As the title states, I have been thinking about adding an FXR to the stable.

What are your thoughts on it?

I have had old Iron head sportsters, and many twin cams, in fact there are 3 twin cams and two M8 in the garage now. I have never had an EVO powered bike, nor an FXR framed bike.

Everything I read says the FXR, FXRT, FXRS and so on are the best handling harleys. I'm thinking it might be fun to have for some local stuff and the curves that are all around me.

Seems many people also love the EVO motor. How is its reliability? Any major issues with it?

Thanks

 

FXRs WERE the best handling Harleys. They are pretty dated now. That said, they are still some of the most fun motorcycles on the road. The EVO is a great engine, they sound great and are reliable with the caveat that they are old so, problems will arise.
I recently, grudgingly, sold my 86 FXRC to a friend but, still own a 92 FXRT/RLE that I will own forever.
I rode the FXRT to Sturgis two years ago and I’m thinking of doing it again this year. It’s about a 5000 mile round trip. Yeah, I did have to replace the stator at Rapid City HD. Just part of the experience.
So get the FXR but, don’t expect it to preform like a new 114 Fat Bob, it won’t. It will however be the most fun motorcycle you’ve ever had.

 

If you get a FXR your other bikes will collect dust. Nothing like a Big Twin than handles great & weighs less than 600 pounds.

 

If I had the room (and money) I would have one. By room I mean in the garage under the cave where I keep my bikes. Having a 3rd would require a bit of rearranging.

I do however have a detached building where I could keep plenty more bikes. In order to help you out, just because I enjoy being good to people, you are more than welcome to store bikes in my building. I live at the Va/NC border so probably not that far from you.

Have a nice day and hope you find what you are looking for. You can PM me when you are ready to loan. I mean store your bikes.

 

I've had one and am trying to buy it back from the guy I sold it to. The only negatives I found even back when I owned it was a lack of parts for mods, pipes are limited, seats etc. Other than that, the FXR is a great ride.

 

I had a FXR back in the early 90s. Evo was a great engine. Plenty of aftermarket companies out there that still support the Evo. I would think it would be a fun bike to have in your neck of the woods. Also okay for those long trips on the highway. Plus, most of the FXRs (the Touring & Convertible models excluded) have that 70s look, yah!

 

Best handling (and performing) Harley ever? Ummm...that would be the XR1200. I've ridden one. Take it over an ancient FXR anyday.
You could argue the V-Rods were faster, but they sure don't make it in the handling department compared to the XR1200.
Depends on your actual priorities and capabilities; some larger guys wouldn't fit well on the XR1200.

 

The main problem with an FXR is that everybody wants one, thus driving the prices up ! Never had an EVO Harley but these engines are rumoured to be one of the best and most reliable and easy to work on. Good luck finding an 'unmolested' one !...b.

 

My first HD was a '90 FXRS-SP, and I owned/modded/rode that bike for 20 yrs before replacing it with my current bike, a 2010 FB. When I made the change, I immediately noticed that the FXR was the sharper handling of the two bikes, but the FB more comfortable to ride over long distances. I have since upgraded the suspension on the FB - Prog fork springs, True-Track stabilizers, 18" whls - and now consider my FB nearly even with the FXR as far as carving through the twisties is concerned while still maintaining decent all-day riding comfort.

Should you decide to go for an FXR, you can expect the likelihood of repairs in at least three areas: the charging system, cylinder base gaskets, lower motor mount. Other things that might need attention are the rear swingarm bushings, axle bearings, primary chain, rear drive belt, etc.

I still have an appreciation for the FXR bikes, but I am quite happy with my FB and don't regret making the change. Good luck finding a "keeper!"

 

I've often craved a Shovelhead FXR...the earliest years of the FXR were Shovels. Most of the years were the later Evos.

IMO the Shovelhead is, to me, the best sounding Harley engine...defines that lope...with a bit more "old big block" sound than the prior Pans 'n Knucks.

Evo still sounds good, but just started to move away from that sounds, that the Twinkies fully moved away from.

Honestly my Shovel was reliable, rode her as my daily rider for a few years up until 3 years ago when I got the Springer. Simple engines to work on (I worked on mine cuz I restored her..she was literally an old barn find restoration project for me).

My Evo Springer has been very reliable.

A bud of mine has an old FXR...cool bike. He has it sorta choppered out. Thing about the FXR, back when they came out, most traditionalists hated them. It was Harleys move towards lowering manufacturing costs with that frame. Back then quite a few people thought it looked too much like a Honda or other imports.

Yup they're sorta turning into collector items...to they tend to command a little mo' money than similar vintage/condition regular models.

Good luck in your search, hope you find one, post pics when you do.