2013 Harley-Davidson Dyna Switchback vs 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2013 Harley-Davidson Dyna Switchback 2013 Harley-Davidson Dyna Switchback

Touring

Engine
V2, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
45.0 km/h / 28.0 mph
Weight
718.0 pounds
2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing

Touring

Engine
Six cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
895.0 pounds
Full Specifications
General
CommentsAmphibian.Model ID: TRX680FA
ColoursEmber Red Sunglo, Vivid Black, Big Blue PearlMetallic Red, Metallic Black, Pearl Yellow, Metallic Titanium
Warranty-One year. Unlimited milage. Transferable.
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)4.3 inches10.0 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)109 mm254 mm
Seat Height663 mm / 26.1 in.739 mm / 29.1 in.
Wheelbase1,595 mm / 62.8 in.1,689 mm / 66.5 in.
Height1,400 mm / 55.1 in.1,207 mm / 47.5 in.
Length2,360 mm / 92.9 in.2,113 mm / 83.2 in.
Width1,600 mm / 63.0 in.1,189 mm / 46.8 in.
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (Quarts)0.18 quarts-
Oil Capacity (l)2.80 litres-
Dry Weight315.7 kg / 696.0 lbs-
Fuel Capacity17.79 litres / 4.70 gallons24.98 litres / 6.60 gallons
Wet Weight325.7 kg / 718.0 lbs406.0 kg / 895.0 lbs
Performance
Top Speed45.0 km/h / 28.0 mph-
Max Torque135.60 Nm (13.8 kgf-m or 100.0 ft.lbs) @ 3500-
Engine
Engine TypeV2, four-strokeSix cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Displacement (ci)103.00 cubic inches111.79 cubic inches
Displacement (cc)1687.97 cc1832.00 cc
CO2129.9 CO151.5 CO
Bore x Stroke (mm)98.4 x 111.3 mm74.0 x 71.0 mm
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.9 x 4.4 inches2.9 x 2.8 inches
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)SOHC
Engine DetailAir-cooled, Twin Cam 103?-
Fuel SystemInjection. Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)Injection. Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
Compression Ratio9.6:19.8:1
Emissions-Meets current CARB and EPA standards.
Engine Lubrication-Dry sump
Exhaust2-into-1 chrome exhaust with straight-cut muffler-
Fuel Consumption5.60 litres/100 km (17.9 km/l or 42.00 mpg)6.53 litres/100 km (15.3 km/l or 36.02 mpg)
Fuel Reserve-4.54 litres / 1.20 gallons
Ignition-Computer-controlled digital with three-dimensional mapping
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System42
Drivetrain
ClutchMulti-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bathAutomatic
Final DriveBeltShaft drive (cardan)
Gearbox6-speed5-speed
Primary DrivePrimary chain, 34/46 ratioDirect front and rear driveshafts with TraxLok® and torque-sensitive front differential
Chassis
Suspension - FrontIndependent coil springs and hydraulic dampers45mm cartridge fork with anti-dive system.
Suspension - RearIndependent coil springs and hydraulic dampersPro-Arm single-side swingarm with Pro-Link single shock with computer-controlled spring-preload adjustment with two memory presets
Rake29.9°29.2°
Trail147 mm / 5.8 in.109 mm / 4.3 in.
Wheel Travel - Front-175 mm / 6.9 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear-203 mm / 8.0 in.
Electrical Systems
InstrumentationTank-mounted electronic speedometer with odometer, time-of-day clock on odometer, dual tripmeter, RPM/Gear display, fuel gauge with low fuel warning light and countdown feature, low oil pressure indicator light, engine diagnostics readout, LED indicat-
Lighting systemHigh beam, neutral, low oil pressure, engine diagnostics, turn signals, low fuel warning, ABS (optional), low battery, body controller diagnostics-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-12.4 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-316 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-11.7 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-296 mm
Brakes - FrontDouble disc. 4-piston fixedDouble disc. Anti-lock braking
Brakes - RearSingle disc. 2-piston torque-free floatingSingle disc
RimsBlack, 5-Spoke Cast Aluminum-
Tyres - Front130/70-B18130/70-R18
Tyres - Rear160/70-B17180/60-R16

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2013 Harley-Davidson Dyna Switchback and the 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.

Key Differences

2013 Harley-Davidson Dyna Switchback - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 663 mm vs 739 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing - Advantages

  • More ground clearance: 254 mm vs 109 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.

2013 Harley-Davidson Dyna Switchback vs 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2013 Harley-Davidson Dyna Switchback and 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing?
The 2013 Harley-Davidson Dyna Switchback uses V2, four-stroke, while the 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing is powered by Six cylinder boxer, four-stroke.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2013 Harley-Davidson Dyna Switchback or the 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing?
The 2013 Harley-Davidson Dyna Switchback has the lower seat at 663 mm, making it more accessible. The 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing sits higher at 739 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2013 Harley-Davidson Dyna Switchback or the 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing?
Both are strong choices. The 2013 Harley-Davidson Dyna Switchback has the edge in lower seat height, while the 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing stands out for greater ground clearance. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.