Harley-Davidson Dyna Switchback 2012 — Specifications

Who said a Harley-Davidson had to pick a side? In 2012, the Harley-Davidson Dyna Switchback cheated with a concept as simple as it was effective. It liberally draws from the manufacturer's catalog to offer a two-faced motorcycle, a kind of touring Swiss Army knife that dreams of grand touring for a weekend. Its secret lies in its standard equipment: a pair of rigid saddlebags and a large windshield, both removable in seconds. With a flick of the wrist, this custom transforms from a muscular roadster to a machine ready for adventure, largely explaining its popularity until its disappearance in 2017, when the Dyna range gave way to the new Softail.

At the heart of this metamorphosis beats the famous Twin Cam 103 V-Twin, or 1690 cm3 of displacement. The figures are undeniable: 81 horsepower at 5350 rpm, but more importantly 135.6 Nm of torque available from 3500 rpm. It is this tractive force, this greasy and constant push, that defines the character of the beast. It sticks you to the seat without violence, propelling the 326 kilograms fully fueled with quiet authority. On the highway, the sixth gear and the windshield in place make you forget the weight, even if the 17.8-liter tank regularly reminds you of its presence. Compared to a heavier and more majestic Road King, the Switchback proves to be more agile, lighter to handle in the city, while retaining this reassuring low seat height of 66 cm for everyone.

However, this versatility comes at a price, and not just the 17,190 euros of the time. The Dyna chassis, with its visible swingarm, offers more direct sensations than the Softail, but it is not the most refined when facing road irregularities. The 41 mm fork and the mono-tube shock do their best, but with a ground clearance of 109 mm, you avoid overly winding roads. It is a motorcycle for swallowing long, straight lines or quiet curves, not for playing like Rossi in mountain passes. The brakes, a single disc at the front and rear, are correct but require anticipation, ABS remaining an option on this model.

So, who was the rider of this Harley-Davidson Dyna Switchback? A traveler who refused the purist label. A motorcyclist looking for a first large American displacement without immediately jumping into the enormous Softail Heritage. It was the ideal motorcycle for those who wanted a simple custom base, with the possibility of taking their belongings for a trip, without commitment. Forums are still full of them, and finding a Harley-Davidson Dyna Switchback in good condition is an excellent plan for those who want to experience this two-in-one philosophy. It was neither the most powerful nor the most comfortable, but it possessed a unique charm: that of the freedom to change your mind.