Street Bob vs Switchback
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Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 686
Likes: 1
From: KC MO
Street Bob vs Switchback
Good morning folks,
My brother just dropped the news on me he bought a 2015 switchback and is picking it up this evening. Other than the obvious motor size difference, what is really different between the 2015 Dyna and my 2007 Dyna?
Any good comparisons out there? I did not see one. thanks..
My brother just dropped the news on me he bought a 2015 switchback and is picking it up this evening. Other than the obvious motor size difference, what is really different between the 2015 Dyna and my 2007 Dyna?
Any good comparisons out there? I did not see one. thanks..
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,030
Likes: 65
From: Calgary AB
I have a '14 Switchback. I bought it because I thought HD did a great job on putting together a "light" touring bike.
I'll try to list some of the differences in the features, I'm sure someone will correct whatever I have wrong, and add to it.
The 103 has 7 or 8% more torque, but this is offset by the FLD weighing about 50 # more than your SB. Performance is probably close to the same.
The SB has 29* rake, FLD 29.9*, the SB might feel just a hair more nimble, especially with the weight difference. The SB has 4.7" trail, the FLD 5.84", the FLD should feel more planted on the highway. And on the highway the extra weight is IMO a bonus.
Other FLD differences:
130 front tire
cartridge forks
7" headlight with that great looking FL style front end
Quick Release windshield and hard bags
Floorboards
ABS brakes
Auto Comp Release, Engine Idle Temp Mgmt System (I don't know if the SB has this)
2-1 exhaust (of course, who doesn't change their exhaust?)
Mag style wheels (I like the style, I know some people don't. And I like tubeless tires for travelling)
I'll try to list some of the differences in the features, I'm sure someone will correct whatever I have wrong, and add to it.
The 103 has 7 or 8% more torque, but this is offset by the FLD weighing about 50 # more than your SB. Performance is probably close to the same.
The SB has 29* rake, FLD 29.9*, the SB might feel just a hair more nimble, especially with the weight difference. The SB has 4.7" trail, the FLD 5.84", the FLD should feel more planted on the highway. And on the highway the extra weight is IMO a bonus.
Other FLD differences:
130 front tire
cartridge forks
7" headlight with that great looking FL style front end
Quick Release windshield and hard bags
Floorboards
ABS brakes
Auto Comp Release, Engine Idle Temp Mgmt System (I don't know if the SB has this)
2-1 exhaust (of course, who doesn't change their exhaust?)
Mag style wheels (I like the style, I know some people don't. And I like tubeless tires for travelling)
Last edited by dwagar; Jun 15, 2015 at 12:27 PM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 3,756
Likes: 195
From: Boise, ID
Don,
I question your knowledge on this subject. You stated, "that GREAT looking FL front end". This is clearly opinion and not fact......
Just kidding....I think you pretty much nailed it!
Most of the difference is in the looks department. And yes, most seats will fit all the Dynas from the same era. I believe '06 and up....?
I think HD has specs still for the '07 on their site. Gives quite a bit of info if I remember correctly. Of course it will have the current model year's info to compare it to.
I question your knowledge on this subject. You stated, "that GREAT looking FL front end". This is clearly opinion and not fact......
Just kidding....I think you pretty much nailed it!
Most of the difference is in the looks department. And yes, most seats will fit all the Dynas from the same era. I believe '06 and up....?
I think HD has specs still for the '07 on their site. Gives quite a bit of info if I remember correctly. Of course it will have the current model year's info to compare it to.
Last edited by BigDogIdaho; Jun 15, 2015 at 08:59 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,030
Likes: 65
From: Calgary AB
Lol!
Yes a lot of it is looks. But he has to be careful with some parts eg a QD sissy bar, most of the parts are Switchback specific. Which sucks because it's hard to find used stuff.
The Switchback forum is a great resource.
Yes a lot of it is looks. But he has to be careful with some parts eg a QD sissy bar, most of the parts are Switchback specific. Which sucks because it's hard to find used stuff.
The Switchback forum is a great resource.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,684
Likes: 4,294
From: Northeast, NJ
Some other things....
FLD has 41mm forks (left side is cartridge, right side is damper). All other Dyna's have 49mm forks.
As mentioned, FLD has FLD specific QD hardware. Can be problematic on Corbin seats as the pillion has to be tapered to fit between the sissy bar struts...ask me how I know.
All in all, I test rode the Street Bob before buying the FLD. I like the SB, but the FLD had touring features that I liked (even though they are small...hard bags, floor boards and windshield). I thought they both rode well, but like the handling of the FLD a little better. I think the aftermarket likes the SB a little better than the FLD, since the SB has more generic Dyna parts to it that than the FLD.
FLD has 41mm forks (left side is cartridge, right side is damper). All other Dyna's have 49mm forks.
As mentioned, FLD has FLD specific QD hardware. Can be problematic on Corbin seats as the pillion has to be tapered to fit between the sissy bar struts...ask me how I know.
All in all, I test rode the Street Bob before buying the FLD. I like the SB, but the FLD had touring features that I liked (even though they are small...hard bags, floor boards and windshield). I thought they both rode well, but like the handling of the FLD a little better. I think the aftermarket likes the SB a little better than the FLD, since the SB has more generic Dyna parts to it that than the FLD.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 3,949
Likes: 150
From: South of Mordor
These guys have pretty much hit the nail on the head. What I would add to this is that the Bob is a great base platform to build just about anything. The Switchback would be a waste of money if your plans were to go anywhere but towards the touring aspect, but is your best bang for the buck if the light weight touring bike is what your seeking.
I would have purchased the Switchback if it was an option back in 2010. But because it wasn't and I couldn't afford the big touring bikes at the time, I purchased it with plans of slowly turning it into a bike I could tour with.
I would have purchased the Switchback if it was an option back in 2010. But because it wasn't and I couldn't afford the big touring bikes at the time, I purchased it with plans of slowly turning it into a bike I could tour with.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,684
Likes: 4,294
From: Northeast, NJ
These guys have pretty much hit the nail on the head. What I would add to this is that the Bob is a great base platform to build just about anything. The Switchback would be a waste of money if your plans were to go anywhere but towards the touring aspect, but is your best bang for the buck if the light weight touring bike is what your seeking.
I would have purchased the Switchback if it was an option back in 2010. But because it wasn't and I couldn't afford the big touring bikes at the time, I purchased it with plans of slowly turning it into a bike I could tour with.
I would have purchased the Switchback if it was an option back in 2010. But because it wasn't and I couldn't afford the big touring bikes at the time, I purchased it with plans of slowly turning it into a bike I could tour with.
Also, regarding the differences, I don't if anyone mentioned it, but the FLD comes with polished aluminum primary cover, cam cover, trans cover, rocker heads, etc. My wife also has an FLD and wants to do the chrome kit for these parts and it's about $750 or so. HD wants an additional close to $800 in labor for installation. Before anyone asks, I offered to do the install for her, but she wants it done by HD. Happy wife, happy life and all of that.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 525
Likes: 9
From: Brooklyn
IMO the Switchback is over priced. Especially with no chrome which has been stated already. $17400 for the color option? A RK is like $1000 more. It makes no sense to me. I looked at it and thought it was a great idea if only it was at least $1k cheaper. It would be a home run.
There is a reason no dealers really stock them...
There is a reason no dealers really stock them...