Switchback Question
Supporter
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,710
Likes: 640
From: San Ramon, Ca
I like the Swichback
(I haven't ridden one) In fact the last Dyna I rode
was a (new at the time 2000 Dyna Wide Glide) and it
vibrated more than earlier Dyna's I had ridden.
So, if they've fixed that - They do need to retro it.
Spoke wheels, chrome battery cover, staggered dual
exh. (Might help with the vibe issue)
But yeah . . . a 103 6sp in that setup ??!! I'd at least
test ride one before I bought anything else (new or close)
(I haven't ridden one) In fact the last Dyna I rode
was a (new at the time 2000 Dyna Wide Glide) and it
vibrated more than earlier Dyna's I had ridden.
So, if they've fixed that - They do need to retro it.
Spoke wheels, chrome battery cover, staggered dual
exh. (Might help with the vibe issue)
But yeah . . . a 103 6sp in that setup ??!! I'd at least
test ride one before I bought anything else (new or close)
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,684
Likes: 4,294
From: Northeast, NJ
I just went through a phase of wanting a Road King. After really thinking about, I'm sure the RK is more refined and this and that, but really, the Switchback covers a lot of bases well, including touring.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 287
Likes: 14
From: Georgia
Well, I pulled the trigger on the used 2012 Switchback. Completely stock except for the quick release backrest. Only 1496 miles when I jumped on it to ride home.
First impressions from the 180 mile ride home are -
1. You feel the bike much more than my Fatboy. More engine vibrations coming from everywhere.
2. Stock seat is actually really comfortable. No numb butt or back stiffness at all.
3. Highway speeds of 80-90 are the sweet spot.
4. The bags are a bitch to open. I guess there's some finesse involved that I'll learn as I go along.
5 Stock exhaust sounds like a sewing machine, but I've decided to keep it all as is.
First pic is from when I stopped for dinner on the way home. Not great quality, although everyone knows what they look like. The second was this afternoon after I took the bags, windshield, and backrest off to give it a good cleaning today. I got too busy trying to rearrange the garage to make room for it and didn't wash it. That will be tomorrow's plan.
First impressions from the 180 mile ride home are -
1. You feel the bike much more than my Fatboy. More engine vibrations coming from everywhere.
2. Stock seat is actually really comfortable. No numb butt or back stiffness at all.
3. Highway speeds of 80-90 are the sweet spot.
4. The bags are a bitch to open. I guess there's some finesse involved that I'll learn as I go along.
5 Stock exhaust sounds like a sewing machine, but I've decided to keep it all as is.
First pic is from when I stopped for dinner on the way home. Not great quality, although everyone knows what they look like. The second was this afternoon after I took the bags, windshield, and backrest off to give it a good cleaning today. I got too busy trying to rearrange the garage to make room for it and didn't wash it. That will be tomorrow's plan.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 3,145
Likes: 2,876
From: New York
Well, I pulled the trigger on the used 2012 Switchback. Completely stock except for the quick release backrest. Only 1496 miles when I jumped on it to ride home.
First impressions from the 180 mile ride home are -
1. You feel the bike much more than my Fatboy. More engine vibrations coming from everywhere.
2. Stock seat is actually really comfortable. No numb butt or back stiffness at all.
3. Highway speeds of 80-90 are the sweet spot.
4. The bags are a bitch to open. I guess there's some finesse involved that I'll learn as I go along.
5 Stock exhaust sounds like a sewing machine, but I've decided to keep it all as is.
First pic is from when I stopped for dinner on the way home. Not great quality, although everyone knows what they look like. The second was this afternoon after I took the bags, windshield, and backrest off to give it a good cleaning today. I got too busy trying to rearrange the garage to make room for it and didn't wash it. That will be tomorrow's plan.
First impressions from the 180 mile ride home are -
1. You feel the bike much more than my Fatboy. More engine vibrations coming from everywhere.
2. Stock seat is actually really comfortable. No numb butt or back stiffness at all.
3. Highway speeds of 80-90 are the sweet spot.
4. The bags are a bitch to open. I guess there's some finesse involved that I'll learn as I go along.
5 Stock exhaust sounds like a sewing machine, but I've decided to keep it all as is.
First pic is from when I stopped for dinner on the way home. Not great quality, although everyone knows what they look like. The second was this afternoon after I took the bags, windshield, and backrest off to give it a good cleaning today. I got too busy trying to rearrange the garage to make room for it and didn't wash it. That will be tomorrow's plan.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 235
Likes: 98
From: Frederick, MD
Great buy!! I think you'll love the bike. I have a '13 Switchback and an '07 Road King and I much prefer riding the Switchback. Last year I took it to Florida and back and the year before to New England and left the RK at home. Plus, I love the style - check out the '58-'64 Duo-Glides - the best looking swingarms Harley ever made and the inspiration for the Switchback.
BTW (this is for fskitch) - the bubble bags look great on your bike!!
BTW (this is for fskitch) - the bubble bags look great on your bike!!
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,171
Likes: 484
From: Northern CA
thanks -I really wonder why Harley doesn't have 16" laced as an option for the FLD? I really like the 2 into 1 look on that switchback. I've seen the flash gordon style muffler adapted.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,428
Likes: 239
From: northeast
excellent and a GREAT DEAL to boot.... if you are keeping stock exhaust gut the cat for less heat and deeper HD sound and do the clevis pin mod as outlined on the owners site to get rid of that nasty vibration you are feeling
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 287
Likes: 14
From: Georgia
I ended up getting it for $8700. Only thing wrong with it is the left saddle bag's inside strap mounts are broken, and the bag won't hang open correctly. I don't feel like the contact points are large enough to use any kind of adhesive that will hold. I'd probably have to replace the entire lid to fix. I still feel like I got a hell of a price.