Advice ? Looking at a '12 Switchback tomorrow
Thread Starter
|
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 58
Likes: 16
From: Eastern Pa
Thanks for your input, everyone.
I put money down on it yesterday... hoping to pick it up in a week.
I started it 10 times, no clanking sound.
The guy selling it (the original owner) said "Are you listening for a bad compensator?... No worries."
Seems was working in the Harley shop where he bought the bike years ago.
Looking forward to riding this.... and modding it.
Fingers crossed. Thanks again!
I put money down on it yesterday... hoping to pick it up in a week.
I started it 10 times, no clanking sound.
The guy selling it (the original owner) said "Are you listening for a bad compensator?... No worries."
Seems was working in the Harley shop where he bought the bike years ago.
Looking forward to riding this.... and modding it.
Fingers crossed. Thanks again!
Last edited by Imperial 883; Dec 4, 2022 at 09:12 AM. Reason: grammar
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 10,135
Likes: 4,780
From: Sandpoint, Idaho
I was hearing a rattle on the left side of my Roadking and thougt it migfht be a compensator. Turned out to just be loose shift linkage rattling. Makes me wonder how many "comp" problems may have actually been linkage problems.,
I wish the Switchback had come out BEFORE I bought my 07 Wideglide.
Last edited by perki48; Dec 4, 2022 at 10:53 AM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,870
Likes: 499
From: Alberta
I wish the Switchback was out before I bought my Fat Bob. I bought that to replace an FXDXT. Majority of HD riders seem to figure if it don't weigh half a ton, it can't be comfortable. I tried FLHX, FLTX with 110SE & 120R motors; nice on freeways but that was it. Just too ponderous for my riding style. Each to their own...
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,475
Likes: 70
From: Sierra Foothills, California
I love my '14 Switchback. I've been on a few multi day trips and it tours beautifully. Great in the twisties too! Easy to maneuver around the parking lots. It looks a little like an old Shovelhead, which I also love. Enjoy!
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 171
Likes: 80
From: Sacramento County, California
Compensator?
Bad compensator on your Dyna? If you are the type of rider who likes to do wheelies and an occasional drag race with burn outs and fast gear changes, well yeah. Sure. Otherwise, if like me, you like to cruise, no problem. I'm just sayin'. 
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 21,082
Likes: 19,240
From: The Wasteland
I love the looks of those Switchbacks. If I ever buy another HD thats what it'll be.
There was an issue with the stock pipes vibrating, but there was also an easy fix for it. Do some reading, I think it was pretty minor and if the bike you're looking at has aftermarket exhaust its probably already taken care of.
There was an issue with the stock pipes vibrating, but there was also an easy fix for it. Do some reading, I think it was pretty minor and if the bike you're looking at has aftermarket exhaust its probably already taken care of.
