The Poor Harley Switchback...
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 6,095
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From: Ione, CA
The Poor Harley Switchback...
I was at Sac Harley the other day and they had a bunch of bikes in, including many Japanese trade-ins. Walking the aisles and looking at the offerings I came to the three Switchbacks. One was a dark red, one a dark blue and the last black. They were shoved together with some Sportsters and a few Dynas, far from the touring bikes and Softails. They looked like a complete afterthought, unloved and unwanted.
Looking at them, they are very similar in size and layout to a classic Harley from the mid-fifties to the end of the panhead era. The bags even open like Electraglides from back then. With the 103" engine this bike should be considerably quicker than any other bagger in the room. The exposed shocks look right as opposed to a Softail or the plastic covered touring bikes. This could be a great bike.
But here's the problem(s): The colors are awful, bikes look like clothing the Amish wear, dark, flat and drab. The wheels are even worse, possibly the ugliest wheels on any bike, let alone a Harley. The bags are too small by 20 percent and the side latch-looking things are too large; the whole mess looks like a trash bin.
And the name? Sorry but it sounds so gay. Switchback??? You mean like that Brokeback Mountain movie about the queer cowboys? Switchwhat? Back what?
So the bikes sit there. Haven't seen one sell in two months which is a shame because with a decent name, some good colors, maybe spoke or at least well-designed wheels this bike should be a hit with people who want a quick bagger for weekend rides or guys who for whatever reason don't need an 850+ lb. touring bike.
Wake up Harley...
Looking at them, they are very similar in size and layout to a classic Harley from the mid-fifties to the end of the panhead era. The bags even open like Electraglides from back then. With the 103" engine this bike should be considerably quicker than any other bagger in the room. The exposed shocks look right as opposed to a Softail or the plastic covered touring bikes. This could be a great bike.
But here's the problem(s): The colors are awful, bikes look like clothing the Amish wear, dark, flat and drab. The wheels are even worse, possibly the ugliest wheels on any bike, let alone a Harley. The bags are too small by 20 percent and the side latch-looking things are too large; the whole mess looks like a trash bin.
And the name? Sorry but it sounds so gay. Switchback??? You mean like that Brokeback Mountain movie about the queer cowboys? Switchwhat? Back what?
So the bikes sit there. Haven't seen one sell in two months which is a shame because with a decent name, some good colors, maybe spoke or at least well-designed wheels this bike should be a hit with people who want a quick bagger for weekend rides or guys who for whatever reason don't need an 850+ lb. touring bike.
Wake up Harley...
Last edited by bjewell; May 21, 2013 at 09:49 AM.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 180
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From: Ball Ground, GA
I agree, although I hadn't thought that deep into it. When I first saw one I just thought it didn't look "right." Something was unbalanced or weird that in some way was unpleasing to my eye. They don't flow at all.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Sandpoint, Idaho
The "short" windshield? Way to low for a full sized person.
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From: Socialist Republic of the USA
I know 1 guy that has one and has had his fair share of problems with it. IMO it is like a convertible and just not something many people are interested in. I am another that doesn't have a problem with the wheels but powered by a 103 ci it should be a mover. Just not doing much moving off the dealers floors.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 203
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From: Sacramento Delta
It's pretty easy to see which bikes Sac Harley wants to sell as soon as you walk in the door. Baggers, Softails, used baggers and used Softails all right as you walk in the front door. Dynas are on the second isle, Sportys and all others are pushed to the back and sides.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
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I agree with much of your assessment of the Switchback...especially your comparison to the dressers of old.
Personally, I like the look....and as long as it's available in black, what else is there!!
What I do have against them is the amount of vibration.
I test rode one when they 1st came out and while the handling and performance were fine, the amount of vibration at hiway speeds was( IMO) unacceptable.
Retaining the "look" of the older bikes was a good idea....retaining all the vibration was not!!
Personally, I like the look....and as long as it's available in black, what else is there!!
What I do have against them is the amount of vibration.
I test rode one when they 1st came out and while the handling and performance were fine, the amount of vibration at hiway speeds was( IMO) unacceptable.
Retaining the "look" of the older bikes was a good idea....retaining all the vibration was not!!
