By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Cruiser
Harley-Davidson Dyna Street Bob FXDB (MY2006) vs Softail Street Bob FXBB (MY2018)
Rolling on from a stoplight, the Harley-Davidson Dyna Street Bob FXDB thumps forward on relaxed low-rev pull that doesn't hurry you. The Harley-Davidson Softail Street Bob FXBB lunges ahead the instant you twist.
What makes each one tick
Dyna Street Bob FXDB
Through a run of bends, the Dyna Street Bob's chassis hides the bike's heft and doesn't wander as the pace climbs. There's a single front disc behind the brake lever, and it brings the bike down adequately. Two-up or hustled, it's asking for more. The six-speed box slots each gear home cleanly.
Softail Street Bob FXBB
On the Florida Atlantic Coast, the Softail Street Bob's Milwaukee-Eight 107 hauls hard from low revs, and there's plenty in reserve for a pass. Corner entry rests on a Softail monoshock frame that's lower and stiffer. It won't flex on tip-in. Mini-ape bars rise above a blacked-out front end.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The Dyna Street Bob FXDB has the lower seat: 25.8 in (655 mm) vs 26.8 in (680 mm).
- The Softail Street Bob FXBB has the lower wet weight: 653 lb (296 kg) vs 668 lb (303 kg).
- The Softail Street Bob FXBB makes more peak power: 85 hp (63 kW) vs 67 hp (50 kW).
Which one for the way you ride
Comfortable long-distance riding
Neither one fits
Long days aren't what these two do best. Plan shorter legs and plenty of stops.
Don't look for a gap on character, commuting, twisty roads, and running costs: there isn't one. Go by how each one fits you.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
Dyna Street Bob FXDB
What owners say
Strengths
- Characterful Twin Cam 88 engine
- Easy handling and agile chassis
- Stripped-down bobber style and high build quality
- Smooth-shifting six-speed transmission
Trade-offs
- High engine vibration
- Weak single front disc brake
- Uncomfortable for long distances
Softail Street Bob FXBB
What owners say
Strengths
- Authentic bobber styling
- Muscular V-Twin performance
Known problems to check before you buy
Dyna Street Bob FXDB
- Transmission safety recall (false neutral indication) Recall 05V537000 Certain 2006 Dyna models built between June and October 2005 were recalled (NHTSA 05V-537) due to a transmission defect that could cause a false neutral indication, potentially allowing the motorcycle to roll while in gear. Dealers repaired the transmission under warranty.
- Inner primary bearing failure Premature wear of the inner primary bearing is a well-documented issue on 2006 Dyna models, often occurring around 15,000–20,000 miles. Symptoms include a whining noise from the primary case. Harley initially offered free replacement every 15,000 miles but later rescinded the policy.
- Stator failure The charging system stator is prone to early failure, often around 15,000 miles, leaving the rider stranded. Replacement of stator and voltage regulator is typically required.
- 8-degree fuel injector rough idle Early-production models used narrow-angle fuel injectors that caused rough idle and hesitation when pulling away.
Softail Street Bob FXBB
- Incorrect VIN label / owner’s manual may lead to underrated front tire pressure Recall 24V719000 NHTSA recall 24V-719 (H-D campaign 0628): certain 2018-2019 FXBB models have front tire pressure information that may not match the GAWR. Owners receive a VIN label overlay and manual update. Risk of crash if front axle overloaded.
- Leaking fork seals Some owners report fork seal leaks, typically occurring at low mileage.
What they share
- Engine
- 45° V-twin
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Front tire
- 100/90-19
Where the spec sheets split
| Dyna Street Bob FXDB | Softail Street Bob FXBB | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 25.8 in (655 mm) | 26.8 in (680 mm) |
| Wet weight | 668 lb (303 kg) | 653 lb (296 kg) |
| Dyna Street Bob FXDB | Softail Street Bob FXBB | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1449 cc | 1745 cc |
| Cooling | Air-cooled | Air/oil-cooled |
| Power | 67 hp (50 kW) | 85 hp (63 kW) |
| Torque | 85 lb-ft (115 Nm) | 110 lb-ft (149 Nm) |
| Dyna Street Bob FXDB | Softail Street Bob FXBB | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 4.7 US gal (17.8 L) | 3.5 US gal (13.2 L) |
| Dyna Street Bob FXDB | Softail Street Bob FXBB | |
|---|---|---|
| Rear tire | 160/70-17 | 150/80-16 |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| Dyna Street Bob FXDB | Softail Street Bob FXBB | |
|---|---|---|
| ABS | Not offered | Option |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
