I bought mine nearly 5 years ago and STILL LOVE IT!! the only people that bitched about it were the ones that never rode one or gave it a chance.. it is a great all around bike that can be stripped down in 5 minutes and more than likely was cancelled for the sport glide that's coming back.


let me add that what didn't help sales was most dealers and salesmen that pushed people towards the road king while hiding the switchback way back in the corner

 

I AGREE!! I bought my '13 back in '12 and still love it, wish it had cruise but hell I'll ride my custom Switchback over a SOA style glide.


The return of the Sport glide is what killed production and if you look a lot of models have been axed this year.

 

Absolutely agree with this.


I've had mine since 2013 and aside from mods that I would have done to any HD (suspension, Stage 1, cams, seat, bars, windshield), it's been a fantastic bike. I have ZERO desire for a touring bike, however the FLD provides enough touring friendly amenities (hard bags, floor boards) that it works pretty damn well for me. The bags are smaller than a touring bike, but they hold a surprising amount of stuff. I just got back from a 3 day road trip through New England. Not once did I ever think "I wish the bags were bigger" or "I wish I was on a touring bike".


Having said that, a new FXRTP / Sport Glide (the frame mounted faired Dyna) would seriously tempt me.

 

I had the opposite experience; I initially was leaning towards a 1200T and the sales dude said "Here, you might want to take this Switchback for a test ride."

Sold.

 

The sales dude actually made more money with you by selling you the switchback.

If you're walking in a dealership with the intention of buying a touring bike (without mentionning a specific model like u did), the sales man will most likely push the FL line. (more cash for him)

With that being said, let's hope the Tsport will be back!

 

no doubt. but I think it still worked out better for me; the 6 speed is nice.

 

Still plenty of 15 and 16's sitting on dealer floors.

 

I always admired the concept of the Switchback but I think the MoCo missed a few styling points.

Had it had spoke wheels and dual disks you'd have a road king equivalent when the bags and screen were fitted or a heritage/deluxe styled ride when all the add ons were removed.

Edit:

I'll bet this "Sport Tourer" that was trademarked makes an appearance a 2017.5 release

 

The sales people didn't kill the Switchback - a lack of buyers killed the Switchback. I've owned 2 and my current ride is a 2015. Love the bike and it works for me. Wish it had a larger gas tank, larger saddlebags and a headlight without a glob of chrome. :-)

 

This. You should post up a pic of your dad's '05. That is what the FLD should have been, IMO.

I've always thought the Switchback would look so much better with spoked wheels & the OE wheels just didn't "fit" the bike.

I'm sure those folks that want a FL Dyna will figure out a way to make it happen, whether the factory offers one or not.