Harley-Davidson Dyna Switchback 2014 — Specifications

Can a motorcycle be both a platform for customization and a touring machine ready for the road trip? That's the gamble Harley-Davidson took with the Dyna Switchback, a machine that made an impression before disappearing in 2017. The concept was clever: offer a Dyna platform, known for its agile frame and stripped-down look, but equip it from the start with a tall windscreen and a pair of rigid saddlebags. With the turn of a key, you go from a pure custom to a functional touring motorcycle. This ease of conversion was key to its success, making it an ideal mount for those who want a single motorcycle for two uses.

Under the nearly 18-liter tank beats the famous V-Twin Twin Cam 103 of 1690 cm3. Here, it delivers 75 horsepower, but it's mainly its torque of 135.6 Nm, available from 3500 rpm, that characterizes the experience. It pulls with that generous, oily feel typical of Harleys, although, to be honest, it feels a little restrained compared to its installation on a Road King. The whole remains very supple and relaxed, perfect for swallowing up departmental roads without stress. The six-speed gearbox and belt drive ensure smooth and quiet operation, while the weight in running order, 326 kg, is forgotten once underway. On the highway, the large windscreen does a decent job, but you feel the limits of the bodywork compared to the true touring machines in the catalog.

The real debate, when browsing classified ads for a used Harley-Davidson Dyna Switchback, is its positioning. It weighs as much as a large touring machine, without offering the integral comfort or stability at very high speeds, limited to around 160 km/h. On the other hand, it offers the soul and maneuverability of a Dyna in town or on small roads. At 17,590 euros new at the time, it positioned itself as a less intimidating and more versatile alternative than a Street Glide. It was the motorcycle of the light road trip enthusiast, who didn't want a liner, or the customizer wanting a base that was already well-equipped.

Today, with hindsight, this Harley-Davidson Dyna Switchback test reveals a motorcycle with character, but with dated mechanics. Its replacement by the Softail range in 2017 brought more rigidity and performance. Yet, the Switchback retains a certain charm: that of an era when Harley offered machines with a distinct personality, between the custom and the touring machine. It's neither the most powerful nor the most comfortable, but its unique concept ensures it a special place in the hearts of fans and on dedicated forums. It remains a seductive testament to a pragmatic approach to the American way of travel.