Hi all,

New member here. Just wanted to pick the brain of some more experienced folks. I'm considering buying an FXR and there are two intriguing options in my market.

There's this bone stock one-owner 1986 FXR with 19K miles listed for $4500. Looks completely untouched.

There's also this "one-owner" (father-son bike) 1990 FXR with 18K miles listed for $6K. It appears to be stock other than some chrome and lowered rear shocks. The guy also said they put an FXRS tank on it.

Both look extremely clean. My problem is that with all the variety in FXR models, I'm having a ton of trouble identifying which bike is actually best for me.

I like the mags and completely stock nature of the 1986. It's also only had one conservative owner. But I've heard that the clutch on the pre-1990 FXRs can have problems due to a few parts (release finger, roller bearing) being poorly designed. Sounds like the 1990+ bikes use a more modern clutch design that is more reliable. Also, the forks are only 35mm and I've heard there are issues with the paper gaskets they used on the early evos.

The 1990 has its own pros and cons. To start, the 1990 has 39mm forks. I also believe its factory gearing is a little better for highway riding. Sounds like the clutch and transmission are superior to the 1986, as well. That said, it's not 100% stock. I'd want to un-lower it. I'm also a bit concerned that despite what the seller is saying, that's not the stock front end. That looks lowered to me. Am I wrong? I know some of the FXR models have shorter/longer forks than others. Plus, the asking price is $1500 more than the other one.

Anybody want to weigh in? Sorry if I over-informed, I just get really anxious with bike purchases. It seems like the 1990 is a superior bike from a tech standpoint, but I'd need to undo some slight mods (lowered rear, forward controls) that I don't want and I'm less sure that it's been unmolested. Whereas the 1986 presents a clean slate. Both bikes are VERY clean and if I can't lose, just tell me that. But I'd really like some FXR vets to weigh in on the differences, if possible. Lay your opinions on me.

 

My preference is to stay as close to stock as possible. Some exceptions like carb and exhaust are OK. As for issues, you're going to find a few on any year bike. The '90 is more of an unknown. For the $1,500 and known OEM I'd pick the '86. I'd take that fairing off though.

 

I feel the same about staying close to stock. My thought has always been that the ideal older bike is the one owned by a conservative old man who takes it to the dealership for all repairs.

Also, FYI, I screwed up and accidentally posted this topic twice. The more popular post is this one.

 

Both look good, if it were me I would check out the 86 first and I own a 92 super glide. When I was looking to buy I wanted 90 to 94 but I like that 86. Unmolested Fxr are getting harder to find, but they are out there, but finding them for a resonable price. Seems like the 4 to 6k priced ones go fast. My 92 was 100 percent stock , still amazes me ! Good luck

 

ride both bikes and then decide.you haven't mentioned mileage buy either bike will need some attention.

 

that's a tough one.......I am also super big on keeping my bikes at least looking as close to stock as possible...but with the fxr debate.....the 90's and up, or even better 92's and up have better starter, primary, and clutch setup. which is big! I have a 88 with only a hair over 3000 miles, 100% stock when I bought it. but your mind likes to wander and one day u might consider a bigger engine, this is where the older clutch, primary setup with bite u in the but....
I was lucking enough to find a complete 92 primary and clutch that ill tuck away in case I ever do do something in upgrades...
on the other hand, trying to get a bike like the second one back to stock is super costly too...


id would wait for a 91-up fxr close to stock to come up for sale....




or when the time comes to go big......dare I say the TC conversion! seems like its the thing to do nowadays! lol


there's been a couple nice ones by me......but they are in the 6000-8000 dollar range, with the 8000 dollar one having the stock paint look with some of the "club" updates..

 

https://hudsonvalley.craigslist.org/...229368140.html


https://newjersey.craigslist.org/mcy...226180313.html

 

Sounds like a step backwards to me.

 

I'd buy the "86" , better engine over the other one...I think that bike was parked next to mine in the showroom thirty one years ago !!!
Take off the wind shield but keep it....