Hey, I'm helping my aunt surprise my uncle with his 1st Harley. I've been riding for several years, and he actually taught me when I was a kid. I'm working in a tight budget ($5500ish) and want to find the biggest bike (Dyna-Softail) for the buck. I don't want to get him into a Sportster as I think he'll feel too big on it and wont appreciate it.

He is about 5'11" and 175 pounds. This is going to be his 51st b-day present. He lives in the country, so it will be primarily ridden on open highways in windy North Dakota. Hence the reason for wanting a good sized bike. I don't think he'd go for a full-dresser as it's not his style. He told me that he'd be worried to ride my Road King as it's a bigger bike.

I found a 1990 FXRP in the price range, but don't know much about this bike. I have been told years ago by a very reputable local wrench that the old FXRs are great bikes, but it seems to be me I have heard something about the 1990 EVOs not being the best. Any truth to this? Any info or suggestions on this bike would be greatly appreciated.

I know that each bike should be picked out by the individual who will be riding it, but he would NEVER get one for himself, but has always talked about getting a Harley and will really love it.

Thanks in advance!

 

Way back in 1982, when Vaughn Beals and his team bought Harley back from AMF, one of the things that went on after that was the designing of the FXR and Eric Buell was a part of the design team for that bike. The FXR has always been considered one of THE very best handling Big Twin Harleys ever produced, period! The EVO motor is basically bullet proof. It would be hard to go wrong with one of those bikes. If I ever wanted a Big Twin, I would have an eye out for one of those motorcycles.

 

My dad has a 90 FXR Superglide he's had since new and still rides it to work everyday! 20 years old with 80+ thousand miles on it and it still pulls like a freight train. He's even got the original paint job on it. Oil changes, gas and tires is all it needs!! He put a cam in it in 91 and still running the same came and the motor is all stock. Only thing he's had to really do to it is gaskets after about 60k miles. I wouldn't mind taking his off his hands if he gets a new one or finding a good deal on one for myself.

 

Last year my buddy picked up an '85 FXRP that hadn't run in about 5 years. Cleaned the carb, new batt, fresh gas and she fired up.
Two weeks later we rode a 600 mile weekend and the bike ran like a champ w/ no issues.
Good solid bike, you're Uncle would dig one.

 

I never met anyone who owned an FXR who didn't love it.

 

1990 Evo is fine. There are issues with every year Harley so it really makes no difference in my book. The real question is was the bike maintained well. The FXR frame design is the very best. BTW, I am 5'11" and 185 and have no issues on the Sportster. But I would probably opt for the FXR is it were in good condition.

 

I wasn't trying to knock a Sportster, I was just thinking with the type of riding he'd be doing he'd prefer a big twin. I used to ride an Ironhead Sporty, great bike around town.


Thanks for all of the responses!

 

I have owned my 1990 FLHS from new and sorted out various things that have gone wrong with it, but they happened early on in its life and I have no repeat problems. If 'your' FXR is in good condition you and your uncle should have no problems that can't be fixed. Much more likely is he will be bowled over and ride it forever!

You have got us all excited by this. Hope we have helped you decide and we look forward to seeing a pic of a proud new owner soon!

If you and your uncle need any support for his FXR pop over to the Evo forum.

 

Sounds like a great gift!

Best of luck in your search.

 

I am one of those FXR owners who loves the bike. I say grab up that 1990 and somebody is gonna have a real nice birthday!