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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.