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

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
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
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
CommentsModel ID: TRX680FAAmphibian.
ColoursMetallic Red, Metallic Black, Pearl Yellow, Metallic TitaniumEmber Red Sunglo, Vivid Black, Big Blue Pearl
WarrantyOne year. Unlimited milage. Transferable.-
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)254 mm109 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)10.0 inches4.3 inches
Seat Height739 mm / 29.1 in.663 mm / 26.1 in.
Wheelbase1,689 mm / 66.5 in.1,595 mm / 62.8 in.
Height1,207 mm / 47.5 in.1,400 mm / 55.1 in.
Length2,113 mm / 83.2 in.2,360 mm / 92.9 in.
Width1,189 mm / 46.8 in.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)
Bore x Stroke (in,)2.9 x 2.8 inches3.9 x 4.4 inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)74.0 x 71.0 mm98.4 x 111.3 mm
Displacement (cc)1832.00 cc1687.97 cc
Displacement (ci)111.79 cubic inches103.00 cubic inches
Engine TypeSix cylinder boxer, four-strokeV2, four-stroke
CO2151.5 CO129.9 CO
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.-
Engine LubricationDry sump-
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)
Fuel Reserve4.54 litres / 1.20 gallons-
IgnitionComputer-controlled digital with three-dimensional mapping-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System24
Drivetrain
ClutchAutomaticMulti-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bath
Final DriveShaft drive (cardan)Belt
Gearbox5-speed6-speed
Primary DriveDirect front and rear driveshafts with TraxLok® and torque-sensitive front differentialPrimary chain, 34/46 ratio
Chassis
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 - Front175 mm / 6.9 in.-
Wheel Travel - Rear203 mm / 8.0 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 - Front Diameter (in.)11.7 inches-
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)296 mm-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)316 mm-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)12.4 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

Too close to call

The 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing and the 2013 Harley-Davidson Dyna Switchback 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

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 - Advantages

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

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

What are the engine differences between the 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing and 2013 Harley-Davidson Dyna Switchback?
The 2012 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 2012 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 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 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing or the 2013 Harley-Davidson Dyna Switchback?
Both are strong choices. The 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing has the edge in greater ground clearance, 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.