Switchback oe Street Glide?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,766
Likes: 16
From: Roseville, CA
You seem a tad confused.
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.
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.
810 vs. 702lbs due to age or injury? That's pretty weak.
Runs rings? Another LOL sitting 1" lower. Explain the wet and "greasy" road observation.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 329
Likes: 22
From: Australia
I'm sorry. I didn't realize I was being schooled by motorcycling greatness. My bad. Please pardon me for putting my 2c in the same thread as yours.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,430
Likes: 239
From: northeast
clevis pin mod
Thread Starter
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 23,399
Likes: 8,509
From: Spartan Country, Michigan
Wow! opinions are pretty rabid here!!! But then that's what i like about a good forum.
Thank you all for your input. IF I could, I would keep the Sporty and get a SG. But....
I came into work yesterday with the decision to go SG and had a photo on my computer of one. One of my work mates came by, saw it and said I had a picture of his bike on my screen. I said I wish I had made my mind before he traded his in on a new one. He told me he still had it, his new bike was not here yet.....well, that started a whole new line of conversation. Bottom line is: I went to his house last nite and checked out his 2013 Street Glide with 6500 miles. He has Vance & Hines, race tuner, different air cleaner, a couple of little odds and ends, and I offered him same price as his trade in. I think we have a deal. The long and short of this whole process is I placed more value on fairing, radio, larger bags than nimbleness, city handling, and weight. I think I will be happy with this package once I have a chance to make it mine. I appreciate all the input i received from y'all....and I will be spending more time here in the future!!!
thank you guys for the "help"!!!
Denny
Thank you all for your input. IF I could, I would keep the Sporty and get a SG. But....
I came into work yesterday with the decision to go SG and had a photo on my computer of one. One of my work mates came by, saw it and said I had a picture of his bike on my screen. I said I wish I had made my mind before he traded his in on a new one. He told me he still had it, his new bike was not here yet.....well, that started a whole new line of conversation. Bottom line is: I went to his house last nite and checked out his 2013 Street Glide with 6500 miles. He has Vance & Hines, race tuner, different air cleaner, a couple of little odds and ends, and I offered him same price as his trade in. I think we have a deal. The long and short of this whole process is I placed more value on fairing, radio, larger bags than nimbleness, city handling, and weight. I think I will be happy with this package once I have a chance to make it mine. I appreciate all the input i received from y'all....and I will be spending more time here in the future!!!
thank you guys for the "help"!!!
Denny
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,766
Likes: 16
From: Roseville, CA
OP congrats, you won't regret it.
It's like buying a BMW 535i sedan vs. a 335i coupe. Both great, but now one is more suited for a long trip.
I was really curious about your point regarding the difference in wet/greasy conditions vs. the two bikes?
It's like buying a BMW 535i sedan vs. a 335i coupe. Both great, but now one is more suited for a long trip.
I was really curious about your point regarding the difference in wet/greasy conditions vs. the two bikes?
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Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 664
Likes: 9
From: Nowhere
I've been around Switchy's for close to 2 years. Most never had the vibration problem, mine didn't.
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.
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.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,430
Likes: 239
From: northeast
then you either didnt do the mod right or had anoher issue that needed to be addressed as the
clevis pin when done correctly removes that 2400-3200rpm vision blurring vibration.
also
ALL of the QD hardware rattles no matter what bike it is on hence all of the posts across this whole site
about annoying rattles from backrests and trunks