PHIL CLAYTON'S DEMO ON A DYNA SWITCHBACK

PDFPrintE-mail

How many times have you heard it said about a new product, that it does everything you need it to do. One size fits all, Jack of all trades, Master of none? So it was with a teeny bit of scepticism that I approached the new FLD Dyna Switchback.  After all, there have been attempts to produce a machine of this kind before. The Supergilde T-Sport was a very capable motorcycle, but the bags and screen were just flying in formation with an FXDX. It worked, but looked a bit err, odd. And there’s the rub. Whatever else it does, a Harley-Davidson absolutely has to look good.

As the first Dyna to carry the FL designation it really does break new ground. It looks in many ways like a nicely customized Tourer, but as soon as you sit on the bike the lightweight chassis immediately makes itself apparent. Eighty pounds less than a Road king. Unbelievably low seat. Slow speed balance and poise that dedicated touring bikes can only dream of. You might even call it nippy. Throw it into corners with absolute confidence, feel the grippy rubber, excellent new cartridge forks and hidden ABS system. There’s a surprising amount of ground clearance too, and when the footboards touchdown there’s no drama. Rock solid and stable even when blitzing bumpy B-roads. All of this with a delightfully, ergonomic riding position and an exceptionally comfortable seat.

The 103 cubic inch engine is outstanding. Smooth rumble. Grunt from nowhere to everywhere. Cruise the motorway at 2500 rpm; let the effective windshield do the work. Overtake fully laden without a downshift 

All good, but the real magic is that this bike converts in seconds between touring and cruising modes. And it looks phenomenal in either guise, in no way appearing that bits are missing or have been tacked on.  That is quite a trick, and no-one else really gets close… This is a game-changing motorcycle, perhaps the most versatile Harley in years. Try it now, it could be all the bike you’ll ever need.

Back to NewsBack