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Switchback questions

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Old Oct 27, 2013 | 11:09 AM
  #1  
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Default Switchback questions

A dealer is offering me a pretty good deal on a 2013 FLD.
I have some questions for FLD owners.
What kind of gas mileage are you getting on the highway?
How long are your tires lasting?
How well does the windshield block the wind. Related to that, any buffetting? I have had shields on my sporty and dyna and always had buffetting issues at highway speeds.
Has anyone put floorboards on for the passenger? Any issues with them?
I am looking at the FLD to replace my Superglide which was totalled a couple of months ago.
Thanks for any and all information and replies.
 
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Old Oct 27, 2013 | 09:18 PM
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I get 40 on the highway at best because I ride like an *******.
Tires? not sure yet, I just bought my FLD this May and was only able to put 7k on it this season.
stock shield kinda sucked, a little buffeting at 60+, but thats an easy fix. I had an older taller plexi from an old road king, drilled two new holes and it bolted right into the stock shield brackets. (running a dragonfly fairing now though)
I'm looking for a set of mini floorboards for my OL for longer trips (she's a leggy woman and needs the space) If I get them soon I'll let you know what she thinks of them.

All in all, I love this bike and I'd buy it again. I'm very happy with it
 
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Old Oct 27, 2013 | 09:54 PM
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Thanks for the info. I am a cheap SOB when it comes to paying for gas.
The buffetting is what I am anticipating if I get this bike.
My FXD got 43-45 with a Memphis Fats going 70mph on my daily commute.
 
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Old Oct 27, 2013 | 10:43 PM
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My wife and just bought 2 Switchbacks 9 days ago. I've only got 333 miles on it, but I love the bike. Brought back my love of riding.

There is buffeting at 60+, but it's tolerable. I'm wearing a Shoeing Multitec flip up full face helmet, 6' 34" inseam. Can't speak to mileage yet since I'm breaking it in. I may change the seat in the future for something a smidgen higher and back, but the stock seat is pretty decent so far. Overall, I like the way the bike fits.

I test rode the Switchback, a 2013 Street Bob, a 2014 Road King, and a used 2005 Supergide Custom before deciding on the Switchback. Thought the Switchback had the best combination of weight, agility and overall handling.
 
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Old Oct 28, 2013 | 05:25 AM
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I just traded my 09 FLHTC in on a new Switchback, took it home on Saturday. SO I'm loving it. I can speak to gas mileage, but I did put floor boards on for my Son/Daughter when they ride and they love them for the ride we did yesterday. Many more Mods to come, but love the weight reduction and the flexibility of this bike
 
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Old Oct 28, 2013 | 06:40 AM
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karlkcfi said----A dealer is offering me a pretty good deal on a 2013 FLD.
I have some questions for FLD owners.
What kind of gas mileage are you getting on the highway?

steady 42 around town and 49/50 highway with Vieds, crossbones AC and V&H slip on

How long are your tires lasting?

this is relative to your riding style and how you take care of them

How well does the windshield block the wind. Related to that, any buffetting? I have had shields on my sporty and dyna and always had buffetting issues at highway speeds.

a lot of guys have buffeting issues and a lot dont, most of those that have had it said they found it coming from underneath and not over the top and a set of fork shields took care of it..

Has anyone put floorboards on for the passenger? Any issues with them?

i installed the HD fold down 4" mini boards on mine, no issues and my wife loves them

I am looking at the FLD to replace my Superglide which was totalled a couple of months ago.
Thanks for any and all information and replies.

i dont think you can go wrong but again opinions are like balloon knots
 
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Old Oct 28, 2013 | 12:09 PM
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Originally Posted by karlkcfi
A dealer is offering me a pretty good deal on a 2013 FLD.
I have some questions for FLD owners.
What kind of gas mileage are you getting on the highway?
How long are your tires lasting?
How well does the windshield block the wind. Related to that, any buffetting? I have had shields on my sporty and dyna and always had buffetting issues at highway speeds.
Has anyone put floorboards on for the passenger? Any issues with them?
I am looking at the FLD to replace my Superglide which was totalled a couple of months ago.
Thanks for any and all information and replies.
Mileage is about 38-42 depending upon how you ride
Back tire lasted 10k
Windshield keeps it off my chest and there's a limited vortex but it works ok. I look over it...I like wind in my face, it's a motorcycle
Rear floorboards...i have set of brand new chrome ones for sale, that i never mounted... pm me if interested
edit: this what you are looking for?
 

Last edited by FBinSoCal; Oct 28, 2013 at 12:17 PM.
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Old Oct 28, 2013 | 08:42 PM
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Thank you all for the replies i am hearing pretty much what i expected. the FLD sounds like what I want in my next bike. I will be talking to my credit union tomorrow to see if they received the paperwork from the dealer.
i put softtail lowers on my Sportster and Superglide to minimize the buffetting that I experienced on them. (5' 7" and 180 lbs)
 
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