FXRS 1984 30,000miles. Thinking about buying.
FXR guys, whaddaya think?
I wasn't looking for an FXR but discovered an FXRS with antique plates inherited by a guy from his father who died. (Is FXRS same as FXR?) Bummer on dying but . . . the guy is vacillating on selling. It has sentimental value cuz it was his dad's but he already has a Road Glide. I think he knows he will never invest the time to give it a full going-over maintenance it probably needs, and might not ride it much anyway. Maybe the young owner would feel good about his geezer Daddy's antique Harley going to another geezer (me) who would give it love and attention.

On this forum I have always heard guys loving their FXR. (Is an FXRS the same as FXR ?). What's the love? Better turns? Lighter? Charm?

I have a Evo 99 FLSTC Heritage. Not sure I want to part with it; might or might not have to sell it if I get the FXRS. Most of my trips are one-day or one overnight camping. It's November and I just retired and I'm thinking of riding South for the winter, camping a couple of months. If I do, Heritage vs FXRS?

FXR guys, your thoughts on the 84 FXRS vs 99 Evo Heritage, also any ballpark price? Mods: It's got a king & queen brown leather seat kinda age-worn and the front wheel is about 8 'spokes', maybe other stuff. 30,000mi.

Thanks,
Bud, in the eastern foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Virginia
Nov. 21, 2017
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p.s. If I decide not to buy it and one of you is interested, let me know.
"If you come to a fork in the road, take it." --Yogi Berra

 

I've had 2 evo's an my understanding is they updated little things as they went like starter, trans, clutch an in 96 the wiring got updated. If you love the bike an score a good deal go for it....if it isn't look for as late an FXR you can find. My riding buddy has a early 90's an he complains about seat an exhaust availability.

 

If it's a choice of either or then I say keep the Heritage.

 

Two totally different rides. If I were thinking about spending a couple of months on a bike I think your current ride would win. As they say different strokes for different folks, only you can decide whats right for you. Congrats on your retirement. Good luck with what ever you decide. Mike

 

The FXRS is the 'sporty' version, with taller ride height and twin front rotors, when new. IMHO it embodies the best of the FXR series.

 

This is a 1984. Was that first year FXR? I've been wary of first-year models of any machine - car, boat, blender. Any 'teething' first-year problems in 84?
Also how close to the dreaded AMF years is 1984.?

Bud
Luddite

 

Hey Bud, I have a friend who has a 1993 FXR that needs some work but is mostly original if you are interested. He's in the Richmond area. PM me and I can give you all the details. I have a link with pictures.

 

First year of the EVO?

 

The Evos came out good. I would not bring the AMF effect into the matter. Lot of new machinery went into the construction.

It's more of a motorcycle and less of a couch so it would depend on your legs and local.

The FXR thing has become a little bit of a fad for younger guys who weren't around when they were unpopular, the internet acting as an echo chamber for the "best handling Harley-Davidson"/"club-bike" tropes (for what is it worth, I hardly ever saw any "club" members ride one).

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.

It sounds like you're more of a "lean back and enjoy the journey" kind of rider (no offence intended), so the only real reason to go for it would be able to 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?

It 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?

An FXR and a Tourer I can see as a sort of complimentary pair. An FXR and a Softail I see a bit close.

 

I think it would be difficult to flip a 2 3 or 4 Fxr for profit (if that’s what you are saying) when average price is 8 to 10k for these models. You might have a better chance to profit from a 90 thru 94. There are reasonable prices out there, but they sell fast. There are a lot of over priced fxr’s also.they are worth more in stock condition which also means they are gonna need some upgrades.