Harley-Davidson Dyna Switchback - Rode Test
Maverick - Dec 8, 2011

Intro and First Impressions:

The Dyna Switchback FLH grows on you. It’s plain and simple! When I first saw the bike, I was kind of like…okay?! It’s 2012 and time for new models to hit the street, and this is the best the Motor Company can do?! This self-talk may have been a good thing, because I pretty much forgot about the Switchback briefly…and cleared my head. 

Several months later, I rode the Switchback to do this review. During the course of the review, I intentionally took the motorcycle to a venue that involved a large group of motorcyclists, I observed the reaction of experienced and new riders and response to the Switchback has been a resounding…Yes!! 

Harley-Davidson built versatility into the Switchback, and that creates broad appeal. It is an ideal motorcycle for anyone who wants a Harley-Davidson; prefers not to go for a big touring bike but wants more bike than a Sportster. New and experienced male and female riders wanting an intermediate motorcycle will find this motorcycle very attractive. It is easy to handle, moderate in weight and size, has a low center of gravity, and has the power to keep up with the big boys.

In addition, this bike can be customized.  It has been described as a canvas on which owners can add chrome and other accessories to their hearts content.

Have you ever wandered through the parts section of a Harley-Davidson dealership and wondered…where do they put all of that chrome?? The Switchback is a great place to start.   

Years from now there will be a lot of Switchbacks on the road and in owners’ garages. But, there will be no two alike.

With the Switchback, all parts work together to make the motorcycle, everything looks good!

The Ember Red Sunglo is rich in color with Clearcoat. Harley-Davidson paint is up to two times thicker than the competition, and Clearcoat is layered up to five mils deep. As with all Harley-Davidson gas tanks, the tank is hand finished.

The Switchback is a union of opposites: a cruiser and a touring bike that sacrifices nothing. Based on a Dyna platform, the Switchback's modern styling is simple, but looks very classy. The windshield and saddlebags are detachable. It takes about 3 minutes to take them off or install them securely. 

 

With windshield and saddlebags detached, you can cruise around town or ride for a day and call it an adventure. Put them on and you are protected from the wind and you can securely carry enough necessities for a week. Perhaps more if you travel light!!

The Switchback’s full fenders keep the road grime away while integrating the classic profile.

The 5-spoke cast aluminum wheels are bold and engineered to enhance the bike’s responsive handling.

The Switchback’s classic features have a contemporary look, from its headlight nacelle and its mini “ape hanger” handlebars, to its chromed fork covers and tank console with 5-inch speedo 

For me, the first thing I look at on a motorcycle is the engine. The Twin Cam 103™ engine has black powder-coated heads and cylinders are highlighted by machined cooling fin tips and polished rocker covers. Simple, yet dripping with power, from the edge of the cooling fins to the clean lines of cases and covers—the Twin Cam 103 engine makes an ironclad statement about the Switchback’s muscle and visual appeal.

Instrumentation and Controls:

The controls and switches on a Harley-Davidson are easy to understand and simple to operate. Also, if you’ve mastered one model, everything learned is transferrable to the others. If you have yet to ride on a Harley-Davidson, it’s still very simple to master. All controls, with the exception of the ignition on some models, are within easy reach, front and center of the motorcycle. Most can be reached without removing your hands from the grips. It is all very intuitive and will be mastered during your first ride.

Intuitive controls include intelligent self-canceling turn signals.  Based on the bike's speed and angle, turn signals know how long to stay on.  The Switchback offers a new Flash-to-Pass switch and the odometer trip-reset, all right at your fingertips.

Look at the photo of the Switchback’s cockpit. Horn, high and low beam, and left turn signal on the left side along with the clutch. On the right side is the starter, kill switch, right turn signal, and front brake lever. That’s it! As you can see, the ignition is in the middle of the console between the rider and the speedo.

The Switchback performs equally well fully loaded with rider or rider and passenger.

Performance can be summarized as follows: go where you want to go, do what you want to do in any roadway conditions, and do it on your terms. The bike will perform according to the pilot’s wishes.

• Twin Cam 103: the air cooled Twin Cam 103 Harley-Davidson engine delivers more pulling torque, while its Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection jetting gives crisp, lively throttle reaction.
• Lightweight piston design means delivery of the added power.
• Six-Speed Cruise Drive transmission.
• Isolated Drive System creates smooth acceleration.
• Suspension: Cartridge Style Front Forks with oil immersion damping control and Cigar Tube Rear Shocks with preload adjustment.  
• Light weight chassis: the chassis is tuned for a lightweight feel and easy handling.
• Tuned to be ridden: Harley-Davidson® motorcycles are different from any other bike out on the road. There's a balance to them. The steering, the maneuverability—it's all in concert. And each Harley-Davidson model is tuned differently to create a unique riding experience for each individual no matter which bike they swing their leg over. Let's face it, we didn't get to where we are by being like everyone else.

Having said this, with today’s attention to fit – motorcycle to rider – adjustments can be made to enhance comfort of rider and passenger. Adjustments can be made to reach of handlebars, location and style of footboards, and seat support and height for rider and passenger.

For comfort and to increase one’s capacity to operate a motorcycle safely, a motorcyclist should never take delivery of a motorcycle before assessing and accommodating the fit of the bike to his or her physical characteristics. 

One of the coolest characteristics of the Switchback is the fact that owners can add chrome and/or other accessories infinitely. There will be no two alike.  

The Switchback can be purchased with an MSRP of $15,999, but this does not include two important features, ABS and security. The Security Package, which includes ABS, can be added for $1,195. 

The Switchback for this review provided by Sun Harley-Davidson.