Why This Forgotten Harley-Davidson Still Looks Like It Can Cross Continents

Motorcycle models come, and motorcycle models go, but every once in a while, there comes a combination of features that makes a bike into something especially noteworthy. This is where we find the Harley-Davidson Dyna Switchback. This is a bike that saw only five consecutive years of production from 2012 to 2016, and as a model name did not survive the demise of the Dyna platform and the rise of the generation-two Softail chassis that replaced it. Stock touring equipment transformed it into a light tourbike in its fully equipped configuration. Still, as its devilishly clever name suggests, the Switchback could be quickly reconfigured for solo missions and barhopping duties, giving it a wide range of utility and making it capable of quick personality changes.

Power That Feels Built For The Open Road

The Twin Cam 103 delivers effortless highway speed and smooth, low-stress cruising mile after mile

Harley-Davidson

The Twin Cam103 engine packed plenty of power, and the Switchback actually carried a High Output version for 2016, replacing the standard Twin Cam 103 from previous years. This brought a little extra oomph to the table, particularly for passing power, almost anywhere in the range. It came paired with a six-speed Cruise Drive transmission that turned out a cruising speed of 70 MPH at only 3,500 RPM, making for low-stress cruising both on the superslab and off.

Since the Switchback’s weight can vary depending on the accessories mounted at any given time, its overall performance could also vary. However, it was enough to drive this Dyna-based bike to speeds that were well over the limit anywhere in the U.S. The rubber engine mounts helped tune out some of the vibrations before they reached the rider, which meant road trips would be fairly low-stress experiences. This version of the Twin Cam engine was somewhat more reliable than the earlier, smaller mills, which also goes to its cross-country credentials.

Harley-Davidson Switchback Engine And Performance Specifications

Classic Touring Bones With A Cruiser Attitude

Blending Dyna agility with classic FL touring style, the Switchback delivers comfort and control in one smart package

Harley-Davidson

This was an interesting chassis in that it combined the narrow, Big-Twin cruising Dyna frame, classified as an FX, with the heavy front end of an FL model. This made it sort of like a Road King that someone left in the dryer too long. With or without the large, quick-detachable windshield, the front end had plenty of visual weight due to the beercan fork skirts and headlight nacelle, both of which were classic H-D tour bike equipment.

To keep up appearances, the rear shocks were enclosed by chrome covers in the style of the heavy touring frames. A set of top-loading, color-matched saddlebags came standard equipped to add some secure dry storage and complete the touring goodies. This Dyna handled well, even when encumbered, and was relatively comfortable, making it suitable for long distances.

Harley-Davidson Switchback Chassis And Suspension Specifications

Classic Harley Looks, Convertible Attitude

Transforms in minutes without losing its timeless style

Harley-Davidson

The comment about a shrunken Road King was not flip; just look at it. That fat FL front end was scaled to fit the FX frame, so even the classic features were proportionally correct, even if on a somewhat smaller scale, and the nacelle doubles down on that. Similarly, the saddle boxes also looked proportional to the overall size, which meant they’re smaller than a proper FL model would carry, but like everything else, they fit the build.

Bags and glass could be quickly removed to strip down to a base cruiser that’s a stoplight burner with its souped-up engine, or you could gear up for a serious stint in the saddle. In its touring configuration, it was quite capable of a range of actual uses, from touring to grocery-getting and commuting.

Harley-Davidson Switchback Dimensions And Capacities

An Alternative Look In The Dyna Lineup

The Wide Glide offers bold style and raked-out flair

Harley-Davidson

One of the coolest Dyna models was definitely the Dyna Wide Glide in 2016, and it shared the stable with the Switchback. It had oodles of that classic showroom-custom look that was pioneered by Willie G. with the Super Glide, but took it a step further with a wide-set, raked-out front end, and flame-job colorways. Forward foot controls made it popular with the longer-legged rider base, although the seat is quite low at 25.5 inches high, providing weight to compress the suspension for riders who weigh at least 180 pounds.

The low rear suspension complements the raked-out front suspension, lifting the frame at the front to achieve a slightly chopper-like look. However, it’s a mirage, as there’s no real stretch to accompany the 34-degree rake angle. Still, it’s an effective bit of imagery that has a definite impact on the perception of this build. While comfortable enough for short hauls, it lacks the necessary features to make it suitable for long-distance work, and is better suited for looking cool than enduring long stretches on the superslab. For long-distance trips, stick to the Switchback.

Harley Vs. Indian: A Cross-Country Rival

The Chief Vintage matches the Switchback with touring flexibility, classic style, and a touch of modern tech

Indian Motorcycle

Indian Motorcycle didn’t have anything exactly like the Dyna Switchback in 2016, but they did have something close enough in the Indian Chief Vintage. The Chief Vintage shared some of the same visual features, including a fat-and-skirted front end, headlight nacelle, and a tough Lexan windshield. Even better, the Desert-Tan leather saddlebags and windscreen were detachable, so the Indian was every bit as flexible as its Harley competition.

Dual front brakes came standard for a slim tech advantage over the Switchback, though the single front brake on the Switchback was more than ample. Pimp lights brighten the front, and naturally, the war bonnet ornament adorned the full front fender, which was a nice nod to the past. Forward footboards could be supplemented by highway pegs on the stock engine guard, allowing you to adjust your leg positions, which would be a welcome respite during long rides.

Harley-Davidson Switchback Vs. Indian Chief Vintage Engine And Performance Specifications