Nice break down but you are missing a couple of important things: fl front end ($$?), tires ($200), mags ($1k) and most important of all...103" engine ($$?). By the time you add all that too, it goes over your figures and makes it priced pretty realistically, I do believe.
I don't even remember what I paid, but i was $17,999 out the door, stock. So I must have been somewhere around $16k. See? It's pretty close and it comes that way.

On waiting and in buying in CA., that might not be ideal either as CA. is instituting new exhaust laws taking effect in 2013. I still haven't read the legislation but i hear it's going to really impact the aftermarket exhaust systems starting with 2013 bikes.

 

Thanks I'm not one to try to force blame as its my reponsibility to ride safe and assess situations. I did that but it was just slightly too late. The folks that stopped to help we're incredible. Interestingly enough, I was planning to register it in California the very next day! I would rather go back and buy another one in NH as I still have a residence there but don't want to wait 10k miles to wait to bring it to California. I like riding year round!

As for your bike, did the dealer put the apes on or did you? I assume you had to have new cables, etc? I'm not sure those bars would fit me as im only 5'8" but I love how they look. I'm really warming towards the switchback and am going to seriously consider. It fits my needs perfectly and has all the things I didn't like about the FXDL...floorboards, ignition placement, beefy front end and headlight,etc. really thinking it may be perfect if I can find the right one and add the mods I want!

 

I had an indy install the bars, costs were: Bars $200, SS cables $300, labor $180. Given your height, I would check out a member on here called perryross. He did heritage bars and they would probably be perfect for you. I'm 6' with 36" arms, I think he said he was about 5'9", so he would be a good resource and he's also one who does his homework (cable lengths) and a good guy who is always willing to share info. I don't go to the dealer for anything but misc. parts. I can lead you to some good local indy's if you get one. Good luck to you.

 

Glad you weren't seriuosly injured and you can get out and ride again. But fair warning though, you're in a very tough spot right now.....having to choose which Harley you want. Ha!! I don't think you can go wrong either way you go whether it's the used Low Rider, Switchback or Street Glide. I've sat on and looked at the Street Glides and Road Glide Customs at the dealer and I thought I would like to have one but those bikes were about 7K more than the my Switchback (no security system). Just take your time and decide which will fit how you want to ride and how much money you want to spend. Last thing, I love my Switchback and I've spent another 2K on upgrading the motor but I have a bike that rides and handles beautifully and gets up and goes in a way that brings a big smile to my face.
Enjoy your shopping!!

 

I really like the Dynas ... can't go wrong with whatever you decide on ... but, if I were in your shoes it would be a 'no brainer' ... I'd go with the Switchback ....

But, I have one of the original 'proto-types' ...







... glad you came away more or less unscathed ... sounds like it could've been much worse ... hope your wounds heal up rapidly and you get the bike situation figured out ...

R/
'Chop

 

First off i want to say, the switchback is a great
bike, i just felt that one could build a better one for less money.


You do have some points there, for me I was really into the fat look, but the more i think of it, and look at it, i really like the mean look of the glide style front end for cruising around town, and when i checked it all out, the front end is a look alike to an fl front end, it is around a half inch narrower if i remember correctly from my measurements, so that means none of the FL attachments will fit directly. The front end is a cartridge front end, and the ricors pretty much give you the same thing in terms of ride and feel at least.

The wheels are a personal thing, and for me, they are a big turn off on the bike, i may be just like everyone else but i love spokes, and on a retro looking bike like that i would be getting rid of the wheels as soon as posible.

For the tires, i have no idea about those, so i will take your word for it.

Finally, and i am ready to get flamed over this, but when riding the 96, then the 103 and then the 110 cvo models one after the other, in stock form, i cant find any really big difference between them, certainly nothing that would justify the up charge to a 110. the stock numbers look like they are nearly the same on the 96 and 103, around 60- 65 hp and 80 tq on the dyno sheets that i have seen.

But hey to each his own, if the switchback is what you like then get it and most of what we are talikng about are cosmetic differences.

I will fully admit, that it was the inspiration for doing what i am doing now. When i saw the switchback, I thought what a great idea that was IMO poorly executed. The bags were to small for serious touring, and if i am going to have a windshield for long trips, i may as well have a fairing with a stereo, and cig lighter /power port for charging, and why not complete it with a tourpak of some sort.

I did for get to list one advantage that any dyna has over the switchback, all the garage queen low mile used bikes that are up for sale these days for outstanding prices. so your could end up with an under 1k on the clock bike, for 3 or 4 grand under retail to start your convertible tourer with.

 

I would also consider a Road King. Although it does look goofy if you ride around without bags. I prefer the regular Road King over the classic. It has hard bags and cast wheels and it's in the same price range as the Swithback. There are plenty more used Road Kings on the market though. I would get an '09 or newer.

 

If I had to replace my 09 Low Rider I would look a Super Glide Custom. Beautiful bike the way it sits, plus the difference in price between it and a Switchback would give you the money to set it up like you want,(windshield, bags, maybe even a Stage 1). Good luck.

 

A small update....Insurance co called and is giving me $1k more...so the reality of a new bike just got closer.i like the wide glide and super glide and the roaming but still think the Switchback fits my needs best overall and is actually excellent value....103 motor, floor board, beefier front end, larger headlight, and better ignition placement all things I wanted on my FXDL. My only beef is the colors....red is not for me. I like the black but will have to at least get some orange flames added!

 

Ghost Flames would look great on the black FLD. I find the Switchback offers great balance with power and comfort, handles great and has all the storage I need to get over the road. The Wide Glide is bad *** sled also. Tough choice, glad I don't have to decide Good to see your on the mend...Good luck and happy shopping!