.
..Basically the same thing that drives most all Harley related decisions: " I like it "!
..
Fat_Bob_307 gives a good description,"A lot of it will come down to how it looks"(read -what you like)............................................

 

Dude yer crackin me up here.

 

I went from a 1200xlc to a switchback this year. I have loved the looks of the switchback since it came out and have just been waiting to get one. 3 months later and I could not ask for a better ALL AROUND bike. I do both long trips and ride around town a lot. My brother in law and father in law both ride Heritage Softails and the BIGGEST difference between the 2 is the vibration. The heritage has just about 0 vibration whereas the switchback does have a little bit given the different engine mounts.

As far as looks, well it just goes to what your into. Here are 2 pictures I took of each!

 

as usual.. great photos from the DR..

 

I prefer the Dyna because of its simpler design, no counter balance, no external oil tank, no hidden shock, more lean angle, lighter, etc... The Dyna FXD weighs about 100 lbs less than the Heritage, Switchback about 30 less

 

Two totally different bikes.
A better comparison would be the switchback and the road king.
Under 5"10", go switchback
Over 5'10", go road king.

I'm 6' and bought a switchback.
LOL, I f###ed up.

Seriously, the switchback is a damn good bike...it's just small and the mods you will sink into it making it comfortable for a taller rider, you could buy a cvo road king.

 

I guess I am curious as to how much comfort I give up for the handling, as the anticipated use will not be primarily highways.....The point about size of rider/passenger is a good one as well. I want a bike that be comfortable for my wife (when she rides) but also be fun to ride locally....I have read that the STs don't handle well (?).

 

Put on a mustang wide vintage seat and some quality shocks and you wont be giving up anything, you both could ride in comfort until your hearts are content.
If your not racking up many miles there is less expensive dynas you could throw a quick detachable windshield, & etc...

 

I've got a FLD and a Street Bob. The FLD is way more comfy than the Street Bob, both riding by myself and two-up. I'm 5'9" 180 and the wife is 5'8" 150 and it is very comfy for both of us. I've never rode a softtail but we've done two up on a Street Glide. Honestly my wife was more comfy on the stock FLD seat than the Street Glide seat.

 

Thanks for the info....sounds like a Dyna is a decent compromise....that being said, This statement is intriguing...

"If your not racking up many miles there is less expensive dynas you could throw a quick detachable windshield, & etc..."

Can you please expand on that? The reason I mention it is because one of my past projects was to turn a Superlow into a 'micro RK'.....passing lights, bags, windshield, etc. I suppose though, the same could be said for a ST?

Again, thanks