Switchback ?'s
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,684
Likes: 4,294
From: Northeast, NJ
Switchback ?'s
Greetings,
My wife and I just got a pair of Switchbacks and have some questions.
At some point, I'm going to focus on engine hop ups, but would like to get some other things squared away first.
I would like to increase the front brake performance. My wife and I are coming from sport bikes and find the Switchback's front braking performance somewhat lacking. I realize the rear brake is utilized more on an HD, but I'd still like to improve the front brakes. I'm already going to add braided steel lines. I looked through the braking subforum on this site also, but still had questions. I'd like to know...
I have to remove the top bolt of the rear shock. The instructions say to completely do one side of the bike first, then the other.
Appreciate the help!
Thanks,
Ken
My wife and I just got a pair of Switchbacks and have some questions.
At some point, I'm going to focus on engine hop ups, but would like to get some other things squared away first.
I would like to increase the front brake performance. My wife and I are coming from sport bikes and find the Switchback's front braking performance somewhat lacking. I realize the rear brake is utilized more on an HD, but I'd still like to improve the front brakes. I'm already going to add braided steel lines. I looked through the braking subforum on this site also, but still had questions. I'd like to know...
- Is there a way to add a 2nd rotor to the right side of the rim?
- If so, what would this entail?
- If so, what caliper setup to use that's better than a stock HD caliper.
- Is there some setup that would add braking performance to just use one rotor?
I have to remove the top bolt of the rear shock. The instructions say to completely do one side of the bike first, then the other.
- When removing the top shock bolt, will the bike remain held at the correct height from the shock from the other side I'm working on?
- Do I need a lift to do this correctly?
- Do I need to heat the screw somehow to release the Loctite, or is there another suggestion?
Appreciate the help!
Thanks,
Ken
Last edited by rauchman; Oct 22, 2013 at 02:27 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,407
Likes: 163
From: salt lake city
I had to order my manual from my dealer.
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
You can buy a six piston caliper and increase your braking performance without needing to change the other lower leg. That'll work well and save you some ca$h for other things.
As far as the shocks, yes - take one off at a time. The bike will not sit at the same height once you take one side off (because it will then be only supported by half of the rear suspension). Hit Harbor Freight (or pep boys, etc) and get a small bike lift (around $50-$80) to take the weight off the swingarm. That will help make things alot easier, even with normal maintenance and cleaning. Just make sure you strap the bike down to the lift so your new baby doesn't fall over.
As far as the shocks, yes - take one off at a time. The bike will not sit at the same height once you take one side off (because it will then be only supported by half of the rear suspension). Hit Harbor Freight (or pep boys, etc) and get a small bike lift (around $50-$80) to take the weight off the swingarm. That will help make things alot easier, even with normal maintenance and cleaning. Just make sure you strap the bike down to the lift so your new baby doesn't fall over.
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 710
Likes: 2
From: San Bruno
you probably ownt be able to add a caliper and rotor with out changing the wheel and fork legs. and fatbob legs wont work as the switchback has inverted forks. your best bet and cheaper is get some performance machine 4 or 6 piston calipers. and why your dealer doesnt have manuals in stock at all times is beyond me. walked into my dealer and walked out with a manual 2 minutes later.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
Alternate front end is the solution. You have HD Showa right now and you cannot fit another disk on that. Maybe start talking to someone like motorcycle metal for a possible change but if you are going down that road might as well get the rear suspension redone too. When you add that up plan for 3-5k more.
I only have about 3k miles on mine as I got it mid August. Here are the issues I have:
1. Front brake weak.
2. Windscreen allows buffeting on the helmet at over 60mph.
3. High speed turns are a little unstable.
4. At times the vibes get a little excessive in the bars. Granted, usually at higher than posted speeds.
5. Suspension is better than other Dynas, but still average.
6. Front fender needs a better design.
I think I'll stabilize the motion on it, improve the front caliper and lines and windscreen and instead of taking on a suspension redo I'll put that into head, fuel system, cam and exhaust improvements.
If you want vastly improved suspension and braking this is better solved with a different motorcycle.
Still, I like it a lot. Very nice idea they have on this model.
I only have about 3k miles on mine as I got it mid August. Here are the issues I have:
1. Front brake weak.
2. Windscreen allows buffeting on the helmet at over 60mph.
3. High speed turns are a little unstable.
4. At times the vibes get a little excessive in the bars. Granted, usually at higher than posted speeds.
5. Suspension is better than other Dynas, but still average.
6. Front fender needs a better design.
I think I'll stabilize the motion on it, improve the front caliper and lines and windscreen and instead of taking on a suspension redo I'll put that into head, fuel system, cam and exhaust improvements.
If you want vastly improved suspension and braking this is better solved with a different motorcycle.
Still, I like it a lot. Very nice idea they have on this model.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,429
Likes: 239
From: northeast
quick and very usful upgrade is the pads..
a lot of the guys on the switchback owners site
have switched out to EBCs..
marked improvement in stopping power..
The EBC part numbers are:
Front FA-457HH
Rear FA 458HH
also if you experience the bad vibration from 2400-about 3300rpm that
about 70% of these bikes have there is an extremely cheap fix for it..
i cant post direct link here BUT you can google search for
"switchback owners" and it should be the first site that comes up...
LOVE MY SWITCHBACK!!!
a lot of the guys on the switchback owners site
have switched out to EBCs..
marked improvement in stopping power..
The EBC part numbers are:
Front FA-457HH
Rear FA 458HH
also if you experience the bad vibration from 2400-about 3300rpm that
about 70% of these bikes have there is an extremely cheap fix for it..
i cant post direct link here BUT you can google search for
"switchback owners" and it should be the first site that comes up...
LOVE MY SWITCHBACK!!!
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 2,139
Likes: 700
From: St. Clair Co., MO
Braided brake lines & better pads will work a treat. If that don't cut it, a aftermarket 4 or 6 piston caliper will work wonders.
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