Reinvented Dynas 2006 Harleys

For 2006 Harley-Davidson rode its Dyna series cruisers back to the drawing board, where they were retooled with new frames, six-speed transmissions, lighter clutches, brawny 49mm fork legs, wider rear tires, and standard fuel injection.

The new Dyna frames feature a 29-degree steering-head angle and a stiffer, wider swingarm with a new one-inch-diameter rear axle. The swingarm makes room for a wider 160/70B-17 rear tire and 17-inch wheel that replaces the 150/80B16 tire and 16-inch wheel of 2005 Dyna models. Up front, a new triple-clamp with new offset dimensions grips bigger 49mm (up from 39mm) fork tubes, which also get a one-inch axle.

Harley's new six-speed, used only in the Dynas this year, quickly ends Victory's claim to being the only major manufacturer offering a six-speed in its V-twin cruiser. Called the Cruise Drive, the six-speed has a taller top-gear drive ratio to reduce engine rpm at highway speeds by about 10 percent. It uses helical-cut gears that mesh more quietly than the straight-cut gears of the five-speed. Thin steel "dog rings" that slide to change gears replace heavier moving gears to quicken shifts and reduce effort. To improve durability and beef up its ability to handle loads, the new gearbox has improved seals, larger bearings and gears, and a stiffer housing. External oil lines have also been eliminated. Lighter springs and a revised operating mechanism reduce clutch-pull effort.

The engine is the familiar 1450cc V-twin, though Harley's fuel injection is now standard instead of optional. A redesigned cam plate now includes a roller chain, plain cam bearings and a new hydraulic automatic chain tensioner. Lubrication is handled by an oil pump that gives 10 percent more flow and has 23 percent more scavenging capacity. The oil filter adaptor and oil-cooler adaptor are integrated. The redesigned engine/transmission interface incorporates integral oil passages. The primary drive gets new inner and outer housings and an automatic primary chain tensioner to eliminate chain adjustment and the need for an inspection cover. The primary drive ratio is a taller 1.353:1, compared to the old bike's 1.44:1.

Detail changes include an integrated ignition switch/fork lock, new battery covers and rear fender. The FXDLI Dyna Low Rider, FXDI Dyna Super Glide and FXDCI Super Glide Custom have new 10-spoke cast aluminum wheels. The new chassis also changes the seat shape slightly, allowing improved comfort.

To highlight the improvements to the Dyna family, Harley rolled out two new models, FXDBI Street Bob and the FXDI35, a limited-production 35th-aniversary tribute to the original factory cruiser, the 1971 Super Glide.

The Street Bob embraces the minimalist style of the mid-century bobbers, with a solo seat, mini-ape bars, a Fat Bob tank, wire wheels, black/polished engine, wrinkle-black battery box and belt guard, and a new rear fender. In Denim flat-black, one of four color options, it looks just like what someone might have created in his garage. Pricing starts at $13,195.

Only 3500 serial-numbered 35th- anniversary Super Glides will be produced. This version includes the same red, white and blue paint scheme with the number-one tank logo as that first Harley cruiser (but without the boat-tail seat back). There are various 35th-anniversary badges and logos and a special ribbed seat. The suggested price is $16,795.