Harley reveals Dyna Switchback

THE term “switchback” might have you thinking of knee-down corners, but those aren't quite what Harley's new 2012 Dyna Switchback is aimed at.

Instead it's a tourer with removable luggage and a screen that can be unclipped, switching it back (see what they did there?) to a cruiser.

Official details and gallery below:

The new Dyna® Switchback motorcycle from Harley-Davidson® is a quick-change artist. With its color-matched hard saddlebags and a fork-mounted windshield in place, the Switchback is a custom touring motorcycle. But in seconds, the detachable saddlebags and quick-detach windshield can be removed without tools. Now the Switchback is a custom street cruiser with a gleaming headlamp nacelle, five-spoke cast-aluminum wheels and a mini-ape handlebar. When it's time to head out for a long weekend, simply re-install the saddlebags and windshield, and the Switchback is ready to roll for the state line.

The Switchback is powered by a muscular Twin Cam 103™ V-Twin engine that delivers strong performance on the boulevard and on the highway. The Switchback is the lightest custom touring motorcycle in its displacement category, and at 718 pounds ready-to-ride is 94 pounds lighter than a Harley-Davidson Road King®. New front-end geometry, premium suspension components, and a low-profile front tire give the Switchback a plush ride and responsive handling.

"The new front end geometry, wheel and tire specs, and cartridge fork are engineered to work together to produce steering that's light to input and immediately responsive," Brian Scherbarth, Switchback project lead engineer. "A demo ride will reveal that Switchback is a capable touring motorcycle that's also really fun to ride."

Designed to look great with or without its saddlebags, the Switchback is styled to evoke a classic proportion and clean, straightforward lines from its 4.7-gallon fuel tank to the sweep of its full-coverage rear fenders. The bend of the mini-ape handlebar and its pull-back riser, full-length rider footboards and a two-up touring seat offer most riders all-day comfort.

Key Dyna Switchback Features

Twin Cam 103™ engine with 103-cid (1690cc), rubber-mounted within the frame, is rated at 100 ft. lbs. of torque at 3500 RPM. The engine is equipped with Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) and is mated to a 6-speed Cruise Drive® transmission.

2-into-1 chrome exhaust with straight-cut muffler tuned for a deep exhaust tone.

Advanced suspension is tuned for comfort and precise handling. Nitrogen-charged, monotube rear shocks have preload-adjustable, dual rate springs. A 41.3mm front fork with a 20mm cartridge delivers enhanced damping performance, handling and ride comfort.

Low-profile Dunlop® 130/70B18 front tire and specific front-end geometry provides reduced steering effort, enhanced steering response and confident low-speed manuevering.

Color-matched detachable hard saddlebags have a combined luggage capacity of 30 pounds. The saddlebag locks are common to the ignition key, and external latches do not interfere with packing or reduce usable bag volume.

Quick-detach, fork-mounted windshield.

The Black, 5-Spoke Cast Aluminum wheels have machine-highlighted rims; 18-inch front, 17-inch rear.

Full-coverage front and rear fenders.

Chrome headlamp nacelle.

Chrome fork covers and chrome rear shock covers.

Chrome tank console with integrated ignition switch.

Classic black battery box cover.

Full-length rider footboards.

The one-piece, two-up seat features custom stitched detail. Seat height (laden) is 26.1 inches. Its narrow cross section enables flat-foot stops for most riders.

Security Package Option bundles Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Smart Security System with proximity-based, hands-free security fob.

Stainless steel, mini ape-hanger handlebar on pull-back riser.

4.7-gallon fuel tank.