2010–2011 Harley-Davidson Dyna Twin Cam 96 (FXDWG Wide Glide)

The 2010–2011 Harley-Davidson Dyna Twin Cam 96 (FXDWG Wide Glide) marked the return of a classic factory custom chopper to the Harley-Davidson lineup after a brief hiatus following the 2008 model year. Rooted in the non-conformist chopper spirit of the 1970s, the reintroduced Wide Glide combined throwback styling with the modern performance of the rubber-mounted Twin Cam 96 engine and a redesigned Dyna chassis. It was positioned as a machine for riders seeking a raw, stripped-down aesthetic with the signature rumble and road presence of a V-Twin engine.

Design and Styling

The FXDWG Wide Glide’s design language is an unapologetic nod to the choppers of a bygone era. Its most defining characteristic is its raked-out front end, featuring 49mm forks set at a 34-degree angle, pushing the 21-inch black steel-laced front wheel far ahead of the rider. This creates the long, low-slung profile that is emblematic of the Wide Glide name.

Styling elements were carefully chosen to enhance its minimalist, bobber-inspired appearance. The 2010 model featured a chopped rear fender with a side-mounted license plate bracket, exposing more of the 17-inch rear wheel. A distinctive black wire-form sissy bar provided a retro touch while offering a small degree of passenger back support. The motorcycle came standard with a solo seat, forward-mounted foot controls, and a low-profile, tank-mounted console, all contributing to its lean and aggressive stance. A signature visual was the “Tommy Gun” 2-1-2 collector exhaust system with dual mufflers. Optional flame graphics on the fuel tank further solidified its rebellious, custom-built image.

Powertrain: The 2010–2011 Harley-Davidson Dyna Twin Cam 96

At the heart of the FXDWG Wide Glide is the air-cooled, rubber-mounted Twin Cam 96 V-Twin engine. With a displacement of 96 cubic inches (1584cc), this powertrain was a significant step up in performance for the Dyna family. The engine featured Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI), providing reliable starting, crisp throttle response, and improved fuel efficiency. It was engineered to deliver a strong surge of torque in the low-to-mid RPM range, peaking at approximately 92 ft-lb, which is ideal for city cruising and highway acceleration.

The engine’s power is managed by a 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission. This gearbox was designed with a tall sixth gear to lower engine RPM at highway speeds, resulting in a smoother, more relaxed ride during long-distance travel and reduced engine vibration. The rubber-mounting system for the engine isolates the rider from the V-Twin’s vibrations, making for a more comfortable experience without completely eliminating the characteristic Harley-Davidson feel.

Differences From Previous Models

The reintroduction of the Wide Glide in 2010 brought several key updates compared to its predecessors. While the 2008 model also used the Twin Cam 96, the 2010 version was built on the significantly improved Dyna frame that debuted in 2006. This frame offered increased stiffness and better handling characteristics than the pre-2006 models.

Compared to the earlier generation Wide Glides that ran the Twin Cam 88 engine (pre-2007), the 2010 model offered a notable increase in displacement (96ci vs. 88ci) and torque, along with the standard inclusion of the 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission, which replaced the older 5-speed gearbox. Stylistically, the 2010–2011 models adopted a more aggressive and stripped-down look with the chopped rear fender, the unique “Tommy Gun” exhaust, and blacked-out components like the tank console, battery box cover, and rear shock covers, distinguishing it from the more chrome-heavy models of the past.

Chassis and Suspension

The Wide Glide is built on the Harley-Davidson Dyna platform, which is characterized by its traditional V-Twin engine configuration and dual external rear shock absorbers. The front suspension consists of 49mm telescopic forks that provide stability and contribute to the bike’s commanding presence. The rear suspension features coil-over shocks that are adjustable for preload, allowing the rider to tailor the ride for solo cruising or carrying a passenger.

The bike’s handling is defined by its chopper geometry. The long wheelbase and significant rake provide excellent straight-line stability, making it a comfortable highway cruiser. However, this design results in slower, more deliberate handling in tight corners compared to other models in the Dyna family, such as the Street Bob or Super Glide. Braking is handled by a single disc on both the front and rear wheels.

***

2010–2011 FXDWG Wide Glide Specifications