Guys,

I wanted to explore the possibility of using a FXR Frame as part of my Phase III work for my bike in the Uptown Ripper thread.

My original idea for Phase III work was BST carbon fiber wheels, 3.5x17 for the front, and 5.5x17 for the rear, with sport bike tires, 120/70/17 and 180/55/17, respectively. Either a Pop’s Garage or Trac Dynamic aluminum swingarm, BrakeTech rotors, calipers from a 2010 XR1200, and a light weight battery. The bike would then be “finished”.

Also in the back my mind was making the bike even lighter. After speaking with several individuals who have been down the path of making a Dyna lighter, there isn’t too much I will be able to do (within reason and without huge $$$$) to make the bike lighter after I do the Phase III work.

This brings us to the thought of using a FXR frame. The idea would to use as much components from the FXDLS and transplant it to the FXR frame, marrying the best from both to form the ultimate, in some eyes. As a person told me one time, if God rode a bike, it would be a FXR with a Twin Cam, lol.

I’m thinking to use this thread for ideas and theories, and when it is actually done, those results will put in the Uptown Ripper thread.

Tarik,

I saw one of your posts before where you had mentioned this idea. I have been on a two year journey modifying the bike already, another one or two ain’t going to kill me.

Once again, exploring the idea.

Thanks,

Dave

 

Personally, I’d love to see it tried!

I’ve never ridden an FXR, but from everyone I’ve ever talked to, they are the cat’s pajamas. I have enjoyed seeing the FXDLS come together and it’s been an amazing progression. Lots of lessons learned for me that I will eventually apply to my DX. If you do undertake this project, I will certainly follow along!

 

The first thing I see in the TC conversions is the use of the Touring Transmissions. While this is following the previous method of how the Evo transmission was using the swingarm as the rear motor mount, you have to use a dampening material to attach the swingarm bolt to the frame to keep motor vibrations from the frame. If you where to use a cross between a Dyna transmission and Touring transmission (excuse the hack Photoshop image, I'm still learning it):



You can now make brackets to use a Dyna rear mount and mill out the swingarm attachment point on the transmission. The transmission now is not attached at all to the swingarm bolt. A FXR front motor mount can be used in the front.

In regards to the photo of the transmission case, a front half of a Touring and rear half of a dyna could either be welded together or a billet one machined. The pan on the bottom could also either be cut up and welded or a billet one machined. A filler tube could be welded to the pan and capped in a similar location as the Touring transmission for filling.

The point of all this custom work is you can now use aluminum to solid bush the swingarm bolt to the frame and have no flex. The motor is rubber mounted and no compromise has to be made for the rear swingarm bolt to frame for vibration purposes.

Drawing is out of proportion, but you get the idea:



Is my thinking sound?





Dave

 

I think you should go out and enjoy the bike you already built. A lot of attention to detail specifically went into getting it aligned perfectly to ignore it. Fxr is a better foundation for a high performance build but you don’t got no slouch either. You built a dyna that is as far as you can go in a dyna. Ride it out.

 

You better believe I’ll be riding it! Like you said, a lot of attention has been put in the bike so far, and more is to come. If I decide to use a FXR frame, it will be like another build in prepping the FXR for the FXDLS parts. I can see well more than a year and up to two in getting parts and having custom parts made. I may not be able to use a 180/55/17 on the back, and have to use a 160/60/17 instead. That is what this thread is about. I enjoy the planning and building as much as riding.

Peace.

Dave

 

Have you considered the Paughco FXR twin cam frame instead of a factory frame?

if I remember correctly, they offer a swing arm that will accept a 180 or 200.

 

I've always thought the "ultimate" Twin Cam "sport" build would be based on a titanium FXR frame clone. I once started looking into it (in a window-shopping way). Someone made one... I think it was Big Bear. But I'm never really sure how legit their stuff is... I recall it not being quite as expensive as I would've thought, although not cheap...

I like how you're thinking!!!

 

I have a thing about Harleys. You can modify them up and down, but you need to at least retain a Harley frame and motor cases. Even if you modify the frame and case that is OK, but it needs to be Harley.

Just me.

Dave

 

I understand what you mean. When I was planning my front end I thought about an upside down fork, but decided I really wanted to keep some recognizable FXDX DNA. In my mind, that meant retaining the Showa cartridge fork. I was fine modding the internals with bits from Traxxion and Ohlins, but if the fork was replaced I would be like "why did I even start with an FXDX?"

 

it is funny that you say that. I debated between Howard‘s upside down fork system or the 30 mm cartridges to go inside the 49 mm forks. I liked stock better. I also like messing with people too. They will see an upside down fork and think big money, but they look at stock “appearing” ftont end as no big deal. I thought Harley really nailed it with the appearance of the FXDLS, and I have been trying to maintain that scheme. Your scoot has a good appearance too!

Dave