Dyna Owners Need Assistance
Banned
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,852
Likes: 4
From: California
I don't know and haven't seen any difference in the rear suspension on the Switchback. Side by side they are the same. Now the front is where there is a bigger difference than just the size of the forks. Although the 49mm forks are thicker the FLD has cartridge style forks instead of just a damper rod like the 49mm ones. This is where you will feel a big difference. You can accomplish the same with the 49mm forks but you need to spend some more $$$$. Both bikes have their plusses and minuses. I prefer cast wheels over spokes but I also prefer the leather bags like the ones you have pictured on the Sporty over the FLD bags which are smaller. The Switchback to me just doesn't look right stripped down. For the money a Switchback costs I would probably just get a Road King.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,250
Likes: 36
From: Montana
I have a 2011 Dyna street bob. I ride solo 100 percent of the time so one seat is not an issue for me. I just rode the Bob 3200 miles in all weathers , through many mountain passes and twisties as well as straightaways. 80MPH most of the time. I only had slight front end wobble from a really nasty section of torn up road one time And it was the road that caused it ... the highway there was just trashed . Otherwise the bike handled better than any other bike I have ridden. Out of all the miles I have ridden I love the handling and performance of this bike. I use a solo rack and 2 Kriega bike packs in 30L and 20L . Held enough gear for 8 days. Kept clothes bone dry and did not even know the bags were on the bike half of the time. You can tour and still keep the clean, stripped down look of a dyna. Personally I enjoyed this trip more than any I have taken previously due to the fun factor of the dyna while i was doing it. I love this bike , it does everything I want a bike to do and looks good doing it. Good luck finding the bike for you.
I have had my FLD since November last year and other than the small bags would not change the bike at all. Now that being said I have been working with manufactures to give us Switchback owners options when it comes to the bags. I will be posting a big ol thank you to all those who assisted along a lot of snatching hair out, but I will have it wrapped up just prior to the fall rally
My story is a little different and I can't comment on the Switch'.
First HD was an 02 Night Train (should have never sold it)
Spent the next few years doing the sporty thing. While I love the sporties I just felt I was going backwards when it came to rides of any distance. Everyone else I rode with had either ST's or Baggers. Not that I felt inadequate, just kinda "out of place."
Just picked up an 05 dyna lowrider and it's basically a sporty on steroids. I get the bigger motor, but not the weight of a bagger. Im still at sorts with myself and I really really really want a Street Glide.
Ride both, and not just for ten minutes, and decide what YOU want. Good luck.
First HD was an 02 Night Train (should have never sold it)
Spent the next few years doing the sporty thing. While I love the sporties I just felt I was going backwards when it came to rides of any distance. Everyone else I rode with had either ST's or Baggers. Not that I felt inadequate, just kinda "out of place."
Just picked up an 05 dyna lowrider and it's basically a sporty on steroids. I get the bigger motor, but not the weight of a bagger. Im still at sorts with myself and I really really really want a Street Glide.
Ride both, and not just for ten minutes, and decide what YOU want. Good luck.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
From: AZ
The Switchback has Nitrogen Shocks and are pre-load adjustable. The Front End has some "special" dampening setup, too technical for me, but supposedly designed just for our bike. Harley has a description about it.
Bill
Phoenix,AZ
Bill
Phoenix,AZ
5th Gear
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Pamana City Beach
I owed an 09 Street bob bought new in 09 and loved it. One of the best bikes ive owed. I recently traded it for the Switchback and love this even more. Although i like the look of the Street Bob a little more the comfort and ride of the Switchback to me is so much better.
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Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 548
Likes: 1
From: Freehold, NJ
Pulled trigger today and now I'm the proud owner of a 2012 switchback in red. Dealer gave me a decent deal on my sportster and took a few bucks off msrp to make the deal work. Pics to follow shortly....ordered a rush slipon and stage 1 ac and download to start.
Thanks for all the advice
Thanks for all the advice