearings, low tire pressure, and other reasons. The motorcycle’s front wheel starts to shake uncontrollably, causing the rider to lose control, which results in you crashing.

The Harley Davidson motorcycles prone to death wobbles include the Harley Davidson Electra Glide, Harley Ultra Classic, Harley Road King, and FLH series.

10.4 What Should I Look for While Buying a Used Harley Motorcycle?

If you are working on a low budget, buying an old Harley Davidson motorcycle is a good option as it costs you slightly less than a newer one because of its good resale value.

First, you need to know why you want to buy a motorcycle, then research the model and its specs to see if it suits your needs.

Before making the purchase, make sure you inspect the motorcycle’s condition carefully. You can ask questions from the owner asking why he/she is selling the motorcycle and if there are any issues with it. Also, make sure to check the motorcycle’s market value and its current mileage.

11. Takeaway

The Harley Davidson Dyna Low Rider S and the Harley Davidson Softail Low Rider S are good quality motorbikes that are popular in the American motorcycle market. Both motorcycles are aesthetically pleasing, have good handling, and are fitted with powerful engines. The latest 2022 Harley Davidson Softail Low Rider S is currently still in production, being a refined version of the Harley Davidson Dyna Low Rider S which was discontinued in 2017. The Harley Softail Low Rider S comes with better handling, counterbalancers to reduce engine vibrations, and an oil- and air-cooled system.

The Harley Davidson Softail Low Rider S can become an ideal touring motorbike if you install a few add-ons available at Viking Bags. For your Harley Davidson Softail Low Rider S, Viking Bags has specially designed SADDLEBAGS, HANDLEBARS, and SISSY BARS. You can also check their other saddlebags, tour packs, and Harley saddlebags.

Photo Credit: @ultimatemotorcycling , @cycleworld