Harley Hot-Rods the Dyna Glide
HARLEY HOT-RODS THE DYNA GLIDE
ROUNDUP
WHAT DO YOU SEE when you look at Harley’s 1999 FXDX Super Glide Sport? A more cleanly styled, slightly higher-performance Big Twin? It’s a lot more than that, according to HarleyDavidson Dyna Platform Manager AI Wagner. “The FXDX is taking the Dyna platform into a sportier Big Twin,” he says. “This is just the start of the journey. The Dyna is going to evolve. It’s going to get sportier yet.”
Harley’s Big Twins have strayed from anything resembling a hot-rod since the FXRSSP Low Rider Sport Edition was dropped in 1993. Wagner explains that both Harley’s market research and its European distributors have sent the message that buyers are eager for a stronger-performing, betterhandling Big Twin.
That message is reinforced by an aftermarket that continues to successfully sell FXRreplica frames, and by the number of custom builders that continue to combine Superbiketype features such as six-piston brake calipers, pie-plate rotors and upside-down forks with American hot-rod styling. Wagner also reports that initial response to the Dyna Sport has been overwhelmingly favorable.
Beyond those sketchy hints, Wagner won’t say what the immediate future holds. It’s possible, however, to speculate based on the company’s recent product development history.
First, more power and displacement: Harley is shipping almost as many 1550cc kits (which include new cylinders and pistons, and carry a factory warranty if dealer-installed on a new bike) as it is Twin Cam 88s. When the new Pilgrim Drive engine plant in Milwaukee is thoroughly up to speed, count on Harley offering 94 cubic inches directly, though perhaps only on its more expensive models.
Second, count on brake, wheel, tire and suspension upgrades on some Dynas. The current Dyna Sport was derived very quickly from the Dyna Convertible, and makes do with Convertible chassis components. Harley has always closely watched the messages sent by custom builders and the aftermarket, and you may expect a Dyna Sport with big brakes and suspension bits that at least match those fitted to the Sportster Sport. Eventually, Harley will also have to move the drive belt outward to make room for the wide rear tires that are currently dominating customs. Finally, expect any factory hotrod Dyna to look like a Harley and to retain a riding position that is far more Harley cruiser than sportbike crouch. The idea is classic American hot-rod, not a Buell-like sportbike.
And just in case you were wondering if the creation of the Dyna Sport and the corresponding change in direction for the Dyna series were influenced by potential competition from Victory and Excelsior-Henderson, we put that question to the man who should know. “Absolutely not,” says Wagner. “We’re just responding to our customers.”
Steve Anderson
