Switchback Regret?
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 154
Likes: 1
From: CT
Im pretty sure the quality of person purchasing a switchback or any touring bike for that matter is a confused bunch of individuals, I am not trying to offend anyone here rather voice my opinion. The people that are buying the switchback and then trading it in after four months of riding are the people that thought they were buying a street glide but ended up with a bike that's purpose is more geared towards the 3-4 hour ride rather then the 6-8 hour ride. The FX chassis was never any good for 2 up riding IMO and still isnt with the introduction of the switchback, so there is probably some of those trade ins (wife/female related). Then there are the people that are looking to jump on the touring bike wagon and only ride them to work and back 15 miles. I know this because there are 3 guys that work here that all have touring bikes and dont ride them but 20 miles at a time. So buying a switchback is a good introduction to a bagger its not quite the trend most are looking for. The masses want the same bike that 14 other people you see while out for a cruise are riding around on. I cant tell you how many of these touring bikes I see everyday ridden by people that have no intention of actually riding the bike for longer then 25 mile trips. Its kind of upsetting...... So to summarize 2 up couples probably buy them to get into riding and the female hates the ride and fit of the dyna and then there are the people that want a touring bike, buy the switchback and then trade it in for a street glide 2 weeks later to be like there buddy. Just my .02.
Last edited by WhereduGo?; Jul 15, 2013 at 08:51 AM.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 508
Likes: 2
From: Idaho Panhandle
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 3,145
Likes: 2,915
From: New York
Rentals for sale
Switchbacks are popular rental bikes to first time Harley riders because they offer the storage for a day's worth of riding and the comfort of a windshield but are not as heavy as a Road King. Perhaps your dealer bought them at a great deal from the HD finance company once they were off the rental finance program.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,429
Likes: 239
From: northeast
Oh, there are a few of us that could give a squat and choose a scoot based on other considerations, as well as some old skool dudes who just won't give up their Wide Glides. Doing 500 mile days on my Street Bob, and standing up on the mid-pegs to ride over frost heaved and broken pavement while the bagger boys and girls get the crap beat out of their butts, is me 'kicking sand' in the peer bullies faces. Like what you've done to your FLD, BTW. Looks like a mini Ultra Piggie
same goes for a lot of the sportbike riders, they think all harley riders are fat dirty people with beards and tattoos that don't wear helmets, these same Aholes will be on a Harley or bigger touring bike in 15-20 years IF they are still alive and riding..
to me it doesn't matter what you ride so long as you are riding and who GAF what you look like doing it..
Club Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,875
Likes: 197
From: Texas
Im pretty sure the quality of person purchasing a switchback or any touring bike for that matter is a confused bunch of individuals, I am not trying to offend anyone here rather voice my opinion. The people that are buying the switchback and then trading it in after four months of riding are the people that thought they were buying a street glide but ended up with a bike that's purpose is more geared towards the 3-4 hour ride rather then the 6-8 hour ride. The FX chassis was never any good for 2 up riding IMO and still isnt with the introduction of the switchback, so there is probably some of those trade ins (wife/female related). Then there are the people that are looking to jump on the touring bike wagon and only ride them to work and back 15 miles. I know this because there are 3 guys that work here that all have touring bikes and dont ride them but 20 miles at a time. So buying a switchback is a good introduction to a bagger its not quite the trend most are looking for. The masses want the same bike that 14 other people you see while out for a cruise are riding around on. I cant tell you how many of these touring bikes I see everyday ridden by people that have no intention of actually riding the bike for longer then 25 mile trips. Its kind of upsetting...... So to summarize 2 up couples probably buy them to get into riding and the female hates the ride and fit of the dyna and then there are the people that want a touring bike, buy the switchback and then trade it in for a street glide 2 weeks later to be like there buddy. Just my .02.
When people tell me they are trying to choose, I give this advice: If 80% of your riding is truly long-haul highway touring, you'll probably be happier with a Glide or a King. If, however, 80% of your riding is crusing or trips of 1,000 miles or less, go with a Switchback. You'll have way more fun. Of course, if you're the size of the average Gold Wing rider, you might need that spacious seat on a Glide just to haul yourself around! LOL.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
I don't get this RQ mentality either. I look at it as 100# less than a Road King and check how to shave off 100# more and find the suspension and brake upgrades.
This bike is sounding better and better all the time. Maybe I need to think about that instead of the Fat Bob.
This bike is sounding better and better all the time. Maybe I need to think about that instead of the Fat Bob.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 10,135
Likes: 4,780
From: Sandpoint, Idaho
That might be true in Seattle or Portland, which I doubt. But it is not the case over in the Spokane and vicinity. In fact I have yet to see a used Switchback at the dealer in Spokane. However there are "always" more than a half dozen "Dressers" available.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 353
Likes: 2
From: Seattle Area
I don't think the NW has a lock on that.