Road King Classic versus Dyna Switchback
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 220
Likes: 64
From: The Netherlands
Road King Classic versus Dyna Switchback
Earlier this week I picked up my brand new RK Classic !!!
I had been riding a Dyna Switchback for the last 18 months, and thought that the differences in engine performance / behaviour would be minimal....however I found that the RKC is much more powerful at low revs (can't compare high revs yet for obvious reasons) but also the engine produces far less vibration than what I was used to.
Anyone else with similar experiences, and if so, how come? They both are 103 cu engines and should be more or less the same?
I had been riding a Dyna Switchback for the last 18 months, and thought that the differences in engine performance / behaviour would be minimal....however I found that the RKC is much more powerful at low revs (can't compare high revs yet for obvious reasons) but also the engine produces far less vibration than what I was used to.
Anyone else with similar experiences, and if so, how come? They both are 103 cu engines and should be more or less the same?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 17,148
Likes: 6,170
From: SE Michigan
The switchbacks have a notorious problem with vibration at about 2600 RPM, there's a service bulletin on it.
As far as performance is concerned - both bikes stock, stage 1, etc? Similarly configured I'd expect them to be about the same, with the Dyna possibly even a bit quicker because its lighter. Other than that, my guess is psychology is at work.
As far as performance is concerned - both bikes stock, stage 1, etc? Similarly configured I'd expect them to be about the same, with the Dyna possibly even a bit quicker because its lighter. Other than that, my guess is psychology is at work.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 220
Likes: 64
From: The Netherlands
The switchbacks have a notorious problem with vibration at about 2600 RPM, there's a service bulletin on it.
As far as performance is concerned - both bikes stock, stage 1, etc? Similarly configured I'd expect them to be about the same, with the Dyna possibly even a bit quicker because its lighter. Other than that, my guess is psychology is at work.
As far as performance is concerned - both bikes stock, stage 1, etc? Similarly configured I'd expect them to be about the same, with the Dyna possibly even a bit quicker because its lighter. Other than that, my guess is psychology is at work.
I didn't know about this service bulletin but glad to know that it wasn't me imagining things (the switchback was my first Harley...)
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,956
Likes: 439
From: florida
[quote=Keithhu;11650587]The switchbacks have a notorious problem with vibration at about 2600 RPM, there's a service bulletin on it.
I have heard some chat of clatter type noises as well from sloppy bags/connections etc.., this true?
I have heard some chat of clatter type noises as well from sloppy bags/connections etc.., this true?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 17,148
Likes: 6,170
From: SE Michigan
[QUOTE=ntraindavefl;11650753]
I'm not sure what exactly it is because I havent gotten into the details (I dont own one), but a colleague where I work was saying he was about to buy one, and I asked him if he'd tested one, warning him of this issue. So he took a test ride and he was amazed how bad it was.
Bought a Road King, happy camper.
Bought a Road King, happy camper.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 882
Likes: 126
From: Hahira Ga
New bike syndrome at work. Never have had vibration problem on my stock Switchback, adding 115lbs to the same engine is not going to increase its performance. I think the switchback is a great bike, but that's why HD makes so many different models and time on the forum will highlight and likely exaggerate problems that any have. RKC is definitely a beauty, May get one myself some day.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,132
Likes: 228
From: Garland, TX
I don't own either one but test rode a switchback on a demo ride and didn't get any vibrations. Seemed to be very smooth to me and had plenty of get up and go.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Manassas, VA
Touring bikes are geared lower than Dynas.
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Intermediate
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 46
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From: Frisco, TX
I went to test drive a switchback. When guy cranked it I could feel ground shake 10' from it. Riding it smoothed out some but still it was hard to see in mirrors due to vibration!
Tested RK next it too had some idle vib but not as bad but as soon as I touched throdle it stopped. The king seemed geared lower in 1 and 2 gear once I hit 3rd they seemed very simular except for vib SB had! I bought the RK
Tested RK next it too had some idle vib but not as bad but as soon as I touched throdle it stopped. The king seemed geared lower in 1 and 2 gear once I hit 3rd they seemed very simular except for vib SB had! I bought the RK