Would You Buy A Switchback?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 5,202
Likes: 792
From: Kansas City, Missouri
No, Bags to small and only 1 front disk. I took a test ride when they first came out and that thing shaked like a paint shaker. I understand they had problems with the exhaust or something. If I had to downsize I might take another look. They are about the size of the old FL bikes. Could be a cool project if you want to take that on.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 209
Likes: 30
From: SC Lowcountry
Maybe, maybe not. I don't dislike the looks of it and can see possibilities where it could be modded up. I'd have to test ride it to see what it was like. But there are a whole lot of different bikes to choose from for $10K if you don't have to have a 2015 and still needing to be broken in.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 2,139
Likes: 700
From: St. Clair Co., MO
I will add that while the Dyna will never handle & ride like the current FL chassis, it has much more room with the FLD footboards than the dressers do & weighs quite a bit less.
I'm likely never gonna do another 5,000+ mile road trip & just don't need all the extra bells & whistles & weight. With a good seat, the right bars & the FLD footboards, my '02 FXD is all day comfortable & I love the ride & handling of a 16" front.
I'm likely never gonna do another 5,000+ mile road trip & just don't need all the extra bells & whistles & weight. With a good seat, the right bars & the FLD footboards, my '02 FXD is all day comfortable & I love the ride & handling of a 16" front.
Thread Starter
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 3,983
Likes: 2,144
From: Ohio
Well............I currently have a Low Rider, but just thought I'd like to have some bags to throw a jacket or some packages in when I go to the store. I don't do trips any more (just turned 66) but a little storage would be nice. I love my Low Rider though, and just went out to the garage debating whether I wanted to trade or not. I was gonna take off all the extras from my Low Rider that will fit the Switchback, but I stopped and just can't make myself pull the trigger on the Switchback. Not sure I wanna give my Low Rider up, because frankly, it's exactly the way I want it, and I love riding it.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 70
Likes: 24
From: Cape Cod
Very satisfied with mine. Perfect for shorter road trips. Bags are small, but throw a rack and touring luggage on it or add a tour pac if you need to carry more. The steering geometry on that front end makes it handle surprisingly well. Set of Lyndall pads and a good bleed will help with stopping (ABS is standard on all FLDs). I like that it can be stripped down in minutes to a 70's FLH resemblance. Ride it first. You'll know in a few miles if its right for you. Price is right.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 338
Likes: 21
From: Alachua, Florida
I did and I love mine. Yes, it's smaller than a Roadking and the bags are on the smaller size. I don't tour, so I don't need a huge amount of storage. The wife and I have been on several day trips with it and it has done everything we've asked of it. I did put a luggage rack on it to give us a little extra room for bags but that's it. Mine's a '16 and I never had the vibration problems with the exhaust but quickly changed that to a V&H monster dual setup. The single front disk was not a deal killer for me and with upgraded pads, it stops just fine, even two up. The bike isn't for everyone and the wheels aren't everyone's cup of tea either. I happen to like them. People like to bag on them because they look very much like a downsized RK but don't have the utility, for almost the same price. I'm ok with that because I appreciate the smaller size and lighter weight.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 586
Likes: 3
From: OKC
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Why not just add bags, (if you must) floor boards, and a quick detach wind shield to your lr. You'll spend about that much in registration costs and trade expenses on the switchback... but you'll still have the performance of the lr.
you are really going at this switchback, two threads and counting. Go test ride it or one like it. And maybe look at the touring bikes.
if you simply must have after that, then go for it. You are the man that has to live with it. Not us. Our opinions dont really matter at the end of the day.
you are really going at this switchback, two threads and counting. Go test ride it or one like it. And maybe look at the touring bikes.
if you simply must have after that, then go for it. You are the man that has to live with it. Not us. Our opinions dont really matter at the end of the day.
Thread Starter
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 3,983
Likes: 2,144
From: Ohio
Decided to keep the Low Rider. I've owned 2 SuperGlides which I traded for "baggers", and was sorry later on, so I sold them and got a dyna back. I traded amy Street Glide for the Low Rider, because even at my age (66), I like the performance, feel, and look of the dyna family. I know if I bought the Switchback, I'd just feel like I was back on a "bagger". They look like USEFUL motorcycles, but maybe not much fun. Thanks for all your responses. Appreciated!