Harley-Davidson Dyna Wide Glide [2006-2017]: A Timeless Cruiser with Attitude
Introduction
The Harley-Davidson Dyna Wide Glide isn’t just a motorcycle—it’s a declaration of independence. From its raked-out front forks to its ape-hanger handlebars and tomahawk-shaped exhaust, this bike wears its rebellious spirit on its sleeve. Produced from 2006 to 2017, the Wide Glide carved out a niche as the "chopper-inspired" member of Harley’s Dyna family, blending old-school aesthetics with modern engineering. Let’s dissect what makes this machine a cult favorite among riders who crave raw character and unapologetic style.
Design: Born to Stand Out
The Wide Glide’s design is a masterclass in balancing aggression and nostalgia. The 21-inch laced front wheel (nearly 53 cm) and 34-degree rake give it a stretched, predatory stance, while the bobtail fender and stepped solo seat scream 1970s chopper culture. Harley offered flamboyant color schemes over the years, including flame-licked tanks in Velocity Red Sunglo or Black Quartz, but even the base Vivid Black model oozes menace.
The cockpit is dominated by 1.25-inch ape hangers, which position your arms at a relaxed, shoulder-width angle. Purists will appreciate the lack of clutter—no fairings, no bulky dashboards. Instead, you get a minimalist tank-mounted speedometer with retro fonts and LED warning lights. It’s a bike that dares you to customize it, whether that means slapping on taller bars or swapping the exhaust for something louder.
Engine & Performance: Twin Cam Thunder
At its core, the Wide Glide packs Harley’s air-cooled Twin Cam engine, evolving from the 88ci (1,442cc) to the 103ci (1,690cc) powerhouse. Let’s break down the experience:
- Torque: With up to 132 Nm (97.4 lb-ft) on tap at 3,250 RPM, the Wide Glide lunges forward like a freight train when you twist the throttle. Low-end grunt is its specialty—perfect for city traffic or lazy highway cruising.
- Power: The 103ci mill delivers 78–80 HP (58–60 kW), which isn’t class-leading, but Harley’s engineers prioritized tractable power delivery over peak numbers. You’ll rarely need to rev past 4,000 RPM.
- Sound: The Tommy Gun 2-1-2 exhaust barks at idle and growls under acceleration. It’s loud enough to set off car alarms but avoids the tinny rasp of cheaper aftermarket pipes.
The 6-speed transmission (introduced in 2006) is a welcome upgrade over the 5-speeds of older Harleys. Sixth gear drops the RPMs to a vibration-free 2,500 at 110 km/h (68 mph), making long rides less fatiguing. That said, the belt drive’s thunk when shifting never gets old—it’s a tactile reminder you’re riding something mechanical, not digital.
Handling: Surprisingly Nimble for a Cruiser
With a wheelbase of 1,715–1,735 mm (67.5–68.3 in) and a dry weight of 295 kg (650 lbs), the Wide Glide isn’t a featherweight. Yet, it handles tighter than its specs suggest. The 49mm telescopic forks and twin rear shocks are tuned for compliance, absorbing potholes without wallowing in corners.
The real surprise is the steering. That long rake and fat 180/60-B17 rear tire should make it lazy, but the Wide Glide flicks into turns with minimal effort. Credit goes to the low seat height (680 mm/26.8 in) and forward-mounted controls, which let you shift your weight easily. It’s no sportbike, but carving backroads at 80 km/h (50 mph) feels natural.
Ground clearance is a modest 100–157 mm (3.9–6.2 in), so dragging pegs is inevitable if you push hard. But let’s be honest—this bike isn’t about knee-down heroics. It’s about looking cool while leaning just enough to make your passengers nervous.
Comfort: All-Day Cruising… With Caveats
Harley’s signature vibration is present but refined in later Twin Cam models. At highway speeds, the rubber-mounted engine settles into a pleasant hum, though your hands will tingle after an hour on those ape hangers. The solo seat is plush but narrow, and the forward controls force a legs-out stance that strains hips on long rides.
Solutions? MOTOPARTS.store offers ergonomic grips, gel seat pads, and extended controls to tailor the fit. Wind protection is nonexistent, so consider adding a bullet fairing if you plan to tour.
Fuel economy hovers around 5.6 L/100 km (42 mpg), giving the 17.8L (4.7 gal) tank a range of 320 km (200 mi). Not stellar, but enough between gas stops.
Technology: Bare Bones, But Effective
The Wide Glide keeps tech simple. You get a security system (optional), ABS (post-2014), and an engine diagnostics readout. The analog speedometer includes a gear indicator and fuel gauge—a rarity in this segment.
It’s a refreshingly analog experience. No ride modes, no touchscreens—just you, the road, and the rumble. For modern conveniences, MOTOPARTS.store stocks USB charging ports and Bluetooth-enabled gauges.
Competition: How Does It Stack Up?
1. Indian Scout
The Scout’s liquid-cooled 1,133cc engine makes 100 HP, and its chassis is sportier. But it lacks the Wide Glide’s bad-boy charisma and aftermarket support.
2. Yamaha V-Star 1300
A budget-friendly alternative with a 1,304cc V-twin, but the Yamaha feels bland compared to Harley’s personality. The Wide Glide’s suspension and braking are also superior.
3. Honda Shadow Phantom
Honda’s 745cc cruiser is lighter and cheaper but underwhelming in power and presence. The Phantom’s 19-inch front wheel can’t match the Wide Glide’s chopper proportions.
Verdict: The Wide Glide wins on style, customization, and that iconic V-twin soundtrack. It’s less about specs and more about soul.
Maintenance: Keeping the Legend Alive
Owners praise the Twin Cam’s reliability, but neglect is a killer. Here’s your MOTOPARTS.store cheat sheet:
- Oil Changes
- Use SAE 20W-50 (2.8L with filter).
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Replace the HiFloFiltro HF171BRC filter every 5,000 km (3,100 mi).
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Belt Drive
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Inspect the 131-tooth belt for cracks. Replace every 50,000 km (31,000 mi) or if width drops below 25.4 mm (1 in).
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Brakes
- DOT 4 fluid absorbs moisture—flush every 2 years.
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Upgrade to sintered pads for better bite.
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Suspension
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The twin rear shocks sag over time. Consider progressive-rate springs.
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Tires
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Maintain 38 PSI (2.6 bar) front / 41 PSI (2.8 bar) rear.
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Customization
- Swap the exhaust for a 2-into-1 system (better flow) or add LED turn signals.
Pro Tip: The NGK DCPR7EIX iridium plugs last longer and reduce misfires.
Conclusion
The Dyna Wide Glide isn’t perfect—it’s heavy, thirsty, and vibrates like a paint shaker. But that’s missing the point. This bike is about the experience: the way strangers nod in approval at stoplights, the bass-heavy exhaust note echoing off canyon walls, and the satisfaction of owning a piece of Americana.
Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a newcomer craving attitude, the Wide Glide delivers. And when you’re ready to make it yours, MOTOPARTS.store has the gear to elevate its performance, comfort, and swagger. After all, legends deserve upgrades.
Specifikacijų lentelė
Variklis | |
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Taktas: | Keturtaktis |
Maksimali galia: | 58 kW | 78.0 hp |
Maksimalus sukimo momentas: | 132 Nm |
Kuro sistema: | Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) |
Maksimali galia @: | 5020 rpm |
Darbinis tūris: | 1688 ccm |
Kuro valdymas: | Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) |
Didžiausias sukimo momentas @: | 3250 rpm |
Cilindro skersmuo × eiga: | 98.4 x 111.3 mm (3.9 x 4.4 in) |
Konfigūracija: | V |
Aušinimo sistema: | Air |
Suspaudimo santykis: | 10.0:1 |
Cilindrų skaičius: | 2 |
Matmenys | |
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Ratų bazė: | 1715 mm (67.5 in) |
Sausas svoris: | 295 |
Svoris su skysčiais: | 307 |
Sėdynės aukštis: | 680 mm (26.8 in) |
Bendras ilgis: | 2445 mm (96.3 in) |
Prošvaisa: | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
Degalų bako talpa: | 17.79 L (4.7 US gal) |
Perdavimas | |
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Galinė pavara: | belt |
Transmisija: | 6-speed |
Galutinės pavaros perdavimo santykis: | 32/66 (belt) |
Pirminės pavaros santykis: | 34/46 |
Techninė priežiūra | |
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Akumuliatorius: | YTX20HL-BS |
Galinė padanga: | 180/60-b17 |
Variklio alyva: | SAE 20W-50 |
Priekinė padanga: | 80/90-21 |
Tuščiosios eigos greitis: | 850 RPM |
Stabdžių skystis: | DOT 4 |
Uždegimo žvakės: | NGK DCPR7E or NGK DCPR7EIX |
Uždegimo žvakės tarpas: | 1.0 |
Transmisijos alyva: | 950 ml SAE 80W-90 |
Pirminės pavaros alyva: | 950 ml |
Šakių alyvos talpa: | 0.71 |
Variklio alyvos talpa: | 2.8 |
Variklio alyvos keitimo intervalas: | Every 5000 km or 2 years |
Vožtuvų laisvumo tikrinimo intervalas: | Hydraulic lifters (self-adjusting) |
Rekomenduojamas slėgis padangose (galinėse): | 2.8 bar (41 psi) |
Rekomenduojamas slėgis padangose (priekyje): | 2.6 bar (38 psi) |
Važiuoklė ir pakaba | |
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Rėmas: | Tubular steel backbone |
Takas: | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
Galinė padanga: | 180/60-b17 |
Priekinė padanga: | 80/90-21 |
Galiniai stabdžiai: | Single 260 mm disc, 2-piston caliper (ABS optional) |
Priekiniai stabdžiai: | Single 310 mm disc, 4-piston caliper (ABS optional) |
Galinė pakaba: | Twin coil-over shocks |
Priekinė pakaba: | 49 mm telescopic fork with dual-rate springs |
Krypties posvyris (šakės kampas): | 34.0° |
Galinio rato eiga: | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
Priekinio rato eiga: | 127 mm (5.0 in) |
Papildomos specifikacijos | |
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Garantija: | 2 years unlimited mileage (US models) |
Priemonės: | Electronic speedometer with odometer, fuel gauge, gear/RPM display |
Spalvų parinktys: | Multiple flame graphics/pearl finishes available depending on model year |