Heritage vs Switchback
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 94
Likes: 1
From: NY
Bob has made some great points. I rode my switchback one up today over 100 miles and it was awesome. Bob recommended my mustang solo seat. That backrest is awesome. I don't think I would have been comfortable on the stock seat. I have to agree with him on the limited. Me, I am not used to that fairing on the limited or the street glide. That's why I like the king. No fairing but the limited is a touring bike. All you need is a refrigerator and its a camper. Haha. I sat on one and was intimidated by all the stuff on it. It was like sitting in a cockpit on a plane but over time I would probably get used to it. A dealer by me rents bikes for $50 a day. Maybe you should see if the one by you does it. Everyone is different.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,379
Likes: 1
From: England via the US
I've rented a few different touring bike over the years and have always enjoyed riding them. I've also ridden a Heritage on a few occasions and I'm not really into it. After riding a rubber mounted bike for so long the softail just felt strange.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,250
Likes: 36
From: Montana
Rode my heritage for 40,000 miles all over the united states solo and two up. It is more expensive then a switchback but I think its a much better bike. I went everywhere on that thing. Id still have it if my body hadn't started breaking down. I got the street bob because I needed a lighter bike and now only ride solo now. If you have the money its the best bike harley makes. IMO. You can strip it down in 3 minutes and take off the windshield and run a solo seat . Or go two up with or without windshield. Detachable sissy bar / bag rack and your good to go.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,622
Likes: 1
From: Topeka, KS
The softails make my hands go to sleep because of the constant vibration. I've got to have a rubber mounted motor. I like the looks of the heritage MUCH better but can't ride one long distance.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,403
Likes: 72
From: North Dakota
My wife and I add up to roughly your combined weight. An Electra-Glide of some sort is really the only way to travel when your weight and luggage is over 400lb. We can go forever on our Ultra Classic.
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: Mount Mourne, North Carolina
I ride an 09 flstc (heritage). I have ridden almost every bike Harley makes and one up or two up it.is.the bestest ride of any. Heres the catch....that is my opinion and my butt. Yours I am sure may be different. But again heritage is a.top notch ride both looks and all day many day ride. Second renting one of each. That is the best way to decide. Good luck.
Ride.safe and often. Mark
Ride.safe and often. Mark
Stage II
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Port Richey Florida
Switchback and riding 2 up
Just bought the 2012 Switchback and have a friend who rides with me, she enjoys the rides we take says she is very comfortable. She weights 145 LBS and it is no problem very comfortable. I am looking for Rineharts exhaust for my switchback, true duels and they just haven't made them yet. I hope so soon. Does anyone have any idea if and when they will make them?? My last 3 bikes had Rineharts and I sure do miss them
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,014
Likes: 0
From: Brewton, Al
how are you guys comparing the heritage to the switchback. just because they come all ready for the longer haul? could this also be compared to any softail vs any dyna with luggage upgrades?
reason i ask is because i am trying to make my dyna more distance friendly.
reason i ask is because i am trying to make my dyna more distance friendly.
Last edited by jordanball33; Mar 13, 2012 at 05:09 PM.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 4,046
Likes: 398
From: sugar land, gulf coast, tx
how are you guys comparing the heritage to the switchback. just because they come all ready for the longer haul? could this also be compared to any softail vs any dyna with luggage upgrades?
reason i ask is because i am trying to make my dyna more distance friendly.
reason i ask is because i am trying to make my dyna more distance friendly.
I rode a heritage for a few years. The pillion never complained about the ride but I could never get comfortable on it. Didn't like the ergos and the vibration at speed. I'm much more comfortable on my FXDC, but have never had anyone on the back. Don't think the stock shocks would be happy with the weight. FLD has more suspension, though.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,260
Likes: 5
From: Batesville Ga
We have two Dynas, one Sporty, one Softail (Fatboy) and an Electra Glide Classic in the garage. The softail is a great bike but remember that the engine is rigid mounted and internally balanced - you will feel more vibration than a rubber mounted (dyna or touring). How much this bothers you on a long trip only you can decide.
For two-up, the touring bikes win hands down, especially if you're gone for a couple of days and need room to store all your stuff. RK, EG, or RG is mostly a matter of preference - no fairing, batwing, bullet; no extras, radio, cb; etc.
We've done multi-1000 mile rides two up on the EG, gone for as long as a week and fit everything we needed in the bags and tourpak. Rides super comfy, cruise is nice on long trips, radio is great, and mounting the gps doesn't look dorky.
But think long-term. I hardly use my EG anymore since my g/f started riding her own 2 years ago. No longer need a 2up with luggage space and riding solo I prefer smaller, lighter rides.
Oh btw, if you decide on a touring definitely go with an 09 or newer. The frame change added a full inch of room for the passenger and the rerouted exhaust takes the heat off the rider's thigh.
For two-up, the touring bikes win hands down, especially if you're gone for a couple of days and need room to store all your stuff. RK, EG, or RG is mostly a matter of preference - no fairing, batwing, bullet; no extras, radio, cb; etc.
We've done multi-1000 mile rides two up on the EG, gone for as long as a week and fit everything we needed in the bags and tourpak. Rides super comfy, cruise is nice on long trips, radio is great, and mounting the gps doesn't look dorky.
But think long-term. I hardly use my EG anymore since my g/f started riding her own 2 years ago. No longer need a 2up with luggage space and riding solo I prefer smaller, lighter rides.
Oh btw, if you decide on a touring definitely go with an 09 or newer. The frame change added a full inch of room for the passenger and the rerouted exhaust takes the heat off the rider's thigh.