By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Cruiser
Harley-Davidson Dyna Low Rider FXDL (MY2014) vs Dyna Super Glide Custom FXDC (MY2014)
Tip the Harley-Davidson Dyna Low Rider FXDL into a sweeper and the stiff fork won't let the front end wander. The Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide Custom FXDC doesn't ask for more than a flick of the bars to turn in. It settles onto its line and holds there.
So which one do you buy?
Which one's the smarter buy
Even on value
Neither bike is the clear better buy for the money. The Dyna Low Rider FXDL and the Dyna Super Glide Custom FXDC sit too close in price to separate on value alone.
What makes each one tick
Dyna Low Rider FXDL
The Low Rider's Twin Cam pours out torque right from idle, and the pull doesn't fade as the revs climb. Certain revs buzz the controls hard. The brake lever has 666 lb (302 kg) of bike to haul down through the 300 mm front brake. It'll carve Iron Mountain Road as readily as it cruises.
Dyna Super Glide Custom FXDC
The Super Glide Custom's Twin Cam hauls hard down low, with enough roll-on that a highway pass doesn't call for a downshift. A bump at cruising speed goes into the suspension, and the bike stays planted over it. The rubber mounts soak up vibration. There's a satisfying bark from the slash-cut mufflers.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The Dyna Low Rider FXDL has the lower seat: 25.5 in (648 mm) vs 26.3 in (668 mm).
- The Dyna Super Glide Custom FXDC has the larger fuel tank: 5.0 US gal (18.9 L) vs 4.7 US gal (17.8 L).
- Heated Grips: option on the Dyna Low Rider FXDL, not offered on the Dyna Super Glide Custom FXDC.
Which one for the way you ride
Comfortable long-distance riding
Neither one fits
Long-haul comfort is a weak spot for both. If you tour, shop with that in mind.
Call it even on character, commuting, twisty roads, and running costs. Choose on fit, price and the one that makes you grin.
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 Super Glide Custom FXDC
What owners say
Strengths
- Big Bore Styling and Chrome Presence
- Confident Handling for a Cruiser
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 Super Glide Custom FXDC
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 Super Glide Custom FXDC.
- Dyna Low Rider FXDL
- about $10,900
- Dyna Super Glide Custom FXDC
- about $10,400
What they share
- Displacement
- 1690 cc
- Engine
- 45° V-twin
- Cooling
- Air-cooled
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Final drive
- Belt
- Fork
- Telescopic
- Front brake
- 300 mm
- Front tire
- 100/90-19
Where the spec sheets split
| Dyna Low Rider FXDL | Dyna Super Glide Custom FXDC | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 25.5 in (648 mm) | 26.3 in (668 mm) |
| Wet weight | 666 lb (302 kg) | 670 lb (304 kg) |
| Dyna Low Rider FXDL | Dyna Super Glide Custom FXDC | |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 75 hp (56 kW) | 77 hp (57 kW) |
| Peak power at | 5,010 rpm | 5,250 rpm |
| Torque | 101 lb-ft (136 Nm) | 96 lb-ft (130 Nm) |
| Peak torque at | 3,500 rpm | 3,000 rpm |
| Dyna Low Rider FXDL | Dyna Super Glide Custom FXDC | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 4.7 US gal (17.8 L) | 5.0 US gal (18.9 L) |
| Dyna Low Rider FXDL | Dyna Super Glide Custom FXDC | |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 64.2 in (1631 mm) | 64.0 in (1626 mm) |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| Dyna Low Rider FXDL | Dyna Super Glide Custom FXDC | |
|---|---|---|
| Heated Grips | Option | Not offered |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.