Segment:
Cruiser Touring Motorcycle
Positioning:
Versatile cruiser offering a blend of classic styling with modern touring capabilities, distinguished by its detachable fairing and saddlebags.
Key Competitors:
Indian Chief Classic, Victory Cross Country, other Harley-Davidson models
Unique Selling Proposition:
The 'Switchback' designation highlights its dual personality: a comfortable cruiser with the option to quickly remove the fairing and saddlebags for a more classic, lighter feel.
Primary Coverage:
Comprehensive Service, Maintenance, and Repair
Estimated Pages:
Approximately 600-800 pages (typical for a comprehensive service manual of this era)
Type:
Service Repair Manual
Format:
Digital (PDF - Searchable, Printable)
Engine:
Twin Cam 103, ignition, fuel injection, cooling, lubrication, exhaust
Transmission:
6-speed Cruise Drive, clutch, internal components, operation, service
Chassis:
Frame, suspension (front fork, rear shocks), steering, wheels, tires
Brakes:
Hydraulic disc brakes (front and rear), ABS system (if equipped), fluid service, component replacement
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, lighting, ignition, starting system, instrumentation, wiring diagrams, diagnostics
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel lines, emissions control
Bodywork:
Fairing, saddlebags, fenders, seat, controls, body panel removal and installation
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication, inspections
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, symptom-based troubleshooting trees
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems
Disassembly Assembly:
Detailed procedures for component removal, overhaul, and reassembly
Technical Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to major component overhauls and diagnostics
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, Twin Cam 103™
Displacement:
1690 cc (103 cu. in.)
Bore X Stroke:
3.875 in. x 4.375 in. (98.4 mm x 111.1 mm)
Valve Train:
Pushrod actuated overhead valves with hydraulic lifters; 2 valves per cylinder
Horsepower Estimated:
Approx. 75 HP (at crankshaft, varies with specific calibration)
Torque Peak:
98.3 ft-lbs (133 Nm) @ 3,000 RPM (typical for Twin Cam 103)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline, 91 octane rating or higher recommended
Fuel Tank Capacity:
5.0 gallons (18.9 L)
Transmission Type:
6-speed Cruise Drive®
Clutch Type:
Clutched, multi-plate, wet
Gear Ratios:
1st: 9.312, 2nd: 6.454, 3rd: 4.737, 4th: 3.925, 5th: 3.215, 6th: 2.739 (typical for Twin Cam 6-speed)
Transmission Fluid Type:
Harley-Davidson Formula + Transmission and Primary Chaincase Lubricant (or equivalent)
Crash Test Ratings:
N/A (Motorcycles typically do not undergo standardized crash testing like automobiles)
ABS:
Available (Anti-lock Braking System)
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED tail lights and brake lights, integrated front and rear turn signals
Chassis Stability:
Sturdy frame construction, balanced weight distribution
Audio System:
Optional Premium Boom!™ Box audio system available with features like AM/FM, iPod/iPhone compatibility, and Bluetooth.
Display:
Analog speedometer and tachometer with integrated digital display for odometer, trip meters, gear indicator, and fuel level.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (available, a significant safety tech feature for its time).
Smartphone Integration:
Limited; typically relies on aux input or specific aftermarket Bluetooth modules for audio integration.
First Service:
1,000 miles (1,600 km) or 6 months
Subsequent Service:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 12 months thereafter
Engine Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson SYN3® Full Synthetic Motorcycle Oil (20W-50) or equivalent
Engine Oil Capacity:
3.7 quarts (3.5 L) with filter change
Primary Chaincase Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson Formula + Transmission and Primary Chaincase Lubricant
Primary Chaincase Oil Capacity:
1.0 quarts (0.95 L)
Transmission Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson Formula + Transmission and Primary Chaincase Lubricant
Transmission Oil Capacity:
0.75 quarts (0.71 L)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (for front and rear brake systems)
Common Wear Items:
Tires, brake pads, clutch plates, primary chain tensioner (especially earlier Twin Cam models)
Electrical Gremlins:
Occasional issues with wiring harness connectors or the battery charging system, common to many complex vehicles.
Engine Vibration:
While rubber-mounted, some vibration is inherent to V-twin engines; specific checks on mounting hardware are important.
Detachable Component Wear:
Inspect quick-release mechanisms for fairing and saddlebags for proper function and wear.
Heritage:
Harley-Davidson is an iconic American motorcycle manufacturer with a legacy dating back to 1903, renowned for its V-twin engines and cruiser/touring motorcycles.
Dyna Line Introduction:
The Dyna line, introduced in 1991, featured a rubber-mounted V-twin engine for reduced vibration and a chassis design that evolved over the years.
Switchback Introduction:
The FLD Switchback was introduced for the 2012 model year, offering a unique blend of cruiser styling and detachable touring components.
Production Years:
2012-2016
Manufacturing Location:
United States
Industry Awards:
N/A (Specific model awards are rare; brand recognition is paramount)
Owner Satisfaction:
Generally high among Harley-Davidson owners, who value the brand's heritage, performance, and customization potential.
Emissions Compliance:
Meets EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB) standards for the applicable model year.
