I think I am getting a good deal on a 2016 switchback. This my chance to own a Harley again after two year. Do not want to buy used. Red switchback out the door is $16900. Road king with hard bags out the door should be around
$20000. So saving around $3000 with the switch back. Money is a little tight.

Any reasons why I should avoid the switch back. I do not do a lot of long distance touring anymore and the wife only rides on the back maybe 4 times a year. Thanks in advance

 

I'd check with dyna owners.

I have an FXR, so always considered the dyna a compromise- the fxr and touring swingarm is supported on the ends...the dyna in the middle.


if money is tight though why take on a debt load?

save up and buy used



Mike

 

I had a new 2013 Switchback. It wound up not being quite enough bike. Lost some money, but traded after 600 miles. Not that it matters, but isn't the Switchback now discontinued?

 

I have never owned or ridden a Switchback. My friend had one and I researched his "vibration" problem for him.

Apparently, there is a well-known vibration issue on some Switchback bikes. Although it's not all of them, there is a significant amount that are affected. At around 2500-3200rpm there is a bad vibration. On the affected models, it appears to come from the mid exhaust mount.

If you google "harley switchback vibration" you'll get a bunch to read. There is also a fix, for the affected bikes, called the "clevis pin mod". Some say the clevis pin mod will work, others say the only fix is a new exhaust system.

My friend loves his Switchback, just hated the vibration issue. He fixed it by getting an Ultra Limited (he wanted more bike anyways).

I suggest you take it for a test ride before buying and spend some time in the 2400-3500 rpm range to see if it is one of the affected bikes....

Good luck!

 

I had a 2013 SB, Had to run the exhaust loose to dampen its excessive vibration. Traded it after 5000 miles for a Road King.

 

Shouldn't this one really be in the Dyna forum? Ain't no way it's a touring bike.

 

My friend had a Switchback for 200 miles, traded it back for a Street Glide Special. You want a Dyna, buy a Super Glide, you want hard bags, get real hard bags in the touring line. Oh, I do not think 16,900 is a deal.

 

get a street bob and add bags/windshield or get a road king. the switchback's got a reputation for bad vibration issues, small saddlebags, and mediocre handling.

 

I think the switch back is an excellent choice. I rode one and really like the nimbleness of it and plenty of power with the 103 on such a light bike. I really wanted a fairing and radio or the switchback would be in my garage. The touring guys won't like it because it is on a smaller frame, the dyna guys won't like it because it's not a typical dyna. if that is what you are drawn to then go for it. I predict this to be a sought after bike now that production has stopped.

 

Just like the King guys on here, I'm sure the Switchback folks are gonna say it's the greatest thing since sliced bread. Might have to rent each one for a day and put them through their paces to get a feel on which speaks to you.

Any accessories you want down the road and availability for both might be a deal breaker. You looking at 2016 Kings vs 2016 SB, as the price gap might be closer?