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My first Harley was a new FX1200 in 1974, so I've been there! Probably the worst handling bike I've ever owned, but I still loved the darned thing - it taught me how to ride, in a manner of speaking - slow in, fast out!
As Max points out above, the FXR and contemporary touring models all used the same engine mounting system, in similar style frames. Both can be significantly improved by using a True-Track handling kit, modern suspension at both ends, improved brakes, and decent tyres. As for the Dyna, I've also owned a new one of those and a True-Track kit can transform them as well, so applying the same formula as for an FXR works extremely well. Mine was a 2003 FXDXT which came with superior suspension f&r from the factory and twin front rotors.
The touring models also benefit from a similar approach, although have significant extra bulk and weight to contend with. My 1990 Glide currently has a T-T kit, Brembo brakes f&r, Ohlins f&r, etc, and has enjoyed 'progressive development'!
Owned a FXR with a decently upgraded motor, suspension and brakes for the time period. Owned several glides. Agree with Then Came Bronson's post. The FXR weighs so much less, while the frames look similar, the FXR is smaller and way lighter than you could ever make a RG be. If long distance touring is the priority , cant beat the RG, if backroad hooligan craziness is more your idea a fun, building a bad *** FXR will be a good choice. Also, love the Shovel !
I currently own a completely built FXR and a very mild road glide special. Also had a built FXDX I did track days with. Ive had a more performance-oriented RG but havent gotten there yet with this one yet $$$$
Either will blow away the tour glide IMO. the FXR is obviously much smaller and lighter which makes it more nimble, but the RG is no slouch IMO, especially for how comfortable and convenient it is.
my FXR is awesome if its a short trip of the roads are very twisty and fun. Other than that, I take the RG...comfortable (with better shocks) music, fairing, bags, 107 and six speed cruises all day at 85 like its nothing. When the roads get twisty I can still have enough fun to get myself in trouble. If I could only have one bike itd be a RG hands down. All depends what you really want to do and how/where you ride mostly.
I went from a worked 97 Dyna Lowrider to a 2019 Roadglide, my intent was to keep both, but after getting used to the Roadglide, I did the unthinkable and got rid of my Dyna which I had since new, 23 years, New shocks and new seat and the Roadglide handles like a dream.
I knew posting this it would be difficult to compare the two but the foundation of both bikes (the frames) seem relatively similar due to the triangular sections.
It's funny, when I started out riding I thought all the add-ons were ugly and lame. Ended up getting bags. Ended up wanting a windshield. Ended up realizing some modern features are not lame at all and that being nostalgic is unrealistic.
As great as the FXR is it has become a nostalgic bike with nostalgic prices. Lacking overdrive and lacking the grunt these newer baggers have. A performance style bagger is really growing on me...
Having owned both an FXRS and 3 Electra Glides an '89 Evo Ultra an '00 Twin Cam Classic for 20 years with many mods including hi-per 95" and 103" builds and my new '19 Milwaukee 8 Standard I can say first hand an FXR will run away from any of them in the corners and there's plenty can be done to make an Evo go fast.
You can also get six speed gear boxes for the 5 speed case in the FXR,frankly I'm jones'n to get another one for a solo ride,I had mine for 10 years and 125,000 miles.
Sweet ride Kuma. I'm half tempted to get one, but I know that I'd have to dump another $10K into it to get it right for me. I just can't seem to help myself...every Harley I ever buy, I end up completely changing the bike cosmetically, engine wise, and suspension wise. The very first thing to go on that LRS is the seat and the handlebars. I see you already changed the fairing and the exhaust. Looks nice. Is that a Bassani or a Two Bros?
I have found the baggers to handle well. It just take a day or 2 to get the big idea out of your head, then it handles good. I just sold my night train because I never road it. I always take the electra glide. It is well balanced
Sweet ride Kuma. I'm half tempted to get one, but I know that I'd have to dump another $10K into it to get it right for me. I just can't seem to help myself...every Harley I ever buy, I end up completely changing the bike cosmetically, engine wise, and suspension wise. The very first thing to go on that LRS is the seat and the handlebars. I see you already changed the fairing and the exhaust. Looks nice. Is that a Bassani or a Two Bros?
Not mine Im afraid. With oem inverted forks, new frame/suspension, 114 M8... these are nothing like the prior Dynas. In a few years when they show up on the used market then I may jump.
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Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.
