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Hi, all. Two questions about my (new to me) '86 FXRS:
1) I'm looking to get a Service Manual. Do you prefer the factory or Clymer manuals?
2) Saddle bags. I'd like to get a set, though not huge ones. The turn signals have already be relocated, so just need to find a set (preferably fast removable) that'll look nice but not be too obtrusive. Any suggestions? Show me some pics!!
I just can answer you about the manuals. I own a 99 FXST and I have both manuals for my bike. I prefer the factory one as the Clymer is more general and less specific for the year and model of bike. The factory is more expensive but I think is better. If you can, get the parts manual from the factory too. Their pictures of the parts helps a lot if you want to do the work of your bike.
Both manuals are great to have including the Clymer. The factory manual is usually a little more expensive, however it could be difficult to find the fatory manual for a 1986 FXR. The parts manual is very nice to have also.....however, this manual might be difficult to find as well. Clymer manuals do work and do provide you with all the diagrams, pictures, instructions, and what to look for. I personally have both reguarding my Electra Glides.
Saddlebags on the FXRS......well, the FXRS never came with factory saddlebags. If you are wanting factory OEM saddlebags....look for a FXRT or the FXRD which came out in 1986. These bikes came with saddlebags from the factory. Once again, the factory bags are usually very expensive and can be hard to find as well. Lots of the parts pertaining to the saddlebags including some parts to the FXR have been obsolete by the factory. It is getting more difficult to locate factory orginal equipment for these older bikes.
Aftermarket saddlebags......I don't know anything about them. So, can't help you there.
The FXRS-Convertable had bags. I have found them on ebay, but then you have to find everything else that goes along with them for installation. I bought some Saddleman bags for mine. They were good enough for around town and short trips. The seat I hadwouldn't allow for the sissy bar and luggage rack to be installed. I have to travel with a cpap machine so, I had to carry stuff on the seat behind me.
OOps....forgot about the FXRS-Convertible. That bike came with factory quick-release leather/nylon saddlebags.
Cannot confirm this.....but I understand that with the FXRS-Convertible, FXDS-Convertible, and the T-Sport.....is that the saddlebags can interchange. So, it might be possible to use bags from the T-Sport and use them on the FXRS-Convertible or vice versa.
Finding bags for these bikes is probably a somewhat easy task.....but finding all the docking hardware with all the part-numbers may prove difficult.
Guess I should have specified- mine is a FXRS Low Rider. I don't know if that makes a difference.
Almost all FXR's were called Low Riders, it's not like the Dyna where it's a specific model. Mine is a Low Rider Sport which actually sits higher than a stock FXR.
You can probably get custom saddlebags cheaper than finding factory bags, I know this place does nice work, and has a set specifically designed for the FXR:
Ok......the FXRS-Convertible had similiar saddle bags to the FXDS-Convertible. However, the mounting system has just enough differences that it would be impractical to make these work.
The FXDS-Convertible and the T-Sport can however use the same bags. They have the exact same dimensions and use the exact same docking hardware.
If you really want factory quick-release bags......look for a 1989-1992 FXRS-Convertible. You'll need the saddlebags, docking hardware, and the fender struts.
Having said that, I agree with Uesque because finding the factory stuff can be expensive and nearly impossible to find. I also checked out http://www.lutzsleather.com/and they have some nice looking products. I've actually been looking for some saddlebags for my 1998 FXDL and I like what they have to offer. Besides, they are made in the USA.
Ok......the FXRS-Convertible had similiar saddle bags to the FXDS-Convertible. However, the mounting system has just enough differences that it would be impractical to make these work.
The FXDS-Convertible and the T-Sport can however use the same bags. They have the exact same dimensions and use the exact same docking hardware.
If you really want factory quick-release bags......look for a 1989-1992 FXRS-Convertible. You'll need the saddlebags, docking hardware, and the fender struts.
Having said that, I agree with Uesque because finding the factory stuff can be expensive and nearly impossible to find. I also checked out http://www.lutzsleather.com/and they have some nice looking products. I've actually been looking for some saddlebags for my 1998 FXDL and I like what they have to offer. Besides, they are made in the USA.
-Thanks for the link
Not only the USA, but Beaver County, can you get better than that?
Everyone that I've talked to that has bought from them loves them. In fact, a neighbor had a set of saddlebags custom made for his V-Star, and then bought a Fat Boy and they fit perfectly.
Why would you want factory bags anyway? Get a set of Willie and Max bags. You can find them for around $100 when they're on sale. There are many different styles and they're cheap enough you can alter them to fit your bike, if you need to. They are fake leather, but that means they stay nicer looking a lot longer. I know from experience.
I have the Wild ******* myself. They have only one strap per side plus they have outside pockets for small stuff. Made in the USA.
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