Merry Christmas all!

I have a 1990 fxrs that is in the process of getting tweeked on.
Does anyone know what the different fork options were that they used on the fxr's?
And is there one that is best for handling?

 

Welcome to HDF. The FXRS was the 'sports' version and that model was as good as it gets with the FXR range. At the time there was none better. That only leaves you with things you can do to improve it. One is to replace with more modern forks of some sort. The other would be to improve the performance of those you have, using modern springs matched to your weight and adding 'emulators' or 'intiminators', which will improve damping control (search HDF using each of those key words).

If you really want to enhance the ride and handling of your bike, your one-stop-shop is HDF sponsor Motorcycle Metal. Take a look round his website and give Howard a call. Mention HDF!

 

There is an easy bolt in swap for FXR's that won't cost an arm and a leg. Find a set of Sportster XL1200S forks. These are built by Showa, adjustable for preload and damping and along with a fork brace will really make that front end work...

You can sometimes find a set on EBAY or go to Chicagoharley.com for a discounted pair brand new. 45943-96 is the left leg assy, 45944-96 is the right. These will just bolt in in place of your standard assemblies and you can sell them on EBAY to recoup some of the cost. Chicago discounts nearly all of their parts so you should be able to get the set for less than $700 shipped.

The Emulators that Grahams talking about are made by Race-tech and along with a set of springs would probably run half the cost of the new Sport fork assemblies.

I've never bought anything from Howard at motorcyclemetal but I have emailed him about a tank that he builds for FLH's. He was prompt at returning my emails and had lots of suspension options for harley on his website...

 

FXR fork options

 

thanks. Info was of great help.

 

Your post came at the right time, my 90 fxrs-sp air-ride just took a dump in late fall. Some things for me to check out too.

 

Do any of you have an opinion on slapping a set of FXDX forks in?
Skrewsloose, what are the lenght of the forks on the sp?

 

Sled, I've had em apart to replace seals, but never measured them. I think stock sp forks are 25 3/8", where as non-sp forks are something like 23 1/4 or 23 3/8. I did make a note in my manual to measure next time. They do hold alittle more oil, 10.5 oz wet.

 

Actually, there was the FXRS, and then there was the FXRS-SP (starting in 1986 or '87, I believe). The SP being the "Sport Package," which equated to the front forks being 2" longer, and the bike being equipped with dual disc brakes in the front. The 2" over gave the bike more ground clearance, and a little more suspension travel.

Also, Harley went to the 39mm forks in '88 on the FXR (slightly wider than the original 35mm forks).

BTW, 1skrewsloose's measurements sound right on the money.

Hadn't ever heard of anyone swapping out their shocks for a set of XL1200S Showas. Those are pretty nice...anyone know the length of those babies?

 

Howard,

Are those the inverted Ohlins? Totally sick looking Brembos and rotors...I love it. How long are those legs? It doesn't look like you have a lot of travel in those front shocks.