The Poor Harley Switchback...
#211
12-26-2015 | 01:53 PM
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,611
Likes: 663
From: Central Texas
#212
12-28-2015 | 01:51 PM
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 34,966
Likes: 18,362
From: 40.2444° N, 75.6419° W
I'm not sure but the "Switchback" name may imply that the front end is being "switched back" to a FL front end because the original Super Glide was an FL with XL forks. I saw a comment on the name being "gay" but HD doesn't just throw names out for the hell of it, I think its a heritage thing. The Dyna frame did get smaller length wise, which is why the Switchback loos like a short wheelbase Road king. It may have been a bad idea, and H-D will most likely cease this line making it a collectible bike. That may be a good thing if you are into bike values.
#214
12-28-2015 | 03:20 PM
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 356
Likes: 2
From: Maine
I'm glad I bought a FXDL '15.
#215
12-28-2015 | 03:31 PM
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 8,760
Likes: 4,953
From: On the Big Blue marble
Heres what I dont get... Personally, I rode one of these when I looked for my 15RK. IMO the reason they are sitting is because they are priced too close to a RK. The wheels, I happen to like them. A bike being Gay? Cmon now.. Just curious, do you know what a switchback is?
The bike itself happens to be a nice ride and if it had spokes, it would be a close choice to a modern Duo or Electra Glide as stated
The bike itself happens to be a nice ride and if it had spokes, it would be a close choice to a modern Duo or Electra Glide as stated
#216
12-28-2015 | 03:33 PM
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 356
Likes: 2
From: Maine
I don't get the vibration thing. Aren't they the same motor & frame as all the Dynas? Why don't THEY have a vibration problem?
Here's how to fix the bike. Get rid of those FUGLY wheels for spokes, 16" front & rear, add a lightbar & some 2-tone paint. Now you have something I would consider.
Here's how to fix the bike. Get rid of those FUGLY wheels for spokes, 16" front & rear, add a lightbar & some 2-tone paint. Now you have something I would consider.
I like the vibrations my '15 FXDL gives me as I like the vibrations my '12 1200C Sportster gives me. They are HD's....... vibrations and all.
So yep I agree with you Dickey and I don't want to fix it.
#217
12-28-2015 | 05:43 PM
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 16,258
Likes: 15,103
From: Somewhere SW
I was at Sac Harley the other day and they had a bunch of bikes in, including many Japanese trade-ins. Walking the aisles and looking at the offerings I came to the three Switchbacks. One was a dark red, one a dark blue and the last black. They were shoved together with some Sportsters and a few Dynas, far from the touring bikes and Softails. They looked like a complete afterthought, unloved and unwanted.
Looking at them, they are very similar in size and layout to a classic Harley from the mid-fifties to the end of the panhead era. The bags even open like Electraglides from back then. With the 103" engine this bike should be considerably quicker than any other bagger in the room. The exposed shocks look right as opposed to a Softail or the plastic covered touring bikes. This could be a great bike.
But here's the problem(s): The colors are awful, bikes look like clothing the Amish wear, dark, flat and drab. The wheels are even worse, possibly the ugliest wheels on any bike, let alone a Harley. The bags are too small by 20 percent and the side latch-looking things are too large; the whole mess looks like a trash bin.
And the name? Sorry but it sounds so gay. Switchback??? You mean like that Brokeback Mountain movie about the queer cowboys? Switchwhat? Back what?
So the bikes sit there. Haven't seen one sell in two months which is a shame because with a decent name, some good colors, maybe spoke or at least well-designed wheels this bike should be a hit with people who want a quick bagger for weekend rides or guys who for whatever reason don't need an 850+ lb. touring bike.
Wake up Harley...
Looking at them, they are very similar in size and layout to a classic Harley from the mid-fifties to the end of the panhead era. The bags even open like Electraglides from back then. With the 103" engine this bike should be considerably quicker than any other bagger in the room. The exposed shocks look right as opposed to a Softail or the plastic covered touring bikes. This could be a great bike.
But here's the problem(s): The colors are awful, bikes look like clothing the Amish wear, dark, flat and drab. The wheels are even worse, possibly the ugliest wheels on any bike, let alone a Harley. The bags are too small by 20 percent and the side latch-looking things are too large; the whole mess looks like a trash bin.
And the name? Sorry but it sounds so gay. Switchback??? You mean like that Brokeback Mountain movie about the queer cowboys? Switchwhat? Back what?
So the bikes sit there. Haven't seen one sell in two months which is a shame because with a decent name, some good colors, maybe spoke or at least well-designed wheels this bike should be a hit with people who want a quick bagger for weekend rides or guys who for whatever reason don't need an 850+ lb. touring bike.
Wake up Harley...
I was going to buy one (I was able to see past those ugly wheels) but my wife (God bless her) talked me into buying the Heritage instead.
#218
12-28-2015 | 06:14 PM
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 322,623
Likes: 3,075
From: .....
There's several names Harley has given their model that I don't like and I've had two...Blackline and Breakout. I hate both of those names.
#220
12-28-2015 | 06:27 PM
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 789
Likes: 223
From: Sheboygan, WI
I had a 13 Switch, bought it May 2014 with 2500 miles and put over 10,000 more on and traded for my Triglide in Oct this year. I liked everything about the Switch and would still own it if I had the space & $$$. I liked the lighter wt and the power to wt ratio, it was nimble & quick. My wife has hip and knee issues (she 62 & me 67) and could not ride (2 up) the Switch very long. So, we traded for the Tri and a more comfortable ride. If I only rode solo, I would still have the Switch. As they say, to each his own.