`84 is a tough year for parts...

Two different clutch configurations were used in `84, the early bikes got the old shovelhead type clutch, the later bikes got the modern diaphragm spring clutch.

It also has the older shovelhead type starter configuration.

It would be a fun second bike to have, but I wouldn`t give up a `99 Softail to get it...

 

For me it would have to be a second bike. I wouldn't part with a bike that I knew was well maintained, for one that I wasn't sure of. But, if the price was right, I'd buy it as a project.

 

No, I'd for a FXR 2 or 3 as a keeper and flip the 84. If what you want is a good stock FXR, they have a lot going for them as a base.

I am really not keen on the "Roadrunner" FXR 4 paintjob.

Yes, to cheap older model as a project but avoiding the 1990/91 wasn't that the year for the bad crankcases?

There are a lot of well developed FXRs out there, e.g. cams, carbs, ignitions etc.

A 33 year old stock bike with 30,000 miles probably needs attention.

I missed the Shovelhead FXRs when they were new. Just weren't on my radar back then. What are they like?

 

Not a big fan of the 4 either, I love my 92 but the fxr 3 green with candy green flames is my pick of the fxr’s, it would definitely be a keeper. No experience with the shovel models either. I like the way they sound!

 

Well, thank you all. Bottom line here, thanks to all of your discussion, I'm not going to buy the 84 FXRS. I think I'd rather spend the time riding South into the Confederacy than in my garage wrenching.
Wodon, you're right, I am "more of a "lean back and enjoy the journey" kind of rider.
I enjoy my Heritage (hey! what couch?) and she is in fine condition by my own hands even approaching 50k.
Durham Man, are you saying $8 - $10,000 for 84 FXRS in good stock condition?
Dan89, thanks for the tip on it having a shovelhead starter and maybe clutch.
". . . .so the only real reason to go for it would be try out and then sell it for a profit afterwards. Can you afford another cycle of investment to pull it up to scratch, eg new shocks, tweaking forks, brakes, dealing corrosion etc, with no likelihood of reward?"
I am prepared to do some work, rehab maintenance, tires, fork oil, brake fluid & lines, carb cleaning, etc, but I don't want to get into major repair. And I'm not skilled at cosmetics (paint, chrome). Don't want a project bike. Flipping isn't what I would intend but would sell it if I didn't like it.
A "best handling Harley-Davidson" is still way off a good handling motorcycle and I wonder how much of a difference in real world use for most riders it is? Probably not.
Ya, for great handling I'd get another Sportster, an XL883C, 2004, 05, 06. Fire Engine Red.
If I was going to go for an FXR, and really wanted one, (and I am busting myself over not being able to afford one a similar "estate sale" I saw recently with less than 500 miles right now!), I would pay the extra money for a much later one, like the FXR 2 or 3s.
It sounds as if you are not sure why you should or might want one?
Right. Why want one? I just saw this old FXRS left by a guy recently gone to the Old Biker's Home on that Highway In The Sky and I thought hey, it looks cool. It was an old and pretty bike, what can I say? Old and pretty ladies, too. This discussion has clarified it for me, wrenching an FXR isn't my first choice for my time. It would not replace my Heritage; TexasHill, you're right. So thanks, everybody.
So, ambitious plans: December/January ride the Heritage on little roads to Georgia and Florida, camping, see old friends. Feb/March back to the salt mines for greenbacks. July - Sept ride north, Mishigan, Dakota Badlands, Rockies, Canada. Retirement, ahhhh. Making up for a lot of years of no vacation. Gotta do it now while I can as these bones aren't getting younger.
----- Kayakeur Bud, western Virginia in the eastern foothills of the Shenandoah Mountains. Nov 28, 2017

And just curious, what's the 2, 3, and 4? 1982, 83, 84? Or 2002, etc.?

 

True FXR's started in 82 & 83 with the shovelheads then they dropped till the evo motor came out and came back into production in 1984 till 1994 when the FXR 2 came out. The early years while great bikes where constantly upgraded mechanically moving away from the older shovel era tech and didn't commonize till 1992, the drivetrain stayed pretty much the same for the rest of the evo years with slight variations in the motors and body style changes. That's where the 2,3 and 4's come from the body & frame changes. Far as I'm concerned those later ones are not true FXR's.

The FXR was probably harleys best riding bike till the last decade or so and it's definitely one the best handling for aggressive riders.

 

Goggle, deadbeat customs, history of the fxr. In 99 they brought back the fxr. Thease were the first cvo bikes. They sold for 20 k back then.

 

They are the ones with average price tags of 8to10. The ones I see advertised. Fxr prices very.