Touring to switchback
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 147
Likes: 3
From: Kentucky
A couple of months ago, the local dealer willing to significantly discount a leftover '12 Switchback and I was really tempted to trade in my 02' Heritage. I have a 27" inseam, and every tour frame bike I've even sat on was way too friggin big. After the test ride of the Switchback, I decided to keep the Heritage. At idle, the thing shook like an air hammer, and I didn't like the way you sit on it, rather than in it.
My bike has FB wheels on it, and I really like the look when I take the bags and shield off. My next bike will be a softail.
My bike has FB wheels on it, and I really like the look when I take the bags and shield off. My next bike will be a softail.
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,905
Likes: 66
From: Hartford, AL
When the time comes and I decide whick way I want to go, I'll take nice long test rides on "competing models". Right now my back just lets me fantasize about them. I am looking forward to getting the Limited out some day again. I'll tell you, being "medically grounded" sucks.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,814
Likes: 5,120
From: SW Ohio
If I were considering another bike lighter than my Road King I'd have to take a hard look at 1200 Sportsters from 07 and up. A bunch lighter and not expensive on the used market. Because it would be "in addition to" I'd go for a bigger difference from what I have. Saying all that, going from the nice touring bike you have to the Dyna Switchback may be just as big a leap.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 547
Likes: 0
From: Illinois Corn Desert
The Switchback isn't that big of a seller. Its a Dyna with hard bags is all. Dynas will ride rough unless you spend a lot of money on new shocks. Recovering from back surgery......respectfully NOT what you want.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 5,202
Likes: 792
From: Kansas City, Missouri
I doubt a softail is any better. Mine handled bumps like a truck.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,863
Likes: 21
From: Kennewick, WA
From my perspective I would say it would make a good second bike. If you look at my signature picture you can see I had a switchback prototype prior to my Street Glide. That bike was an 06 Super Glide with a Softail FL front end. I had it lowered in the rear a bit with Fat Bob shocks and I loved it. I rode that bike everywhere and long rides were not an issue.
That said let me tell you what happened when the Street Glide came home. After a few weeks of transition where I got used to riding a cramped up bagger (reach seat on it) the Dyna sat. Even once I switched out the reach seat I still felt it wasn't as roomy but I had Softail floor boards on it that I pushed out way forward compared the the Switchback.
In the end I basically quit riding the Dyna and much preferred the bagger so the Dyna found a new home. I do miss ripping up the road with it but I can still do a fair amount of that with the new bike.
That said let me tell you what happened when the Street Glide came home. After a few weeks of transition where I got used to riding a cramped up bagger (reach seat on it) the Dyna sat. Even once I switched out the reach seat I still felt it wasn't as roomy but I had Softail floor boards on it that I pushed out way forward compared the the Switchback.
In the end I basically quit riding the Dyna and much preferred the bagger so the Dyna found a new home. I do miss ripping up the road with it but I can still do a fair amount of that with the new bike.
Big time shaker, wasn't impressed when I rode one too.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 2,644
Likes: 397
From: Nonya, BS
As far as the vibration issue is concerned a lit of people complained about the switchback vibration issue but after changing stock muffler most resolved a few people had to have a motor mount swapped (but more rarely) and the issue was resolved. I never had a vibration issu on mine and didn't understand what everyone was talking about until I hopped on a road glide but its not fair to compare a caddie to a taurus. Both are good choices but built for different styles and budgets. Im keeping both.