OLD-NAIL OR DESIGN classic, you can't argue with the success Harley-Davidson has achieved using just two basic engines: the rigidly mounted Sportster, in either 883cc or 1200cc form, and the rubber-mounted 1340cc unit.

Last year the limited edition Sturgis debuted H-D's new Dyna Glide chassis. Eleven years ago, another Sturgis debuted H-D's new rubber-mounted 1340cc engine — the Evolution. Now both have met in one full production model called the FXDC Dyna Glide Custom. In true H-D fashion things are getting better...but slowly.

The 1340cc engine is a gem to use. Two whopping great 88.8mm bore pistons, 45 degrees apart, work over a 108mm stroke with a compression ratio of 8.5:1. Hydraulic tappets keep the two pushrod-operated valves in order, while the mixture is fed by a 40mm Keihin CV carb — slightly recalibrated this year for better cold starting. Primary drive is by chain, final drive by Kevlar reinforced belt. The whole plot revs lazily to produce a claimed 621b.ft of torque at just 3600rpm.

And torque is what matters; revving a Harley 1340 much above 45O0rpm brings little reward in either propulsion or pleasure. It thrives on short-shifting, low revving riding. But what of the new, improved chassis? Well, the big leap it makes over the earlier set-up is that rather than having three rubber engine mounts, the Dyna Custom has two: one front, one back.