Switchback oe Street Glide?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,766
Likes: 16
From: Roseville, CA
[QUOTE=bjewell;12582474 I'm cramped on the SG and I'm 5'7' so if you are tall either get a Road Glide [/QUOTE]
I lol'd when I read this. Same riding position as the RG, its whether you want your gauges and radio closer to you among other factors.
Some bikes will feel more comfortable than others. I do recommend taller shocks on the SG.
For those that say it sucks around town, are little refresher:
I lol'd when I read this. Same riding position as the RG, its whether you want your gauges and radio closer to you among other factors.
Some bikes will feel more comfortable than others. I do recommend taller shocks on the SG.
For those that say it sucks around town, are little refresher:
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,325
Likes: 7
From: SE Illinois
I've rode about bike HD has made in recent years, and both of those bikes are at the top of my list as far as comfort goes. The Switchback is the most versatile bike in the lineup & looks and rides great, but the SG provides more wind protection & tunes.
If you're considering those 2, you might also check out the Road King..
I'm a Dyna guy, so that would be my pick, but if I were going to do any significant distance touring I would have a SG.
Both are great bikes, you just need to actually ride each one and decide for yourself.
If you're considering those 2, you might also check out the Road King..
I'm a Dyna guy, so that would be my pick, but if I were going to do any significant distance touring I would have a SG.
Both are great bikes, you just need to actually ride each one and decide for yourself.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,766
Likes: 16
From: Roseville, CA
I agree, although I think the RK is more "versatile" because it is designed for touring first.
Having gauges is pretty awesome for those that like them though.
However, an aftermarket batwing style fairing looks like crap from the rider seat, IMO. Just an empty black space that could be filled with a radio and gauges.
Having gauges is pretty awesome for those that like them though.
However, an aftermarket batwing style fairing looks like crap from the rider seat, IMO. Just an empty black space that could be filled with a radio and gauges.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 4,749
Likes: 16
From: sand mountain Alabama
Most Dyna owners get caught up in the light weight and handling.
if you are going to do touring then think touring bike.
Dyna bikes make good touring bikes up to a point. The biggest difference is the touring bikes are designed for touring in mind.
I am 5'7" and my SG fits me really good. Plenty of room for me and the wife. A good seat can give you more riders room.
It really is your choice so I am suggesting to take a good ride on each to see. Not a hour ride but a weekend ride. Remember you are use to a light weight Dyna bike. This is why I suggest renting one. If you make it understood you may by then they will knock off the rental fee if you buy. Most dealers will do that for you.
if you are going to do touring then think touring bike.
Dyna bikes make good touring bikes up to a point. The biggest difference is the touring bikes are designed for touring in mind.
I am 5'7" and my SG fits me really good. Plenty of room for me and the wife. A good seat can give you more riders room.
It really is your choice so I am suggesting to take a good ride on each to see. Not a hour ride but a weekend ride. Remember you are use to a light weight Dyna bike. This is why I suggest renting one. If you make it understood you may by then they will knock off the rental fee if you buy. Most dealers will do that for you.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 329
Likes: 22
From: Australia
A dyna is far more maneuverable when pushing it, parking it, and doing u-turns. Especially when it's raining.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,766
Likes: 16
From: Roseville, CA
The Swichback has a 1.2" shorter wheelbase and weighs 92lbs less with different steering geometry.
AND since the Switchbacks one inch lower, I question the U-turn superiority. And u-turns are very common.
I don't recommend buying a bike for pushing and parking.
I DO recommend a bike for touring with audio, superior luggage capacity and a 1.3 gallon larger tank.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 329
Likes: 22
From: Australia
When raining? Not sure I understand.
The Swichback has a 1.2" shorter wheelbase and weighs 92lbs less with different steering geometry.
AND since the Switchbacks one inch lower, I question the U-turn superiority. And u-turns are very common.
I don't recommend buying a bike for pushing and parking.
I DO recommend a bike for touring with audio, superior luggage capacity and a 1.3 gallon larger tank.
The Swichback has a 1.2" shorter wheelbase and weighs 92lbs less with different steering geometry.
AND since the Switchbacks one inch lower, I question the U-turn superiority. And u-turns are very common.
I don't recommend buying a bike for pushing and parking.
I DO recommend a bike for touring with audio, superior luggage capacity and a 1.3 gallon larger tank.
I DON'T choose my bikes based on the pushing and parking abilities, but then I'm a fit 6'2" and 220lb. But I know plenty of older riders, and riders with injuries that do consider such things. Size and weight may be considerations for the OP, which makes pointing it out relevant.
You seem to have decided the original poster, Spartanden, needs a touring bike. Had he actually said he wanted a touring bike, or even wanted to go touring you might have a point. What he does want is an upgrade on his Sporty that would be a tad more comfortable on trips - whatever that might mean - and has a screen and a radio. But he also likes the idea of a smaller frame.
I commute daily. The FLD runs rings around a touring bike, especially weaving around peak hour traffic on wet and greasy roads. A light scooter would be even better, but not my taste.
Last edited by Chinashop bull; Apr 14, 2014 at 09:37 PM.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 664
Likes: 9
From: Nowhere
If you decide on a SwitchB, make sure you ride it first to see if you can live with the vibes. They shake like hell and are hard to get use to IMO. My old lady hates it.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Wisconsin
Install a Solo seat or buy another bike for her to ride.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 329
Likes: 22
From: Australia
There are 2 main causes of vibration in the FLD, and only one is unique to it. The most common is caused by the stock muffler mounting which is easily cured by changing one of the fixed mounting bolts to a clevis pin (split pin) which allows the muffler to move independent of the bike. Bikes with aftermarket exhausts do not have the vibration issue.
Those that the clevis pin mod did not help, had an engine mount related vibration which is common across all Dynas because they all share the same mounts.
You should fix your wife's FLD so she can enjoy her bike.