Harley-Davidson FXS Softail Blackline vs Harley-Davidson FLD Dyna Switchback (2012)

Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Harley-Davidson FXS Softail Blacklinestacks up against the Harley-Davidson FLD Dyna Switchback. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.

Spec comparison

SpecHarley-Davidson FXS Softail BlacklineHarley-Davidson FLD Dyna Switchback
Model year20122012
Price$15,499$15,999
Engine1688 cc1688 cc
Torque134 Nm136 Nm
Weight290 kg316 kg
Seat height24 mm26 mm
Fuel capacity5.0 L4.7 L
Fuel typepetrolpetrol
Transmission6-speed6-speed
Front brakesSingle disc. 4-piston caliper. Optional ABS.Single disc. 4-piston fixed. Optional ABS.
Rear brakesSingle disc. 2-piston caliper. Optional ABS.Single disc. 2-piston torque-free floating. Optional ABS.
Tires90/21-MH54 / 200/55-R17 130/70-B18 / 160/70-B17

Harley-Davidson FXS Softail Blackline vs Harley-Davidson FLD Dyna Switchback — which should you buy?

Picking between the Harley-Davidson FXS Softail Blackline and the Harley-Davidson FLD Dyna Switchback usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Harley-Davidson FXS Softail Blackline brings its published horsepower in a 290 kg package, while the Harley-Davidson FLD Dyna Switchback counters with its own power figure at 316 kg. On price, the Harley-Davidson FXS Softail Blackline has the lower MSRP.

Our spec tables above highlight the winning number on each line. For the full rider-focused reviews including real-world fuel economy, service costs and available colors, click into either bike: