Switchback gone for 2017.
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,658
Likes: 3
From: NorNev
The FXRT and FXDXT didn't last either. Limited market and the segment that wanted something like that has one or moved on to something else. Always thought that the Switchback should have come with dual front brakes.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,428
Likes: 239
From: northeast
only thing I disliked about the switchback was the front fender and I think I wrote of it here 5 years ago when it first came out.. too damn BLOCKY!! the fender tip and side spears really made the difference in look, then add in the emblems that we had made up and the front fender is complete
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,428
Likes: 239
From: northeast
Completely disagree. Saying its limited for touring? get out of here. All I need for a 3,000 mile trip is my 2 saddle bags and a bag right behind me and I'm set. Not to mention 1 saddlebag is dedicated just to camera gear. Your buddy must be on the shorter side because I will never own a street glide because its so crammed riding wise. The switchback is so much more relaxed...and its faster.
exactly, they only people that bitch about them didn't own it long enough to really formulate an opinion because they wanted that dresser from the get go or they assumed it was just a dyna with bags and never really rode one
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 168
Likes: 2
From: Bakersfield
you mean like this? haha
late response. Just got out of school so Ive been MIA
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 3,949
Likes: 150
From: South of Mordor
The Switchback is the path I would have more than likely taken had I not purchased my Street Bob two years prior to the birth of the Switchback. I think I still would have tried to adapt bigger bags to the bike, while still using the stock mounting hardware. Also, would have jumped to spoke rims, something about mags I have never liked, even when I was a kid during the freetstyle evolution back in the late 70's early 80's.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 250
Likes: 54
From: Arlington, TX
I bought mine used with a 1000 miles. I've added a Screamin Eagle Air Breather, de-catted stock header, Vance and Hines Pro Pipe and a HD Chrome Engine Kit. I weigh 140 pounds on a heavy day and am in good physical shape. That being said, test rides on full fairing dressers and a Road King were not as much fun as the Switchback I ended up with. I've owned a Road King, a Dyna Wide Glide, three different Soft Tails and a couple of FXR's. So far, my Switchback beats em all with its combination of utility and good looks. I'm a chrome guy so I love the front end. The bags are acceptable for my purposes and the handling works fine. The only bike I'd consider, besides my FLD, would be an updated FXR.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 3,145
Likes: 2,876
From: New York
I always thought the wheels just didn't look good and they cheaped out on the look of the engine with the dull metal. I have two friends in their sixties who are ditching their Ultras for used Switchbacks because they still want bags and wind protection but also want a less cumbersome bike.
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Tourer
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 250
Likes: 54
From: Arlington, TX
I always thought the wheels just didn't look good and they cheaped out on the look of the engine with the dull metal. I have two friends in their sixties who are ditching their Ultras for used Switchbacks because they still want bags and wind protection but also want a less cumbersome bike.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,030
Likes: 65
From: Calgary AB
One of HDs target markets for the FLD was aging baby boomers who wanted less weight. That would be me.
At a glance it was expensive for a Dyna, which is what I think probably killed it. When I bought mine I was originally thinking of a Low Rider, but when you start adding up the extras you need to tour, hard bags, windshield, floorboards, (large headlight is a bonus), it was actually a good price.
I do tour on mine. I do a 10 to 14 day trip every year, plus a couple of fairly long rides each summer.
At a glance it was expensive for a Dyna, which is what I think probably killed it. When I bought mine I was originally thinking of a Low Rider, but when you start adding up the extras you need to tour, hard bags, windshield, floorboards, (large headlight is a bonus), it was actually a good price.
I do tour on mine. I do a 10 to 14 day trip every year, plus a couple of fairly long rides each summer.