Switchback vs Street Glide
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Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 550
Likes: 0
From: Houston
Switchback vs Street Glide
I've been considering a Street Glide for all around use with acceptable touring prowess if I decide to try Daytona or Sturgis. I've just read an article comparing these two and they really liked the Switchback as an even more nimble and fun everyday bike but also an adequate tourer for at least short/medium runs. How many of you guys have a Switchback? What are your thoughts on it? Have you done anything as extensive as Daytona or Sturgis from 1500-1800 miles away? How did it go? Thanks for any and all input on this.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 56,052
Likes: 87,518
From: Western South Dakota
You'd better get the SB..
You couldn't handle the SG...
It's a big bike.
Seriously..
No comparison between the two..
Better yet, go to your dealer and ride each one.
You'll see.
You couldn't handle the SG...
It's a big bike.
Seriously..
No comparison between the two..
Better yet, go to your dealer and ride each one.
You'll see.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,403
Likes: 72
From: North Dakota
They are so different that they should not be considered even close. They ride and handle completely different.
Switchback - light, nimble, fun to ride around town and cross country solo. A passenger on a Dyna is a handicap
Street Glide - a strong heavier bike. Bulkier around town but surprising stable at slow speeds. You won't even notice a passenger on the back. More cramped riding position for the driver and more room for the passenger.
I own both a solo Dyna that I have ridden cross-country and an Ultra Classic. I only take the Ultra on trips if the wife is going also. I like the Dyna better though I have to admit, I made it to fit me (6'3")
Switchback - light, nimble, fun to ride around town and cross country solo. A passenger on a Dyna is a handicap
Street Glide - a strong heavier bike. Bulkier around town but surprising stable at slow speeds. You won't even notice a passenger on the back. More cramped riding position for the driver and more room for the passenger.
I own both a solo Dyna that I have ridden cross-country and an Ultra Classic. I only take the Ultra on trips if the wife is going also. I like the Dyna better though I have to admit, I made it to fit me (6'3")
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 882
Likes: 126
From: Hahira Ga
Can't speak on the streetglide, but love my Switchback. Took GF on a 1k weekend through the mountains and we loved it. She was quite comfortable. Handles great, fun to ride. Big bag across the back holds plenty camping equipment, more than tour pack.
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
From: AZ
The FLD is not meant to be a long haul touring bike. The Harley Touring Class is the way to go for that kind of riding.
You could do it with a Switchback but not with the same style and comfort.
I love riding my Switchback but it is still a Dyna Class performance bike. (103 engine and 100 lbs lighter) At times when I'm cruising at 80mph, which it does well, I think I would like the size and comfort of a RG or SG, but I just don't need that size for 2/3 of my riding style.
Bill
Phoenix,AZ
You could do it with a Switchback but not with the same style and comfort.
I love riding my Switchback but it is still a Dyna Class performance bike. (103 engine and 100 lbs lighter) At times when I'm cruising at 80mph, which it does well, I think I would like the size and comfort of a RG or SG, but I just don't need that size for 2/3 of my riding style.
Bill
Phoenix,AZ
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Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 550
Likes: 0
From: Houston
That's the reason for my inquiry. I'd most likely be riding mostly within two to four hours of home for the next many years with maybe one trip to Daytona and/or one trip to Sturgis thrown in. So the question is do I go with the lighter nimble bike for the majority of the riding or the touring bike for the added comfort etc on those trips and not quite as nimble the rest of the time. Or do I choose some as yet unnamed third Harley.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 4,046
Likes: 398
From: sugar land, gulf coast, tx
Used to ride a SG, but it was the older frame, 07. Not so stable in the twisties. The new ones are much better. I really like my Dyna, but would enjoy having that third unnamed Harley, the Road King Classic. It looks much like the SB, but has classic leather look bags. The classic windshield is more stable in cross winds than the batwing faring, at least for me. Guess it's what makes you happy when riding...tomp dd50