2011 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing vs 2013 Harley-Davidson Dyna Switchback

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2011 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing 2011 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing

Touring

Engine
Six cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
895.0 pounds
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
Full Specifications
General
Comments-Amphibian.
ColoursMetallic Red, Metallic Black, Pearl Yellow, Metallic TitaniumEmber Red Sunglo, Vivid Black, Big Blue Pearl
Warranty1832cc liquid-cooled horizontally opposed six-cylinder-
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)-4.3 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)-109 mm
Seat Height739 mm / 29.1 in.663 mm / 26.1 in.
Wheelbase1,689 mm / 66.5 in.1,595 mm / 62.8 in.
Height-1,400 mm / 55.1 in.
Length-2,360 mm / 92.9 in.
Width-1,600 mm / 63.0 in.
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (l)-2.80 litres
Oil Capacity (Quarts)-0.18 quarts
Dry Weight-315.7 kg / 696.0 lbs
Fuel Capacity24.98 litres / 6.60 gallons17.79 litres / 4.70 gallons
Wet Weight406.0 kg / 895.0 lbs325.7 kg / 718.0 lbs
Performance
Top Speed-45.0 km/h / 28.0 mph
Max Torque-135.60 Nm (13.8 kgf-m or 100.0 ft.lbs) @ 3500
Engine
Fuel ControlSOHCDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
CO2151.5 CO129.9 CO
Bore x Stroke (mm)74.0 x 71.0 mm98.4 x 111.3 mm
Displacement (ci)111.79 cubic inches103.00 cubic inches
Bore x Stroke (in,)2.9 x 2.8 inches3.9 x 4.4 inches
Displacement (cc)1832.00 cc1687.97 cc
Engine TypeSix cylinder boxer, four-strokeV2, four-stroke
Engine Detail-Air-cooled, Twin Cam 103?
Fuel SystemInjection. Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)Injection. Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Compression Ratio9.8:19.6:1
EmissionsMeets current CARB and EPA standards.-
Exhaust-2-into-1 chrome exhaust with straight-cut muffler
Fuel Consumption6.53 litres/100 km (15.3 km/l or 36.02 mpg)5.60 litres/100 km (17.9 km/l or 42.00 mpg)
IgnitionComputer-controlled digital with three-dimensional mapping-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System24
Drivetrain
Clutch-Multi-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bath
Final DriveShaft drive (cardan)Belt
Gearbox5-speed6-speed
Primary Drive-Primary chain, 34/46 ratio
Chassis
Frame Type1832cc liquid-cooled horizontally opposed six-cylinder-
Suspension - Front45mm cartridge fork with anti-dive system.Independent coil springs and hydraulic dampers
Suspension - RearPro-Arm single-side swingarm with Pro-Link single shock with computer-controlled spring-preload adjustment with two memory presetsIndependent coil springs and hydraulic dampers
Rake29.2°29.9°
Trail109 mm / 4.3 in.147 mm / 5.8 in.
Wheel Travel - Front140 mm / 5.5 in.-
Wheel Travel - Rear104 mm / 4.1 in.-
Electrical Systems
Instrumentation-Tank-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 system-High beam, neutral, low oil pressure, engine diagnostics, turn signals, low fuel warning, ABS (optional), low battery, body controller diagnostics
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)316 mm-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)12.4 inches-
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)296 mm-
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)11.7 inches-
Brakes - FrontDouble disc. Anti-lock brakingDouble disc. 4-piston fixed
Brakes - RearSingle discSingle disc. 2-piston torque-free floating
Rims-Black, 5-Spoke Cast Aluminum
Tyres - Front130/70-R18130/70-B18
Tyres - Rear180/60-R16160/70-B17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2013 Harley-Davidson Dyna Switchback

The 2013 Harley-Davidson Dyna Switchback edges out the 2011 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing thanks to its lower seat height. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2011 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing - Advantages

  • Competitive all-round: The 2011 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing matches or exceeds its rival across all measured criteria.

2013 Harley-Davidson Dyna Switchback - Advantages

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

2011 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing vs 2013 Harley-Davidson Dyna Switchback - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2011 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing and 2013 Harley-Davidson Dyna Switchback?
The 2011 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing uses Six cylinder boxer, four-stroke, while the 2013 Harley-Davidson Dyna Switchback is powered by V2, four-stroke.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2011 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing or the 2013 Harley-Davidson Dyna Switchback?
The 2013 Harley-Davidson Dyna Switchback has the lower seat at 663 mm, making it more accessible. The 2011 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 2011 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing or the 2013 Harley-Davidson Dyna Switchback?
Both are strong choices. The 2011 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing has its own strengths, while the 2013 Harley-Davidson Dyna Switchback stands out for lower seat height. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.