My father in-law has a '11 Heritage Softail that I have been riding since passing my MSF course this summer. He has since moved further away and I have been looking at getting my own bike. I came up with two options at this point:

1) '13 1200c and add a windshield, saddle bags (locking), changing the shocks to Progressive 440's, and a back rest for a passenger. I am more into utility than "customizing" my bike with chrome pieces and special paint jobs. I am guessing that it will run about $13K or so with those added pieces out the door.


2) '13 Switchback and add a back rest later and has everything else that I am looking for

I haven't found a dealer yet that will deal on a 1200 custom, but a dealer that my father in-law has purchased 2 has given me what I think is a decent price on a blue '13 Switchback:

$16,070 - for the bike (includes tax, tittle, license)
$500.00 - to make a total of 48 months service

$16,570 - the bike and 4 year service plan out the door

Seeing that the bike retails for about this price I figured that paying slightly less than retail for this was a decent deal. Is this a decent deal?

 

I don't know what part of Illinois you are in, but my dealer, City Limits in Palatine had a '12 Switchback in silver (same bike as mine) on the floor when I was there the other day. They are making great deals on 12's. My buddy just bought a '12 Fat Boy Lo for a few grand off sticker there last week.

 

I love my switchback (2012) got it out the door with maintenance and warranty tax tag and title for 14,900 see if a 12 is available. Either way you will love the bike...

 

That is a fair deal on the 2013 FLD. I bought the same bike a few months ago and really like it.

 

Regardless of price, go FLD, way more bike for the money. If you're going after function over form, it's a win-win!

 

I think you will be much happier with the Switchback. There were no changes from the 2012 model so you should be able to save on a leftover. Unless you are set on the Blue color which is only available on the 2013. Whichever you choose good luck and ride safe.

 

while you can get a 12' probably cheaper that is great deal on a 13' especially with the extra warranty

 

got my 2012 FLD for $1500 off MSRP, 15% off 1 parts order and free winter storage.
Nows a good time to be shopping!

 

I went from a Sportster to a Switchback. So I can shed a little insight.

The Sportster is a rough ride compared to the FLD.
Sportster will vibrate your enitre body at time, where the FLD will shimmy like all Dyna's but smooths out once your moving.
Any 2 up riding is cramped on the Sporty, where on the FLD you comparatively have room to spread out. (this was my main reason for making the switch)

I would make this same decision in a heartbeat! No doubt go with the Switchback

 

Based on the fact that you're already talking about turning the Sporty into a mini tourer I'd recommend you just go with the Switchback and be done with it. It's a much smoother ride and has just about everything you want.