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Harley Davidson Dyna Face-off: Super Glide Vs. Wide Glide – Which One Reigns Supreme?

Matthew is an avid motorbike enthusiast from South London. He started riding bikes as a teenager and has owned over 10 bikes throughout his life. Matthew loves exploring the picturesque British countryside on two wheels and uses his matthewbikelog to document his riding adventures. When he's not out on his...

What To Know

  • The Wide Glide, on the other hand, has a more aggressive stance with a wider front end, dual headlights, and a raked-out fork.
  • However, the Wide Glide has a slightly larger displacement (103 cubic inches compared to 100 cubic inches for the Super Glide), giving it a slight edge in power and acceleration.
  • The Super Glide features a conventional fork with dual shocks in the rear, while the Wide Glide has a wide-glide front end with a single shock in the rear.

The Harley Davidson Dyna Super Glide and Wide Glide are two legendary cruisers that have captured the hearts of riders for decades. Both bikes offer a unique blend of style, performance, and customization potential. However, there are also some key differences between the two models, making it essential to compare them before making a decision.

Design and Styling

The Super Glide is a classic cruiser with a minimalist design. It features a low-slung profile, a stretched-out front end, and a single headlight. The Wide Glide, on the other hand, has a more aggressive stance with a wider front end, dual headlights, and a raked-out fork. Both bikes come with a variety of paint and finish options, allowing riders to personalize their machines.

Engine and Performance

Both the Super Glide and Wide Glide are powered by the Harley Davidson Twin Cam 103 engine. This air-cooled, V-twin engine produces ample torque for cruising and has a distinctive exhaust note. However, the Wide Glide has a slightly larger displacement (103 cubic inches compared to 100 cubic inches for the Super Glide), giving it a slight edge in power and acceleration.

Handling and Suspension

The Super Glide and Wide Glide have different suspension setups. The Super Glide features a conventional fork with dual shocks in the rear, while the Wide Glide has a wide-glide front end with a single shock in the rear. The Wide Glide’s wider front end provides more stability at high speeds, but the Super Glide’s conventional fork offers a more comfortable ride.

Brakes and Safety

Both the Super Glide and Wide Glide come with standard ABS brakes. The Super Glide has single disc brakes front and rear, while the Wide Glide has dual disc brakes in the front. This gives the Wide Glide slightly better stopping power. Additionally, the Wide Glide has a wider handlebar, which provides more leverage for steering and control.

Comfort and Ergonomics

The Super Glide has a more traditional cruiser riding position with a low seat and forward-mounted footpegs. The Wide Glide has a more upright riding position with a higher seat and mid-mounted footpegs. Both bikes offer adjustable handlebars and seats, allowing riders to find a comfortable position.

Customization Potential

Both the Super Glide and Wide Glide are popular platforms for customization. The Super Glide’s minimalist design makes it easy to add or remove accessories, while the Wide Glide’s aggressive stance lends itself to more radical modifications. Both bikes have a wide range of aftermarket parts available, making it possible to create a truly unique machine.

Key Points: The Ultimate Choice

The choice between the Harley Davidson Dyna Super Glide and Wide Glide ultimately depends on personal preferences. The Super Glide is a classic cruiser that offers a comfortable ride and plenty of customization potential. The Wide Glide is a more aggressive and powerful cruiser with better handling and stopping power.

What You Need to Know

Q: Which bike is better for long-distance cruising?
A: The Super Glide has a more comfortable riding position and a larger fuel tank, making it more suitable for long rides.

Q: Which bike is faster?
A: The Wide Glide has a slightly larger displacement engine, giving it a slight edge in power and acceleration.

Q: Which bike is easier to customize?
A: Both bikes have a wide range of aftermarket parts available, but the Super Glide‘s minimalist design makes it slightly easier to add or remove accessories.

Q: Which bike is more expensive?
A: The Wide Glide is typically more expensive than the Super Glide due to its more aggressive styling and performance features.

Q: Which bike is better for beginners?
A: Both bikes are suitable for beginners, but the Super Glide‘s more traditional cruiser riding position may be more comfortable for new riders.

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Matthew

Matthew is an avid motorbike enthusiast from South London. He started riding bikes as a teenager and has owned over 10 bikes throughout his life. Matthew loves exploring the picturesque British countryside on two wheels and uses his matthewbikelog to document his riding adventures. When he's not out on his current Yamaha FZ6, Matthew enjoys tinkering with and upgrading his bikes. He has a keen interest in bike mechanics and regularly shares tips on maintenance and repairs with his readers. Matthew also provides gear and equipment reviews, helping other riders choose the best kit for weekend rides or longer touring trips. Beyond talking motorbikes, Matthew's blog gives readers an insight into his life. He shares stories and photos from motorcycle trips around the UK as well as further afield in Europe. Readers often describe Matthew's writing as both entertaining and inspirational; he aims to fuel the wanderlust of other bikers. Through his passion for two-wheel adventures on all types of roads, Matthew explores the freedom that motorcycling brings. He looks forward to many more years of thrills on two wheels and chronicling his experiences on matthewbikelog.
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