Harley Davidson Dyna Street Bob vs Harley Davidson Softail Street Bob

• Table of Contents
• 1. HARLEY DAVIDSON DYNA STREET BOB VS HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL STREET BOB
• 2. DETAILED SPECS COMPARISON BETWEEN HARLEY DAVIDSON DYNA STREET BOB VS HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL STREET BOB
• 3. SIMILARITIES & DIFFERENCES BETWEEN HARLEY DAVIDSON DYNA STREET BOB VS HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL STREET BOB
• 4. HARLEY DAVIDSON DYNA STREET BOB VS HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL STREET BOB: Design
• 4.1 Harley Davidson Dyna STREET Bob: Design
• 4.2 Harley Davidson Softail STREET Bob: Design
• 5. HARLEY DAVIDSON DYNA STREET BOB VS HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL STREET BOB: Engine & Performance
• 5.1 Harley Davidson Dyna STREET Bob: Engine & Performance
• 5.2 Harley Davidson Softail STREET Bob: Engine & Performance
• 6. HARLEY DAVIDSON DYNA STREET BOB VS HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL STREET BOB: Comfort & Ergonomics
• 6.1 Harley Davidson Dyna STREET Bob: Comfort & Ergonomics
• 6.2 Harley Davidson Softail STREET Bob: Comfort & Ergonomics
• 7. HARLEY DAVIDSON DYNA STREET BOB VS HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL STREET BOB: Technology & Features
• 8. HARLEY DAVIDSON DYNA STREET BOB VS HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL STREET BOB: PROS & CONS
• 8.1 Harley Davidson Dyna Street Bob: Pros & Cons
• 8.2 Harley Davidson Softail Street Bob: Pros & Cons
• 9. FAQ
• 9.1 What are the improvements made to Softail Street Bob compared to its predecessor?
• 9.2 Is the Harley Davidson Softail Street Bob motorcycle good for new riders?
• 9.3 Harley Davidson Dyna Street Bob vs Harley Davidson Softail Street Bob, which one is better?
• 9.4 Is it expensive to maintain a Harley Davidson Street Bob?
• 10. Takeaway

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

The original HARLEY DAVIDSON DYNA was introduced in the 1980s, with subsequent Dyna Street Bob models being released afterward over time. The HARLEY DAVIDSON DYNA STREET BOB was introduced in 2006. From 2006 to 2013, the Dyna models were fitted with a 96.7 cubic inch (1,584-cc) engine. The Street Bob’s unique feature was its high handlebars. The Dyna models remained in production until 2017. The Dyna models were replaced by the Softail series in 2018.

The SOFTAIL SERIES was released in 1983. The Softail has a hardtail with a hidden rear mono-shock that makes it unique from the other Harley Davidson series. The SOFTAIL STREET BOB was released in 2018, sharing many similarities with the Harley Davidson Dyna Street Bob.

Also Read: HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL DELUXE VS HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL HERITAGE CLASSICs

2. DETAILED SPECS COMPARISON BETWEEN HARLEY DAVIDSON DYNA STREET BOB & HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL STREET BOB

	Harley Davidson	Harley Davidson
BASIC INFORMATION
Year	2017	2022
Model	Dyna Street Bob	Softail Street Bob
Motorcycle Type	Cruiser	Cruiser
Base Price	$13,849	$15,349
Colors	Vivid Black, Black Denim, Olive Gold, Charcoal Denim/Black Denim, and Hard Candy Hot Rod Red Flake	Vivid Black, Gauntlet Gray Metallic, Redline Red, and Fastback Blue
ENGINE & SYSTEMS
Displacement	103.1 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 (4.5 in)
Bore	98.4 mm (3.87 in)	102 mm (4.01 in)
Cylinders	Two	Two
Drive Train	Belt	Belt
Transmission	Six-Speed	Six-speed
Clutch	Multi-plate Wet	Mechanical, 10-plate Wet
Starter	Electric	Electric
Exhaust	Two-into-Two	Two-into-Two
Fuel Delivery System	Electronic Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)	Electronic Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
PERFORMANCE & CAPACITY
Horsepower	77.50 hp	94 hp
Torque	95.9 ft-lb (130 Nm) @ 3,000 rpm	119 ft-lb (161 Nm) @3,000 rpm
Fuel Tank Capacity	4.7 gal (17.8 L)	3.5 gal (13.2 L)
Mileage	45 MPG (19.1 km/l)	47 MPG (19.9 km/l)
Oil Capacity	3 quarts (2.8 L)	5 quarts (4.7 L)
DIMENSIONS
Trail	120 mm (4.7 in)	30% mm (6.2 in)
Rake	29o	30o
Seat Height	648 mm (25.5 in)	655 mm (25.8 in)
Wheelbase	1630 mm (64.2 in)	1630 mm (64.2 in)
Weight	670 lb (304 kg)	655 lb (297.1 kg)
Ground Clearance	120 mm (4.7 in)	125 mm (4.9 in)
Length	2,395 mm (94.3 in)	2,320 mm (91.3 in)
Width	914.4 mm (36 in)	865 mm (34.1 in)

3. SIMILARITIES & DIFFERENCES BETWEEN HARLEY DAVIDSON DYNA STREET BOB & HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL STREET BOB

Key Similarities	Key Differences
Both have high HANDLEBARS	The SOFTAIL STREET BOB’s handlebars has a matte black finish, while the Dyna Street Bob has a chrome finish
Both have the same sized front tire	The Softail Street Bob has a passenger seat, while the Dyna Street Bob has a SOLO SEAT
Both have a six-speed transmission system and are operated via a belt drive train	The Softail Street Bob has cast wheels, while the Street Bob has laced wheels
Both do not come with SADDLEBAGS, fenders, CRASH BARS, or SISSY BARS	The Softail Street Bob has a digital speedometer installed on the HANDLEBARS, while the Dyna Street Bob has the speedometer installed on the fuel tank
Both have a single-disc brake at the front and rear	The Softail Street Bob has a single cap on the fuel tank, while the Dyna Street Bob has two caps on the fuel tank; one is a dummy and the other is the actual fuel cap.
Both have two-into-two exhausts	The Softail Street Bob has a hidden mono-shock at the rear, while the Dyna Street Bob has dual shocks at the rear
Both have air-cooling systems	The Softail Street Bob has a smaller fuel tank with a different design
	The Softail Street Bob has a license plate on the side, while the Dyna Street Bob has the license beneath the tail light

4. HARLEY DAVIDSON DYNA STREET BOB VS HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL STREET BOB: Design

4.1 Harley Davidson Dyna Street Bob: Design

The HARLEY DAVIDSON DYNA STREET BOB is a solo-seat chopper-style cruiser. It has high handlebars but they are not as wide as other heavyweight touring motorcycles and cruisers. The mudguards and fuel tank are the only colored parts of the motorcycle while the rest is covered with a matte or chrome finish. The Dyna Street Bob is not a very bulky motorcycle and does not have SADDLEBAGS and CRASH BARS already installed. The Harley Dyna Street Bob has its speedometer on the fuel tank like the Harley Dyna Fat Bob. However, the front tire has a bigger rim and is sleeker than the rear tire. The Harley Dyna Street Bob has a dual 49 mm telescopic fork suspension at the front with a tire size of 100/90B-19 57H. At the rear, it has dual coil-over shocks with a tire size of 160/70B-17 73V. The front wheel is less wide and has a bigger rim than the rear wheel.

4.2 Harley Davidson Softail Street Bob: Design

The HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL STREET BOB is a dual-seat chopper-style cruiser. Like its predecessor, the Softail Street Bob also has high HANDLEBARS. It does not have a traditional-looking speedometer and gauges; instead, it has a 2.14-inch digital LCD that displays the speed, rpm, and other useful information. This LCD is embedded between the handlebars and gives the motorcycle a clean look. Though it provides a good seating position for the passenger and rider, this vehicle does not have a backrest or a sissy bar.

To give the motorcycle a sleeker and less bulky look, it does not come with SADDLEBAGS or CRASH BARS like its predecessor. The Harley Softail Street Bob has a dual-bending 49 mm telescopic fork at the front with a wheel travel of 130 mm (5.1 in). It has a single 300 mm disc brake at the front with a tire size of 100/90B-19 57H BW at the front. At the rear, it has a hidden 43 mm preload adjustable mono-shock with a wheel travel of 86 mm (3.4 in). It also has a single 292 mm disc brake at the rear with a tire size of 150/80B-16 77H BW.

5. HARLEY DAVIDSON DYNA STREET BOB VS HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL STREET BOB: Engine & Performance

5.1 Harley Davidson Dyna Street Bob: Engine & Performance

The HARLEY DAVIDSON DYNA STREET BOB has a 103 cubic inches (1,690 cc) four-stroke V-Twin engine able to produce a torque of 130 Nm @ 3,000 rpm and horsepower of 77.5 hp. Like other Dyna models, the Street Bob is also equipped with a belt drive train that makes it very reliable since it requires less maintenance. With a fuel tank capacity of 4.7 gal, this Harley model is equipped with an Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) that has a good fuel economy of 45 MPG (19.1 km/l). However, fuel consumption can vary depending on how often the motorcycle is ridden.

5.2 Harley Davidson Softail Street Bob: Engine & Performance

The HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL STREET BOB has 114 cubic inch (1,868 cc) four-stroke V-Twin engine capable of producing a torque of 161 Nm @ 3,000 rpm and a horsepower of 94 hp. Like with other Softail models, the Street Bob is also equipped with a belt drive train. It has a smaller fuel tank capacity of 3.5 gal (13.2 L) but it is equipped with an Electronic Sequential Fuel Port Injection (ESPFI) wth a fuel mileage of 47 MPG (19.9 km/l).

6. HARLEY DAVIDSON DYNA STREET BOB VS HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL STREET BOB: Comfort & Ergonomics

6.1 Harley Davidson Dyna Street Bob: Comfort & Ergonomics

Photo Credit: @ultimatemotorcycling

The Harley Davidson Dyna Street Bob provides a confident riding position as it has high chopper-style handlebars, a wheelbase of 1,630 mm (64.2 in), and a seat height of 648 mm (25.5 in). Unlike other Dyna models, it has mid-positioned footpegs that provide a dominant and adjustable riding position. With an overall weight of 670 lbs (304 kg), the Harley Dyna Street Bob is a heavyweight cruiser. For shorter and beginner riders, the Dyna Street Bob can be difficult to drive. However, the motorcycle operates best when riding on city streets and navigating around traffic.

6.2 Harley Davidson Softail Street Bob: Comfort & Ergonomics

Photo Credit: @ultimatemotorcycling

The HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL STREET BOB has an overall weight of 655 lbs (297.1 kg) with a 114 cubic inch (1,868 cc) four-stroke V-Twin engine. This engine can produce a maximum torque of 119 ft-lb (161 Nm) @ 3,000 rpm. The large engine and heavyweight build provide good stability even at higher speeds and rpm. The Harley Softail Street Bob has a seat height of 655 mm (25.8 in) and an overall length of 2,320 mm (91.3 in), providing a comfortable seating position for taller or heavyweight riders.

Also Read: IDEAS ON HOW TO USE MOTORCYCLE SISSY BARS

7. HARLEY DAVIDSON DYNA STREET BOB VS HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL STREET BOB: Technology & Features

FEATURES	HARLEY DAVIDSON DYNA STREET BOB	HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL STREET 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. HARLEY DAVIDSON DYNA STREET BOB VS HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL STREET BOB: PROS & CONS

8.1 Harley Davidson Dyna Street Bob: Pros & Cons

HARLEY DAVIDSON DYNA STREET BOB PROS	HARLEY DAVIDSON DYNA STREET CONS
Good ground clearance	Not suitable for shorter & newer riders
ABS included (optional)	No cruise control included
Really comfortable on longer rides	Not an entry-level motorcycle
Suitable for taller riders	No extra LUGGAGE included
Requires less maintenance	No riding modes

8.2 Harley Davidson Softail Street Bob: Pros & Cons

HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL STREET BOB PROS	HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL STREET BOB CONS
Responsive throttle	Not suitable for shorter & newer riders
Requires less maintenance	No riding modes
Comfortable on longer trips	No extra LUGGAGE included
Suitable for taller riders	More expensive
ABS included (optional)
Good ground clearance
Low vibrations at higher rpm
Loud wobbling sound

9. FAQ

9.1 What are the improvements made to Softail Street Bob compared to its predecessor?

The SOFTAIL STREET BOB is a newer model in the Street Bob series. It has a completely new design despite the dimensions not being changed by much. The Softail Street Bob is slightly shorter in length and width compared to its predecessor. The Softail Street Bob also comes with a passenger seat. Major improvements were made to the engine & performance. The Softail Street Bob has a bigger engine and is capable of producing more torque and horsepower.

9.2 Is the Harley Davidson Softail Street Bob motorcycle good for new riders?

The Harley Davidson Softail Street Bob has a weight of 655 lbs (297.1 kg), which classifies it as a heavyweight cruiser. For newer riders, the SOFTAIL STREET BOB is difficult to handle because of its heavier weight and bigger engine. It is preferable that newer riders start with mid weight or lightweight motorcycles first. However, if the new rider is tall or heavyweight, they might find this motorcycle to be very comfortable.

Also Read: SHOULD YOU BUY A NEW OR USED MOTORCYCLE: WHICH IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

9.3 Harley Davidson Dyna Street Bob vs Harley Davidson Softail Street Bob, which one is better?

Whether the Harley Dyna Street Bob or the Softail Street Bob is better depends on the needs of the individual owners. Both have similar dimensions and riding positions, though the Softail Street Bob has a better engine and performance. If the rider is still trying to figure out which new motorcycle to buy, then the SOFTAIL STREET BOB is the best option. But if the rider prefers to buy a cheaper or more reasonable price, then the DYNA STREET BOB is a better choice. 

9.4 Is it expensive to maintain a Harley Davidson Street Bob?

The Harley Davidson Street Bob has a very reliable engine that does not need a major maintenance overhaul for a long time if the engine oil, oil filter, brake fluid, and air filter are replaced regularly. According to the Harley Davidson Motorcycles Service Manual, most models need an oil change every 5,000 to 6,000 miles. The prices of the mentioned items do vary in quality and brand.

10. TAKEAWAY

Both the Harley Davidson Dyna Street Bob and the Softail Street Bob have a popular fan base and are close competitors. Based on the specifications, the DYNA STREET BOB has a bigger engine and a higher power output. In terms of looks, this motorcycle has received mixed reviews as some people prefer the new design, while others stick with the traditional design. Because both motorcycles are heavyweight cruisers, they are not entry-level motorcycles that are not recommended for beginners or shorter riders. Both offer better comfort and stability on longer rides, but both do not have pre-installed saddlebags or luggage to carry extra items.