Some history for the people that don’t know. Harley Davidson wanted a bike that was like the Sportster. A smaller bike that is extremely customizable, and you can hit the corners and pop wheelies. They wanted a bike that can do all those things while using the bigger motors. So Harley Davidson and Buell designed the FXR. They took the strongest frame they had, the Bagger frame, and shrunk it. They wanted the strongest frame possible to be able to handle the power and abuse. That is why when you take the side covers off of a Bagger, it has the same V shape as the FXR. Like the baggers, the FXR has a 3 point motor mount setup. One in the front, and two in the back. The FXR is also easier to work on because the oil tank and the battery is underneath the seat. Very easy to get to. The reason why the FXR was discontinued is because they were too expensive to make in HD’s eyes. So they created the Dyna. The Dyna has a frame made from cheaper and worse quality material. The Dyna has two motor mounts instead of three, one in the front, one in the back, and since there’s only two, they wear out quickly. The oil tank is underneath the bike like the bagger’s, not impossible to get to, but more of a pain. The battery is on the side, in the frame. And finally, the frame is less rigid since it doesn’t have the FXR V. It’s a good bike if you never work on your own bike and just bring it to the dealership to get worked on. So that’s my Harley Davidson history lesson for everyone. Hope to see more FXRs on the road👍
FXR came first actually. The bagger is a super sized FXR. That’s why they actually feel better than dynas and softails. But not as good as FXRs because they’re bigger and heavier. But a nasty bagger feels way better than any dyna. Except the weight. But yes. The FXR is clearly built for performance based on frame geometry and everything else. And modernization only helps them. The new softails are the only thing that can compete. Baggers are too heavy. Dynas too squirmy even at their best. Sportster are great little rippers. But they’re small. And have no legs. Old softails are just dog shit. Fuck the v rod and the street is a pussyfied flat track bike so 🤷🏻♂️ an FXR and an m8 softail or bagger is a hell of a combo.
@@thomasmarchese2808 Wrong. The plan was to use the bagger frame for the cruiser just like they did with the old four speed frame. But that frame was much stronger than the old frame, wider, and with a steeper rake and different steering head that did not look right for a cruiser. So they designed an entirely new frame for the FXR. Erick Buell had nothing to do with the design of the FXR, but he was brought in to improve the handling characteristics. I assume the massive junction of the backbone and steering head with its gusseting for stiffness was his idea.
@@FXDLSBrooklyn 1984, first year Evo. it's a Disk Glide model, only 800 something made. Mines been heavily customized though by previous owners so it's not very close to original. But I'm getting it set up to fit me.
my first fxr had an 80...i stopped riding my dailly cammed up 14' fxdl for a few months after the intial purchase. twin cam swappped the fxr after the cases started falling apart. added some 543 cams to the 88 ci tc a the mikkuni 42... i really stopped riding the dyna after that. in the end i couldnt' sell my dyna with all the time and effort invested so i took it apart and bought an fxr frame to convert it. its really hard to enjoy other models for what they are without instantly comparing the handling and midrange power differences now. the 14 fxdl i converted into a 103 efi fxrp; it's a great all around machine. people tell me the twin cam swap isn't a real fxr from time to time...i just laugh. everyonce and a while ill bust out my 82' fxrs and that's when cats ask why i installed a shovel into an fxr or ask why my sportster sounds funny. good times on fxr's.
I never believed the hype. A buddy of mine had 2 93 low rider and a 91 RP. Always told me to take one for a ride. I seen one done up “club style” at a show a few years back and I made it my mission to find one. Traded an 07 street glide for me 94 FXR and have dumped a ton of money into it to make it my own. The handling is exactly what everyone has always claimed. Definitely Harley’s “sport bike” of the time. Zero plans on ever getting rid of it. Would also love to see you host a fxr/dyna show. I’m down in south Jersey and would love to see an annual event. East coast fxr jam is 6/3-6/5 2022 in the Catskills
Yeah I really wanted to check out the FXR Jam this year, had a few friends ride up. Hopefully I can get up there next year! Thanks for checking it out man!
I love my fxr, I don't think I'll ever give it up. I'd love to have an older softail with the Evo too one day. Such an iconic look. My fxr is a bit of a beater, but I love it. Keeps me busy too.
I’ve had my 1986 liberty fxrs for 24 yrs mostly stock except for pegs and seat. Has 90,000 plus miles with only top end done. I love it, found a 1990 for 2 grand and bought it just because they’re so good
I absolutely love the FXR. I ride a 2002 Fat Boy, the bike i have always wanted, ever since I saw Terminator 2, and when I rode my girls 1994 FXLR, I was like WOW!! THE BIKE IS AWESOME!! The BEST frame Harley-Davidson ever made ( other than the Softail lol ) . Great bike!!
I ride a 1984 FXR (very first year of production) with springer fork, I am very glad to ride it as there is not many around, so I was lucky to buy it, it just came out of the blue..! I do have a 1985 FXSB to compare and.... very difficult to say which one I do prefer as both got the Evo engine, one of the diffences is that the FXSB got a kick start and 4 speed trans, so I was used to that 4 speed gear box... both are such a beauty..!
@@FXDLSBrooklyn yep, the old school eh..! So, that 1985 FXSB, last yr of 4 speed trans and last yr of kick start.. plus 1st Years of belt drive.. unique motor bike eh..!
Nice one. I'm sure you meant the first Evo year of production was 1984 but the first FXR was in 82 and had a Shovelhead motor. I had one and tried to make it as usable as my 88FXRP but the clutch was too heavy and I never quite got there.
My 82 shovelhead FXRS rocks! An absolute blast to ride. First year out off AMF and hand build instead of going down the assembly line. Of cours, I did a frame up restore a few years ago so it's been hand built twice. 😂
I can't speak for all Harleys, I have a 1990 fxlr and a 2008 dyna wide glide. The fxr is superior 100 percent. No comparison. I have stripped both down to the bare frames and there are some key things that separate them from the start. 1. Frame: no question that an FXR frame is just an absolute piece of art. You won't know until you see it sitting there and can look under it all around it, feel it, cut unto it. It's 3/16" steel tube through and through. Amazing construction. My dyna is a piece of shit. Shitty pressed sheet metal. Just enough to keep it road worthy. No way to really customize that frame beyond raking the neck which still isn't fun. I tried to modify the rear end and it's such a cluster fuck how that main backbone cuts right through the center all the way to the base of the frame. 2. Motor mount: again, obvious that the dyna was cheap and they used the 2 point mount and it was good enough. The three point mount on the FXR is stronger, looks better, and is way easier to work on. 3. Maintenance: there is nothing on my FXR I can't do. I can't do anything on my Dyna. It's night and day. I would not own a new Harley. One thing I've always said is that if you are not rich, or you cannot do all your own maintenance then you have no business owning a Harley. So I rode my dyna for 2 years, hated it. Stripped it down to the frame to start over chopped it up, raked it, made new framework for the fender and seat, cut all the bullshit off the rear end I could trying to find a way to get that battery back inside the bike and now it's just a frame sitting in my garage rusting away. Just junk. My FXR, it's like million dollar baby. Being ridden everyday, looking like an absolute piece of art, nothing I can't do to maintenence it, or chop and modify sky is the limit. Dyna is at best a learners bike, but i would guess so is a softail or a fat boy or anything else. Now I'm gonna extend some leeway to the touring bikes because they still use a 3 point engine stabilizing mount system and it looks similar to the fxr, but I'll bet that it's been cheapened up too. Don't know that for sure, but I would be hesitant to do any serious frame mods to anything now days
So I owned probably the best of the Buell tubers, which is the 2002 X1 Lighting, last year of them, and it was awesome...loved it..when it ran. With the full Buell race kit, it made plenty of power for the street...more than you can practically use. Handling equal to any sport bike, and I've owned MANY. Once I worked out all the reliability issues and a few upgrades, it was a really fun bike. It was super easy to ride in town with all the torque, but it would also pull red in top gear which was a GPS verified 151mph. I wish I would have kept it. Compared to the FXR...I don't know. I would not buy a late model Buell, IMHO they are ugly. I really like the XR1200 and the Roadster 1200. Nice video.
You are 100% Right when you drive a FXR you feel that you are part of the bike you sit in the bike. I own 5 motorcycles and the FXR is by far the best driving motorcycle you feel you are in a sport car.
Absolutely great points- they exceed the hype IMHO but you’re also right when you say it’s hard to justify shelling out 10k+ on a 30 year old bike. With that said, I LOVE mine and got a great deal on a low mile 90 FXRS and have had a ball- yeah she’s had her issues but it comes with the old Harley territory. After riding every frame, I still say the FXR handles the best right out of the box with exception to the M8 Low Rider S.
Underrated, absolutely! Especially when your style of riding is more of an active one, like hitting the corners, twisties mountain hairpins and more of this kinda roads, yes absolutely a FXR every day of the week. Gents, it is all about the framework, really. In those curved roads Horsepower really is not what you are looking for; Torque however is ;-) And even my FXRT with stock EVO motor and exhaust never disappoints me and non of my friends can go faster trough a cuve as I can and they really are frustrated about the fact that they just simply can not overtake me there. The freeway of course; yes they'll fly by, but not in the twisties. There is no better Big Twin Framework than a FXR (and FLT since they are more or less the same) framework. You can and probably will argue about the EVO power plant, but again even though they come with alotta less power than the newer big twins...they are very reliable. My 1985 FXRT has 90.000 Miles on the stock motor...and runs and rides flawlessly, where buddies of mine have "modern" V twins and they suffer of many breakdowns.... so yeah...for me a FXR all day long ! Hey, remember this: like the FXR but want more power? replace the stock EVO with any motor of your choice and nobody will be able to keep up with you;-)
The old FLT frame from back then had only cosmetic similarities to the FXR. The FXR frame was much lighter but also much stronger. As far as Twin Cam FXR's why would you throw away the ultimate Harley Evolution engine for the hot-running, poorly-designed Twin Cam, especially when you have to cut the FXR frame to make it fit? The Evo can be built to make as much power as any Twin Cam.
Underrated!!! I have a stock 92 fxrs lowrider convertible only modified with a single fire electronic ignition. Have hunted down the vintage windshield as well as original leather saddle bags. What wonderful handling bike and a blast to ride. As with any vintage bike, a bit of tweaking and attention to maintenance is must to keep her riding like new. The hype is well earned!
I have a 1994 FXRP windshield model, although I don't have a windshield. The bags are long gone, I have an ugly but wonderful Corbin seat, factory, tall FXR sissy bar with an ugly luggage rack. I absolutely love it. Nothing rides like an FXR. I have been riding since 1985, own and have owned many, many Harley-Davidsons, and love my old 64 FL, but this bike and I are one. I own a motorcycle shop, and ride almost every bike that comes in. When I was a young mechanic in 1993, my mentor MADE me ride a customer's FXR (I was a Panhead snob and trash talking FXR bikes). It ruined me.
Duuuude I OWN an 07 Street Bon and I'm planning on getting an 87 FXR?! bahahaha what are the odds?! This was too funny not to comment on. I live overseas and Harleys are hard to come by...this FXR I'm eyeballing is the ONLY ONE HERE.
Been my dream bike since a kid.. buddies brother has a freaking mint FXRP sitting in storage. Been bugging for years on a price for it.. won't give up until it's mine lol..
Hey great channel I got my 1986 FXRS low rider November 5 and I have been loving it. It was sort of a happy accident for me but I’m planning a road trip up to New York sometime soon. I wanted to find out if there’s anything going on to plan when I get up there for FXR and I’m from New York also, maybe I can swing by there and we can compare notes and stuff.
Nice to hear a balanced view of the bike. I've got a few FXR's (4 at this point), and think they're awesome bikes, but they're not for everyone, and I do think a lot of people pump them up to be something they're not. As others have touched on, the maintenance (or lack there of) over its lifetime and moving forward on a 3 decade old bike can put people off or discourage them. Some of the known flaws (cases cracking, particularly behind lifter blocks on certain years) can really get people down if they realise there's is cracked. However, in terms of a balanced, versatile, simple (mechanically, generally easy to fix on the side of the road) do it all bike, I think they're perfect. The amount of stuff you can do to them is awesome too. You can have so many different styles. 90's chrome and low, completely original, resto mod, twin cam swapped, tourer spec, wheelie bike, etc.
@@FXDLSBrooklyn there's a couple of clips on my page of some of them, but quickly. 1. Full rebuilt Twin Cam conversion (110cu) inverted front end, flake paint job etc. 2. Nearly completely original 93 Convertible with bags and shield, crazy good condition and service history even at the 55k miles. 3. A complete mish mash FXR that was my first one. Not pretty but heaps of good components and internal upgrades. Will be getting a bigger motor and full fairing and lowers next. 4. The one I'm currently building, will essentially be something along the lines of an FXR / FXDX. Twin cam 95in, DX suspension, black drivetrain, 13 spoke mags etc. In saying all this, if I didn't work on them myself, I'd be on an M8 LRS or softail instantly. Those things rip.
I agree with you it is underrated Unless you ride one you'll never know I been a FXR rider for 30 years and not planning on any other bike. Try one and you'll get glued
The thing with the FXR is they are lightweight so they are fast and nimble but not a comfy highway couch like some of the heavier bikes Harley makes. You feel the road on them, the good and bad. But if you like to ride in the canyons, they are the best Harley made.
The only bike I ever wanted is an FXR or a Sporty , around 8 years ago my shitbag cousin was delivering an 87 FXR to my house, on the way he traded it for a 62 Kaiser Pickup, I was so pissed! I still can’t believe it! We don’t talk anymore! The next day, I bought my DYNA FXDP, although I don’t really regret it, I will get my FXR one day and my sporty! One day, I’m 5’6 so I love a nice compact smaller bike, small bikes rule!
I have two my first I have for 22 years as my daily. Now going to be my hot rod with a 117. My new daily which I've had a year gets ridden to work daily in NYC. Even in rain easier to park than my car.
Hey buddy got a hot tip for you! I put some FLO mini floor boards on after seeing your review a while back and they are great. Just got back from a 1500 road trip and before we left I put some on the rear as passenger pegs and my wife LOVES them. Might want to give it a shot and see how she likes it. You can just take yours and put them on the rear peg mounts for her to try out. Stay safe out there!
Is your tach correct ? You hitting near 8,000 rpm's ? I didnt think a evo could handle revs that high. Of tye evos I've ridin, 5-5.5 thou felt like I was pushing the explosion point.
Hey man thank you for making this video. I have an 87 FXR-S low rider and it’s my main and only bike. I absolutely love it. When you said, “I ride in it and my other bikes I ride on it” I totally get that. The 87 was my dream bike. My father had one when I was a kid and he passed away when I was 20, I’m 42 now and I just got my fxr beginning of this year. Right now it’s in the shop getting a ton of new stuff so it will be ready for next season to ride to some of the bigger bike events. I’m out in Boston and I love it riding in the city and riding in the suburbs. Everything you’ve said about the bike is 10000%. You definitely nailed it. Unfortunately the person that sold me the bike was a shitbag and knew of the underlined issues with it t but it’s all good because karma is a bitch and parts and labor are just time and money and I’m ok with that. Hopefully we run into each other in the future and you can give me your opinion on my babygirl. Be safe. Ride hard. Ride safe.
Thanks man and I appreciate you taking the time to weigh in, I totally get the sentimental aspect in regards to your Dad having that bike as well - Looking forward to hearing how it is once you get it fully dialed in! Boston is around the block, I'm sure we'll cross paths eventually!
All you have to do to understand the FXR hype is ride one. I have two bikes that Erik Buell had a hand in, an ‘08 1125r and an ‘82 FXR. They’re both special bikes unlike anything else I’ve ever ridden in their classes
Great commentary. I think you broke it down well because people who ride FXR’s will agree that with regards to past & present Harley line-up, there is no other model that packages together comfort, handling, and nimbleness quite like the FXR platform. Part of the problem is that finding an FXR that hasn’t been “upgraded” at the hands of unqualified wrenches over the past several decades is getting harder and harder. People should never buy any bike without taking the advice from experienced owners that will help pick out the right bike for a particular riding style. The guy looking to go ripping wheelies around town is buying a different FXR than the guy looking to tour around the country.
Well said, well said - I think going into it with someone who knows the bike well is definitely a good move - Thanks for checking it out Shaun and cheers to these FXR miles!
juste pic up a fxrs-sp 1992 , nothing original anymore, thick rims, wide glide front fork, RS seat, PM forwart controls, fuel tank, etc. PS I'm on the lookout for mid controls but not easy to find here in Europe
I’m lookin at an 85 fxrp fully built you mention not worth getting one over 10k does that mean stock or fully built I’m assuming stock They’re clean wouldn’t mind adding another gem to the collection Great vids 🤙🏼
I think it comes down to condition - If the thing has say, less than 20k miles, starts reliably, and isn't leaking, then you got my attention at least - Let us know what you decide
Yeah the fxr’s can have some quirks, but it’s a Harley, it comes with the territory. I love that the fxr is considered an antique bike haha, it’s different and you aren’t riding the same bike that everyone else is on, its unique. I agree, I feel like I am one with my Fxr, the fit and the sit is very comfortable, very rideable.
If you mentioned "Hype" one more time I was gonna puke. You are right that the FXR is Under Rated. FXRs are kinda like El Caminos. Ya either dig em or not. I have owned 5 FXRs including an FXR4 in Tangerine Orange, and currently have an FXR2 in Arresting Red that I'm never selling. One thing I don't understand is why most riders do not like the shovelhead FXRs? Sort of ironic, but I don't like em either. I love to see the bone stock bikes but most people add those ridiculous risers and flat bars. Guess it's some of that "Lane Splitter shit? FXRs ride 90% as well as a bagger and handling is far superior to anything else HD has ever produced!
FXR all day long! Throw 14" shocks on rear and +2" in the front, with some newer brakes... You're ready to rip. You'll beat a dyna on handling alone in the twisties
Best Bike H-D ever sold. With the new aftermarket EVO engines far exceeding what the original was in performance reliability and quality aftermarket frames available, what are you waiting on?🤣
It's far too Underrated and so damn rare and expensive here in Europe. I've had a Dyna since almost 10 years and love it, but would swap it out right now...... hey, you wanna get rid of yours yet?
I ride a 1st generation Kawasaki VN-15. Everyone who has seen this bike immediately recognises it as a FXR-copy, so surely the original FXR can't be that bad if even the Japanese copied it?
Overrated Underrated It's about this specific Buell-frame in combination with Evolution-engine in this era. Hard to find a better steering FXR. Oh: Wait FXR-SP! Buell-frame with air-suspension front fork
I’ve owned one if it’s in good shape/ re stored and especially if larger built motor in it ( and better than stock brakes ) one of THE BEST Harley’s ever made hands down
At this point there too expensive and too old. More of a collectors piece now. I'm a one bike guy riding a 13 Flhx. Afordable and reliable, no computer screen bs or abs crap. FXR is like the Buell S1 type scenario. Good riding bike but performance guys would rather buy a Yamaha R6 or something. My Streetglide would be better if it was about 100lbs lighter though lol Harleys are fun to ride but hot roding them your just chasing your tail. FXR is neat but it aint all that, evo is overatted in general. I remember the see no evo hear no evo posters and stuff, then 25 years later it's the greatest thing ever. Whatever
@@FXDLSBrooklyn Keeping the 20 amp stator, 80" motor and 5 spd tranny just in case a return to OEM is in the cards, but for canyon carving I look forward to the 120" motor attached to a 6 spd tranny
Yes, FXR and All Wobble Glides (Dyna) are overrated. No “performance” bikes have a tranny bolted to the motor. All modern performance bikes are “unitized”. You can put $7K into a $3K used Sporty and out Shine ANY FXR or DYNA. You are drinking the H-D koolaid.
I a 84 FXRs 1340 love the bike has plenty of power. Never going anywhere it was my dads 3rd bike in the line up. Left to me when he passed
That's awesome man, never let that one go!
Some history for the people that don’t know. Harley Davidson wanted a bike that was like the Sportster. A smaller bike that is extremely customizable, and you can hit the corners and pop wheelies. They wanted a bike that can do all those things while using the bigger motors. So Harley Davidson and Buell designed the FXR. They took the strongest frame they had, the Bagger frame, and shrunk it. They wanted the strongest frame possible to be able to handle the power and abuse. That is why when you take the side covers off of a Bagger, it has the same V shape as the FXR. Like the baggers, the FXR has a 3 point motor mount setup. One in the front, and two in the back. The FXR is also easier to work on because the oil tank and the battery is underneath the seat. Very easy to get to. The reason why the FXR was discontinued is because they were too expensive to make in HD’s eyes. So they created the Dyna. The Dyna has a frame made from cheaper and worse quality material. The Dyna has two motor mounts instead of three, one in the front, one in the back, and since there’s only two, they wear out quickly. The oil tank is underneath the bike like the bagger’s, not impossible to get to, but more of a pain. The battery is on the side, in the frame. And finally, the frame is less rigid since it doesn’t have the FXR V. It’s a good bike if you never work on your own bike and just bring it to the dealership to get worked on. So that’s my Harley Davidson history lesson for everyone. Hope to see more FXRs on the road👍
FXR came first actually. The bagger is a super sized FXR. That’s why they actually feel better than dynas and softails. But not as good as FXRs because they’re bigger and heavier. But a nasty bagger feels way better than any dyna. Except the weight. But yes. The FXR is clearly built for performance based on frame geometry and everything else. And modernization only helps them. The new softails are the only thing that can compete. Baggers are too heavy. Dynas too squirmy even at their best. Sportster are great little rippers. But they’re small. And have no legs. Old softails are just dog shit. Fuck the v rod and the street is a pussyfied flat track bike so 🤷🏻♂️ an FXR and an m8 softail or bagger is a hell of a combo.
HD was being outsold by Japanese bikes and they built the FXR to compete.
i would rather ride my FXR than any fucking Dyna
@@thomasmarchese2808 Wrong. The plan was to use the bagger frame for the cruiser just like they did with the old four speed frame. But that frame was much stronger than the old frame, wider, and with a steeper rake and different steering head that did not look right for a cruiser. So they designed an entirely new frame for the FXR. Erick Buell had nothing to do with the design of the FXR, but he was brought in to improve the handling characteristics. I assume the massive junction of the backbone and steering head with its gusseting for stiffness was his idea.
I'm all for your FXR content, I picked one up this year mainly because of your videos. I love it so far.
That's really awesome to hear! What year did you wind up getting?
@@FXDLSBrooklyn 1984, first year Evo. it's a Disk Glide model, only 800 something made. Mines been heavily customized though by previous owners so it's not very close to original. But I'm getting it set up to fit me.
my first fxr had an 80...i stopped riding my dailly cammed up 14' fxdl for a few months after the intial purchase. twin cam swappped the fxr after the cases started falling apart. added some 543 cams to the 88 ci tc a the mikkuni 42... i really stopped riding the dyna after that. in the end i couldnt' sell my dyna with all the time and effort invested so i took it apart and bought an fxr frame to convert it. its really hard to enjoy other models for what they are without instantly comparing the handling and midrange power differences now. the 14 fxdl i converted into a 103 efi fxrp; it's a great all around machine. people tell me the twin cam swap isn't a real fxr from time to time...i just laugh. everyonce and a while ill bust out my 82' fxrs and that's when cats ask why i installed a shovel into an fxr or ask why my sportster sounds funny. good times on fxr's.
100% - Once you have a dialed in FXR, there's nothing like it
I never believed the hype. A buddy of mine had 2 93 low rider and a 91 RP. Always told me to take one for a ride. I seen one done up “club style” at a show a few years back and I made it my mission to find one. Traded an 07 street glide for me 94 FXR and have dumped a ton of money into it to make it my own. The handling is exactly what everyone has always claimed. Definitely Harley’s “sport bike” of the time. Zero plans on ever getting rid of it. Would also love to see you host a fxr/dyna show. I’m down in south Jersey and would love to see an annual event. East coast fxr jam is 6/3-6/5 2022 in the Catskills
Yeah I really wanted to check out the FXR Jam this year, had a few friends ride up. Hopefully I can get up there next year! Thanks for checking it out man!
It’s definitely underrated. I have a 1993 FXRS-Con and a 2016 FXDLS. There’s just nothing like riding the FXR. It’s fully capable and a blast to ride.
Couldn't agree more, we have a very similar bike rotation it seems - Thanks for weighing in Omar!
I love my fxr, I don't think I'll ever give it up. I'd love to have an older softail with the Evo too one day. Such an iconic look. My fxr is a bit of a beater, but I love it. Keeps me busy too.
Absolutely how mine was too - Nothing like an FXR
I’ve had my 1986 liberty fxrs for 24 yrs mostly stock except for pegs and seat. Has 90,000 plus miles with only top end done. I love it, found a 1990 for 2 grand and bought it just because they’re so good
Oh man, that's a rare one right there - As a rider out of NYC, that's one that I've always told myself if I found I would buy
I absolutely love the FXR. I ride a 2002 Fat Boy, the bike i have always wanted, ever since I saw Terminator 2, and when I rode my girls 1994 FXLR, I was like WOW!! THE BIKE IS AWESOME!! The BEST frame Harley-Davidson ever made ( other than the Softail lol ) . Great bike!!
Building an '89 FXR right now, Definitely handles well for an old bike. The prices out here in Ca. are pretty high. Great Channel !
Much appreciated! Yeah man, I've heard prices get up there out West 🗽⚡️
I ride a 1984 FXR (very first year of production) with springer fork, I am very glad to ride it as there is not many around, so I was lucky to buy it, it just came out of the blue..! I do have a 1985 FXSB to compare and.... very difficult to say which one I do prefer as both got the Evo engine, one of the diffences is that the FXSB got a kick start and 4 speed trans, so I was used to that 4 speed gear box... both are such a beauty..!
That's awesome man - Gotta love an old school kick start!
Yep ... As u might knw, 1985 was the last year of the HD kick start as far as i knw, also last Yr of 4 speed trans.. si, very unique motorcycle eh..!
@@FXDLSBrooklyn yep, the old school eh..! So, that 1985 FXSB, last yr of 4 speed trans and last yr of kick start.. plus 1st Years of belt drive.. unique motor bike eh..!
Nice one. I'm sure you meant the first Evo year of production was 1984 but the first FXR was in 82 and had a Shovelhead motor. I had one and tried to make it as usable as my 88FXRP but the clutch was too heavy and I never quite got there.
My 82 shovelhead FXRS rocks! An absolute blast to ride. First year out off AMF and hand build instead of going down the assembly line. Of cours, I did a frame up restore a few years ago so it's been hand built twice. 😂
I can't speak for all Harleys, I have a 1990 fxlr and a 2008 dyna wide glide. The fxr is superior 100 percent. No comparison. I have stripped both down to the bare frames and there are some key things that separate them from the start. 1. Frame: no question that an FXR frame is just an absolute piece of art. You won't know until you see it sitting there and can look under it all around it, feel it, cut unto it. It's 3/16" steel tube through and through. Amazing construction. My dyna is a piece of shit. Shitty pressed sheet metal. Just enough to keep it road worthy. No way to really customize that frame beyond raking the neck which still isn't fun. I tried to modify the rear end and it's such a cluster fuck how that main backbone cuts right through the center all the way to the base of the frame.
2. Motor mount: again, obvious that the dyna was cheap and they used the 2 point mount and it was good enough. The three point mount on the FXR is stronger, looks better, and is way easier to work on.
3. Maintenance: there is nothing on my FXR I can't do. I can't do anything on my Dyna. It's night and day. I would not own a new Harley. One thing I've always said is that if you are not rich, or you cannot do all your own maintenance then you have no business owning a Harley.
So I rode my dyna for 2 years, hated it. Stripped it down to the frame to start over chopped it up, raked it, made new framework for the fender and seat, cut all the bullshit off the rear end I could trying to find a way to get that battery back inside the bike and now it's just a frame sitting in my garage rusting away. Just junk. My FXR, it's like million dollar baby. Being ridden everyday, looking like an absolute piece of art, nothing I can't do to maintenence it, or chop and modify sky is the limit. Dyna is at best a learners bike, but i would guess so is a softail or a fat boy or anything else. Now I'm gonna extend some leeway to the touring bikes because they still use a 3 point engine stabilizing mount system and it looks similar to the fxr, but I'll bet that it's been cheapened up too. Don't know that for sure, but I would be hesitant to do any serious frame mods to anything now days
Really appreciate you taking the time to share this - I think you nailed some key points here 🏁 ⚡️
Best bike ever made and Eric Buell is a genius
Agreed 🗽⚡️
Keeping in mind that Buell had nothing to do with the design of the FXR, he just was called in to tweak it to improve the handling.
So I owned probably the best of the Buell tubers, which is the 2002 X1 Lighting, last year of them, and it was awesome...loved it..when it ran. With the full Buell race kit, it made plenty of power for the street...more than you can practically use. Handling equal to any sport bike, and I've owned MANY. Once I worked out all the reliability issues and a few upgrades, it was a really fun bike. It was super easy to ride in town with all the torque, but it would also pull red in top gear which was a GPS verified 151mph. I wish I would have kept it. Compared to the FXR...I don't know. I would not buy a late model Buell, IMHO they are ugly. I really like the XR1200 and the Roadster 1200. Nice video.
Yeah man those things are fascinating, wish we saw more of them around
You are 100% Right when you drive a FXR you feel that you are part of the bike you sit in the bike. I own 5 motorcycles and the FXR is by far the best driving motorcycle you feel you are in a sport car.
It's a special machine 100%
Absolutely great points- they exceed the hype IMHO but you’re also right when you say it’s hard to justify shelling out 10k+ on a 30 year old bike. With that said, I LOVE mine and got a great deal on a low mile 90 FXRS and have had a ball- yeah she’s had her issues but it comes with the old Harley territory. After riding every frame, I still say the FXR handles the best right out of the box with exception to the M8 Low Rider S.
Right on! Those new FXLRS seem to be a good comparison handling-wise: Love my FXR!
Don’t think of the price in terms of age. You wouldn’t blink twice at spending $10k on a 50 year old Mustang or Camaro, FXRs are a classic too
Underrated, absolutely! Especially when your style of riding is more of an active one, like hitting the corners, twisties mountain hairpins and more of this kinda roads, yes absolutely a FXR every day of the week. Gents, it is all about the framework, really. In those curved roads Horsepower really is not what you are looking for; Torque however is ;-) And even my FXRT with stock EVO motor and exhaust never disappoints me and non of my friends can go faster trough a cuve as I can and they really are frustrated about the fact that they just simply can not overtake me there. The freeway of course; yes they'll fly by, but not in the twisties. There is no better Big Twin Framework than a FXR (and FLT since they are more or less the same) framework. You can and probably will argue about the EVO power plant, but again even though they come with alotta less power than the newer big twins...they are very reliable. My 1985 FXRT has 90.000 Miles on the stock motor...and runs and rides flawlessly, where buddies of mine have "modern" V twins and they suffer of many breakdowns.... so yeah...for me a FXR all day long !
Hey, remember this: like the FXR but want more power? replace the stock EVO with any motor of your choice and nobody will be able to keep up with you;-)
Agreed! I love those Twin Cam FXR builds! 🗽⚡️
The old FLT frame from back then had only cosmetic similarities to the FXR. The FXR frame was much lighter but also much stronger. As far as Twin Cam FXR's why would you throw away the ultimate Harley Evolution engine for the hot-running, poorly-designed Twin Cam, especially when you have to cut the FXR frame to make it fit? The Evo can be built to make as much power as any Twin Cam.
Underrated!!! I have a stock 92 fxrs lowrider convertible only modified with a single fire electronic ignition. Have hunted down the vintage windshield as well as original leather saddle bags. What wonderful handling bike and a blast to ride. As with any vintage bike, a bit of tweaking and attention to maintenance is must to keep her riding like new. The hype is well earned!
I have a 1994 FXRP windshield model, although I don't have a windshield. The bags are long gone, I have an ugly but wonderful Corbin seat, factory, tall FXR sissy bar with an ugly luggage rack. I absolutely love it. Nothing rides like an FXR. I have been riding since 1985, own and have owned many, many Harley-Davidsons, and love my old 64 FL, but this bike and I are one.
I own a motorcycle shop, and ride almost every bike that comes in. When I was a young mechanic in 1993, my mentor MADE me ride a customer's FXR (I was a Panhead snob and trash talking FXR bikes). It ruined me.
That will do it! Where's the shop located? 🗽⚡️
Great video👍, right now I'm torn between an 07 street bob and an 87 FXR, seriously leaning towards the FXR though.
All depends on your riding style - If it were me, hands down 87 FXR
Duuuude I OWN an 07 Street Bon and I'm planning on getting an 87 FXR?! bahahaha what are the odds?! This was too funny not to comment on. I live overseas and Harleys are hard to come by...this FXR I'm eyeballing is the ONLY ONE HERE.
Been my dream bike since a kid.. buddies brother has a freaking mint FXRP sitting in storage. Been bugging for years on a price for it.. won't give up until it's mine lol..
Dude, you need to obtain that bike!
@@FXDLSBrooklyn I'm trying man 🙏
Hey great channel I got my 1986 FXRS low rider November 5 and I have been loving it. It was sort of a happy accident for me but I’m planning a road trip up to New York sometime soon. I wanted to find out if there’s anything going on to plan when I get up there for FXR and I’m from New York also, maybe I can swing by there and we can compare notes and stuff.
Nice congrats on the bike man! What month?
Fxr was a great bike for its time , I had a 1986 LowRider and a 2000 Fxr4 Cvo
eeeey Jerry AKA the coolest white dude we know :D
Man you got so many cool bikes
He needs to make his own channel someday soon
Thank you for sending those pictures! Also, I didn't realize you had one of the 2000 CVOs, that's crazy man, you never see those!
Love watching those older gauges ping off limiter lol sick bike man
Thanks man! 🏁 ⚡️
It's a unique Harley that's for sure. I'd like to own one for sure and it would be a good secondary to my Road Glide.
Do it - You won't regret it!
Nice to hear a balanced view of the bike. I've got a few FXR's (4 at this point), and think they're awesome bikes, but they're not for everyone, and I do think a lot of people pump them up to be something they're not. As others have touched on, the maintenance (or lack there of) over its lifetime and moving forward on a 3 decade old bike can put people off or discourage them. Some of the known flaws (cases cracking, particularly behind lifter blocks on certain years) can really get people down if they realise there's is cracked.
However, in terms of a balanced, versatile, simple (mechanically, generally easy to fix on the side of the road) do it all bike, I think they're perfect. The amount of stuff you can do to them is awesome too. You can have so many different styles. 90's chrome and low, completely original, resto mod, twin cam swapped, tourer spec, wheelie bike, etc.
Really great points, especially the versatility - That's awesome that you have four, how are they set up?
@@FXDLSBrooklyn there's a couple of clips on my page of some of them, but quickly.
1. Full rebuilt Twin Cam conversion (110cu) inverted front end, flake paint job etc.
2. Nearly completely original 93 Convertible with bags and shield, crazy good condition and service history even at the 55k miles.
3. A complete mish mash FXR that was my first one. Not pretty but heaps of good components and internal upgrades. Will be getting a bigger motor and full fairing and lowers next.
4. The one I'm currently building, will essentially be something along the lines of an FXR / FXDX. Twin cam 95in, DX suspension, black drivetrain, 13 spoke mags etc.
In saying all this, if I didn't work on them myself, I'd be on an M8 LRS or softail instantly. Those things rip.
@@jimmyrustles8118 wow, I need to see a picture of this
Great video, thanks man! What makes the FXRP different from the rest of the FXRs? Thanks again!
I feel like that is a separate video! I'll do my best to cover it at some point! 🗽⚡️
@@FXDLSBrooklyn Excellent, would love to see a video on that subject. I have an associate who has offered me his FXRP for 8k. Thanks!
They're the same bike. The P has the taller suspension and the police seat and bags.
Oh I'd love to have one as my main,or any Harley for that matter,they are so rare here in Europe and damn expensive
Yeah I didn't even think about that!
My opinion is the fxr handles best in urban riding, in the twisty in mountain. If set up right it can do some serious state to state riding.
Absolutely - I miss you man, let's connect soon! 🗽⚡️
I agree with you it is underrated Unless you ride one you'll never know
I been a FXR rider for 30 years and not planning on any other bike.
Try one and you'll get glued
The thing with the FXR is they are lightweight so they are fast and nimble but not a comfy highway couch like some of the heavier bikes Harley makes. You feel the road on them, the good and bad. But if you like to ride in the canyons, they are the best Harley made.
Agreed!
I have a 84 chain drive. Lobe it. Had 2 cb 750's back in the day and loved their handling but my fxr way cooler hands down.
Buddy of mine has the same year - Gotta love it!
The only bike I ever wanted is an FXR or a Sporty , around 8 years ago my shitbag cousin was delivering an 87 FXR to my house, on the way he traded it for a 62 Kaiser Pickup, I was so pissed! I still can’t believe it! We don’t talk anymore! The next day, I bought my DYNA FXDP, although I don’t really regret it, I will get my FXR one day and my sporty! One day, I’m 5’6 so I love a nice compact smaller bike, small bikes rule!
It is never too late my friend, the deals are out there 🗽⚡️
I have two my first I have for 22 years as my daily. Now going to be my hot rod with a 117. My new daily which I've had a year gets ridden to work daily in NYC. Even in rain easier to park than my car.
That's awesome man - Which kit did you go with for that 117?
@@FXDLSBrooklyn S&S
Hey buddy got a hot tip for you! I put some FLO mini floor boards on after seeing your review a while back and they are great. Just got back from a 1500 road trip and before we left I put some on the rear as passenger pegs and my wife LOVES them. Might want to give it a shot and see how she likes it. You can just take yours and put them on the rear peg mounts for her to try out. Stay safe out there!
Right on - I would never think to put those on as passengers, you definitely have me thinking!
Is your tach correct ? You hitting near 8,000 rpm's ? I didnt think a evo could handle revs that high. Of tye evos I've ridin, 5-5.5 thou felt like I was pushing the explosion point.
Oh no man, that tach is beyond f*cked - Usually it just reads 0 RPM
'92 FXR is my only bike. My next bike, will be another FXR.
Hey man thank you for making this video. I have an 87 FXR-S low rider and it’s my main and only bike. I absolutely love it. When you said, “I ride in it and my other bikes I ride on it” I totally get that. The 87 was my dream bike. My father had one when I was a kid and he passed away when I was 20, I’m 42 now and I just got my fxr beginning of this year. Right now it’s in the shop getting a ton of new stuff so it will be ready for next season to ride to some of the bigger bike events. I’m out in Boston and I love it riding in the city and riding in the suburbs. Everything you’ve said about the bike is 10000%. You definitely nailed it. Unfortunately the person that sold me the bike was a shitbag and knew of the underlined issues with it t but it’s all good because karma is a bitch and parts and labor are just time and money and I’m ok with that. Hopefully we run into each other in the future and you can give me your opinion on my babygirl. Be safe. Ride hard. Ride safe.
Thanks man and I appreciate you taking the time to weigh in, I totally get the sentimental aspect in regards to your Dad having that bike as well - Looking forward to hearing how it is once you get it fully dialed in! Boston is around the block, I'm sure we'll cross paths eventually!
Harley never should have stopped making the FXR
All you have to do to understand the FXR hype is ride one. I have two bikes that Erik Buell had a hand in, an ‘08 1125r and an ‘82 FXR. They’re both special bikes unlike anything else I’ve ever ridden in their classes
True!
Great commentary. I think you broke it down well because people who ride FXR’s will agree that with regards to past & present Harley line-up, there is no other model that packages together comfort, handling, and nimbleness quite like the FXR platform. Part of the problem is that finding an FXR that hasn’t been “upgraded” at the hands of unqualified wrenches over the past several decades is getting harder and harder. People should never buy any bike without taking the advice from experienced owners that will help pick out the right bike for a particular riding style. The guy looking to go ripping wheelies around town is buying a different FXR than the guy looking to tour around the country.
Well said, well said - I think going into it with someone who knows the bike well is definitely a good move - Thanks for checking it out Shaun and cheers to these FXR miles!
Great video!!
juste pic up a fxrs-sp 1992 ,
nothing original anymore, thick rims, wide glide front fork, RS seat, PM forwart controls, fuel tank, etc. PS I'm on the lookout for mid controls but not easy to find here in Europe
I hear you man - FXR parts are not easy to find here either
I’m lookin at an 85 fxrp fully built you mention not worth getting one over 10k does that mean stock or fully built
I’m assuming stock
They’re clean wouldn’t mind adding another gem to the collection
Great vids 🤙🏼
I think it comes down to condition - If the thing has say, less than 20k miles, starts reliably, and isn't leaking, then you got my attention at least - Let us know what you decide
@@FXDLSBrooklyn 🤙🤙🤙
Yeah the fxr’s can have some quirks, but it’s a Harley, it comes with the territory. I love that the fxr is considered an antique bike haha, it’s different and you aren’t riding the same bike that everyone else is on, its unique. I agree, I feel like I am one with my Fxr, the fit and the sit is very comfortable, very rideable.
Right? I know yours is also blue, so cheers to that - Have you changed anything on yours recently? Future plans?
@@FXDLSBrooklyn over the summer I put a thunderheader exhaust and Legend Suspension, definitely loving the upgrades!
eeeey another bonus monday video
Only for you Paul
Just bought a 86 fxr it's my first bike
Congrats man!
@@FXDLSBrooklyn thank you 😊
if your geting an FXR for 5-7K expect to put in extra 4k to dial it in. they are old bikes. Everyone wants one but nobody want to pay for one
Truth
Loved my 99 fxr2
If you mentioned "Hype" one more time I was gonna puke. You are right that the FXR is Under Rated. FXRs are kinda like El Caminos. Ya either dig em or not. I have owned 5 FXRs including an FXR4 in Tangerine Orange, and currently have an FXR2 in Arresting Red that I'm never selling. One thing I don't understand is why most riders do not like the shovelhead FXRs? Sort of ironic, but I don't like em either. I love to see the bone stock bikes but most people add those ridiculous risers and flat bars. Guess it's some of that "Lane Splitter shit? FXRs ride 90% as well as a bagger and handling is far superior to anything else HD has ever produced!
Truth - If I were a car guy, it would definitely be an old El Camino
FXR all day long! Throw 14" shocks on rear and +2" in the front, with some newer brakes... You're ready to rip. You'll beat a dyna on handling alone in the twisties
Best Bike H-D ever sold. With the new aftermarket EVO engines far exceeding what the original was in performance reliability and quality aftermarket frames available, what are you waiting on?🤣
Are you referring to the S&S?
Love the FXR
Same
It's far too Underrated and so damn rare and expensive here in Europe. I've had a Dyna since almost 10 years and love it, but would swap it out right now...... hey, you wanna get rid of yours yet?
I hear you man! If that day ever comes, we'll let you know! Thanks for checking it out! 🗽⚡️
I ride a 1st generation Kawasaki VN-15. Everyone who has seen this bike immediately recognises it as a FXR-copy, so surely the original FXR can't be that bad if even the Japanese copied it?
Overrated Underrated
It's about this specific Buell-frame in combination with Evolution-engine in this era.
Hard to find a better steering FXR.
Oh:
Wait
FXR-SP!
Buell-frame with air-suspension front fork
This bike is the SP - Honestly man, I love that front suspension
Not a Buell frame.
I’ve owned one if it’s in good shape/ re stored and especially if larger built motor in it ( and better than stock brakes ) one of THE BEST Harley’s ever made hands down
Truth
The stock brakes work fine.
Dyna or FXR it doesn’t matter, all your content is good and I’m here for it!
Much appreciated Joe! Definitely doing our best out here 🗽⚡️
People say to me, FXRS's are over rated an stupid expensive, way too expensive, how much will you sell it to me for?
FXR's RULE !
Agreed 🗽⚡️
A fxr from 88” in denmark is 19k USD 😂
Uhhhh I’d love to have a 91 FXRP.
Same 🗽⚡️
buy an fxr then sell your other bikes that collect dust. that's how it went for me
Agreed 🗽⚡️
At this point there too expensive and too old. More of a collectors piece now. I'm a one bike guy riding a 13 Flhx. Afordable and reliable, no computer screen bs or abs crap. FXR is like the Buell S1 type scenario. Good riding bike but performance guys would rather buy a Yamaha R6 or something. My Streetglide would be better if it was about 100lbs lighter though lol Harleys are fun to ride but hot roding them your just chasing your tail. FXR is neat but it aint all that, evo is overatted in general. I remember the see no evo hear no evo posters and stuff, then 25 years later it's the greatest thing ever. Whatever
That's a really funny saying, I've never heard that one! I want to find a t-shirt that says that 🗽⚡️
the FXR isn't overrated, it's underpowered. nothing a motor swap won't fix
These days I want to keep it an evo
@@FXDLSBrooklyn Keeping the 20 amp stator, 80" motor and 5 spd tranny just in case a return to OEM is in the cards, but for canyon carving I look forward to the 120" motor attached to a 6 spd tranny
All it needs is a mild cam and free-flowing air cleaner and mufflers and it's a rocketship!
wiring, brakes, and a few other things would need upgraded on theses fxrs
True
Just like every other harley
The brakes work great on my '92, bought new. Only one wiring problem, behind the headlight.
Yes, FXR and All Wobble Glides (Dyna) are overrated. No “performance” bikes have a tranny bolted to the motor. All modern performance bikes are “unitized”. You can put $7K into a $3K used Sporty and out Shine ANY FXR or DYNA. You are drinking the H-D koolaid.
You don't know shit.