purchasing an FXR. need advice
purchasing an FXR. need advice
howdy,
i am looking to purchase a second bike and i really want an FXR. i don't know a ton about them and wonder what i should be looking for? what years should i avoid? what years are good?
i am looking to purchase a second bike and i really want an FXR. i don't know a ton about them and wonder what i should be looking for? what years should i avoid? what years are good?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,583
Likes: 115
From: Boston, MA
Avoid ones that have ape hangers and forward controls. Try and find 1999 or 2000 model years as they have the most up to date parts despite the cam bearing.
The only year I would avoid would be the first year Shovelhead since the frame wasn't yet updated, Erik Buell came in on that project in '83 or so and after that is when lots sing its handling praises .
Btw, my bikes have ape hangers, usually, but what is the point of owning an fxr if you have those. Or for that matter: quarter fairing cowl and t-bars with side view mirrors with directional lighting.
Good luck on your search!
Tom
The only year I would avoid would be the first year Shovelhead since the frame wasn't yet updated, Erik Buell came in on that project in '83 or so and after that is when lots sing its handling praises .
Btw, my bikes have ape hangers, usually, but what is the point of owning an fxr if you have those. Or for that matter: quarter fairing cowl and t-bars with side view mirrors with directional lighting.
Good luck on your search!
Tom
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,830
Likes: 302
From: Lorain Ohio
I agree on trying to get the newest one you can find since HD made year to year updates that improved the bikes. When I got my Fatboy I wanted a 96 or newer so it would have the newer style electrical connectors. The only advantage I can think of for the older bikes is they had a better pre epa cam but most people change that anyway. My riding buddy has 135K on his 92.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 8,604
Likes: 3,375
From: Cental, MI
For starters the ones after 1994 are Not regular production, and are CVO stuff...generally More $$ and Sometimes odd things thrown in the Mix..due to Not being regular Production..
Also...The Early ...especially Shovelhead models are Exactly what Eric Intended...the Shock angle was changed later [I believe about '86] by bean counters to make the Bike look more "traditional".
I am willing to bet that there is Not a "Bad" one...
Shovels are Shovels...with the accompanying idiosyncrasies, The EVO years are all exactly like the Other EVO's...Early ones had better Cam [till'91] and Later ones benefit from better MFG technique, and Finishing...generally.
Once You have an FXR you will have reached the Epitome of Harley Ownership...and be part of a Truly Unique Group...
One that don't require Apes and Low and Fat rear ends...Like Most folks seem to like their Girls!!!!
Also...The Early ...especially Shovelhead models are Exactly what Eric Intended...the Shock angle was changed later [I believe about '86] by bean counters to make the Bike look more "traditional".
I am willing to bet that there is Not a "Bad" one...
Shovels are Shovels...with the accompanying idiosyncrasies, The EVO years are all exactly like the Other EVO's...Early ones had better Cam [till'91] and Later ones benefit from better MFG technique, and Finishing...generally.
Once You have an FXR you will have reached the Epitome of Harley Ownership...and be part of a Truly Unique Group...
One that don't require Apes and Low and Fat rear ends...Like Most folks seem to like their Girls!!!!
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
They are pretty rare! Were never made in great numbers (H-D made only 50k bikes in 1990) and the years mentioned by Tee&Vee were specials. Frankly bars and stuff can be changed easily, it's the 'core' of the bike that is important IMHO. You're not going to find them in every showroom!
Originally Posted by Tee⋁15416701
Elvis is just about the only one on ebay with a steady supply of mids and he don't give 'em away.
Tom
Tom
As for FXR's, just sold my really sweet '90 earlier this year. Really liked it, but I really like my FLH more.
My only advice on them is to look for originality. There's a bunch of young guys into FXR's these days and some of them butcher them up in the most horrific ways. I've even saw one where part of the frame was cut away to "make it look better". No kidding.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,142
Likes: 124
My advice:
Have patience,don't buy the first one you see (unless it is perfect).Plenty out there right now,old dudes hanging up riding.Look for the most untouched,low mileage from original.If original paint is well kept,usually owners took care of it.If you have to ship or retrieve with pick up or trailer ,not a big deal.This will open up more opportunities.
To get the absolute best of the breed get a bike with sport suspension (anti dive too).and dual discs.An SP or a convertible would meet these requirements.The long suspension will allow for long rides without fatigue.
Spend a little more on a good one,you won't regret it.Having to make changes will cost more than getting it right the first time.
Plenty for sale on east coast right now.
Good luck
Have patience,don't buy the first one you see (unless it is perfect).Plenty out there right now,old dudes hanging up riding.Look for the most untouched,low mileage from original.If original paint is well kept,usually owners took care of it.If you have to ship or retrieve with pick up or trailer ,not a big deal.This will open up more opportunities.
To get the absolute best of the breed get a bike with sport suspension (anti dive too).and dual discs.An SP or a convertible would meet these requirements.The long suspension will allow for long rides without fatigue.
Spend a little more on a good one,you won't regret it.Having to make changes will cost more than getting it right the first time.
Plenty for sale on east coast right now.
Good luck
Last edited by 01fxdxt; Aug 15, 2016 at 07:17 PM.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 8,604
Likes: 3,375
From: Cental, MI
If it was in Alaska, then I ended up with that one, from Rip up in ??? Anchorage maybe.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,591
Likes: 68
From: Big Bear City, CA
Originally Posted by Tee⋁15416701
Elvis is just about the only one on ebay with a steady supply of mids and he don't give 'em away.
Tom
Tom
"For those of you wondering about my recent posts regarding my need to move a lot of inventory and motorcycles... it's for real. After collecting Harley parts for 20 years and putting every dollar made back into inventory instead of the bank, I've decided it's time to slowly cash out... SO if you've had your eye on a large pile of parts and thought my asking price was a bit high, it's time to talk to me. We've had a Granddaughter and the family has decided to pick up and move to another location to raise her. Grandpa has nothing but toys to ride and parts on his shelves, with an empty bank account! Time to raise some capital for our move and focus on my other passion, photography"
https://www.facebook.com/HarleyDavid...Parts/?fref=ts
Last edited by PanHeadRich; Aug 15, 2016 at 07:37 PM.
