Custom Brings Back the Blazing FXDR in Color
Custom work by Bundnerbike shows off great lines and cool features of the discontiuned Harley Davidson FXDR.
I don’t drink Coke, Pepsi, Seven-Up or any other carbonated junk and I don’t even like the cans and bottles they come in.
But, that did not prevent this custom beauty by a Switzerland-based outfit from catching my eye.
It’s called “Seven-Up,” but the exquisite paint scheme is only part of this very cool package. What drew me in is the fact the custom is based on a motorcycle that Harley Davidson does not make any more, but one that still remains in the dreams and imaginations of many an HD fan.
‘Drag Racer Crossed with a Fighter Jet’
The Motor Company described the 2019 FXDR as “a drag racer crossed with a fighter jet.” Not a bad comparison, since the bike had 119 ft/lbs of torque at 3,500 rpm.
The FXDR was the fastest gas-powered motorcycle Harley Davidson ever made and it looked like pure speed, with that huge intake, 240mm rear tire and aggressive stance. It was definitely built as a muscle bike for a new generation.
Maybe that’s why it did not last, despite its many admirers. It looked too much like a sport bike, so it did not appeal to the traditionalists. It finally got the axe from the HD lineup when the Motor Company’s Rewire strategy came about, along with the old-fashioned Sportsters and some other Softails.
Creative Paint Scheme
The FXDR was such a cool bike that it has not been forgotten totally by customizers, but this version by Bundnerbike seems to stand out, at least partially because of the paint job.
It is a combination of mainly orange and blue, but different enough from the Florida Gators that it appeals even to us Florida State Seminole fans.
There are only so many colors in existence, and it is always interesting how designers can make them work together. This is one example where the outcome is striking as well as alluring. It also has just the right amount of black in it.
This is a bike that will be easily picked out of a crowd.
‘New, Elegantly Curved Frame’
The builders were thankfully very careful not to mess with the overall look of the FXDR, which is striking to begin with, and considering they have some very radical customs in their portfolio. Nor did they mess around with the engine, which is a good thing since it’s the powerful and reliable Milwaukee 8.
Still, they call it a “completely rebuilt model,” with a new air suspension, lowered sports seat and a “new elegantly curved frame.” It also has the classic huge rear tire, an extended fuel tank, a twin-pipe Dr. Jekill and Mr. Hyde exhaust system, lowered leather saddle and chopped fenders. The wheels are the originals.
No danger of forgetting it’s based on an FXDR; it’s labeled on the right side panel. So, despite the fact that Bundnerbike “modernized” the bike, it’s kind of like bringing back a beloved ghost from the recent past.
Photos: Bundnerbike
