Still Crated 1991 FXDB Sturgis is Frozen in Time

Rare Decades

'If something is too good to be true then it probably is,' but not in this case—literally. Frozen in time, this 1991 FXDB Sturgis Edition has never been removed from its original shipping crate. Recently sold at auction, the bike was purchased new and stored untouched for just over three decades. The rare FXDB is number 1,379 of only 1,600 produced.

Photos: Hemmings

History Linage

As the first Dyna model ever produced, the 1991 FXDB Sturgis was released to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. It picks up on a lineage that began in 1980, when the FXB Sturgis was introduced. Also presented in black and orange, the FXB makes Harley-Davidson history as the first model to incorporate contemporary belt-drive technology.

Computer Cues

While some enthusiasts greeted belt drives with skepticism in the early 1980s, they were standard equipment on almost all Harley-Davidsons by 1991. Built on the new Dyna Glide chassis, the 1991 FXDB Sturgis took styling cues from the FXLR Low Rider, while ushering in a quarter century of new Dyna models. The new frame also marked the first use of computer-aided design.

Cheaper Production

The Dyna chassis was built with a square-section backbone, forged rather than stamped frame junctions, and just two rubber mounts for its Big-Twin Evolution engine. Critically, the Dyna chassis was cheaper to produce. The introduction of the 1991 FXDB Sturgis also initiated the slow demise of the FXR, which was phased out of regular production by 1995.

Sharp Market

The 1991 FXDB Sturgis was fitted with the tried and true, 1,340cc Evolution motor. For the anniversary model, it received an all-black treatment, with sharp orange highlights. Introduced in 1983, the all-aluminum 'Evo' is often credited as 'the motor that saved Harley-Davidson.' In production until 1999, the low-maintenance engine opened a new market segment, appealing to upwardly-mobile suburbanites with disposable incomes.

Slashed Future

Despite its technological advancement, the Big-Twin Evolution engine was not without issues. The vibration was among the primary complaints. Yet, this was more so due to the Dyna Glide chassis and not the motor itself. Importantly, the Evo slashed the warranty claims that had plagued Shovelhead motors during the AMF years, further securing the Motor Company's financial future—not to mention its reputation.

Speculative Collection

“Never seen daylight,” is how the seller and original owner described the FXDB Sturgis. Before the era of CVO models, special edition machines like the Sturgis were intentionally positioned as collector items by Harley-Davidson. No explanation was provided about the choice to never unpack and ride the bike. One can only assume it was a speculative financial venture.

Official Run

With two miles on the odometer, the 1991 FXDB Sturgis, was first shipped to a dealership in Waterford, Michigan. The $28,350 auction sale included the original service manual, parts manual, tool bag, and official coffee mug. The FXDB might be 'frozen in time,' but hopefully, the next owner will put some real miles on this collector's edition—at least one run to Sturgis seems fitting.

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