The Poor Harley Switchback...
#261
05-02-2016 | 04:11 PM
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 8,677
Likes: 2,279
From: South Carolina
#262
05-02-2016 | 04:13 PM
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 829
Likes: 12
From: Central Texas
Hello Brad, congrats on your new Switchback. I really like those wheels but its just my opinion. Like your add ons. Everyone has a fat boy or a road king, at least the switchback is a bit more rare in a sea of bikes. I test rode one a few years back and thought it rode well. I agree that the bags are too narrow, that should have been improved by now. Honestly I am a bit surprised its still being made, must be selling more than it seems. Plenty of opinions on the internet but you have a cool bike and probably at a good (for a harley
) value.
) value.
The following users liked this post:
bradn (05-03-2016)
#264
05-02-2016 | 05:17 PM
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,982
Likes: 226
From: W PA
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...
#266
05-02-2016 | 06:08 PM
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 12,085
Likes: 25,275
From: Pine Flat Dam/South Bay Area, CA
I didn't read the whole thread, but I really like the FLD & if I were in the market for a new Harley it is at the top of the list. I ride a FXRT daily & there is something to be said about a touring bike that weights less than 700 lbs. I'd hesitate to go down some of the forest service & gravel roads on a 900 lb bagger.
#267
05-02-2016 | 06:34 PM
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 8,844
Likes: 2,349
From: west Michigan
I didn't read the whole thread, but I really like the FLD & if I were in the market for a new Harley it is at the top of the list. I ride a FXRT daily & there is something to be said about a touring bike that weights less than 700 lbs. I'd hesitate to go down some of the forest service & gravel roads on a 900 lb bagger.
#269
05-02-2016 | 07:11 PM
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 8,844
Likes: 2,349
From: west Michigan
My brother used to tour on his Dyna with with an aftermarket windshield and leather bags. Now he does the same with a Fat Boy.
Last edited by RK4ME; 05-02-2016 at 07:20 PM.
#270
05-02-2016 | 07:15 PM
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 12,085
Likes: 25,275
From: Pine Flat Dam/South Bay Area, CA
Adding a TourPak gives enough cargo room for me.