Thinking of buying a Switchback
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,429
Likes: 239
From: northeast
dealers meeting hasn't happened yet , where did you get the information that it is 100% discontinued??? and please don't say from a salesman..
couple sites I seen recently say 2017 switchback WITH UPDATES
but again until the dealers meeting next month WHO REALLY KNOWS
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 3,145
Likes: 2,907
From: New York
Regardless of what your choice is you should take the time to search out a pre-owned model. So many people under utilize their bikes and sell them with low mileage at a deep loss. Consider these basic mods after you pay for a new Fatboy that most people make. Prices are approximate:
-Windshield and mounting hardware: $350
-Stage one upgrade with high flow intake and basic slip ons: $1100
-Removeable passenger backrest with docking hardware: $700 ( you will want this as soon as you decide to take an overnight trip. You can fasten your bag yo it. Also, if you take a lady for a ride of any length she will want/ need a backrest. Trust me on this one.
These items are a basic beginning. Many, if not most, pre-owned bikes will have these items already installed. A new bike is nice but not the best investment, IMHO.
-Windshield and mounting hardware: $350
-Stage one upgrade with high flow intake and basic slip ons: $1100
-Removeable passenger backrest with docking hardware: $700 ( you will want this as soon as you decide to take an overnight trip. You can fasten your bag yo it. Also, if you take a lady for a ride of any length she will want/ need a backrest. Trust me on this one.
These items are a basic beginning. Many, if not most, pre-owned bikes will have these items already installed. A new bike is nice but not the best investment, IMHO.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,960
Likes: 26
From: Sonoma County, CA
I had a chance to ride my brother-in-laws Fatboy a couple years ago. I was NOT impressed at all with the handling and suspension. Quite honestly, I though it was terrible. Make sure to get a little saddle time in on your prospective purchase. Just my 2 cents...
Good luck!
Good luck!
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 125
Likes: 5
From: Vermont
I've been contemplating trading mine for a while, decide to make this my project bike. I will be modding it to be more of a custom bagger like most do with a Softail. I've started to order my build parts and will post a thread eventually, hope to have everything in before the snow flies to start tearing into it this winter. next year I'm getting a full on touring bike (most likely a Roadglide) for long distance trips with the wife and this will be my city cruiser, I just can't bring myself to sell it.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 149
Likes: 27
From: Quiet end of Silicon Valley
I see the reference about comparing it to the Road King but I guess I look at things differently.
I look at how the bike feels when sitting on it, that includes the size for me, and how it handles and the performance in general.
If the bike fits and feels right and the performance is what you want then I usually don't look at the price unless it's just stupid high.
I wouldn't be swayed into buying something that wasn't what I wanted just because of a perceived value issue.
If you liked the FLD and RK the same amount then that is different.
Just my $.02 worth...
Chonk
I look at how the bike feels when sitting on it, that includes the size for me, and how it handles and the performance in general.
If the bike fits and feels right and the performance is what you want then I usually don't look at the price unless it's just stupid high.
I wouldn't be swayed into buying something that wasn't what I wanted just because of a perceived value issue.
If you liked the FLD and RK the same amount then that is different.
Just my $.02 worth...
Chonk
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 168
Likes: 2
From: Bakersfield
I absolutely love my switchback. It is the best all around bike for me. I ride long trips( 2k miles+) and can strip it down in 30 seconds to just ride around town. The windshield change would cost you around $80 if you wait for a discount on LRS for a curved taller windshield. you will obviously have to pay more if you want to powder coat the brackets(what I am doing soon since I went the black route). I also added fork deflectors to get rid of the chest wind I get that comes from underneath. The bag size doesn't bother me at all. I have a backrest and just throw on 2 more bags for trips. Im also a photographer so I carry double the gear when I ride... Hope this helps ya out.
