Just unveiled for 2012 is the new Dyna® Switchback with detachable hard bags and windshield, a model that Harley-Davidson call “a quick-change artist.” With its color-matched hard saddlebags and a fork-mounted windshield in place, the Switchback is a custom touring motorcycle. But in seconds, the detachable saddlebags and quick-detach windshield can be removed without tools. Now the Switchback is a custom street cruiser with a gleaming headlamp nacelle, five-spoke cast-aluminum wheels and a mini-ape handlebar. When it’s time to head out for a long weekend, simply re-install the saddlebags and windshield, and the Switchback is ready to roll for the state line.
The Switchback is powered by a muscular Twin Cam 103™ V-Twin engine, is the lightest custom touring motorcycle in its displacement category, and at 718 pounds ready-to-ride is 94 pounds lighter than a Harley-Davidson Road King®. New front-end geometry, premium suspension components, and a low-profile front tire give the Switchback a plush ride and responsive handling.
“The new front end geometry, wheel and tire specs, and cartridge fork are engineered to work together to produce steering that’s light to input and immediately responsive,” Brian Scherbarth, Switchback project lead engineer. “A demo ride will reveal that Switchback is a capable touring motorcycle that’s also really fun to ride.” Designed to look great with or without its saddlebags, the Switchback is styled to evoke a classic proportion and clean, straightforward lines from its 4.7-gallon fuel tank to the sweep of its full-coverage rear fenders. The bend of the mini-ape handlebar and its pull-back riser, full-length rider footboards and a two-up touring seat offer most riders all-day comfort.
Key Dyna Switchback Features
• Twin Cam 103™ engine with 103-cid (1690cc), rubber-mounted within the frame, is rated at 100 ft. lbs. of torque at 3500 RPM. The engine is equipped with Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) and is mated to a 6-speed Cruise Drive® transmission.
• 2-into-1 chrome exhaust with straight-cut muffler tuned for a deep exhaust tone.
• Advanced suspension is tuned for comfort and precise handling. Nitrogen-charged, monotube rear shocks have preload-adjustable, dual rate springs. A 41.3mm front fork with a 20mm cartridge delivers enhanced damping performance, handling and ride comfort.
• Low-profile Dunlop® 130/70B18 front tire and specific front-end geometry provides reduced steering effort, enhanced steering response and confident low-speed manoeuvering.
• Color-matched detachable hard saddlebags have a combined luggage capacity of 30 pounds. The saddlebag locks are common to the ignition key, and external latches do not interfere with packing or reduce usable bag volume.
• Quick-detach, fork-mounted windshield.
• The Black, 5-Spoke Cast Aluminum wheels have machine-highlighted rims; 18-inch front, 17-inch rear.
• Full-coverage front and rear fenders.
• Chrome headlamp nacelle.
• Chrome fork covers and chrome rear shock covers.
• Chrome tank console with integrated ignition switch.
• Classic black battery box cover.
• Full-length rider footboards.
• The one-piece, two-up seat features custom stitched detail. Seat height (laden) is 26.1 inches. Its narrow cross section enables flat-foot stops for most riders.
• Security Package Option bundles Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Smart Security System with proximity-based, hands-free security fob.
• Stainless steel, mini ape-hanger handlebar on pull-back riser.
• 4.7-gallon fuel tank.
So basically its a superglide with better shocks,fatboy front end, hardbags and a windsheild..good effort, buit i’ll pass
Any intel as to if HDLAN (CAN) has expanded outside of 2011 Softails and made it into any other models for 2012?
I’d be all over it if it had rear air shocks, smaller front fender and got rid of the headlamp nacelle. I want a Dyna that looks like a Dyna but will allow me to take the wife and gear on long trips when needed.
I like it. Great job HD.
No cruise? Should have cruise.
Yes the Dyna series now shares the CAN bus with the Softail line. Just left the show for the day. The bike does look good even if the styling is dated. Dyna Roadking hybrid is the most common comment I have heard today.
70’s FLH… History does repeat itself….I see 21 inch front wheels lowered and apes are going to be the norm…. and the price is such a bargin… next best thing since the Deluxe. I bet its a comfortable ride with that power train…ill be sure to ride one when we get one at the shop!
@FXR, Yup-if it had bags where the lids fall off it’d be my ’79 FL 😉 All yucks aside, it looks nice-but how could it not? It’s everything we’ve seen for the last 30 years but that’s not always a bad thing.
I can’t believe it, but I like it. I saw a pic on the HD website with the bags and windshield off, and it looked great. As mentioned above, a bit like a modern FLH, so what’s not to like.
Bout’ time! Good job, I bet it sells like crazy. People want bags but they don’t want to lug around the FLH chassis all over town and for god’s sake…the softail is such an inferior bike to the dyna.
No cruise? Should have cruise
get a Honda civic its also got cup holders………the bags should easily hold a pair of depends for a day ride 🙂
Okay, sure, maybe it fills a hole in their fleet line-up, but I can’t help but feeling slightly unsatisfied… It’s hardly revolutionary or thinking out-of-the-box, which is what I was expecting… My bad I guess…
Looking Good.
Boss Hawg
I thinks hd have seen my earlier 2007 version of my street(tour)bob.
http://myharley.mhdt.de/__oneclick_uploads/2007/12/image013.jpg
best regards
Michael
Just checked it out on the HD site and it looks like a FatBoy with shocks. I get the purpose but not the look. It HD wanted to make it look like a FatBoy why not start with a FatBoy, if they were going to use a Dyna why not make it look like a Dyna? Is it just me?
I bet it’s a home run for Harley. Notice the FLH style tank badge.
It’s just you TRexSG. LOL.
I like it apart from the wheels, very cheap looking, and WHY no cruise control? Doc, any idea of Aussie prices mate?
boss hawg…… hurry up and steal this , so you can post it on your LAME SITE!!!
lol.. totally lame like you!!! now thats funny…
FL forks on a Dyna? My dream just came true. Thank you HD.
Thanks Doc. Guess I just listen to a different drummer!
You used to be able to get an Electra Glide Standard for the same price as this switchback and now the Street Glide is $20k.
Nice Idea using what you got on hand, HD. Looks likw a Winner for $15,500, not a penny more!
I like it. Might trade the sporty in for this one. I like fat front tires.
Seem like a nice handling, quick and agile tourer, i dont understand why everybody has to hate on the MoCo, instead just aprreciate the bike for what it is, a entry level price for a solid long distance cruiser.
jonesy,
gas used to be $1.50 agllon and now it’s $3.65
Looks similar to my ‘ole ’69 FL. The 26″ seat height will make this model very attractive to women and shorter guys or people who just like to sit lower on a bike.
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z133/netbob928_photos/Bikes/My69FL01.jpg
Nostalgia is a big part of what Harley is about. Sad to see they are discontinuing my favorite model; the Cross Bones.
How bout a liquid cooled dyna, now thats something different. HD is not above liquid cooling ever since the rod series anyway…
103Nightrain: 16 grand plus taxes and dealer fees is not an entry level price.LOL My friends and I make good money and none of us could justify a price tag like that and financing it will add a large amount to the cost. I’m all for people buying new harley’s, it keeps me able to buy used ones at a reasonable price, but don’t try to claim that as an entry level price.lol
Great looking bike. I’ve been saying HD was going to do this for a couple of years. Nothing ground breaking but my Shovel FLH with “big” wheels. I think it is going to get its most sales from the Heritage riders who are looking for rubber mount and better suspension but don’t like the big tourers.
Harley tried to play “custom” with the Rocker and Cross-bones and they were less then stellar. Leave the customizing to the customer.
As for the guys looking for new and innovative I think you are looking at the wrong company. Maybe check out BMW, Ducatti, Honda, Victory…
Cruise control………. Pussies.
Still have to wonder why no 103″ on the Fat Bob or Super Glide.
The Switchback is Ugly.
Chopperfreak29: Entry level price against a 20+K touring model……. sure its not under 10K but reasonable in my opinion for a solid tourer…… im not willing to pay after bells and wistles probably over 25K for a Road King Classic or Street Glide, this on the other hand is acceptable. Peace
OMG! Does anyone there know what is up?
Fitting to see this whenever HD releases “new” models
http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/2010/06/03/unauthorized-harley-davidson-commercial/
…so true.
This is SO typical HD ……….they grabbed some of this design from the past and from some guy who entered it into a a willie g show at some rally!! Drops the weight ……they just love weighing these bikes down…………screw the cruize and get dual rotors& abs plus stretch teh frame for guys over 5 10″….. its a nice girlie tourer, or a poor lady’s deluxe
i’m convinced the way to go is to build your own bike, that way you get exactly what you want. As for “a liquid cooled dyna”, I believe that’s called a Yamaha Virago or some such ugly shit. The moment h-d gives up air cooled motors is the moment they’re finished as a moco.
nah Ax and co, out here where people actually RIDE cruise control makes a LOT of sense!
I designed the FLD eight years ago:
http://thp.yuku.com/topic/5165/Details-of-changes-to-2012-Harley-models
Hmmm…the more I look at this the more I am reminded of a 1970’s dresser.
I’m glad they are putting a dyna with small bags and floorboards. I know there are many who feel HD is a bolt on cop-out company, but I’ve been trying to get my 99 fxdx to look like this for years. Started with a 65 norton, then 72 super glide, then an 81 wide glide, then 60 pan, then 49 pan, and now 52 ridgid and the 99 fxdx. . Had a few bikes since 68 and lots of miles. I miss the days when it was OK to be on the side of the road doing some repair, because it gave you a connection to your machine, and friends. Everyone goes to the dealer now and waves their extended warranty around while whining at the top of their lungs.. hehehe makes me laugh and cry. But I’ll give the 99 to a bro and buy a switchback when available, and will never look back
Considering the rest of Harley’s line this year, the Switchback (in black) really stands out. It’s a poor man’s Convertible but your average guy still can’t afford one.
the yamaha 950 is a better bike and under $10K!
Have you ridden both for an extended period WW3? I’m sure folks would be real interested to hear why the Yammie is better, assuming that you HAVE ridden both???
Sometimes stupidety never sease to amaze me . Soft tales handle like shit,you can’t do anything to change that the dyna frame is the lightest best handling of all the big hd,s lightweights equal higher hp to weight ratio . Looks like chrome won’t get u home or down the road and around the turns. Some of us actually ride or motorcycles sitting around talking about how cool they look are for those of u who don’t know anything about our sport . Ride 6 or 800 mi a day , get off the porch or stay home . The switchback is the most functional Harley in the line up that makes sence and it’s not just me.
It looks good to me, in fact it looks so good I walked into our local Harley Dealer and got a price on one to update from my current ride. I’m short… 5 foot 7 in my socks and I’m not as young or as fit as I used to be. I sat on a few bikes in the showroom and none of them really fitted me (which I expected) then I say on a Switchback (a black one the silver didn’t do it for me) and it fitted me like a glove and I can’t remember the last time I said that about a bike, It just felt right. It’ll take me a little while to organize the money because I’d rather sell my current bike first but our local HD dealer will have my money soon, and judging by the interest that their attracting I won’t be the only one.