I am thinking about picking up an old EVO FXR. Was wondering if there were any years to stay away from, which years are hard to find parts for, and can you swap a S&S or Ultima driveline, motor tranny and all into one? Would appreciate any and all opinions, good and bad.

 

I've got an 86 FXRS that I'm thinking about selling... They only thing I have had a hard time with was the selection of exhaust, although I just picked up a new set of pipes yesterday. I upgraded to a CV carb, because the butterfly was junk. You can find lots of stuff on ebay.

 

Hardest Part to find a replacement for on early FXR's is the inner primary. No aftermarket support and extremely rare to be able to get from a dealer. Had a 84 FXR for many years (Evo/5speed/chaindrive) fast as hell and handeled great.

 

There are pluses and minuses with all of them. The early ones had the strongest cases, but they had spindly 35mm fork tubes, and the inner oil filter. But they also had the good (Torrington) cam bearing, and a higher lift cam. But they had the old fashioned turn signals.
I suppose if it was me, I'd buy the one that was in the best shape and plan on spending some money updating it, no matter what.

 

My 92 Low Rider rides and handles great. Suggest a 90+ model.

 

My suggestion to you would be to go '90 or later and buy a FXRP model. You're going to be doing mods on virtually anything you but so why not get a bike that's been treated good and has the higher output charging system. Plus, they usually sell for a couple thousand less than all other FXR's.

 

I have a '94 FXRP and love it. I'm almost due for my 50K servicing.

 

My first FXR was a 1982 model...great bike. However, I did have trouble with anything electronics on it. My second was a 1984 FXRT, that bike took me cross country and NEVER let me down. It had the EVO, but it was the enclosed chain. That old bike had a little over 100,000 miles on it before I sold it. It was beginning to get difficult in locating specific parts for it. It was just an odd year I suppose.It was faster than all the Electra Glides and still had all the compartments.

I regret ever getting rid of it. I will however purchase another FXRT someday...regain some of the great road memories I once had on it.