Touring to switchback
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,905
Likes: 66
From: Hartford, AL
Touring to switchback
I have the bike in my sig and was thinking about adding a smaller lighter bike in the dyna class, but don't want to completely get rid of the bags. I am 2 weeks into recovery from a back fusion and wondering how the ride of the switchback would be. It's 200 pounds lighter than my 2011 FKHTK, a couple inches lower seat height, and still has the 103. Thinking it should run strong but I would still likely prefer the UC for trips. I have seen comments where it gets panned. Haven't ridden one and it'll be a few weeks before I ride anything.
An RK was considered but it has the same frame as the UC and I am short. I also suspect I'm gonna have some leg strength issues for a while too.
Any knowledgeable comments appreciated.
EDIT for clarity; This would not replace the FLHTK, it would be in addition
An RK was considered but it has the same frame as the UC and I am short. I also suspect I'm gonna have some leg strength issues for a while too.
Any knowledgeable comments appreciated.
EDIT for clarity; This would not replace the FLHTK, it would be in addition
Last edited by Chunker; Feb 2, 2013 at 07:17 AM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,588
Likes: 9
From: Sunny Southern California
When I went to a local dealers "demo days" to try a Road Glide, the guy right behind me was trying a new Dyna Switchback. At the end of the 26 mile loop, he got off and said "Now I know why they call it a "Switchback"...after riding it, I can't wait to "Switchback" to my Touring bike!" The response from everyone was was hilarious!
Might want to try one before taking the plunge!
Might want to try one before taking the plunge!
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,451
Likes: 1
From: South Florida
Never ridden a switchback but 200 lbs lighter will certainly be much easier to handle, especially with your back condition. If you are keeping the UC for trips or touring, why a switchback? Just curious. I kinda understand the switchback route if you wanted to use it to replace the Ultra because of weight issues on a bad back. If you're looking for something lighter for more every day riding, you have lots of options with hard or leather bags. Maybe even a Heritage. Lower seat height and softail type suspension. Great bike for average to shorter riders. Lower center of gravity will greatly help with weakened back and leg strength. If a dyna is preferred, they all ride basically the same. Would think a Street Bob with bags could get you a lower seat height than the switchback.
But most importantly......give yourself some time and heal properly. The road and the ride will be there waiting for you when you're ready. Back issues are nothing to take lightly, no pun intended. The healing and the rehab is almost as tough on ya as the mental anguish of having to be patient. Good luck, get well and ride safe.
See ya on the road soon!
But most importantly......give yourself some time and heal properly. The road and the ride will be there waiting for you when you're ready. Back issues are nothing to take lightly, no pun intended. The healing and the rehab is almost as tough on ya as the mental anguish of having to be patient. Good luck, get well and ride safe.
See ya on the road soon!
Last edited by Roger That; Feb 1, 2013 at 11:08 PM.
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,905
Likes: 66
From: Hartford, AL
Never ridden a switchback but 200 lbs lighter will certainly be much easier to handle, especially with your back condition. If you are keeping the UC for trips or touring, why a switchback? Just curious. I kinda understand the switchback route if you wanted to use it to replace the Ultra because of weight issues on a bad back. If you're looking for something lighter for more every day riding, you have lots of options with hard or leather bags. Maybe even a Heritage. Lower seat height and softail type suspension. Great bike for average to shorter riders. Lower center of gravity will greatly help with weakened back and leg strength. If a dyna is preferred, they all ride basically the same. Would think a Street Bob with bags could get you a lower seat height than the switchback.
But most importantly......give yourself some time and heal properly. The road and the ride will be there waiting for you when you're ready. Back issues are nothing to take lightly, no pun intended. The healing and the rehab is almost as tough on ya as the mental anguish of having to be patient. Good luck, get well and ride safe.
See ya on the road soon!
But most importantly......give yourself some time and heal properly. The road and the ride will be there waiting for you when you're ready. Back issues are nothing to take lightly, no pun intended. The healing and the rehab is almost as tough on ya as the mental anguish of having to be patient. Good luck, get well and ride safe.
See ya on the road soon!
Back surgery recovery sucks, but at least its winter. Course my winter in S LA is good riding weather. I am a lousy patient and short on the patience side. But I am following the rules because I was to make some trips this summer, and not in a car or truck
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: bklyn,ny
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2011
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From: Hartford, AL
I have considered it but prefer alloy wheels to the spokes. Maybe take a Fatboy and bag it.
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