Harley-Davidson Switchback

HARLEY-DAVIDSON SWITCHBACK

LONG-TERM

WRAP-UP

SO MANY WAYS TO GO

Jamie Elvidge

Classic American-style cruiser lovers can find many things to admire about the Harley-Davidson Switchback. Primary among them is that the bike is burly in character yet approachable, thanks to a lowish seat height of 27.4 inches and relatively manageable claimed dry weight of 696 pounds. But it's the convertibility that really sets

this Dyna apart. The hard bags and windscreen remove quickly and easily, taking the bike from a light-duty tourer to a strippeddown cruiser in mere moments.

Nonetheless, our Switchback saw plenty of long-haul miles since I, being its primary wrangler, do not tour lightly. And, after all those miles, I can confirm it makes a better

around-town bike and occasional weekend tripper than it does a full-on long-distance touring machine. The Dyna chassis simply delivers too much of the big Twin Cam 103’s throb, making for a cool, “I’m-holding-a-hugeV-twin-in-my-hands” feel, but it translates into less comfort or missing/broken parts on extended highway-speed runs.

2012 HARLEY-DAVIDSONSWITCHBACK

$17,579

We made a trip to the dealer to fix a cracked Screamin’ Eagle Nightstick exhaust ($329.95) and had to be vigilant in keeping fasteners on the bike’s saddlebags and rearview mirror stems tight, for example. And, if you carry a computer or other electronics, insulate it well from the vibration or pay the consequences. Don’t ask how I know.

Although ABS is available as an option (part of the $1,195 security package, which includes a proximity-fob-armed alarm), the bike would benefit more from a second front disc to help

make emergency stops less iffy, especially when toting a passenger or a load of gear. As easy as the bike is to ride with its low center of gravity, it’s heavy.

So, while we know those black five-spoke wheels are sexy at a stop, most of us would gladly hide the front rim behind a second disc and four-piston caliper.

One nearly universal complaint from testers was the headjiggling turbulence caused by the stock windshield. On nice days and short rides, this was quickly solved by removing the screen. For the longer-term solution,

we chose the H-D accessory tall screen ($349.95), which did wonders for the Switchback’s touring comfort for both rider and passenger. Cruise control would be a nice addition, but Harley currently reserves that for the touring line.

We found the Switchback to provide the most fun and utility in around-town riding. Weight is carried low, so the bike feels light and agile, with great waves of bottom-end torque making every roll on the throttle a satisfying leap forward. Choose the utility provided by the bags and screen, or drop all the touring stuff and you’re off to the races. Oops, I mean off to the boulevard to cruise in style.

WE FOUND THE SWITCHBACK TO PROVIDE THE MOST FUN AND UTILITY IN AROUNDTOWN RIDING.

FROM THE LOGBOOK

MARK HOYER

Dynas were my favorite H-D platform, but ever since the big makeover of the touring line in 2009, I’ve been a fan of the FLs, particularly the Road Clide. In the absence of an as-yet-unreleased “Rushmore” Road Clide, I’d take a Road King as my daily ride and live with its higher price and extra weight.

JAMIE ELVIDGE

This bike was a joy for aroundtown rumblings. Even with the easy-to-remove screen and bags, long-distance touring wasn’t its strong suit nor was it intended to be. No, the Switchback was meant to turn heads and subtly shift styles, which it does perfectly.

DON CANET

Hats off to Jamie for piling the miles on the Switchback. Perhaps having been spoiled by H-D’s more touring-oriented platforms,

I view the Switchback as a solid commuter and day-tripper, both roles in which the hard bags are of great convenience and slim enough to simply leave in place.

If you happen to meet that Switchback-ready sweetie and she’s up for a weekend ride, those beautifully finished saddlebags and windshield are just a fingersnap away. If the relationship turns serious and you’re heading for a really long haul, you might find yourself going Rushmore, but you might miss the simplicity and comparative lightness of your Dyna.

REPORT CARD

Harley-Davidson Switchback feedback from our Cycle World Facebookfans.

“I’ve had mine for two years and there is much I like about the bike and some things I don’t. Totally agree that it needs the second disc up front; stopping power is on the mediocre side. The bike is very nimble for its size and configuration. Rock steady.”

-Terry Williams Dallas, TX “Plenty of torque and weighs 100 pounds less than a Road King. I wanted a Dyna for its handling and flickability. Upgraded all lighting to LEDs, high-flow air cleaner, D&D Fat Cat 2-into-1 exhaust. I can strip it down and have a badass cruiser or dress it up forthe long haul. Best all-around Harley I have owned.” -Doug Sutcliffe Bessemer, Ml

“Great-handling bike in the hills. The bags are a good size for an overnighter/weekend trip. Plenty of power and a good-looking bike. Good range on a full tank, but the gauge drops real quick.”

-Simon Hernandez

Uvalde, TX

“I’m on my second one! Bought a 2012 for its size. I am 5-foot-8 and in my sixties, getting older and weaker. After a year, I ran into a great deal on a Street Glide and traded my Switchback. The Street Glide handled great on the road but was just too big for me two-up with packed luggage. Went back to the Switchback.

It’s lighter than the big baggers and has enough power with the 103.I have taken it on weeklong trips.

I installed a K&N high-flow air filter and Screamin’ Eagle Nightstick muffler. Changed the seat to a Harley pillow top to move me forward and I’m all set!”

-Bob Signs New Orleans, LA