New Switchback
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 253
Likes: 21
From: Vancouver, BC, Canada
I've had my Switchback for about 2 months now and its been great! I was riding a 06 Lowrider before with the 88 and noticed the difference especially in the torque with the 103. But, I've got the same problem with the excessive heat coming off the right side, and yes I think its the pipes too! So, thanks Dudlee for the info about removing the catalytic converter! I was thinking of pulling the baffles out anyway so now it will be the cat too! Hoping that will do it cuz on the longer highway rides, I can feel the heat burnin' thru my boot!
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 80
Likes: 1
From: Kentucky
I test rode a 2012 HD Switchback yesterday and plan on buying it very soon. We have to get our finances together first along with insurance, and then ride down to pick up this bike. In our test ride I noticed the Switchback had good pick up, clutch was easy on the hand, and ride felt like I was riding on a cloud. However, when we stopped at intersections, etc., the bike did vibrate. The vibrations were not overwhelming where it shook us. You just felt the vibrations. I have rode other non Harley bikes up to this point, and the Switchback seems like a great bike. I hated to take the bike back to the dealer and ride my Honda VTX 1300 back home. 
We were thinking about test riding the 2011 or 2012 HD Heritage Softail until we test rode the Switchback. After comparing the these two bikes, I prefer the Switchback for overall performance, comfort, and size (I am not a tall person -- 5'6").
We were thinking about test riding the 2011 or 2012 HD Heritage Softail until we test rode the Switchback. After comparing the these two bikes, I prefer the Switchback for overall performance, comfort, and size (I am not a tall person -- 5'6").
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
From: AZ
Have had my Switchback for about 6 months. Great bike but it is the first model year, so it isn't unusual to have a couple glitches.
Some of us have had regulator and front brake master cylinder problems, but they were replaced under warranty.
Do you understand the difference between a balanced, frame mounted engine and a non-balanced rubber mounted engine? With a rubber mounted engine it is normal to have the "paint shaker" vibration at idle - you might even say it is preferred.
Excessive vibration while cruising is not normal. Some have had to adjust the stock exhaust mounts to get rid of it. Or change to an exhaust you like better.
Heat is high on this bike with stock setup. Removing the exhaust with the cat converter, and a fuel controller eliminated the heat for me. Most bikes are lean and run hot from the factory - bogus emission requirements.
Enjoy your Switchback!
Bill
Phoenix,AZ
Some of us have had regulator and front brake master cylinder problems, but they were replaced under warranty.
Do you understand the difference between a balanced, frame mounted engine and a non-balanced rubber mounted engine? With a rubber mounted engine it is normal to have the "paint shaker" vibration at idle - you might even say it is preferred.
Excessive vibration while cruising is not normal. Some have had to adjust the stock exhaust mounts to get rid of it. Or change to an exhaust you like better.
Heat is high on this bike with stock setup. Removing the exhaust with the cat converter, and a fuel controller eliminated the heat for me. Most bikes are lean and run hot from the factory - bogus emission requirements.
Enjoy your Switchback!
Bill
Phoenix,AZ
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
From: AZ
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
From: AZ
Correct Fender Thread