The Poor Harley Switchback...
#131
05-27-2013 | 06:56 PM
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 496
Likes: 46
From: Columbia sc
I don't get the issue of the bags being "too small" or not looking good because they don't cover the shocks, but hey, I think the touring bike size bags with a tour pack makes them look like a motor home. But that's fine if you need that.
As for spoke wheels, to each his own, but having broken/loosened some spokes over the years I don't want them, ever, again!
As for spoke wheels, to each his own, but having broken/loosened some spokes over the years I don't want them, ever, again!
#132
05-27-2013 | 07:35 PM
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 9,850
Likes: 220
From: Sacramento, CA.
I checked them out for about a second. Butt ugly colors & bags-B-small. It's a Dyna & no matter what the MoCo adds to it doesn't change a thing. IMHO, the FXR is one of the best bikes Harley ever built. It was labor intensive to build the frame so that's the reason they stoped building them. I'm guessing if they would have used the same engine to frame mounting as FXR, the Dyna would be better. The FXRP (police) was a great bike for long road trips.
#133
07-11-2013 | 06:27 PM
Novice
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Flint
au contraire. I have the 2012 Ember Red Sunglo, bought 9/2011, which I appropriately named Dorothy (because she sparkles just like the shoes, of course). Yes the bags are too small, and HD didn't consider bag guards, so those points are taken. But being 5' 1", now that I've shrunk & lost an inch, she's perfect for me with the Super Reach seat. She's my 4th bike, but my 1st Harley. I "get it" now. I got it the moment I throttled it out of the parking lot at Detroit Harley the day I picked her up. And at $18,500 WITH the chrome wheels and Super Reach seat, I think I got a deal. In fact, I know I did, after checking with 3 other HD dealers in MI & WI, & they all basically said, "and you walked out of the showroom? At eighteen-five??"
Last edited by Pamoola; 07-11-2013 at 11:21 PM.
#134
07-11-2013 | 08:59 PM
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 497
Likes: 3
From: Navarre, FL
It looks nice but why not just skip the mods and purchase a Softail Deluxe instead? Outside of the exposed shock, they will end up looking similar and you won't waste money making a Dyna look like an old-school classic Softail--one you buy cheaper when the costs of mods are factored in.
#135
07-11-2013 | 09:43 PM
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 882
Likes: 125
From: Hahira Ga
Take a good look at how the bags fit with the fender, shocks, and passenger pegs, the bags fit the bike, bigger bags would be out of proportion and affect passenger legroom. Mine has had no excessive vibration problems with 16k miles of riding. Got a taller LSR windshield that used the stock hardware. Love mine.
#137
07-12-2013 | 12:58 AM
I was intrigued by the Switchback when it was introduced and I agree with some of the criticisms as well as some of the praise. I think Bejewell is spot on with the 20% too small bag comment. But, I totally disagree with the color criticism. 1st of all, we all know the best color is black - and the FLD comes in Black. 
Secondly, I actually really like the 5 spoke wheels - black or chrome. Thirdly - I like the less is more concept. Which is saying something considering I ride an Ultra.
The right tool for the right job - the FLD suites it's role imo. If I had more $$ and more room, I would like to have one for anything less than the long rides I do. I think the overall aesthetic of the bike is true to the heritage of the FL. I love the bikes that forum members have posted up - nice!
To the guy that had the V-Rod- you can easily get that bike up to 100/120 like my bike, and weighing hundreds of pounds less, it should fly.
My only real disappointment is that they cheaped out on the chrome. I think it's unfortunate that a $16+k bike doesn't have the same chrome primary and heads as the other bikes.
Secondly, I actually really like the 5 spoke wheels - black or chrome. Thirdly - I like the less is more concept. Which is saying something considering I ride an Ultra.The right tool for the right job - the FLD suites it's role imo. If I had more $$ and more room, I would like to have one for anything less than the long rides I do. I think the overall aesthetic of the bike is true to the heritage of the FL. I love the bikes that forum members have posted up - nice!
To the guy that had the V-Rod- you can easily get that bike up to 100/120 like my bike, and weighing hundreds of pounds less, it should fly.
My only real disappointment is that they cheaped out on the chrome. I think it's unfortunate that a $16+k bike doesn't have the same chrome primary and heads as the other bikes.
#138
07-12-2013 | 01:13 AM
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 4,719
Likes: 59
From: Los Angeles
This is not a judgement on the bike. I think you could make one look great, or just dig it stock if that's your thing.
However, is the Switchback smaller than any other "tourer"? It just seems kinda modestly sized and modestly styled for a Harley. I think that may be part of the issue the OP was getting at.
However, is the Switchback smaller than any other "tourer"? It just seems kinda modestly sized and modestly styled for a Harley. I think that may be part of the issue the OP was getting at.
