So, I am building an FXR
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 525
Likes: 2
From: San Diego
So, I am building an FXR
I recently picked up a 1986 FXRS basket case and plan to rebuild everything from the ground up and document it here..
My last build on here was a 96 softail I picked up for a song and this forum was extremely helpful during that build, Happy to report that softail now has 103,00 trouble free miles on it..
I came across this basket case for $2400 and couldnt resist snapping it up, It came with everything but the Tranny and likely a few small pieces Im not aware are missing yet..
Progress is likely to be slow in this thread because I will be building it pretty much paycheck to paycheck on limited funds. The good news is that I am a machinist and have a full blown machine shop in the garage so much of the work will be done by myself.
The plan for this FXR is to build it from the ground up to end up with a completely restored bike that is better than stock.
I want to max this bikes potential out and build a real beast and I will be concentrating mostly on handling, reliability, and comfort for long road trips.
More to come....
My last build on here was a 96 softail I picked up for a song and this forum was extremely helpful during that build, Happy to report that softail now has 103,00 trouble free miles on it..
I came across this basket case for $2400 and couldnt resist snapping it up, It came with everything but the Tranny and likely a few small pieces Im not aware are missing yet..
Progress is likely to be slow in this thread because I will be building it pretty much paycheck to paycheck on limited funds. The good news is that I am a machinist and have a full blown machine shop in the garage so much of the work will be done by myself.
The plan for this FXR is to build it from the ground up to end up with a completely restored bike that is better than stock.
I want to max this bikes potential out and build a real beast and I will be concentrating mostly on handling, reliability, and comfort for long road trips.
More to come....
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 525
Likes: 2
From: San Diego
Here is a photo of most of the parts stripped getting ready for paint.. Notice the Primarys are 89-93 style, the missing trans will be replaced with a spline shaft 6 speed overdrive model.
The frame is currently getting stripped (I couldn't get all the paint off) and coated with a zinc based primer. I am expecting it back today!
[IMG]
[/IMG]
The frame is currently getting stripped (I couldn't get all the paint off) and coated with a zinc based primer. I am expecting it back today!
[IMG]
[/IMG]
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 525
Likes: 2
From: San Diego
I have seen in the past, when you put big power in an FXR, the swingarm can crack on the bottom side by the axle hole. I understand there is a fix for this by installing a newer style Dyna swingarm but I thought I would try this first..
I had a co-worker tig some strength into the area, he also completed the weld on the shock bracket that was left alone by the factory. Hopefully, this is strong enough to avoid the dreaded crack..
[IMG]
[/IMG]
I had a co-worker tig some strength into the area, he also completed the weld on the shock bracket that was left alone by the factory. Hopefully, this is strong enough to avoid the dreaded crack..
[IMG]
[/IMG]
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 525
Likes: 2
From: San Diego
Frame is back from it's blasting and primer job. I have just made a decision that will slow the project initially but produce better results.. I originally intended to have my friend paint the parts in his shop with automotive grade paint but I changed my mind.. I am going to take the extra time and expense to have everything powder coated..
This will increase cost by maybe $500.00 for the whole bike and require more time but I think it's the right way to go..
Here is a pic of the frame with a zinc based primer, I modified the original 1986 frame to accept a 39mm front end.. This required cutting off the bulky original frame stop leaving just the locking eyeloop and welding on a traditional steering stop on the neck..
The front end will be trees from a 1991 FXR so I can lock it, and FXDX cartridge tubes for performance....
[IMG]
[/IMG]
This will increase cost by maybe $500.00 for the whole bike and require more time but I think it's the right way to go..
Here is a pic of the frame with a zinc based primer, I modified the original 1986 frame to accept a 39mm front end.. This required cutting off the bulky original frame stop leaving just the locking eyeloop and welding on a traditional steering stop on the neck..
The front end will be trees from a 1991 FXR so I can lock it, and FXDX cartridge tubes for performance....
[IMG]
[/IMG]
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 525
Likes: 2
From: San Diego
Here are more pics of the frame, I removed the giant bulky exhaust mount that was on the frame in 1986, I swear it weighed 2 pounds...
Going to go with a bracket on the trans for the new exhaust..
[IMG]
[/IMG]
[IMG]
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Going to go with a bracket on the trans for the new exhaust..
[IMG]
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[/IMG]
Last edited by Gigawitz; Nov 2, 2012 at 06:54 PM.
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Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 525
Likes: 2
From: San Diego
Trying to remove as much weight as possible from the bike, I want it to come in around 530 - 540 pounds if possible..
So, removing everything not needed, belt guards, brackets, ect... I am going to make everything that bolts to the frame out of aircraft aluminum, electrical panels, regulator mount, pivot blocks, highway peg mounts, even the mid controls and linkage.
I have replaced the steel front fender with a Ness ABS plastic unit and located a lithium battery that is 10 pounds lighter than a factory unit..
Another place to save weight will be a dry belt driven primary, lightened outer primary because it no longer needs to hold oil and a chain final drive..
The hardest part is the mid controls, if someone market billet mids for FXR, they would make bank on them since a complete set of the super heavy stock mids go for $300.00.. The left mount is easy but the right with the spline to allow the brake pedal to mount will take some time..
I will get some pics of these parts up soon as I am still working them out.
Any tips for removing weight are welcome...
So, removing everything not needed, belt guards, brackets, ect... I am going to make everything that bolts to the frame out of aircraft aluminum, electrical panels, regulator mount, pivot blocks, highway peg mounts, even the mid controls and linkage.
I have replaced the steel front fender with a Ness ABS plastic unit and located a lithium battery that is 10 pounds lighter than a factory unit..
Another place to save weight will be a dry belt driven primary, lightened outer primary because it no longer needs to hold oil and a chain final drive..
The hardest part is the mid controls, if someone market billet mids for FXR, they would make bank on them since a complete set of the super heavy stock mids go for $300.00.. The left mount is easy but the right with the spline to allow the brake pedal to mount will take some time..
I will get some pics of these parts up soon as I am still working them out.
Any tips for removing weight are welcome...
