FXDX or FXR as a first HD
#12
09-29-2010 | 04:49 PM
Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,927
Likes: 4
From: Midwest
I've got about $7000 to spent on a first Harley and want to see if I'm on the right track. Handling is really important with any bike I choose and always has been over the 35 years I've ridden on the street. I have road racing experience, ride hard on the street so I prefer good brakes, suspension and handling overall. Yes, I understand HDs are not the best handling bikes out there, but I have other bikes in my garage for the times I want to play racer.
The FXDX or the T-Sport seems to be the ticket with it's fully adjustable suspension, dual piston/dual disc brakes and better ground clearance. The blacked out engine doesn't bother me since I don't care for chrome. The Sportsters' are out since I like to do a 4 or 500 mile day or a couple of thousand mile trips occasionally. Would a stripped down older FL be a better choice?
From what I've been hearing the FXRs had better frames so would updating a later model FXR be the ticket? I'm and ex-MC mechanic so I could do most of mods myself and keep an older bike running.
Any suggestions?
Justfnride
The FXDX or the T-Sport seems to be the ticket with it's fully adjustable suspension, dual piston/dual disc brakes and better ground clearance. The blacked out engine doesn't bother me since I don't care for chrome. The Sportsters' are out since I like to do a 4 or 500 mile day or a couple of thousand mile trips occasionally. Would a stripped down older FL be a better choice?
From what I've been hearing the FXRs had better frames so would updating a later model FXR be the ticket? I'm and ex-MC mechanic so I could do most of mods myself and keep an older bike running.
Any suggestions?
Justfnride
#14
09-29-2010 | 09:44 PM
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 880
Likes: 0
From: Houston, Texas
FXR all the way. Best handling bike IMO. I had the opportunity to ride a 92 FXR and it blows the handling of my 09 SB away. My buddy picked up that 92 FXR in the Houston area for 5 grand. After a little work, a cam change and some other odds and ends the dyno showed 93hp out of an 80" motor! That's some ***** on a light framed great handling street machine!!!
#15
09-30-2010 | 08:56 AM
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 40
Likes: 5
Thanks everyone, great suggestions. Seems like both FXR and FXD platforms both have their merits. Finding an FXR without high miles and/or lots of extra crap on it looks to be the biggest challenge. Nice clean FXDXs seem to be for sale on Craigslist and e-bay for between $6500 and $9000, with low miles and only slight fixable modifications like controls, chrome etc. When I find a good FXDX or FXDXT I'll do the basics, ss brake lines, front fork internals, rear shocks and a good set of rubber. A stabilizer would be next on the list. I wouldn't touch one that has major internal mods without knowing the seller and the shop that did the work - been there done that!
Anyone have any suggestions on tires with good grip and decent wear characteristics? I understand that HD tires are not sized the same as other MCs so selection is limited. Is that true?
Any other mods to look into?
Any issues to keep my eyes open for when I start shopping for the FXDX? Mechanical issues that are specific to the FXD other than the obvious?
Thanks.
Anyone have any suggestions on tires with good grip and decent wear characteristics? I understand that HD tires are not sized the same as other MCs so selection is limited. Is that true?
Any other mods to look into?
Any issues to keep my eyes open for when I start shopping for the FXDX? Mechanical issues that are specific to the FXD other than the obvious?
Thanks.
#17
09-30-2010 | 12:44 PM
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,872
From: Bedford UK
When I find a good FXDX or FXDXT I'll do the basics, ss brake lines, front fork internals, rear shocks and a good set of rubber. A stabilizer would be next on the list. I wouldn't touch one that has major internal mods without knowing the seller and the shop that did the work - been there done that!
#18
09-30-2010 | 03:58 PM
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 6,519
Likes: 0
From: Nomad
Just put on new motor mounts and True Track. WOW !!! Its a totaly different bike. Next up is converting it to dual brakes and Works Performance Cartridge in the forks. I already got the parts, just need to powder coat the new fork legs ....
#20
10-01-2010 | 12:31 AM
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,856
Likes: 477
From: Alberta
Some years ago I too wanted an FXR; but after talking with some grey-haired HD techs I was convinced that the TC would be a better performance platform...they were right. Althought the FXR has a better engine mounting system and weighs quite a bit less than an FXD, the EVO is ancient...and I was after (and got) reliable triple digit horsepower. Be aware that the '99 TC FXDX is largly a cosmetic exercise; single pot brakes and non-adjustable suspension...you should be able to find a decent FXDX within you budget; but you can also spend a lot on whatever mods you want...I just spent 2 days touring on an FLTX with a 120R motor; decent power and great comfort but huge and heavy. My FXDXT is a keeper.....