2012 Harley-Davidson reviews

When I bought my 2012 Switchback, I was downsizing from an Electra-Glide standard to something comparable but more lightweight and easier to roll around the garage. I have achieved those goals but with some sacrifice in more harshness of a ride and an intrusive high frequency vibe in the handlebars at 80 mph. and microscopic saddle bags. Nowadays, I rarely take long trips and ride at 80 mph. for very long, but if I did, the vibes and the small bags would soon become an issue. Harley needs to address this with lighter pistons (or counterbalance) and maybe a bigger bag option for the luggage. I think the harshness of the ride could be dialed out with different shocks and fork springs. Otherwise, it is a great bike and build quality is unmatched in the industry. Show less

This is my first Harley having only owned Japanese bikes in the past, and I can honestly say I'm starting to "get" the Harley mystique at this point. The 883 Iron is a wonderful combination of looks and performance that really spoke to me. Power is generous for its displacement and is delivered fairly evenly across the power band; the engine genuinely seems to like running at high RPMs. Maneuverability is extremely good compared to some of its siblings in the Sportster range because of its better lean angles both right and left. Low-speed maneuverability is absolutely amazing. The only drawback I see at this point is the fact that some compromises were made in the area of ride comfort. The "slammed" appearance of the bike comes at the expense of a very short rear suspension, which can be a bit jarring on bumpy roads. However, much like a Jeep, a great Harley is frequently built, not bought. At this point I've replaced the stock mirrors with different ones from the Harley line - this give me, and my wide shoulders, much better rear visibility. If you don't like the ride comfort, longer rear shocks are available. If you don't think it has quite enough power, Harley even sells an engine upgrade to turn the 883 into a 1200. I see this first 1,000 miles as the beginning of a much longer journey, and will likely continue to tinker with this bike for years to come. Show less

I just sold my 1999 K1200RS BMW. It was too uncomfortable for me. I got a "great" deal on a 2012 Road King. This is an all day-bike. It's comfortable and relaxing to ride. The new Brembo brakes do very well. The motor is a honey. The tranny is great. The new frame is very rigid. The bike handles well for a big machine. I added heated grips for the riding in cool weather in New Hampshire's fall. You will not be disappointed with this tourer. Show less

I recently purchased a new 2012 Harley Dyna Switchback. I have owned several bikes of different brands. This is my sixth Harley. I must say this is the best bike I have ever owned. The handling is amazing. The ride is firm but comfortable. It rides two up very well. For my age (65) and size it a nice fit for me. It's not too heavy nor too light. It is a well-balanced machine. It is so much fun to ride, I never want to stop. Like every Harley I have ever owned, I had to change the seat. I put a new Sundowner seat on and now it is much easier on my butt. The new 103 engine is a nice touch. It has plenty of power for me and lots of torgue. I'm averaging about 42 miles per gallon riding the hills and curves of northwest Arkansas. I am very pleased with this machine. Nice job Harley. Show less

I traded in my 2009 Ultra. I had owned two Harley Ultras previously (2004 and 2009). The 103 is an improvement over the 96" - enough power for two up riding. Agility, braking, visiblity all are very good. It runs cooler, probaly because of the oil cooler, than my 2009 Ultra with a noticeable improvement in power. The transmission is smoother and no 5th gear whine. I used ABS once - it was good - but there is a groning noise (was not used to it.) The only negative is from the passenger - I now replaced seat and side guards (with comfort guards) - big improvement for her. I really like the bike. Show less

My riding background: I started riding in 1972 at 13 on a Yamaha 100 Enduro, moved on to a Yamaha IT 200 then Kawasaki 440 LTD, 1972 Harley XLCH Sportster, 1987 Harley 883 Sportster, 1989 Harley FLHS Electra Glide Sport, 2003 FLHRI Harley Road King and 2012 FLSTC. Wow, great bike! I traded my 2003 Road King in on this beauty. This bike has the 103ci B engine. This is my first Softail/balanced motor Harley. I had reservations about a "balanced" Harley motor, my last two bikes having been a 2003 Road King and a 1989 Electra Glide Sport, rubber mounted. I went for a 100-mile spin this morning and I'm convinced. The good/great: The 103" motor is smooth, fast, slightly better sounding than the old 88". The 6 Speed tranny, it is great to be able to hit 80 mph. at around 3000 rmp. The clutch is much easier on the hand than the old one and has a very smooth lock up. The ride, had to put progressive shocks on the Road King to ride this well, I hated the air shocks! I like the solid feel on the handle bars/steering. What needs work: The two up touring seat with rider back rest is going on tomorrow, the stock is not bad but I'm spoiled and want my back rest. The Drag Specialties straight shots are also going on. If I'm going to ride a Harley I want it to sound like a Harley. The twin cam motors will never sound as good as the old Shovel Heads but this bike is very (too) quite stock. The high flow air cleaner helps the new pipes flow better. I added the passenger floor boards because it is a tour bike. I like the low seating position on this bike but I do miss the 1" or so of cornering clearance, I never touched down on the R.K. but I have on this bike "once". Now I think I have the "feel" of it. The new 6 speed does whine a little on down shift but I think the new pipes will "fix" that. Show less