Hi. I turned my 2010 FXDC into a mini-road king and now Harley has copied me for less money than I spent to do it... Anyone have first impressions on this bike? It looks like a decent package except for the bags. They look awfully small. Looking forward to reding your thoughts.

 

I like the look of it without the bags,and shield. To me it just looks like a Fatboy with exterior shocks.

 

Let's see some pics of the bike! Several of us have built our rendition long before the new model. I really like it, they did a good job on it. Two items stand out as some thing I would change, it needs laced wheels and the nacelle should be more like the ones found on the FLH/Dou Glides of the past.

 

I took a demo ride on the new Swithback a couple of weeks ago and really liked the look of it….just wasn’t love at first ride like it was with my Fat Bob. I think size matters. I’m 5’11” and it felt to me like it’s built for a smaller rider. The shield was too low and the seat pushed me a little too far forward. I see they make a taller shield and one could switch out the seat I suppose. Having floor-boards would be nice and the lack of a rear shift lever is good for those of us used to using only the toe. The bags look much smaller than my Bob’s leather ones. I did like the fact that the tank is narrow and less of a thigh stretch than the Road King I’d been considering. The 103 seemed peppy but I didn’t get to push it in the controlled environment of the demo ride. If I were a bit smaller and taking a lot of long rides, it would be on the top of my list. The majority of my rides are commuting to work or day rides so I think I’ll stick with the Bob for now. Maybe I might reconsider next year if they come out with some less fabulous colors or a CVO version.

 

A lot of folk seem to like the laced wheels. For me, they are such an incredible pain to keep clean that I'm glad to see the switchback come with mag rims...

 

Pics or it didn't happen ...

... here's mine ....

 

The wheels and pulley are a big part of the appeal for me, but I may be in the minority. I think the light/nacelle is a little bulky compared to the rest of the bike though.

 

Don't get me wrong, after seeing the wheels in person I like them but the lace wheels would take it back to the FLH look even more. I really like the nacelle with the FL forks, had one on mine but I have 3 degrees less rake that a Fat Boy/Heritage so the headlight would not adjust far enough out for my liking.

 

They should leave the FLD the way it is. I need mine to keep looking different from something you only need a checkbook to own.

BTW, Cycle Vision article said the wheels were throwbacks to the old Cragar wheels. Now I like them better.

 

That's the first thing I thought when I saw them.