What is so great about FXR's?
Novice
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 19
Likes: 1
RE: What is so great about FXR's?
I've heard that Eric Buell designed the FXR frame. Maybe so. I don't know but for sure the frame is a total stretched out copy of a Norton Commando, one of the finest handling street bikes ever built. Depending on what specs you use an FXR is between 40lbs and 60lbs lighter than a comparably equipped Dyna and you can feel it. The FXR also has a 32 degree rake in the front end compared to 29 degreeson a Dyna. That should make the FXR slower turning into a turn but that is not the case, probably because of the lighter weight. A good FXR that has enough ground clearance (not the Lowriders) is both nimble and rock steady in fast sweepers. I have a pumped up 2000 FXR4and I love it but I think a good Dyna is not so far behind. You have to remember this "handling" stuff is secondary to the skills and cajones of the rider. Also your pipes and pegs will be dragging long before you're really able to fully appreciate the handling of an FXR.
Harley tried to recapture some of the appeal of the FXR with the FXDX, hyping it as a sport handling Dyna. I think it had an even steeper rake on the front end and you find a lot of their owners putting on aftermarket steering stabilizers to counteract a slight twitchiness at high speed.
Harley tried to recapture some of the appeal of the FXR with the FXDX, hyping it as a sport handling Dyna. I think it had an even steeper rake on the front end and you find a lot of their owners putting on aftermarket steering stabilizers to counteract a slight twitchiness at high speed.
Novice
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 17
Likes: 2
From: Wisconsin
I owned my '91 FXR for seven years, wish I still had her. Rubber mounted motor and agreat handlingbike,(very nimble). Iadded ross racing pistons, crane cam, screamin eagle ignition, and a bunch of other goodies.
Here's what she looked like when I sold her.
Walt
'92 flstc
Here's what she looked like when I sold her.
Walt
'92 flstc
Last edited by Ol' Biker; Oct 8, 2009 at 04:43 PM.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 375
Likes: 4
From: St. Peters, Missouri
Unless you spend any time in the saddle of one, it's really hard to explain.
My brother had one in the 80's, and I was sold from there....
I passed up many Dyna's....just not the same.....at all.
Looked for one in great shape for two years before I found mine.
Unmolested and less than 5500 miles when I bought it.
Quick, nimble,....and when you ride with your buddies, it's easy to find your sled in a parking lot full of Softail's.
My brother had one in the 80's, and I was sold from there....
I passed up many Dyna's....just not the same.....at all.
Looked for one in great shape for two years before I found mine.
Unmolested and less than 5500 miles when I bought it.
Quick, nimble,....and when you ride with your buddies, it's easy to find your sled in a parking lot full of Softail's.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Harley tried to recapture some of the appeal of the FXR with the FXDX, hyping it as a sport handling Dyna. I think it had an even steeper rake on the front end and you find a lot of their owners putting on aftermarket steering stabilizers to counteract a slight twitchiness at high speed.
I think they have longer shocks, which lifts the rear and may change rake a little.
I like the idea of an FXR with a really big inch motor.....
Last edited by grbrown; Oct 7, 2009 at 09:51 AM. Reason: Added para.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
They are similar, but not interchangeable. If nothing else the touring frame has brackets for footboards, saddlebags and all the other trappings of the dressers, different shock mounts, etc. Also Harley choose to have the fork legs behind the steering head, so the front of the frame projects further forwards.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,872
Likes: 83
From: Canton, Michigan
Ugh. Awful. Worse POS The MoCo ever sold.
(Hopefully this will keep the prices down so I can build my ultimate bar hopper...)
(Hopefully this will keep the prices down so I can build my ultimate bar hopper...)
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 453
Likes: 10
From: Wherever, MI
Agreed, those are by far the coolest barhoppers around. Of course there is a sweet '79 shovel for sale by me that has a nice price I'm considering as well!