Concidering a NEW bike....Dyna Switchback

[easyricer]

My wife has been giving me alot of hints about wanting a new bike. (for me not her) I've had a few bikes over the years, but got rid of them all once I finally got the one I really wanted, my 76 Bicentennial FLH. While I ain't skeered of twisting off on her to ride any distance, she does have a few limitations. She ain't fast, by any means, other than a cam and a CV carb she's all stock. I have the hard bags, soft bags, tour boxes, fairing and all that fun stuff to change her up to what I need, as I please.
The wife keeps saying "you need a new Corvette" meaning a new, more powerful bike. We stopped by the Ft Worth Harley dealer yesterday and looked at a few new scooters. While I have no intention of buying from them they did have a few that caught my attention. An 07 Ultra with side hack, 2012 Dyna Switchback and the new Sporty 72. 
OK enough of that, just for those who don't know me, I have my own MC shop and service/repair all brands and styles. The most popular bikes on my tables are Harley Glides, mostly late model. (that's not necessarily a good thing) So maybe you can understand my being nervous of buying a new Harley.
What I wanna know about is the Dyna Switchback. Are there any major issues with them? I know the cam and oil pump problems were fairly well taken care of in 06 on the Dynas, so that doesn't really bother me much. I have not had one in my shop yet for service or repair, so either they ain't selling or they ain't breaking down. Just the same I have not seen one out riding around yet either.
I'd like to hear from anyone who has one.....
EASY

[rbabos]

A lot of shared components like the ones on the lift. You can take it from there.
Ron

[CraigArizona85248]

I don't have one, but the Dyna Switchback is the one Harley I would seriously consider right now.  The Dyna chassis fits me better then the larger touring bikes.  I really like the classic looking saddlebags on the Switchback.

-Craig

[JimB]

Isnt the Switchback just a Dyna w/ a FatBoy front end & a set of small hard bags ?
Looks like it....

[CraigArizona85248]

Yes.... it's just a Dyna in bagger clothing.  It's not a new chassis.  I'm not sure the hard bags are smaller then a RK though.

[Bolo Ocho]

Sorry don't have one, although I do have a 2011 Street Bob with 19,982 miles on her as of yesterday, no issues beyond the typical noisy valve train, tamed that with VR1 dino. I know 2 people that have the FLD ( Switchback), they both love 'em, great bike ( Dynas rule  ).

There are a few things to consider: factory 103 mill remains unproven by test of time; the bags are tiny in comparision to standard HD patrol bags; many people complaining of excess vibration- could be due to bad lot of engine mounts or the extra long muffler  ; CAN-Bus bike and ABS,  with all the attendant down sides- Digital Tech II required for brake service, must add electrical accessories through ignition pigtail or else suffer charging issues, some accessories like heated grips will not work as well due to CAN-Bus controller metering out the juice.

On the plus side, great power to weight for a stock Harley, and best suspension on a DYna since the FXDX 
 

[Jim Bronson]

The bags are tiny, not nearly enough room for touring, more like briefcase size. If you're gonna tour, you'll need lots more room. Otherwise, it looks like a nice bike.

Sales guy said the Switchbacks aren't as popular as they expected. Seems like most buyers either want a street bike, or if they plan to tour, they want a full touring rig. Popularity may pick up for first-timers though who want the lighter platform for occasional touring. Bike buyers are a fickle lot.

[Jaycee1964]

I have been looking at the switchback too.  That thing is so small and light.  I'll be a 120R in that thing would be insane.  Bet you could chuck it around like a rag doll too.

[88b]

Yes.... it's just a Dyna in bagger clothing.  It's not a new chassis.  I'm not sure the hard bags are smaller then a RK though.

The bags are a lot smaller. Personally I think it's one of the best things HD have introduced in a long time, see a lot of ladies riding them here. I don't think it's big enough for two up touring but I'm 6'4". but as a bike to do a few hundred miles on and carry some stuff I'd think it would be a good bike. Sales in the UK were good when it came out but dropped off fast.

[dakota224]

I really Like them, a Friend bought one in March & loves it,  only 3000 miles so far. Great bike.. 

[Bike31]

You might read the 2012 Switchback SB posted elsewhere here in the Tech/HD section.

Seems there's a teething issue that may affect some early 2012 FLD's. Likely to be corrrected via a running production change, or certainly by 2013.

[Bolo Ocho]

You might read this SB posted elsewhere here: https://www.box.com/s/8f5e17418f5961d4a76b

Seems there's a teething issue that may affect some early 2012 FLD's. Likely to be corrrected via a running production change, or certainly by 2013.

Hard to say whether it is an issue with the bike or with some buyers- MoCo is trying to address customer satisfaction with that SB. People who come to any of the Dynas from metrics or Softails often complain about the vibration; frequently turns out they are lugging their bikes pretty bad; 'rarely' hear of former Sporty riders complaining about Dyna vibes. Still, seems to be more complaints about the vibes on the FLD than other Dyna models.

[john1ellis]

I bought a Switchback in April. I had a 2010 Dyna Fatbob and was considering putting hard saddlebags on it. My wife suggested I trade the Fatbob in for a new bike. I was considering the Street Glide and the Switchback. I have rented a Street Glide before and liked it. Anyway, I ended up getting the Switchback and I really, really like it. The only thing I dislike about it are the front brakes. Going from the dual front brakes on the Fatbob to a single front brake on the Switchback was a bit of a challenge. I put 2,500 miles on the Switchback without any problems at all. I went out to San Diego a few weeks ago and rented a Street Glide for a week of 1,200 miles of riding up the coast. This confirmed that I made the right choice in buying the Switchback. The Street Glide is nice but much more of a touring bike. It's made for the open road. Local riding and slow speed maneuvering were not as enjoyable as on the Switchback. I commute 20 miles each way to and from work each day with a mix of rural and city driving. When I got home and started riding the Switchback again I appreciated how much more agile and better handling its is compared to the Street Glide. The saddle bags are smaller than on the Street Glide but for me they are fine. On longer trips I just use a touring bag in addition to the saddle bags.

[wingie]

My wifes brother bought a dyna switchback, and he loves it. Put on Different mufflers, and a new air cleaner and had it tuned up. He really thinks it fits him, and it looks like it will be his for a while. Wingie   

[Bike31]

Hard to say whether it is an issue with the bike or with some buyers- MoCo is trying to address customer satisfaction with that SB. People who come to any of the Dynas from metrics or Softails often complain about the vibration; frequently turns out they are lugging their bikes pretty bad; 'rarely' hear of former Sporty riders complaining about Dyna vibes. Still, seems to be more complaints about the vibes on the FLD than other Dyna models.

Could be that reason or both. HD will fix I'm sure as they're popular. I almost bought one recently. Liked the features. They had outfitted it with a Stage I can and intake. Can was lighter than the stock one (no Cat)...supposed to quell the vibes due to less weight hanging on the support. Can't confirm though. Mini Road King.

Ended up with a ST Heritage that went for less $ and suited me. All HD's are good, some just fit better.

[96flhpi]

Of course you like the SB - it's just a copy of 'Ol Betsie.  Hope there'd still be room for her in the garage. 

Personally I've been itching for an early EVO FXEF, but they're few and far between, and even if not $$ would not allow it unless I could unload some gear.

[easyricer]

Not a chance in the world that Betsie will be traded in for a newer model. Did that with a wife once, regretted the newer model but didn't miss the old wife.... LOL. We'll be riding down to Corpus in a couple of months to pick up a new Harley for a buddy of mine (his first Harley) So if the world and all the planets line up in just the right light, I might pick up a little sister for ol Betsie. (or would that be more like a grand baby?)
He's working on a deal for a RG Ultra for his for his first Harley. I think he'll like it.
EASY

[Bolo Ocho]

Could be that reason or both. HD will fix I'm sure as they're popular. I almost bought one recently. Liked the features. They had outfitted it with a Stage I can and intake. Can was lighter than the stock one (no Cat)...supposed to quell the vibes due to less weight hanging on the support. Can't confirm though. Mini Road King.

Ended up with a ST Heritage that went for less $ and suited me. All HD's are good, some just fit better.

Road Queen is what some folks are calling the FLD. I was a bit jealous when one of my lady friends got her's, but after considering the Can-bus and ABS issue- how does a guy work on those in his garage , decided my Street Bob was a better fit for me: it's a Big Twin you can really toss around. FLSTCs' are beautiful bikes, man, and Softails seem to have more quality built in from the factory than the Dynas'.

[ScottFree]

I lost interest in the "Road Prince" (as some are calling it 'round here) when I got a good look at the saddlebags and the suspension travel specs. The bags, while they look neat, are pretty darn small--in terms of cube capacity, I doubt they're much more than half the size of a Road King's. And the suspension travel: 4.86" front, a measly 2.13" rear... that ain't gonna cut it here in the Land Of Frost Heaves And Potholes (also known as Ill-Annoy).

I was also sort of surprised at how cheap the bike looks in person. There is a fine art to taking stuff off without making the bike look like a bargain-basement under-achiever, and most of the time Harley's stylists are pretty good at that art (consider the Street Glide, which is basically an Electra-Glide with a whole lot of stuff removed, but which nonetheless looks like a high-end product). But the SB just looked... cheap. To each his own, of course, but given the price is only a couple thou less than the Road King, the SB doesn't seem to me to deliver the value.

[easyricer]

I had been wanting to buy a wrecked Evo Dyna for years and rebuilding it with a Fatboy front end, FL fenders and putting my spare bags, rack and tour box on it. Just something to relieve the stress that I put on the old Shovel every day. Then Harley comes out with this. The bags on it are just fine with me, the wife and I travel light enough that we can manage pretty well. They are pretty similar to what I already have.
I've had a Tourglide, SE Roadglide, and a Roadking before and while they did a great job out on the interstate, they were just too bulky. I tried to pawn the Roadglide off on my wife but she just couldn't get past that Volkswagen in front of her! So I sold it, bought her a T140 Triumph (that she just HAD TO HAVE) and with her 95lb little butt never could start. 
Today she's happy just decorating the back seat. My 76 FLH will never be replaced. With the foot clutch, tank shift, kickstart and pogo buddy seat there is just nothing out there that can come close to what she is. (plus I enjoy pulling into Harley's parking lot and dripping for a while) LOL. You guys who have never had a Shovel (or even an EVO), may never understand, these new Harleys are nice, but they just have no soul. I'll get something, just ain't sure what yet.
EASY

[Old Crow]

Personally I've been itching for an early EVO FXEF, but they're few and far between, and even if not $$ would not allow it unless I could unload some gear.

My wife's got an '85 FXEf like you're looking for.  Whatcha got to trade?  Probably won't take a RK or any other bagger for that matter, we've already got a TourGlide she rides sometimes.

[Mark222]

Hmmm, another FXEF owner here. Had her so long now if I tried to sell her she would prolly just throw the new rider and come running back to the barn......... 

Mark

[96flhpi]

Personally I've been itching for an early EVO FXEF, but they're few and far between, and even if not $$ would not allow it unless I could unload some gear.

My wife's got an '85 FXEf like you're looking for.  Whatcha got to trade?  Probably won't take a RK or any other bagger for that matter, we've already got a TourGlide she rides sometimes.

Remember seeing pics of that bike and it sure fueled the itch, but only got my '82 FLH and it's not going anywhere.  Was saying I couldn't swing it unless I unloaded some music gear - vintage guitars, etc. - but with today's market it's not the time.  Someday, when the planet's align.  Thanks anyway.

[DaleW]

Bulky, yes... my 09 RKC is bulkier than a dyna, but it still goes down a windy road faster than a dyna ever would( although it is fitted  with Ohlins shocks, not that they make much difference to its ground clearance). Havent ridden a SB, but from what I see, it probably doesnt handle any better than a FXDC, and single disc front end just plain sucks.

Road Kings rule baby, thats why the MoCo calls them the King of the Road.

BTW, get a Switchback if thats the one you want. The heart desires what the eye sees, no point fighting it.

[hd06myway]

I actually like the Switchback, it's a nimble mini dresser, I don't think it looks cheap, the wheels are very cool, as for bags, I have a small backrest bag on my Softie and I can carry anything I need for daily riding, which isn't much, for elongated overnighter trips the T-Bag gives me an my 'ol lady everything we need.  Most people ride around on their dressers with nothing but empty space in those big square boxy looking things anyway...