Switchback vibration
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
From: Ocala, FL
Just picked up a 2012
I recently picked up a loaded 2012 FLD with 3200 mi. For $11,000. V&H slipon, speedo/ tach, LED headlight, bright *** taillight, security, engine guard, Skull everything, custom pin-striped, etc. there are some good private owner buys out there. BTW, I have virtually no vibration.
Stage II
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: PA
clevis pin mod success
$3.00, works great. My original vance slip on broke at the weld, installed a bassani megaphone and the vibration was like nothing I've ever felt. I performed the clevis pin mod after reading for solutions and am 120% satisfied. I'd like to take it for the recall but I am afraid I'd be wasting time in my area.
Stage II
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Elgin, Texas
Switchback Vibration
2 months ago I got a good deal on a Switchback 2012 model with 4600 miles.
I was aware of the vibration issues but riding Dyna's for 15 years I decided to take a chance. It had the typical 2900 to 3200 shake your hands of the bars problem. First took it back to Harley and had the front isolator replaced, that helped. Installed a SE 2 into 1 slip-on and put a hard rubber grommet and longer bolt on the muffler mount bolt! helped some more. But the biggest change was running a bolt all the way through the lower bag mount to the lower rear fender.
Ran it today up to 4500 rpms and smooth as a baby's bottom! Oh and the SE Night Stick really improved the bottom end power. SE Stage 1 and SE Fuel Controller is next, no worries about vibration thats cured.....but power! I have already put 4000 on it in 3 months and I love it! A little tinkering and it becomes a amazing ride!!
I was aware of the vibration issues but riding Dyna's for 15 years I decided to take a chance. It had the typical 2900 to 3200 shake your hands of the bars problem. First took it back to Harley and had the front isolator replaced, that helped. Installed a SE 2 into 1 slip-on and put a hard rubber grommet and longer bolt on the muffler mount bolt! helped some more. But the biggest change was running a bolt all the way through the lower bag mount to the lower rear fender.
Ran it today up to 4500 rpms and smooth as a baby's bottom! Oh and the SE Night Stick really improved the bottom end power. SE Stage 1 and SE Fuel Controller is next, no worries about vibration thats cured.....but power! I have already put 4000 on it in 3 months and I love it! A little tinkering and it becomes a amazing ride!!
Novice
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Memphis TN
I bought a 2014 switchback as my first bike. Then I got online and saw threads like this and people hating on the switch. Thought I made a mistake.
I only have about 200 miles under my belt right now and admittedly, none at highway speeds, but I love my bike. I haven't felt any vibrations that I don't consider normal, but like I said, its my first bike so who am I to say what is normal.
I only have about 200 miles under my belt right now and admittedly, none at highway speeds, but I love my bike. I haven't felt any vibrations that I don't consider normal, but like I said, its my first bike so who am I to say what is normal.
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 517
Likes: 3
From: Cleveland
I bought a 2014 switchback as my first bike. Then I got online and saw threads like this and people hating on the switch. Thought I made a mistake.
I only have about 200 miles under my belt right now and admittedly, none at highway speeds, but I love my bike. I haven't felt any vibrations that I don't consider normal, but like I said, its my first bike so who am I to say what is normal.
I only have about 200 miles under my belt right now and admittedly, none at highway speeds, but I love my bike. I haven't felt any vibrations that I don't consider normal, but like I said, its my first bike so who am I to say what is normal.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 461
Likes: 0
From: Glendale, AZ
I see you recommending this $5 fix but I've searched all over for it and can't find details or pics, can you point me to the instructions, pics, parts list or something?
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 310
Likes: 11
From: Pinellas Park, FL.
FLD Owners forum, there is a lot of good information on there. I bought mine with 224 miles on it. put on a tuner and SE Nightstick, I turn on 10,000 miles this week, I must be lucky because mine runs great, no more vibration than any other dyna. I'm keeping mine for a while, I like it a lot.
Tourer
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 288
Likes: 21
From: North Carolina
Did they charge you guys extra for that?
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,428
Likes: 239
From: northeast
I have not ridden one but from what I understand it was fixed for 2015 model year.. if you are thinking of buying on your demo ride get it on the highway in 5th gear and hold it right around 3k.. if your feet and hands tingle BAD, your mirrors are not usable at all and your eyes vibrate SO BAD your vision blurs then NO they haven't fixed it yet....
but it is easily fixed for the price of the clevis pin mod OR a new exhaust system which most do anyway