THE 2006 Harley-Davidson Dyna range now boasts six-speed transmissions and improved handling, thanks to a major overhaul of the model line. In addition, there’s two new models available for the first time: the FXDI 35th Anniversary Super Glide and the FXDBI Street Bob, and Cycle Torque had the chance to ride both at the 2006 model launch recently.

For 2006 the Dyna range has been completely redesigned. The frame has new rake and triple clamp offset specs and the swingarm has been beefed up, aimed at improving handling. The range has also got the all-new six-speed Cruise Drive Transmission, 49mm forks and wider 160 section tyre at the rear.

The Street Bob uses the less-is-more approach with basic styling mimicking the factory customs of the 1970s with lowered rear suspension and high rise bars. The bike comes in four different colour schemes but the matt black on the test bike looked mean. It also includes wrinkle blackouts on the engine which looks great and suits the image the bike is trying to create or should that be re-create.

The 35th Anniversary is a tribute to the FX Super Glide, the motorcycle which started the concept of a factory custom and one which evolved into the FXD series. The bike also looks great in its mainly white colour scheme with blue and red striping. This bike also has the new curved smooth-look chrome rims. Compared to the Street Bob, the 35th has a larger seat, longer travel shocks and lower, wider bars. The main changes to the Dyna range have been engineered into each Dyna model, so no matter which one takes your fancy, you get the updates.

The launch at Fraser Motorcycles in Homebush concentrated on the Dyna range only as it had received the most changes and each Dyna model was represented. After an initial briefing we headed off into the traffic with me astride the 35th Anniversary bike and I felt comfortable on the bike immediately.

Straight away I was impressed with the lightness of the clutch and prodigious amount of torque on offer. The fuel injected 1450cc Twin Cam engine is rubber-mounted which does a fantastic job of isolating the vibes to a nice rumble-like feeling. Braking is an easy affair with plenty of stopping power from the single disc front end which offers plenty of feel. The controls fell easily to hand and as you would expect the speedo is easy to read (there’s nothing in the way stopping your view).

Gearing is quite tall and the torque of the engine stops this from being an issue in traffic but I found the gearbox to be very clunky, more so on upshifts. Both bikes I rode displayed the same trait and when in traffic I could hear other riders do the same so I new it wasn’t just me; maybe this will improve as the engine and ’box get a few more miles under the belt.

Once out on the freeway the high gearing – especially the very tall sixth gear – makes cruising at 110 plus effortless. As the group turned up the Old Pacific Highway I found myself wondering how much ground clearance would be on offer. A diet of sports bikes in recent years has seen me forget the peg scraping antics of my youth but I expected the Harley to give me a taste of the past. I was pleasantly surprised and sure you can easily grind the bike into the road but that’s defeating the purpose and not the way most riders will use the bike. With a smooth riding style you can hustle the 35th along at a very respectable pace without leaving a trail of sparks and half the bike behind you.

The high rise handlebars on the Street Bob makes it look like it will be difficult to steer, but appearances can be deceptive – they were comfortable and offered plenty of control. As we ventured back onto the freeway for the trip to our lunch stop at Cessnock, I found the laid back riding position not really to my liking. Short distances wouldn’t be an issue but the extra weight put on the back and tail bone by the more upright stance made it uncomfortable for me.

Smooth roads are the forte of both these bikes as the rear suspension doesn’t offer much in the way of bump absorption, the initial stroke being quite harsh especially on the Street Bob with its shorter shocks.

After lunch it was time to head back to Sydney via the Putty Rd and back on the 35th. I’m pretty familiar with the Putty and I initially thought the Harleys would be out of their comfort zone along the windy sections of the road. Once again I was pleasantly surprised – the bike was sure footed along the wet road and it’s only along the bumpy southern section of the road near Colo Heights where the rear suspension showed it was a little out of its depth at the speed I was travelling.

Back into Sydney and traffic and the 35th belies its size as we carved through the night traffic back to Homebush and after around 450 kilometres I felt fresh even though I’d been in-the-wind all day.

The Dyna range offers a torque laden engine, great looks, good handling and a relaxed riding position but my favourite has to be the 35th Anniversary Super Glide with its ‘Captain America’ colour scheme, comfortable seat and chunky styling. The six model Dyna range starts at $21,250 and boasts enough variations and options to suit most buyers, so whether flash and brash is your go or you like to be understated, there’s a Dyna for you.
– Chris Pickett