Harley Davidson Switchback Review (2011)
What Is It?
The Harley-Davidson Switchback is a premium cruiser style bike and is powered by an air-cooled 1,690 cc V-Twin engine which puts out 75.1 bhp at 5,000 rpm and maximum torque at just 3,500 rpm.
Specs
- Seat Height: Low (695 mm / 27.4 inches)
- Weight: Very heavy (326 kg / 719 lbs)
- Economy: Average (50 mpg / 5.6 l/100km / 17.7 km/l)
- Range: High (200 miles / 322 km)
- Power to Weight: Low (0.233 bhp/kg / 0.174 kW/kg)
- Top Speed: High (115 mph / 185 km/h)
Pros
- Loads of low down torque
- Great soundtrack
- Wind protection
- Comfort
Cons
- Really heavy
- Can get hot
What Is It Like?
Harley Davidson Switchback 2013
Tell us a bit about you
I'm a 57 year old male, 5 ft 8.
I've owned bikes from age 16 to 21 - a Honda XL185 then Kawasaki Z250. No bikes for 30 years then in 2014 I bought the Harley Switchback.
Why did you choose it?
I've always had a desire to buy one.
What is good about it?
It makes a noise and the sound is amazing. The Switchback is good for days out, around town and always turns heads once they hear it coming.
What could be improved?
The only issues I have had are with the battery connections becoming loose. Starting it up over the Winter is also a pain even with trickle charger.
Any mods or upgrades?
Vance & Hines exhaust.
How is the engine?
Big and noisy. Hot as well after 30 mins.
How does it handle?
It is 315 kg so not a light bike. It rides lighter than it is and you cannot throw it around like lighter bikes.
What are the brakes like?
Very good.
Is it comfortable?
Various seat options are available. It's a bit like sitting in your armchair, but after 60 mins you need to get off it.
How reliable have you found it?
All good apart from battery issues.
What's the servicing frequency and cost like?
Every 12 months and around £250-350.
How would you sum up the model?
The Switchback is good for posing on and short trips with a pillion. It has potential to be a tourer type machine but I would go for an adventure type bike if that is your thing.
Both panniers and screen detach easily, so the bike looks different and can be used for rumbling around town.
- Mark D, 2021
Price Guide
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Add Your Review
Do you own this bike? We would love to hear anything good, bad, unexpected or that you have changed plus anything that a prospective new owner might find interesting or useful.