FXR?
There are dozens of good, proven engine combinations that work well with these lightweight FXR's....you will get many opinions...
If you don't go radical, you will not affect the reliability of your Evo, and you'll probably get better mpg numbers..
If it were me.....there are three things I would do to my 'new' FXR..
1st......fork brace
2nd.....Floating discs front and rear, and steel lines..H-D has good ones.
3rd......34t transmisson sprocket, will change your stock 3.37 gearing to 3.15
That is not to say I'm not willing to do some "improvements" such as what you mentioned. It already has a fork brace. The carb has been rejetted to altitude and has stage one air intake and two-into-one style exhaust but its not aThunder header.
I wonder if the taller gear ratio would hurt the evo low end performance? I did that sprocket change on my TC88 Road King and it seemed to help the highway feel a little. I also needed to install an electronic speedometer recalibrator when I did that.
The thing is I don't plan on doing that much touring, my rides will be 100 miles or less.
I'm trying to learn more about the anti-dive front suspension. Its all there but when I put my digital air guage on it, it registers zero pressure. I need to get a low pressure touring suspension hand pump to see if it will hold air. From what I read it should be set at about 12 psi.
The last owner installed forward controls and a Laperla custom seat which looks cool but doesn't work well for me since I'm kind of short legged. I changed the seat back to the solo pillow seat that puts me a little closer to the foot controls but I'm thinking of changing back to the original mid controls (I have them) and highway pegs.
The thing is I don't plan on doing that much touring, my rides will be 100 miles or less.
I'm trying to learn more about the anti-dive front suspension. Its all there but when I put my digital air guage on it, it registers zero pressure. I need to get a low pressure touring suspension hand pump to see if it will hold air. From what I read it should be set at about 12 psi.
You do not need anything fancy for your front air suspension. I have owned my 1990 bike from new and mine still works. I use a short bicycle pump with an adapter for an airbed. Costs pennies! Max pressure is 20psi which requires very little effort. I usually find it can take several goes pumping up, letting a little out (too much!) before getting what I want.
I have a 1990 FXRS Conv here in the UK.... Had it for 17 years.. just had the buckhorn bars replaced with a set of sportster bars.... for the widdly backroads !!! and a set of Konis on the back... I see you have fork braces... do they make that much difference ??
Live Long and Prosper
I have a 1990 FXRS Conv here in the UK.... Had it for 17 years.. just had the buckhorn bars replaced with a set of sportster bars.... for the widdly backroads !!! and a set of Konis on the back... I see you have fork braces... do they make that much difference ??
Live Long and Prosper
I have a 1990 FXRS Conv here in the UK.... Had it for 17 years.. just had the buckhorn bars replaced with a set of sportster bars.... for the widdly backroads !!! and a set of Konis on the back... I see you have fork braces... do they make that much difference ??
Live Long and Prosper
I too have owned one for 18 yrs.......own two now.
The fork braces make a difference in how your bike will handle the twistys,
as will good quality adjustable shocks. The swingarm bushing upgrade is in one of my FXR's, and I cannot tell the difference between the two, except for more felt vibration. Ride both bikes fairly aggressively. FXRS Lowrider has Progressive's while the FXRT has Fox shocks.
The stock 3.37 gearing is used in the heavier FLH/FLT bikes....740 + lbs.
and works well...two up and loaded. In the 575 + lb. FXR's, and mostly one up, the gearing that a 34 tooth trans. sprocket (3.15) is a nice difference, dropping your RPM's about 180 + at highway speeds. Easier on your motor too. You won't be looking for 3rd gear on the otherside of the intersection. This is a good option as the same belt and wheel sprocket can be used. Lots of options!
Glad to see the interest in these bikes again....for a long time FXR riders were the 'cousins from the bad part of town'......
TIA,
Barry
My '85 FXRS. This is the dealer's ad. All stock except pipe. Stock paint, etc. The air cleaner and frame even have all the stickers still on them. Engine rebuilt at the factory some 11k miles ago. Runs strong. I love having an original (mostly) 25 year old Harley. I was always an FX fan (had an '85 FXSB), but this thing is way too much fun. Pulls strong and handles great. This orphan sat on the showroom floor forever. I love it! Can anyone identify the pipe?
Last edited by warrconn; Mar 7, 2010 at 10:03 PM.
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
Great looking bike!......pipe appears to be a SuperTrapp.
If memory serves me....SuperTrapp may have made pipes for
someone else. I remember seeing a FXR with stainless SuperTrapp's without the embossed logo. Others on this forum will know.....
Any more pics?






