Switchback "ripoff"
I am over here in Afghanistan right now and I have a Marine that just ordered one and got the ABS, security, 7 year warranty, set-up, detination, blah, blah, blah....
Total price 17,800....
I have a 2011 Street Glide and if I didn't have that I would get a Switchback. For the money and what you are getting, it is a hell of a deal. For those of you that want to "bash" the bike and say that you can get a RK for not much more, that is great. But, isn't that your opinion and what you want. Hell, if we all had the same exact bike that would be boring. Also, I know that most of us change stuff on our bikes anyways. We make them ours. And if you don't like someone else's bike, it really doesn't matter because you don't have to pay for it.
I think that main thing here is if the one that buys it thinks that is what they want ....
Total price 17,800....
I have a 2011 Street Glide and if I didn't have that I would get a Switchback. For the money and what you are getting, it is a hell of a deal. For those of you that want to "bash" the bike and say that you can get a RK for not much more, that is great. But, isn't that your opinion and what you want. Hell, if we all had the same exact bike that would be boring. Also, I know that most of us change stuff on our bikes anyways. We make them ours. And if you don't like someone else's bike, it really doesn't matter because you don't have to pay for it.
I think that main thing here is if the one that buys it thinks that is what they want ....
No regrets on my bike choice either and it's far from a ripoff.
I keep seeing "Windshields $295" and can't find one for that price for my Heritage. They are MSRP US $384.95 per HD's website for the king size. Maybe the switchback shield is smaller, lesser quality or whatever, but it is a removable shield and that costs more.
The Dyna quick release touring shield is "Fits '06-later Dyna® models (except FLD, FXDF, FXDWG and FXDSE). Windshield dimensions: Overall height 26.3"; width 25".
MSRP US $429.95"
Just saying.
The Dyna quick release touring shield is "Fits '06-later Dyna® models (except FLD, FXDF, FXDWG and FXDSE). Windshield dimensions: Overall height 26.3"; width 25".
MSRP US $429.95"
Just saying.
Last edited by djbiker; Feb 8, 2012 at 09:37 AM. Reason: Added Dyna shield info.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 3,949
Likes: 150
From: South of Mordor
Differences between the Switchback and the Roadking from a side by side comparison
RK-
2.2” longer, seat is .6” higher (unladen), has .8” more ground clearance, has 3.9 degrees less rake, .7” longer wheelbase, has smaller rims, holds 1.3 more gallons of fuel, one more quart of oil, weights 94 more pounds, has a little more storage, stock dual exhaust, bigger brake caliper out back, 4(R), 2(L) degrees more lean angle, transmission gears ratio, more onboard lighting, cruise control, integrated oil cooler, two-tone paint option, wheel option, air suspension
Switchback-
Onboard RPM / Gear display, $2500 Cheaper (Vivid Black)
Common-
Torque, MPG, Engine (Bore, Stroke, Displacement and Compression Ratio), Fuel System
So if you want a Cheaper, Lighter, more nimble bike that you can now have dual exhaust on and will probably go just as far on less fuel cause it’s not carrying the extra lights and weight (reality has set in), and yet looks almost identical to its Dresser big sister without the option of having two-toned hair colors! I would think the Switchback is the way to go.
I think both bikes are bad *** and would own either one of them. I think it comes down to what you can afford and what you fall in love with more. But, I can’t see paying another $2500 more just to hold a little more gas, have an air ride suspension (which I can put on the Dyna for way less then $2500), go slower off the line, and have an option of paint (Vivid Black is my only color).
Just my opinion and some facts from HD.
RK-
2.2” longer, seat is .6” higher (unladen), has .8” more ground clearance, has 3.9 degrees less rake, .7” longer wheelbase, has smaller rims, holds 1.3 more gallons of fuel, one more quart of oil, weights 94 more pounds, has a little more storage, stock dual exhaust, bigger brake caliper out back, 4(R), 2(L) degrees more lean angle, transmission gears ratio, more onboard lighting, cruise control, integrated oil cooler, two-tone paint option, wheel option, air suspension
Switchback-
Onboard RPM / Gear display, $2500 Cheaper (Vivid Black)
Common-
Torque, MPG, Engine (Bore, Stroke, Displacement and Compression Ratio), Fuel System
So if you want a Cheaper, Lighter, more nimble bike that you can now have dual exhaust on and will probably go just as far on less fuel cause it’s not carrying the extra lights and weight (reality has set in), and yet looks almost identical to its Dresser big sister without the option of having two-toned hair colors! I would think the Switchback is the way to go.
I think both bikes are bad *** and would own either one of them. I think it comes down to what you can afford and what you fall in love with more. But, I can’t see paying another $2500 more just to hold a little more gas, have an air ride suspension (which I can put on the Dyna for way less then $2500), go slower off the line, and have an option of paint (Vivid Black is my only color).
Just my opinion and some facts from HD.
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Martinsburg, WV
Man, 22 pages of comments on this bike! I'll put in my 2 cents for what it's worth. I like it but I don't like it. I see a lot of value in it with the steel wheels, larger tires, 2 into one exhaust, foot boards, forward controls, larger fenders, relocated rear signals, bigger seat, removable windshield, RK type front end (minus driving lights) and the 103 for just 3 grand! I doubt if I could find the parts for that price. If it would have been available before I bought my FXDC I may have grabbed one except I would want dual front brakes and full size bags. I have owned a 01 Ultra Classic, and 03 Road King, a 09 Road King and now a 2012 Super Glide Custom. I sold the last Road King because to me it handled and rode like a Mack truck. It seemed to handle worse than the Ultra and sure seemed much heavier than the other two touring bikes (are they getting heavier each year). The Super Glide fits me and doesn't feel heavy at all. My point in this long winded missive is you can't satisfy everyone with the same flavor of ice cream, or anything else for that matter. Buy what you like that you can afford and don't worry what others think.
Words of wisdom? Not from me...
Grumpy
Words of wisdom? Not from me...
Grumpy
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Galveston
Well, as I stated on another thread, I am damned happy with mine. I tested the Heritage first but the counter-balance was even louder than on the Softail I traded. They said it would get quiter after break-in. I then tried the FLD...came back the next day for delivery. Without the bags and windshield it is a joy around town...handles great, very responsive, sounds good stock. Very happy with this machine.
Well, as I stated on another thread, I am damned happy with mine. I tested the Heritage first but the counter-balance was even louder than on the Softail I traded. They said it would get quiter after break-in. I then tried the FLD...came back the next day for delivery. Without the bags and windshield it is a joy around town...handles great, very responsive, sounds good stock. Very happy with this machine.
Feel you on that. Went for a ride yesterday temp was hovering just over 50, but as the day passed temp took a dump, cold air moved in and when I pulled into the shop it was 38 with winds out of NNW @15 gust 35
