Comments on: Harley Announces 2012 Dyna Switchback (Bike Reports) (News)

By: FBinCa

FBinCa — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 17:47:29 +0000

Didn’t particularly like the wheels in the pics but in person, they work. As stated in a reply to Jimbos post below, I bought one. The red is beautiful (nice ..what appears to be..diamond flakes in paint) and I never thought I would buy red either. Handles very nicely.

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By: FBinCa

FBinCa — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 17:20:49 +0000

Jimbo,
I bought one last week and am quite satisfied overall. I was torn between a new wide glide and this. I opted for the switchback as i like the larger front tire because most of the freeways in ca. are grooved for water displacement and the WG got a little squirrely (probably tripped me out because it had been so long since i last rode) but anyway i like the feel better… and of course the convertibility of a removable windshield and hard bags was great. I hadn’t ridden in over 20 years prior to buying this and all my other bikes were choppers. I’m class of ’69 so that probably explains some of the above frame of references. most of them came or were outfitted with no front brakes and 21″ spools on a kicked-out front end. Had a rigid frame with a springer and had swingarms too, so after riding a softail and then this, I went back to the dyna platform with rear shocks and glide front end. This bike handles very nicely and the weight is distributed well. I’m more about ease of operation and comfort these days and this bike fit the bill and didn’t break the bank. Changes (short-term) will be: change out bottom forks to chrome and probably add 12″ apes. Other than that, I’m pretty much good to go stock.

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By: Jordan

Jordan — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 02:24:15 +0000

Having owned both a Harley and a Japanese bike I’d have to comment that I feel there is absolutely no comparison between the two. I bought my Harley after riding an old 80′s Honda, and then after the Harley bought a Suzuki. When I got on a modern Japanese bike it was like being in another world. In hindsight I felt that owning the Harley was pretty much a complete waste of money. I still resent a bit that I paid so much for so little – and for those who are thinking of buying Harleys – be careful and be smart and know there are far superior bikes to be had.

Also to all of the posters who list all of the technological advances of Harley over the past 10 / 20 years – you’re just not getting it. Take a look at Erik Buell’s new bike – that is advancement. Zero cycles – advancement. A 1000 CC inline-4 that weighs less than 400 pounds?! – advancement. The only real advancement Harley has made is the effectiveness of their corporate media campaign which regrettably I was suckered into.

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By: Stephen

Stephen — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 23:37:11 +0000

I ride cruisers and have always used both brakes together but with more force to the front, would think that was typical.

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By: Kent

Kent — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 23:32:12 +0000

Kingpin looks like a toy bike trying too hard…….not like this.

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By: Stephen

Stephen — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 23:29:54 +0000

You will not see a used Dyna there or elsewhere with the nacelle, forks, wheels, tires, steering head angle, 103 motor, hard bags that look just right for the bike,digital tach, HDLAN style “can-bus” system for switchs, or full fenders that come on the switchback.

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By: Fat Old Man

Fat Old Man — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 16:11:15 +0000

MCDaily removed the comments I made concerning this motorcycle.

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By: Dannytheman

Dannytheman — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 09:51:38 +0000

I enjoy the chance to fully make a bike my own. Maybe you can name another manufacturer that offers as many choices? BMW doesn’t, Honda doesn’t, Yamaha doesn’t and Triumph doesn’t.
I can chrome it, or black it out, I can lower it, or raise it.
But I guess theor are people that like vanilla ice cream only.

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By: jimbo

jimbo — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 02:44:39 +0000

This may be the best looking HD cruiser yet. Will definitely ride it if the chance arises. Good job HD!

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By: jimbo

jimbo — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 02:42:42 +0000

Haven’t ridden this HD, but I’d love to.

I rode tens of thousands of miles behind a triple-tree mounted Rifle “Sport” fairing, the Rifle copy of the original BMW R100RS full fairing (world’s first sport/tourer IIRC).

Anyway, I cruised all day around 80 mph behind that fairing and well over 120 mph maximum speed with absolutely no ill-handling effects. Not saying every fork or triple-tree mounted fairing has similar stability, but that one left nothing to be desired in that regard.

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