cruiser motorcycles

Harley Davidson Dyna Low Rider Vs. Harley Davidson Dyna Super Glide Custom

Harley Davidson Dyna Low Rider Vs. Harley Davidson Dyna Super Glide Custom

1. Harley Dyna Low Rider Vs. Harley Dyna Super Glide Custom

Harley Dyna Low Rider
Photo Credit: @powerstationmotorsport
Harley Dyna Super Glide Custom
Photo Credit: @tiogacountyhd

“A Harley Davidson motorcycle looks even better with age.” Harley Davidson is one of the oldest motorcycle companies in the world, having been around since 1903. Despite being built with modern features, Harley Davidson motorcycles still retain their classic looks. Harley motorcycles also are reliable and have high resale values.


The Harley Davidson Dyna Low Rider and the Harley Davidson Dyna Super Glide Custom are classic, attractive motorbikes. Both motorcycles share similar features, including a Twin Cam 103TM engine, two-up riding, fuel tank-mounted gauges, bobber-style front and rear fenders with an old-school tail light, and a license plate bracket.


The Harley Low Rider was one of the most popular Dyna models, being carried over to the Softail lineup after the Dyna series was discontinued in 2018. The Harley Softail Low Rider stopped being produced in 2020. Meanwhile, the Harley Dyna Super Glide Custom was discontinued in 2014. However, both motorcycles remain popular among custom builders due to being highly customizable. This article provides a detailed comparison between the Harley Dyna Low Rider and the Harley Dyna Super Glide Custom.

2. Key Similarities and Differences between the Harley Dyna Low Rider and the Dyna Super Glide Custom

Key Similarities
Twin Cam 103TM engine
1,688 cc displacement
Air-Cooled
ABS is optional
Trail size of 4.7 in
Ground clearance of 4.7 in
Bobber-style front and chopped rear fender
Classic tail light
Passenger seat
Fuel tank-mounted gauges
Customizable
Mid-mounted foot controls
Comfortable on short rides
Uncomfortable for taller riders

Key Differences
Harley Davidson Dyna Low Rider Harley Davidson Dyna Super Glide Custom
Rake angle of 30.5° Rake angle of 29°
Smaller lean angles Greater lean angles
Adjustable ergonomics Non-adjustable ergonomics
Taller seat height Lower seat height
Comfortable stock seat Uncomfortable stock seat
Split, five-spoke wheels Steel laced wheels
Two-into-one exhaust with dual tapered mufflers Separate dual mufflers
Low-mounted, pull-back handlebars Average-mounted buckhorn handlebars

3. Detailed Specs Comparison: Harley Dyna Low Rider Vs. Dyna Super Glide Custom

2017 Harley Davidson Dyna Low Rider   2014 Harley Davidson Dyna Super Glide Custom
Identification
Harley Davidson Maker Harley Davidson
Dyna Series Dyna
Low Rider Model Super Glide Custom
2017 Year Model 2014
Custom / Cruiser Motorcycle Type Custom / Cruiser
$14,749 Base Price $13,549
Engine and Performance
103 cu in (1,688 cc) Displacement 103 cu in (1,688 cc)
Twin Cam 103TM Pushrod V-Twin Engine Design and Type Twin Cam 103TM Pushrod V-Twin
Air-Cooled Cooling System Air-Cooled
Two No. of Cylinders Two
Two Valves Per Cylinder Two
77 hp at 5,020 rpm Horsepower N/A
125 Nm at 3,500 rpm Torque 130 Nm at 3,000 rpm
4.38 in Stroke 4.38 in
3.88 in Bore 3.88 in
Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection Fuel Injection System Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection
9.6:1 Compression Ratio 9.6:1
Six-Speed Transmission Six-Speed
Belt Final Drive Belt
Multiplate with Diaphragm Spring in Oil Bath Clutch Multiplate with Diaphragm Spring in Oil Bath
42.77 mpg Fuel Economy 43 mpg
Dual Tapered Mufflers Muffler Dual Mufflers
Chrome, Staggered, and Shorty Exhaust Exhaust Chrome, Shorty, and Staggered Exhaust
Optional ($795) ABS Optional ($795)
Mild Tubular Steel Frame Mild Steel, Tubular Frame
Electric Starter Electric
Dimensions and Weight
4.7 in Trail 4.7 in
30.5° Rake 29°
4.7 gal Fuel Tank Capacity 5 gal
4.7 in Ground Clearance 4.7 in
35.6 in Width N/A
46.6 in Height N/A
94.3 in Length 92.3 in
26.8 in Seat Height 26.3 in
64.2 in Wheelbase 64 in
311 kg Wet Weight 309.8 kg
298 kg Dry Weight 294.8 kg
29.5° Lean Angle (Right) 30.9°
30.5° Lean Angle (Left) 29.5°

4. Design: Harley Dyna Low Rider Vs. Dyna Super Glide Custom

4.1 Design: Harley Davidson Dyna Low Rider

The Harley Davidson Dyna Low Rider has both a traditional and modern look due to its blacked-out and chrome finishing. It has chrome front forks, dual tapered mufflers, an air breather, and cylinder heads. Some parts are both covered by blacked-out and chrome finishing, including its split five-spoke wheels, engine fins, battery cover, and dual rear suspensions. The Harley Dyna Low Rider has a small round headlamp with a chrome plate fitted on top. It has a bobber-style front fender and a chopped rear fender with a classic tail light and license plate holder.


The Harley Dyna Low Rider comes with a single-piece saddle capable of two-up riding. There is a slight dip in the rider’s seat to ensure lower back support. It is fitted with adjustable pull-back handlebars with chrome side mirrors and front turn signals. The gauges are mounted on a peanut-shaped fuel tank with a capacity of 5 gal.

4.2 Design: Harley Davidson Dyna Super Glide Custom

The Harley Davidson Dyna Super Glide Custom has a more classic attitude due to its chrome front forks, separate dual mufflers, air-breather, powder-coated cylinder heads, highlighted fins, dual rear shock absorbers, and steel laced wheels. It has a chrome plate attached to a classic battery cover with the Super Glide logo on it. The Harley Dyna Super Glide Custom is fitted with a bobber-style front and chopped rear fender with an old-school tail light and license plate holder. It also comes with a single-piece saddle capable of two-up riding.


The Harley Dyna Super Glide Custom is fitted with low-mounted, sweptback, buckhorn handlebars with chrome side mirrors and front turn signals mounted. The gauges are mounted on a peanut-shaped fuel tank with a capacity of 5 gal.

5. Engine and Performance: Harley Dyna Low Rider Vs. Dyna Super Glide Custom

5.1 Engine and Performance: Harley Davidson Dyna Low Rider

The Harley Davidson Dyna Low Rider is powered by a 1,688 cc air-cooled, Twin Cam 103TM V-Twin engine capable of a torque of 125 Nm at 3,500 rpm and a horsepower of 77 hp at 5,020 rpm. The Twin Cam 103TM engine’s lightweight pistons provide smooth power delivery and low-end torque. This engine requires low maintenance due to being built with high-quality internal parts.


The Harley Dyna Low Rider comes with a six-speed transmission and a multi-plate clutch with a diaphragm spring, ensuring smooth and quiet gear shifts. The Electronics Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) system ensures optimal fuel delivery to the engine and a fuel economy of 42.77 mpg.


The Harley Dyna Low Rider’s suspensions are adequate for short rides on paved roads. However, the front and rear suspensions’ wheel travel is inadequate for long rides on bumpy roads. This motorcycle comes with 300 mm dual front discs and a 292 mm single rear disc brake with an optional ABS to ensure reliable braking.

5.2 Engine and Performance: Harley Davidson Dyna Super Glide Custom

The Harley Davidson Dyna Super Glide Custom is fitted with a 1,688 cc, air-cooled, Twin Cam 103TM V-Twin engine capable of a torque of 130 Nm at 3,000 rpm. The Twin Cam 103TM engine is well-known for its smooth low-end torque and precise throttle response at all gear levels. The Harley Dyna Super Glide Custom has a six-speed transmission that connects to the rear wheel via a belt drive. It also comes with an Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) to ensure optimal fuel delivery to the engine and a fuel economy of 43 mpg.


Unlike the Harley Dyna Low Rider, the Harley Dyna Super Glide Custom has a single 300 mm front disc brake and a single 292 mm rear disc brake that offers inadequate braking. It also comes with an optional ABS to improve braking. The Harley Dyna Low Rider’s suspensions provide smaller wheel travel and are only comfortable on paved roads.

6. Comfort and Ergonomics: Harley Dyna Low Rider Vs. Dyna Super Glide Custom

6.1 Comfort and Ergonomics: Harley Davidson Dyna Low Rider

Comfort and Ergonomics: Harley Davidson Dyna Low Rider
Photo Credit: @wallpapers

The Harley Davidson Dyna Low Rider is a comfortable cruiser for shorter and average riders. It comes with an adjustable ergonomics feature known as Perfect Fit that allows the rider to adjust the position of the handlebars and seat. The Harley Dyna Low Rider has a seat height of 26.8 in that can be increased to better suit taller riders.


The Harley Dyna Low Rider has mid-mounted foot controls with tight legroom. However, the mid-mounted foot controls can also be shifted forward using aftermarket parts to increase legroom, making it more comfortable for taller riders.


Overall, the Harley Dyna Low Rider is good for cruising and riding through traffic. However, it can be transformed into an ideal light touring motorcycle by adding a few aftermarket parts, including saddlebags, fairings, windscreen, sissy bars, and high-performance suspensions.

6.2 Comfort and Ergonomics: Harley Davidson Dyna Super Glide Custom

Comfort and Ergonomics: Harley Davidson Dyna Super Glide Custom
Photo Credit: @totalmotorcycle

The Harley Davidson Dyna Super Glide Custom is comfortable for short-distance and weekend rides. However, it is uncomfortable for taller riders due to its mid-mounted foot controls and stiff stock seat. To make it better suited for taller riders and long-distance rides, the mid-mounted foot controls can be shifted forward and a comfortable aftermarket seat used. The low-mounted, swept-back buckhorn handlebars are within comfortable reach of the rider and ensure an upright back position.


The Harley Dyna Super Glide Custom can also be transformed into a light-touring motorbike by adding saddlebags, windscreen, fairings, and sissy bars.

7. Technology and Features: Harley Dyna Low Rider Vs. Dyna Super Glide Custom

2017 Harley Davidson Dyna Low Rider   2014 Harley Davidson Dyna Super Glide Custom
Technology and Features
Fuel Tank-Mounted Gauges Fuel Tank-Mounted
Optional ABS Optional
Speedometer
Fuel Gauge
Low Fuel Warning
Low Oil Pressure Indicator
Tripmeter
Clock
Odometer
RPM / Gear Display
  Passenger seat  

8. Pros and Cons: Harley Dyna Low Rider Vs. Dyna Super Glide Custom

8.1 Pros and Cons: Harley Davidson Dyna Low Rider

Harley Davidson Dyna Low Rider Pros Harley Davidson Dyna Low Rider Cons
Customizable Uncomfortable on longer rides
Adjustable handlebars and seat height Too heavy for beginners
Good handling ABS is optional
Stylish wheels Tight legroom
Smooth power delivery Mid-mounted foot controls
Good low-end torque Uncomfortable for taller riders
Aesthetically pleasing Produces excessive vibrations
Aftermarket parts available Smaller wheel travel

8.2 Pros and Cons: Harley Davidson Dyna Super Glide Custom

Harley Davidson Dyna Super Glide Custom Pros Harley Davidson Dyna Super Glide Custom Cons
Smooth power delivery Mid-mounted foot controls
Classic look Compact legroom
Large fuel tank capacity Uncomfortable for taller riders
Low seat height Uncomfortable on longer rides
Good mid-range performance Uncomfortable stock seat
Good for shorter riders ABS is optional

9. Colors and Cost: Harley Dyna Low Rider Vs. Dyna Super Glide Custom

2017 Harley Davidson Dyna Low Rider
Color Base Price ABS Option
Vivid Black $14,749 $15,544
Velocity Red Sunglo $15,149 $15,944
Billet Silver / Vivid Black $15,499 $16,294
Bonneville Blue / Fathom Blue $15,699 $16,494

2014 Harley Davidson Dyna Super Glide Custom
Color Base Price ABS Option
Vivid Black $13,549 $14,344
Brilliant Silver Pearl $13,949 $14,744
Mysterious Red Sunglo / Blackened Cayenne Sunglo $14,279 $15,074

10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

10.1 What Does Dyna Mean for Harley Davidson?

The literal meaning of the word Dyna is Power. Harley Davidson introduced the Dyna series in 1991 as motorbikes with dual shock absorbers fitted to the exterior and a conventional swingarm. In 2018, the Dyna series was replaced by the Softail lineup.

10.2 Why Do People Love Harley Davidson Motorcycles?

Harley Davidson is a popular American motorcycle brand. People love Harley motorcycles because they are reliable, durable, and last longer. Aftermarket parts are readily available if you are looking to replace a damaged one. The Harley motorbikes are also easier to maintain and are highly customizable.

11. Which Is Better: Harley Dyna Low Rider Vs. Dyna Super Glide Custom

The Harley Davidson Dyna Low Rider and the Harley Davidson Dyna Super Glide Custom are nimble, agile, good for daily commutes, and riding through traffic. Both motorcycles have classic cruiser designs with slightly sportier ergonomics, including mid-mounted foot controls and an upright riding position. The Harley Dyna Low rider is aesthetically more pleasant due to its blacked-out and chrome finishing; it also comes with a front dual disc brake. Meanwhile, the Harley Dyna Sport Glide Custom has a more classic look due to its chrome finishing. However, it has a single front disc brake which makes braking less effective.

Reading next

Things to Do When Your Motorcycle Struggles to Start in the Cold
Exciting Motorcycle Rentals in Los Angeles, California

Leave a comment

All comments are moderated before being published.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.