What are the main differences between the 1980's and 1990's FXR? I'm looking at a 1985 FXR but wonder if I would be better off buying a late 1990's FXR instead. Thanks for any input.

 

A "late 90s" FXR would be one of the special edition ones (FXR2/FXR3) that HD put out sometime around 1999-2000 IIRC. I think the Dyna was introduced around 92, and regular production of the FXR ended with the 1994 model. I might be wrong because I'm no friggin historian, but I say that because most accessories for the FXR end with the 94 model year.

You can't swing a dead cat without hitting someone who used to have an FXR, sold it, and now wished they had it back. I'd say if the 85 is in good shape and reasonably priced, go for it.

 

Here read this http://1990fxr.com/history/index.html it provides a lot of detail.
Good luck with your mission.

 

That dam**d dead cat hit me. Had an 87 FXRS. Had that bike for 8 years. Best bike I ever had! Only problem I had was the base and head gaskets needed to be replaced. Sharknose is right--- I wish I still had that bike.

 

Me too, damnit. 90 FXR-CONV

 

Thanks for the website Artlee that was a great write up. I did not know that the earlier FXRs had a 35mm front end. Are parts interchangeable from year to year on FXRs (85-94)? In the event I buy the 85 FXR I'm looking at I would want to put a 39mm front end on it. Also, why do dead cats hate FXRs so much?

 

8271085]What are the main differences between the 1980's and 1990's FXR? I'm looking at a 1985 FXR but wonder if I would be better off buying a late 1990's FXR instead. Thanks for any input.

I have an 88 FXRS
IMHO i feel it is better to buy a 91 and later due to the improvements they did in the later years clutch starter transmission is different to earlier years and stronger, if you can get a 94 or 99-2000 then you can use a twincam clutch , earlier parts are getting harder to source Bernie

 

Sorry, I can't answer that definitively as I have not changed a front end on my past or present FXR. There is a member called Ramona or Lucille that has. Maybe he will see this and answer. But, I know of a few internet FXR people that have swapped fronts, just not sure of the years of their bikes. And I tend to think the same as NZBernie and prefer the 91 and up models. Others, I know, will differ in opinion. Some Sportster parts will fit an FXR too. I am on my second FXR and I intend to keep it. Particularily after being hit by a dead cat after I sold my first FXR.

 

Can you put a 91-later clutch starter transmission in an earlier model? I guess my question is can you put updated internals in an older model engine/ transmission like Harley does with their remanufacturing program?

 

Hi guy's, just 2 cents, If you are going to change all them parts to the newer stuff, why not just get one of the newer models? I've owned my 94' since 94' and have never even considered getting rid of it!!