2012–2016 Harley-Davidson Dyna Twin Cam 103 (FLD Switchback)

History and Development

Harley-Davidson launched the Dyna Switchback in 2012 as a new addition to its lineup, not as a direct replacement for a previous model. The development goal was to create the lightest custom touring motorcycle in its displacement category. The engineering team focused on blending the nimble handling characteristics of the Dyna chassis with the essential features of a touring bike. This resulted in the first Dyna model to use front and rear suspension settings and geometry specifically tuned for a wide range of loads and riding styles, from solo cruising to two-up touring with loaded saddlebags.

Production of the Switchback continued through the 2016 model year. It was discontinued afterward, preceding the eventual consolidation of the entire Dyna platform into the redesigned Softail frame for the 2018 model year. The Switchback’s relatively short production run has made it a unique and sought-after model on the used market for riders who appreciate its specific blend of features.

Design and Features of the Harley-Davidson Dyna Twin Cam 103 (FLD Switchback)

The Switchback’s identity is defined by its combination of styling cues and functional components drawn from different Harley-Davidson families.

The Convertible Concept

The most significant feature of the Switchback is its tool-free convertible design. The motorcycle came standard with a fork-mounted, transparent windshield and a pair of color-matched, sealed hard saddlebags. Both the windshield and the saddlebags could be detached or reinstalled in a matter of minutes without any tools, allowing the rider to easily alter the bike’s profile and function. In its touring configuration, it offered wind protection and 24 liters of storage capacity per bag. When stripped down, it presented the clean lines of a classic solo cruiser.

Powertrain and Chassis

At the heart of the Switchback is the air-cooled Twin Cam 103™ engine, displacing 103 cubic inches (1690cc). This engine was a significant upgrade for the Dyna line, providing substantial low-end torque ideal for both city acceleration and highway passing. The engine is rubber-mounted to the Dyna frame, a design choice that isolates the rider from harsh vibrations at speed while retaining the characteristic Harley-Davidson V-twin pulse at idle. Power is delivered to the rear wheel through a six-speed Cruise Drive® transmission and a carbon-fiber-reinforced belt drive.

The chassis features a traditional tubular steel frame with exposed dual coil-over shocks at the rear, a hallmark of the Dyna platform. It was also equipped with full-length rider floorboards and a touring-style “boat tail” rear fender, differentiating it from the bobbed fenders and mid-or-forward footpegs found on other Dyna models.

Differences from Other Dyna Models

While sharing the same core frame and powertrain as its contemporaries like the Street Bob (FXDB) and Super Glide Custom (FXDC), the Switchback was fundamentally different in its purpose and execution. Key distinctions include: