H-D HISTORY

THE HISTORY OF HARLEY-DAVIDSON^® DYNA^®MOTORCYCLES

Every motorcycle enthusiast recognizes the rumble of a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle on the open road, a testament to over a century of engineering prowess and a relentless pursuit of the freedom of the ride. Each Harley-Davidson model has its own story and a unique spot in the brand's rich history, and among these, the Dyna® model stands out as a testament to Harley's commitment to innovation and stylistic evolution.

WHAT'S A DYNA MOTORCYCLE?

The Dyna, named for its dynamic chassis, is known for its cruising style, characterized by a strong, durable frame, and a potent V-twin engine. The riding position is relatively relaxed and laid-back, with the rider's feet forward and hands in a natural, comfortable position. This makes the Dyna motorcycle suitable for casual urban rides and long-distance cruising alike.

HISTORY OF THE HARLEY-DAVIDSON DYNA MOTORCYCLE

The Dyna family of motorcycles was a cornerstone of Harley-Davidson's cruising models for twenty-six years, from its introduction in 1991 until its retirement in 2017. However, its origins can actually be traced back to 1971 and the debut of the FX Super Glide® model. Combining the FLH and XLH acronyms to create the FX, or Factory Experimental, name, the classic Super Glide motorcycle blended a big twin chassis with a sportier front end. This landmark motorcycle design marked Harley's first foray into the factory custom market and set a precedent for future styling.

Just a few years later, the 1977 FXS Low Rider® motorcycle took the stage, adding a lower seating position, drag-style handlebars, and highway foot pegs to the mix. This motorcycle has served as the blueprint for many different variations that have been developed into the modern era.

In 1980, the audacious FXDWG Wide Glide® model joined the lineup, building on the Lower Rider motorcycle’s look with its flame paint scheme, ape-hanger handlebars, and wide front fork all making an unmistakably bold statement.

These two motorcycles laid the foundation for the 1991 FXDB Dyna Glide™ Sturgis—which ushered in the official beginning of the Dyna era. As the first Harley-Davidson designed with Computer Aided Design (CAD), the very first Dyna motorcycle broke the mold and set new standards for styling and engineering. Notable features on this classic motorcycle included 2-point engine isolation mounting system for a smoother ride and an all-new internal steel frame. The Sturgis model also had the oil tank mounted underneath the transmission, which added to its cleaner look.

Over the years, the Dyna lineup expanded and evolved. Just one year after the Sturgis motorcycle was released, the platform continued with the new FXDB Dyna Daytona, a limited-edition motorcycle created in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Daytona Bike Week. In 1993, the family gained two new members—the Wide Glide® and Low Rider®—both classic Harley-Davidson® models improved with modern Dyna chassis.

Just before the turn of the millennium, the Dyna family (along with the Touring family) helped make Harley-Davidson history, with the inclusion of the new Twin Cam 88® engine in the 1999 model year—a suitable replacement for the workhorse 1340cc Evolution® engine.

In its later years, the Dyna line added models like the 2000 FXDX Super Glide® Sport. At one time, there were as many as three Super Glide variations in the family, along with the classic Low Rider and Wide Glide models. Also included in the family was the FXDP Dyna Defender™ model, which was among the 37 motorcycles Harley-Davidson dedicated to the New York law enforcement communities in the wake of the events of September 11, 2001.

RETIRING THE DYNA – DYNA VS. SOFTAIL^®

The Dyna family was officially retired in 2017, with several of its model names and design elements carried over to the revamped Softail® line in 2018. Although they have their similarities, the major difference between the two lies in the suspension systems. While the Dyna motorcycle had a traditional twin shock setup at the rear, the Softail motorcycle features a hidden, monoshock suspension to emulate the look of a hardtail while offering the comfort of the namesake soft tail—a testament to Harley-Davidson’s commitment to combining style, performance, and comfort in a single package.

From its roots in the pioneering Super Glide model to its evolution into the modern Softail model, the Dyna line holds a storied place in Harley-Davidson history. As we ride into the future, we carry with us the spirit of the Dyna—innovative, daring, and unabashedly Harley-Davidson.

Riders looking to harness the energy of the Dyna line for themselves can explore available pre-owned options on the H-D1™ Marketplace. And to see how the Dyna legacy continues to unfold, test drive a stunning new Softail motorcycle or another of our cruiser motorcycles when you visit your local Harley-Davidson® dealer today.