Showcase model was among the best handling Big Twins.
Transition Order
The FXDX Dyna Super Glide Sport was a hot ticket item when it first rolled into Harley-Davidson showrooms on the cusp of the millennium. Produced until 2005, it has since developed a niche following. When now-owner Robbie Closson spied this 2002 Sport in mid vermin-mobile transition, he knew right away that an intervention was in order.
Photos courtesy of Hotbike.
Showcase Release
The Sport draws from the FX's rich pedigree, one that embodies a central tenant of Big Twin performance. When released, the FXDX was a strong statement that ushered in a new era and a style that persists. Along with their new engine release, Design Chief Louie Netz stated that Harley-Davidson needed “a model that would showcase the Twin Cam.”
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Popular Series
That same sentiment was echoed by Al Wagner, the Dyna Platform Manager. He reinforced Netz' thoughts by specifying that the “FXDX is taking the Dyna design into a sportier Big Twin.” As of late, the FXDX mystique, replete with its factory blacked-out finishes, has been enhanced by its appearance on the popular television series, Sons of Anarchy.
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Best Handling
It was not just good styling that made the FXDX a great riding package. Longer-travel suspension, a 28-degree steering head angle, and twin-disc front brakes meant that the Super Glide Sport was one of the best handling Big Twin available from Harley-Davidson. Closson was actually looking for a Dyna T-Sport when he spotted the FXDX languishing on Craigslist.
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Voice Moment
Attempting to absorb the seller's freehand welding modifications, a voice in Closson's head piped up. When pressed for reasons the seller replied, “I was gonna turn it into a rat bike.” It was at that moment that Closson, an experienced mechanic, and builder, knew that he had to intervene and save the FXDX from “a life of shame.”
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Applicable Remedy
Interventions are successful when one admits one has a problem. Addressing the issue, Closson tore into the 88 cubic-inch Twin Cam. The treatment came in the form of a 4.25-inch bore and Stage 3 heads from Revolution Performance resulting in a whopping 114 cubic-inch motor. A Thunder Header 2-into-1 exhaust was fitted to ensure that the remedy would be fully applicable.
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Unsightly Welds
A diamond cut treatment on the fins added a factory cosmetic touch. Closson stated that his prescribed cure was, “Fun, fast as hell. It’s the sort of bike you can drag the pegs and do second gear wheelies with.” On the chassis end of things, all of the previous owner's unsightly welds were ground down and molded, as were those on the swingarm.
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Shameful Life
The intervention seems to have worked and Closson is now onto his third reworking of the Dyna. The FXDX has since made the show circuit, winning awards at the Progressive IMS Outdoors show and fittingly the Rat’s Hole Show at Daytona. With its striking PPG Pot of Honey over Psycho Silver and Black paint, this is one successful save from a shameful life.
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