1988 FXLR Twin Cam Fetches Pretty Price at Auction

Scorching Dislike

When it was introduced, the FXR was the most performance-intensive Big Twin Harley-Davidson had ever designed. It was also initially one of their more disliked platforms. Despite the slow adoption, the FXR went on to earn a legendary status and now finds itself the recipient of custom builds—like this 160 horsepower, 1988 FXLR Low Rider.

Invited Feature

Acquired from its second owner by Barnstorm Cycles in Spencer, Massachusetts, the Low Rider was quickly transformed into a tire-smoking monster. It was then invited to participate in the 2016 Hot Bike Tour, where it won the Editor’s Pick award. It was subsequently featured in Baggers and Barnett’s Magazine. In August of 2020, Barnstorm Cycles put the FXLR up for auction.

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Massive Aspiration

The winning bidder got a whole lot of machine. At the heart of this once unpopular model sits a potent S&S Cycle T143. To fully employ the cubic increase, the massive mill is coupled to a seven-speed Baker Drivetrain DD7 transmission. A 70mm Throttle Hog throttle body and a custom two-into-one stainless steel exhaust system takes care of aspiration and ventilation.

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Industrial Upgrade

With extra power on tap, the brakes and rolling stock were in need of some improvement. The stopping system now consists of a custom perimeter rotor paired with a Buell ZTL2 caliper in front and a Brembo M4 monobloc caliper with a Kraus radial-mount in the rear. The FXLR also received a set of industrial-looking California Custom rims wrapped in Michelin Commander II tires.

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Sprung Handling

Even though the FXR chassis is vaunted for its rigidity and good handling, it was not overlooked on the upgrade list. Making for one tall machine, the frontend was fitted with a Gigacycles Corsair inverted fork with Race Tech springs on the inside. The rear was treated to Brock’s Performance aluminum swingarm, sprung by dual 14'' Fox IFP-R shocks.

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Driving Mods

For aerodynamics, the FXLR was fitted with a Tour Glide fairing from the early 1980s. With practicality in mind, signature FXRT 'clamshell' hard cases were also added. The seat is a modified two-tone Mustang unit. A Rigid Industries light bar replaced the OEM dual headlights, and a Ricio driving light was located on the left fork leg.

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Rockin' Cruise

Instrumentation is courtesy of a digital RacePak IQ3 Street Dash, with a scant 7000 miles on the odometer. Barnstorm Lanesplitter pullback handlebars were added with Performance Machine hand switches, master cylinders, grips, and mirrors. Under the bars is a modified Street Glide gas tank. Keeping the cruise rockin' over the exhaust note is a Kicker Audio system with Bluetooth fairing speakers.

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Lucky Bidder

Applied by BP Customs in East Brookfield, Massachusetts, the metallic cream-white paint, with dark brown and copper, perfectly captures the 'vintage van-look.' The tricked-out FXLR also came with all the build records and related magazine articles. It sold at auction for $28,500—less than what it would cost to build something similar. Now that is a pretty price—for the lucky top bidder!

>>Join the conversation about this custom Twin Cam Low Rider right here in HDForums.com.

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