Long story, so here's the condensed version. Had a new 2013 SB. 600 miles later I got rid of it. Bags too small for one thing. Second, it's become the new Deuce, where a lot of parts are specific to the SB only. One thing I hated was it had no heel/toe shifter and nobody was making one for it then. If you're riding a RK now, it's a definite downgrade in my opinion.

 

I love my '01 FXD and I wanted to love the Switchback but I just couldn't and ended up with the RK instead. Why?
No cruise, small bags, small windshield, single front disc, no easy way to mount tour pack or large bag, polished engine cases instead of chrome.
It is lighter and I liked that but it just wasn't enough. I figured I would spend a bunch just getting it where I wanted so if I really wanted a Dyna tourer I would have started with a Super Glide Custom.
I'm really glad I got the RK.

 

I share the same sentiment. I would have traded a SB for a RK pretty quick.

 

I traded my Sporty for a Switchback and I love the thing, goes good, and is comfy for the wife and I to go a couple hundred miles a day. I did have an issue with the front brake, but the shop put on a whole new master cylinder and fixed it good. For long touring the Road King may be better, not sure that I would have traded "down" to Dyna if I'd had a Road King or Street Glide. In my case the Switchback fits my needs and I enjoy it every time I go for a ride on it.

 

My wife has a Switchback, and she loves it. I did a variation on the 'clevis pin mod' and it vibrates no worse than the FXDL it replaced. I like it a lot as well.

 

If you can afford it and you like it. 2 big if's, then Keep the RK. For me nothing I've ridden eats up the miles in the HD lineup as well as the touring bikes. But then I'm older and not in the best of shape anymore.

 

If you want a touring bike, don't get a switchback. If you want a bike that's fun to ride, get a switchback. The only thing that would make it more fun would be a vrod version of the switchback.

The vibration can be minimized, I can do 500 miles with ease and I travel light so no need for huge bags or a tour pack. Heel and toe shifter, if you gotta have one you can make one.

 

Instead of getting the SB, is getting an older RK an option for you? A good deal may be had... You'll do better selling them on your own rather than doing any dealer trade.

 

+1 This is my way of thinking also.

 

i sold my road king and bought a switchback. cheaper -faster- way more fun to ride. you can search these forums and find complaints about every model.