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... 

[tomcat64]

i really like the SB,, i'm 6'4" and it fits me great,, i know the suspension is limited,, kinda has to be to get it that low, but it seems to ride just fine and you can still throw it around in the corners,, i like the retro styling,, altho i think it should have wire wheels,,

does it sell???  not really... i think we have sold 5 or 6 since it came out, but then again we have a hell of a time selling any Dyna,, this is pretty much heavy touring county..

BTW,, 7 days and a sleep till rally!!!  

[Bolo Ocho]

...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

My '11 Twinkie will have plenty of soul sometime in the next few years when all the new Harley's are liquid cooled Can-bus bikes  . I have no doubt that back in the day, the Knuckle and Pan owners sat around their garages talking about how soulless the 'new' Shovel heads were, and bet you can still find a guy or two riding Old Iron that thinks the Evo is too new fangled to be a real Harley   

[76shuvlinoff]

easy,
I've been readin your stories and takin your advice on the shovel page for a long time.  I know you like to take off two up. I do not know the Switchback but apparently you've seen it. Did you (both) sit on it?

I have a 09 FatBob I planned on being my wifes bike but that didn't pan out. So I priced out what it took to make it actually comfy for two and it would run me about $700 in "Genuine" moco parts. That's not counting the Boss Bags I already bought.  So when we go two up it's on the 76 FLH, hence I have a 4 year old Dyna TC with only 6500 miles on it.

The wife promised me that one of these days I can peddle off the FXDF and get a late model touring machine.
Yeah, one of these days.....

Just make sure that Switchback fits two... ALL day.


Mark

[Ultrashovel]

easy,
I've been readin your stories and takin your advice on the shovel page for a long time.  I know you like to take off two up. I do not know the Switchback but apparently you've seen it. Did you (both) sit on it?

I have a 09 FatBob I planned on being my wifes bike but that didn't pan out. So I priced out what it took to make it actually comfy for two and it would run me about $700 in "Genuine" moco parts. That's not counting the Boss Bags I already bought.  So when we go two up it's on the 76 FLH, hence I have a 4 year old Dyna TC with only 6500 miles on it.

The wife promised me that one of these days I can get peddle off the FXDF and get a late model touring machine.
Yeah, one of these days.....

Just make sure that Switchback fits two... ALL day.


Mark

Yeah, It's a very nice machine and I like Dynas in general. I have a 2011 Street Bob. I think the Switchback would be OK for touring if the rider and passenger were not large people. The frame is rather short, in typical Dyna fashion and comes from the cruiser tradition rather than the touring world.

They did use the 103" engine figuring, I guess, that it would need a bit more power for two-up riding.

All that said, I would have to opt for an FL of some type for all day touring. The extra frame length makes for longer days without as much fatigue and also allows for some, ahem, middle aged spread, if you catch my drift.

[easyricer]

Bolo Ocho, I got a little of that when I rode with the Cannonball Run, helping escort all those pre-1915 motorcycles get across Oklahoma. Ol Betsie ran side by side with some really old iron as well as jumping from the back of the pack to the front with some really new machines to get these guys through traffic safely. I know several here won't understand the comments of "It's not even a slabside" or "It's a ratchet top".
Mark, I'll see about a good test ride on one. I'm pretty sure I'll have one in the shop before long for an oil change at the least. If any of me regulars get one, then I'm sure I can try one out really good.
EASY

[Bolo Ocho]

...I know several here won't understand the comments of "It's not even a slabside" or "It's a ratchet top"....

EASY

Slabside is an old style Shovel with a Pan bottom end, no? Got no clue on the Ratchet top, man. Ran across this gent in the Columbia Gorge riding his Panhead home last month, really cool old sled, but wow, right up to the moment he kicked 'er over, I'd been thinking my Twinkie made a lot of mechanical noise. That bike sounded like 50 bolts rattling around in a galvanized bucket, mechanical noise was louder than the exhaust. 

[Ultrashovel]

...I know several here won't understand the comments of "It's not even a slabside" or "It's a ratchet top"....

EASY

Slabside is an old style Shovel with a Pan bottom end, no? Got no clue on the Ratchet top, man. Ran across this gent in the Columbia Gorge riding his Panhead home last month, really cool old sled, but wow, right up to the moment he kicked 'er over, I'd been thinking my Twinkie made a lot of mechanical noise. That bike sounded like 50 bolts rattling around in a galvanized bucket, mechanical noise was louder than the exhaust.

A rachet top is a 1951 and later Panhead transmission with foot shift ratchet mounted on top. Slabside term comes from a generator crankcase with the slab-sided cam cover. Harley riders can't ride unless they have their nicknames for various motorcycle body parts.

I once owned a 1950 Panhead. That was one of the years (1948 through 1952) when HD put the (then new) hydraulic lifters up on the upper end of the pushrods. It was an engineer's idea of how to make sure that they would never get a drop of oil.

Later on, beginning in 1953, IIRC, they went to the lifters in the bottom down in the lifter blocks. The rocker arms still didn't get enough oil because the oil had to go up through the hot cylinders in a hole on the left side of each one. They cured this later on (1960's sometime) with the addition of outside oilers which continued through the Shovelhead era.

Those panheads could be noisy, for sure.

[Sixspeed]

 Slabside is an old style Shovel with a Pan bottom end, no? Got no clue on the Ratchet top, man. Ran across this gent in the Columbia Gorge riding his Panhead home last month, really cool old sled, but wow, right up to the moment he kicked 'er over, I'd been thinking my Twinkie made a lot of mechanical noise. That bike sounded like 50 bolts rattling around in a galvanized bucket, mechanical noise was louder than the exhaust.
[/quote]

A rachet top is a 1951 and later Panhead transmission with foot shift ratchet mounted on top. Slabside term comes from a generator crankcase with the slab-sided cam cover. Harley riders can't ride unless they have their nicknames for various motorcycle body parts.

I once owned a 1950 Panhead. That was one of the years (1948 through 1952) when HD put the (then new) hydraulic lifters up on the upper end of the pushrods. It was an engineer's idea of how to make sure that they would never get a drop of oil.

Later on, beginning in 1953, IIRC, they went to the lifters in the bottom down in the lifter blocks. The rocker arms still didn't get enough oil because the oil had to go up through the hot cylinders in a hole on the left side of each one. They cured this later on (1960's sometime) with the addition of outside oilers which continued through the Shovelhead era.
[/quote]

Ultrashovel= Good stuff, thax

[easyricer]

I get to raz a lot of the guys who come through my shop about their spaceships, but when I hang with the AMA and AMCA guys, my stuff ain't old enough or original enough. SO I'm kinda stuck in between. By ratchet top, yeah they are razzing me about my smooth gate tank shifter on my bike. I have arthritis pretty good in my hands from all these years of wrenching and bad, hand me down genes, so I ride with a tank shifter and a foot clutch, but still have the ratchet top tranny shifter. My stick shift Harley is more like a Hurst slap stick shifter. (Takes a little longer but I don't miss no gears).
LMAO, when I get someone in talking about "My motor makes too much noise!" I fire ol Betsie up for them. My SE Roadglide clattered and rattled as bad as any other Twinkie, but still sounded nice n quiet next to Ol Betsie.
EASY

[76shuvlinoff]

mechanical noise was louder than the exhaust. 

Yeah I love my shovel, but a bit less when I put the wimpshield on then I can hear it all. I read the TC guys bitching about their top end noise.  I start my FI TC and it sounds like... exhaust, that's all I hear. Damn thing idles too fast too. 

[easyricer]

"Damn thing idles too fast too."
YUP that's a Twinkie for ya.
An old buddy of mine once said, years ago, " If it don't say MOTERSICKEL MOTERSICKLE, when you start it up, it ain't no motersickle!"
Rest in peace BOBBY, I'll miss you.

I got to ride a 2012 Glide today, good looking bike. I did the break in service (if you can still call it that)  Felt like I was driving my ol Ladies Expedition, though. Got no soul, got no life, just another truck.  I think I'll just keep lookin for an EVO to convert to what I need. Don't get me wrong, I love Harley's, but these spaceships ain't earned that name yet. I need to feel what my bike is doing, I need to hear what my bike is doing. Today, I couldn't even tell you what gear I was in until the little light said I hit 6th. POWER? Yeah, that 103 got it, but it ain't for me. I'm too spoiled by Ol Betsie, and I almost feel like I been cheating on my wife for thinking I could get a new one. Ya'll enjoy your Twinkies, by all means, I'll keep fixin them but I ain't gettin one.
EASY

[Ultrashovel]

"Damn thing idles too fast too."
YUP that's a Twinkie for ya.
An old buddy of mine once said, years ago, " If it don't say MOTERSICKEL MOTERSICKLE, when you start it up, it ain't no motersickle!"
Rest in peace BOBBY, I'll miss you.

I got to ride a 2012 Glide today, good looking bike. I did the break in service (if you can still call it that)  Felt like I was driving my ol Ladies Expedition, though. Got no soul, got no life, just another truck.  I think I'll just keep lookin for an EVO to convert to what I need. Don't get me wrong, I love Harley's, but these spaceships ain't earned that name yet. I need to feel what my bike is doing, I need to hear what my bike is doing. Today, I couldn't even tell you what gear I was in until the little light said I hit 6th. POWER? Yeah, that 103 got it, but it ain't for me. I'm too spoiled by Ol Betsie, and I almost feel like I been cheating on my wife for thinking I could get a new one. Ya'll enjoy your Twinkies, by all means, I'll keep fixin them but I ain't gettin one.
EASY

The gear shifting is problematical with the 6 speed transmission. I don't even want a tachometer but I was having trouble with telling whether I was in 4th, 5th or 6th, except for the green "6" on the speedometer.

I solved that issue by blowing more cash on one of the HD gear indicator units that goes on the right handlebar. It has a blue nixie that is legible in all different sorts of light and it tells you what gear you are in when the clutch is released and you are moving. It plugs into the data connector in the fuse box on 2007 and later machines.

As to the new bikes, they have got more motor than I'll ever need. My 96" has plenty of torque and it's plenty fast enough for me. The engine, clutch, shifting, and transmission are simply the best I've ever had.

Yes, Evos and the older bikes are all nice, but I'm happy with a newer one. YMMV.

[Bolo Ocho]

"Damn thing idles too fast too."
YUP that's a Twinkie for ya.
An old buddy of mine once said, years ago, " If it don't say MOTERSICKEL MOTERSICKLE, when you start it up, it ain't no motersickle!"
Rest in peace BOBBY, I'll miss you.

I got to ride a 2012 Glide today, good looking bike. I did the break in service (if you can still call it that)  Felt like I was driving my ol Ladies Expedition, though. Got no soul, got no life, just another truck.  I think I'll just keep lookin for an EVO to convert to what I need. Don't get me wrong, I love Harley's, but these spaceships ain't earned that name yet. I need to feel what my bike is doing, I need to hear what my bike is doing. Today, I couldn't even tell you what gear I was in until the little light said I hit 6th. POWER? Yeah, that 103 got it, but it ain't for me. I'm too spoiled by Ol Betsie, and I almost feel like I been cheating on my wife for thinking I could get a new one. Ya'll enjoy your Twinkies, by all means, I'll keep fixin them but I ain't gettin one.
EASY

Gotta run with what makes you happy. Me, my Twinkie is my first HD, so it seems plenty quirky enuff, at least compared to my old Vulcan 1500 ( yeah, I know, but it was a good motorcycle), and I went with the Street Bob because I wanted more of a straight up bike this time around, rather than a dresser.

Appreciate you guys sharing your knowledge of the older Harley's, I like learning about the history and evolution of the breed, and just like hearing that gents Panhead, it is reassuring. The Twinkie has it's issues, but I think at heart it's still a design that can take more abuse than many give it credit for.

[texaskatfish]

Easy good to see ya Bubba! Hell Gracie's noisy enough for you I betcha    (if I chased all the buzzes n rattles n such I wouldn't have no miles on her clock  ) - I should swing by and look you up - BACA biz carries me up yonder way time to time

[HroadhogD1]

     

        How smooth do they ride?  I know all of the roads aren't very smooth through the U.S. except in Kansas.  I wish we had roads like that.

[Sixspeed]

     

        How smooth do they ride?  I know all of the roads aren't very smooth through the U.S. except in Kansas.  I wish we had roads like that.

North Carolina black top roads are pretty darn smooth!

[hd06myway]

"Damn thing idles too fast too."
YUP that's a Twinkie for ya.
An old buddy of mine once said, years ago, " If it don't say MOTERSICKEL MOTERSICKLE, when you start it up, it ain't no motersickle!"
Rest in peace BOBBY, I'll miss you.

I got to ride a 2012 Glide today, good looking bike. I did the break in service (if you can still call it that)  Felt like I was driving my ol Ladies Expedition, though. Got no soul, got no life, just another truck.  I think I'll just keep lookin for an EVO to convert to what I need. Don't get me wrong, I love Harley's, but these spaceships ain't earned that name yet. I need to feel what my bike is doing, I need to hear what my bike is doing. Today, I couldn't even tell you what gear I was in until the little light said I hit 6th. POWER? Yeah, that 103 got it, but it ain't for me. I'm too spoiled by Ol Betsie, and I almost feel like I been cheating on my wife for thinking I could get a new one. Ya'll enjoy your Twinkies, by all means, I'll keep fixin them but I ain't gettin one.
EASY

Gotta run with what makes you happy. Me, my Twinkie is my first HD, so it seems plenty quirky enuff, at least compared to my old Vulcan 1500 ( yeah, I know, but it was a good motorcycle), and I went with the Street Bob because I wanted more of a straight up bike this time around, rather than a dresser.



Appreciate you guys sharing your knowledge of the older Harley's, I like learning about the history and evolution of the breed, and just like hearing that gents Panhead, it is reassuring. The Twinkie has it's issues, but I think at heart it's still a design that can take more abuse than many give it credit for.

Nice to see new comers are interested in HDs history  to you my friend!

[tpmcd]

I'd like to hear from anyone who has one.....

I bought an FLD Switchback on June 1st. My first Harley and I absolutely love it. Pretty fast in stock trim and comfortable to ride. My longest stretch has been about 3 hours.

The bags are smaller than the other tourers. There is no true cruise control available if that matters to you.

My FLD is very smooth but there are quite a few reports of bad vibrations around 2,800-3,000. H-D has a service bulletin on how to fix it apparently. Sounds like some arrive with improperly torqued engine and exhaust mounts. Mine has never exhibited the problem. It's run smooth from the get go and gets smoother every ride.

The stock windshield was too short for me. I switched to a taller (19") Long Ride Shield model with the flared top. The new shield god rid of some wind buffeting I had at highway speeds (65mph +)

[Kansas]

I've been riding Super Glide family bikes since 1980.  I test rode a Switch Back and thought it was a nice bike and would be my choice if I were buying new.  I now ride an 07 Street Bob that I put the Corbin hard Dyna bags on, (which are a lot larger than the Switch Back) and a H-D pop off windshield.  I just got back from a 2650 mile ride through the Rockies and am very pleased with my combination.  When I wear it out maybe a SB. The FL's seem ponderous to me and I long ago decided I don't want one.