Hi I need some advice as I'm not sleeping well with this dilemma, I recently bought a 2007 Fatboy, but for the life of me I can't get comfortable on it. I had longer risers that bring the bars back fitted but it's still not enough. I'm contemplating a reduced reach seat but I have a fat arse and I'm told I'll end up on the tank. Recently when visiting a local hd dealer I saw a late 2012 switchback with higher kms but in good nick, the dealer was interested in the fatboy and we can come to an arrangement but I've only sat on the switchie and it feels good, couldn't ride as it was passing down. I did notice the pipe got warm on my leg. What I'm asking basically is should I entertain this swap? Any advice appreciated. 

Not until you've rode it ,, I had the hots for a standard softail ,, they fit me well in the dealers , then a mate came from interstate on his , threw me the keys and said take it for an hour or two ,, i got about 2 klm away turned round and gave it back ,,

If the dealer is fair dinkum, they should let you take for a ride. But all ( well most) have diff demo seats, Bars etc to change around to see what suites you. So ask for this to happen, either with the Fatboy Or Switchback.

I've got a Switchback, it suits me but I'm only 175cm tall and most of the people I've seen riding them are my height or shorter.

How tall are you?

Thanks guys, I'm only a little fatty guy with TRex arms. I had the longest risers fitted without having to extend all the cables but still find myself sliding up the seat to gain some respite from riding with fully extended arms. I feel the reach seat may fix that issue but would create different ones. I'm out west of Moree for a few months so starved of opportunities atm. I've tried to like the fatboy but I'm getting to the stage where I don't feel like riding and that's just not me. By the time I fit new bars (quoted a couple of grand) new seat etc I'm still not sure if it would be enough, the switchgear felt right has a sundowner fitted and my hands fell to the Miniapes well.

Two grand for new bars, cables and fitting is a lot.
If you cant do the job yourself, go to a cheaper independent shop. Lots of cheap bars and cable kits around. Maybe then it'll cost under one grand. Might be cheaper to do this than change over bikes

I have been looking a used hogs for 1 year now and the switchbacks are always priced cheaper than most other bikes, fatys are always priced a lot higher 
I have always liked the stance of the road kings forks  and the switchback has that same look 

Take the Switchback for a ride mate. Also assess what mods you can do to the cockpit to have a more relaxed ride.
Surely, if your considering it, the dealer will let you ride it.

change your seat / bars / move the floorboards back a bit it can be done.. all that would be cheaper then upgrading to a new bike.....
go to a independent shop for your work.. dealers are crazy over priced. have to many overheads .....

i did bars cables electrics done on my dyna i had to get them extended as i went apes cost 1200 inc labor and parts

Thanks guys had a few quotes on the bars and not a lot of wiggle room, $600 for burleigh teebars $400 for cables and wiring, and six hours labour to fit and wire (6 x $130ph) then the seat, set of tyres etc just thought it would be a waste if after all the expense I still couldn't get comfortable. Why are the fatties so overvalued? Would the switchback be worth the extra grand they want for it? As for the pipe, they had it running ready to ride but it pissed down rain......go figure....thanks again for your advice

Here a pic of the switchie

 

Have you tried a Fatbob? They have the added bonus of twin disc front brakes and also handle pretty well. Most blokes who have em like em.

Your quoted price is high because you've quoted Burleigh bars. Might be good bars but lots of other bars way cheaper and better value for money. The quote on cables is high too. Shop online and around for cables and you'll find cheaper. Labour costs vary on shop rate but six hours even seems high too. I reckon you should be able to do this for around $1k.

Well what the blazers!

The Lowriders have footpegs that suit short of stature blokes.

Plus they also have a twin disc front end. Which is a huge bonus.

If you have "T rex arms" which I first thought were really big Muscley steroiod type things but when you look at a picture of a T Rex they are actually really short skinny things like a wallaby or potaroo. Then maybe some bars that push the controlls back a tad would be the go.

Bikes are like furniture, they are built to fit an average sized person. Also people are changing as time goes by.....which is why the bikes cc's and horspower increases. To keep up with the ever fattening and enlarging shape and weight of the modern cunt they have to lug around.

So!, unless you are one of the lucky "average" blokes you are gunna have to spend the bucks to get your ride right.

Yep, sad but true. The cost of the bike is only the begining of the wallet thinning excercise.

 

I'm hearing too many stories about excessive vibration on the switchback, I test rode it and it was rough compared to the fattie, may hang on to it and get it to fit me, thanks again for your suggestions

Does a road glide count? Lovely bike but too much mass for me Any switchie owners car to comment on the vibes please?

I've got a road glide and you truly only feel the mass when walking it around. It handles better than my fatboy did. Dynas and tourers with the a engine should only noticeably vibrate more than a b engine softail at idle. Once the revs go up the vibration should disappear on the dyna/tourer. I agree the low rider or fat bob should be considered.

Just sold a 2012 switchback no vibration issue with aftermarket system . virtually no vibration with the stock system either.

Thanks was hypothesising that the vibes were the reason they dropped the model from the lineup?

Thanks was hypothesising that the vibes were the reason they dropped the model from the lineup?

I don't mind the shake and vibration in my Dyna ... I actually ENJOY it !

( It's perhaps a little sensual ?)

I just lament the effect it has upon my wing mirrors ....