Looking at an 84 FXRS-any advice?
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Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 712
Likes: 55
From: Punta Gorda, Florida
Looking at an 84 FXRS-any advice?
I looked at an 84 FXRS the other day, haven't ridden it yet because they have to put a battery in it. Has only 12, 000 miles and am wondering if there's anything in particular to this model and year I need to be on the lookout for. I've had sportys, softails and a road king in the past - all twin cams. Any advice is appreciated, thanks in advance.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 117
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From: On the Chester River
Three weeks ago I flew out to Detroit, bought and rode home (700 miles) a stock 1984 FXRT with 35K miles on the clock without incident. Still has the original oil bath chain guard so I couldn't even check the chain. The only concession I made was to switch to high test on the trip home, which the original owners manual didn't call for. Today's regular is not the same as 30 years ago. Anyway, the Evo with a 5 speed is a great package with a terrific frame and it was quite happy humming along at 3500 RPM and 72 MPH for several hours at a stretch. I currently have it in the shop to be gone over, just because it's 30 years old, but so far they have not found anything untoward. The advice? Be aware that the brakes are not up to today's standards (matter of fact, they're almost scary) and ride accordingly. Good luck.
Oh, and this is replacing my '14 Street Glide Special that I just sold this evening.
Oh, and this is replacing my '14 Street Glide Special that I just sold this evening.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,741
Likes: 1
From: South Jersey
I wouldn't be so quick to say it ain't stock. 84 was a transition year. FXR was introduced in 82. Shovel motor, 4 speed.
Edit: I stand corrected... while it was introduced with a shovel motor, all FXR's had 5 speed tranny, far as I can tell.
Edit: I stand corrected... while it was introduced with a shovel motor, all FXR's had 5 speed tranny, far as I can tell.
Last edited by Blue SOG; Jul 16, 2014 at 10:39 PM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,788
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From: Maine
But trust me Blue SOG, FXRs are 5 speed stock, shovel and evo.
Respect to you SOGs, thank you.
Road Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,121
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From: Mass.
It may not be an FXRS, as stated, 84 was a transition year, they pulled all of the old parts off of the shelf. I think there was an FXEF, Evo, 4 speed chain drive in an FL frame, solid mount.
Check it out more closely, it's either one of the oddball models or something that's rehashed and you really don't want one of those.
Check it out more closely, it's either one of the oddball models or something that's rehashed and you really don't want one of those.
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Bedford UK
Harleys were made in very small numbers back then. They only reached output of 50k during 1990, but '84 may have been around half that number. So no knowing what actually came out of the factory! Advice? If it's nice and not too knocked about, buy it! With that mileage the age of the tyres is worth checking and budgetting to replace, along with all the usual stuff regarding a thorough service. Brakes can be sharpened up with braided hoses and current aftermarket pads.
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Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 712
Likes: 55
From: Punta Gorda, Florida
It may not be an FXRS, as stated, 84 was a transition year, they pulled all of the old parts off of the shelf. I think there was an FXEF, Evo, 4 speed chain drive in an FL frame, solid mount.
Check it out more closely, it's either one of the oddball models or something that's rehashed and you really don't want one of those.
Check it out more closely, it's either one of the oddball models or something that's rehashed and you really don't want one of those.
