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I’ve gotten too paranoid to rely on my limited skill on these madhouse roads here in near-metro NY. There have been a couple of instances where I locked up front wheels in panic situations. Fortunately it was on ABS equipped bikes, so the chatter of the lever reminded me... I probably would have felt/heard it starting to lock on my FXR, but honestly like I said, I’m getting paranoid, and it only takes one mistake to ruin ones day.
Since I am in need of a new project, I want to revisit an idea I had some months ago, which is picking up a used FXR beater and an old Dyna with ABS and swapping the guts to the FXR. I think it needs a bagger transmission, but those can be found cheap enough as well.
So so the reason for this post is: Isthere any difference in FXR frames from 82-95? I’m not going to cannibalize any (or my) FXR2’s, 3’s or 4’s, so I’ll limit my search to the originals. I’ve seen a number of beaters with high miles and rough shape that I think I could score something for a reasonable cost. I’d probably have the frame powder coated as well. So what should I be looking for?
I know the majority of you are seasoned riders without ABS and are probably thinking “learn how to panic brake” etc. That’s fine and I do practice and have taken a few advanced riding school classes,, but I want a technology solution, so here I am.
Are you talking twincam? The frames have no major differences...
If going with a bagger trans with oil pan...you either have to cut the frame...modify the oil pan...or buy a super expensive conversion oil pan
Right, but my question is, is there any difference between FXR frames between production years? i.e. Will a similar condition 1982 frame be identical to a 1995 version? Is that what you are saying in bold?
There are a couple of inconsequential minor differences, They involve the fairing mounting bungs for the FXRP/FXRT not being on some early frames and also a small bracket welded on the frame for an exhaust mounting bracket on the early frames.
Other than those two things, there are no differences in FXR frames from 1982 thru 2000.
When I build an older FXR I usually cut the exhaust bracket off before I powder coat the frame and use a transmission mount for the exhaust, it works way better.
If the objective is ABS, I'd look at adding it to an FXR before contemplating a total swap like that. Find a GSXR or something like it and swap out the whole front end.
There are a couple of inconsequential minor differences, They involve the fairing mounting bungs for the FXRP/FXRT not being on some early frames and also a small bracket welded on the frame for an exhaust mounting bracket on the early frames.
Other than those two things, there are no differences in FXR frames from 1982 thru 2000.
When I build an older FXR I usually cut the exhaust bracket off before I powder coat the frame and use a transmission mount for the exhaust, it works way better.
Ok cool.Thanks. First step then is to find the right frame. Mr. Elvis has a couple for 3 grand, but he won't ship, and I've seen complete bikes for another grand or so. Not that I need anything other then the frame. This is probably going to be a looong project, so I'm no no hurry. 2014 dynas are only getting cheaper and without even looking hard I found a half dozen for under 8k with 5k or so miles...
If the objective is ABS, I'd look at adding it to an FXR before contemplating a total swap like that. Find a GSXR or something like it and swap out the whole front end.
I didn't that was even remotely possible. Isn't it integral to the ECM etc. Speed sensors, etc? If that were possible I'd be all over it since I already have a cherry FXR2...
Ok cool.Thanks. First step then is to find the right frame. Mr. Elvis has a couple for 3 grand, but he won't ship, and I've seen complete bikes for another grand or so. Not that I need anything other then the frame. This is probably going to be a looong project, so I'm no no hurry. 2014 dynas are only getting cheaper and without even looking hard I found a half dozen for under 8k with 5k or so miles...
I have a good one that I'll let go for $1500, You pay for shipping or come get it.
Frame/Swing arm.
I didn't that was even remotely possible. Isn't it integral to the ECM etc. Speed sensors, etc? If that were possible I'd be all over it since I already have a cherry FXR2...
I wouldn't fool with changing a 2 or a 4 just because there were so few made.
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