By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Cruiser
Harley-Davidson Dyna Low Rider FXDL (MY2014) vs Dyna Fat Bob FXDF (MY2012)
Tip the Harley-Davidson Dyna Low Rider FXDL into a bend and its stiff fork holds the front end firm through the turn. The Harley-Davidson Dyna Fat Bob FXDF steers in on a light push of the bar and doesn't wallow. Its line stays tight as the lean grows.
So which one do you buy?
The Dyna Low Rider FXDL has the edge if…
Character, looks and sound
Edges it: Dyna Low Rider FXDL
The Dyna Low Rider FXDL carries slightly more attitude. It's down to more retro style. A close call, and a personal one.
Daily commuting & city riding
Slight edge: Dyna Low Rider FXDL
For the Monday-to-Friday grind, the Dyna Low Rider FXDL pulls a nose in front. The reason: friendlier manners. Your own commute could easily flip it.
Which one's the smarter buy
Depends what you want it for
The Dyna Fat Bob FXDF costs less, but that doesn't make it the better buy. Neither bike is the clear winner on value alone. Your choice depends on what you want the bike to do.
What makes each one tick
Dyna Low Rider FXDL
The Low Rider's big twin pulls from idle on a flat spread of torque, and there's never a reason to chase revs. With the seat's bolster pulled off and the controls set midway, the cockpit shrinks or stretches around whoever's aboard. At certain revs there's a buzz from the rubber-mounted engine that reaches the brake lever and grips. The twin's low-down shove keeps coming.
Dyna Fat Bob FXDF
The Fat Bob's twin hits hardest once the revs climb off the bottom, and there's a fresh surge for every highway pass. It doesn't hesitate at corner entry. The chassis settles and tracks out to the exit.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The Dyna Low Rider FXDL has the lower seat: 25.5 in (648 mm) vs 27.1 in (688 mm).
- The Dyna Low Rider FXDL has the lower wet weight: 666 lb (302 kg) vs 705 lb (320 kg).
- The Dyna Fat Bob FXDF has the larger fuel tank: 5.0 US gal (18.9 L) vs 4.7 US gal (17.8 L).
Which one for the way you ride
Comfortable long-distance riding
Not built for this
Neither one is built for long-haul comfort. For big miles, look at a proper tourer or sport tourer.
For twisty roads and running costs, you won't find daylight between them. Let the test ride settle it.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
Dyna Low Rider FXDL
What owners say
Strengths
- Surprisingly agile handling for a big cruiser
- Timeless, aggressive hot-rod styling
Trade-offs
- Excessive engine vibration at certain RPMs
Dyna Fat Bob FXDF
What owners say
Strengths
- Agile handling for a heavy cruiser
- Strong, torquey Twin Cam 103 engine
Known problems to check before you buy
Dyna Low Rider FXDL
- Ignition switch failure from engine vibration Recall 16V283000 Engine vibration between 4500-5500 RPM can damage the internal electronics of the ignition switch, leading to engine stalling while riding. Affected 2014-2016 models. Recalled: NHTSA Campaign 16V283. Dealer installs improved switch with snap ring and reinforced PCB.
Dyna Fat Bob FXDF
No confirmed faults on file yet. That's not the same as fault-free.
What they cost used
These prices compare a 12-year-old Dyna Low Rider FXDL with a 12-year-old Dyna Fat Bob FXDF.
- Dyna Low Rider FXDL
- $10,900
- Dyna Fat Bob FXDF
- $9,300
At 12 years old, the Dyna Low Rider FXDL sits around $10,900 while the Dyna Fat Bob FXDF lands near $9,300. That's a $1,600 gap in the Fat Bob's favor. These are US market figures recorded earlier, not live listings.
What they share
- Displacement
- 1690 cc
- Engine
- 45° V-twin
- Cooling
- Air-cooled
- Peak power at
- 5,010 rpm
- Peak torque at
- 3,500 rpm
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Fork
- Telescopic
Where the spec sheets split
| Dyna Low Rider FXDL | Dyna Fat Bob FXDF | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 25.5 in (648 mm) | 27.1 in (688 mm) |
| Wet weight | 666 lb (302 kg) | 705 lb (320 kg) |
| Dyna Low Rider FXDL | Dyna Fat Bob FXDF | |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 75 hp (56 kW) | 78 hp (58 kW) |
| Torque | 101 lb-ft (136 Nm) | 100 lb-ft (136 Nm) |
| Dyna Low Rider FXDL | Dyna Fat Bob FXDF | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 4.7 US gal (17.8 L) | 5.0 US gal (18.9 L) |
| Dyna Low Rider FXDL | Dyna Fat Bob FXDF | |
|---|---|---|
| Front tire | 100/90-19 | 130/90-16 |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
