Take a Dyna, add full-wrap fenders, chromed-out steel fork covers, a large windshield and hard saddlebags, and you get a comfortable yet nimble cruiser that's good for hours of cool, easy riding. It looks very much like a midsized Road King and promises lovely time under the sun.

Relatively classic for a Harley-Davidson, the new 2012 Dyna Switchback's overall design remains quite tasteful. With retro lines and zero glitz, it gains a subtle modern touch in the form of ultra-tight spacing between the front tire and fender, saddlebags that match the contour of the rear fender, and a new instrument panel on the fuel tank that features a small digital tachometer and gear shift indicator.

Relatively classic for a Harley-Davidson, the new 2012 Dyna Switchback's overall design remains quite tasteful. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour/Moto123.com)

Smooth power
First of all, I've got to admit that I didn't fall in love with the last Twin Cam 96-equipped Dyna I tested, with the challenging transmission and clutch that demanded considerable effort when riding through dense traffic. Fortunately this time, Harley was wise enough to use the latest evolution of the TC103 and its creamy-smooth, six-speed Cruise Drive gearbox.

The dry-sump engine delivers in my opinion one of the best combinations of power, torque and smoothness in the history of the Milwaukee-based manufacturer, right up there with the famous TC110 of CVO models.

Super-explosive at low revs and forceful at higher revs, the 1,691cc TC103 propels the Switchback and its 316 kilos without running out of breath. It also proves remarkably smooth at cruising speeds for a large, pushrod-equipped V-twin – a must-have attribute for a machine that's designed to pile up miles.

The 1,691cc TC103 propels the Switchback and its 316 kilos without running out of breath. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour/Moto123.com)