@@FXDLSBrooklyn I have a 85' FXR that's suddenly misting oil (I believe) that's spraying me in the face, helmet and on my right shoulder. Thought it was forks or brake fluid leaking, but they're not. Any idea where else it could be coming from? Kind of weird.
@safeeffective385 sounds to me like a intake seal. The evos love to eat up gaskets if it's not warmed up everytime. Good thing their cheap and pretty easy to do.
I bought my 91 FXRS new and still have. So 32 years and counting. Still in stock condition, original tins, etc. I put FXRP windscreen on it because at that time the only FXR bikes that had OEM passing lights option from Harley were FXR police bikes and the light mounts were built into the windscreen frame. I also put FXRT passenger seat and FXRT passenger footboards on it for my significant other comfort. After a trip in 2004 on the FXR to Key West from Pa, she asked if I could get a touring bike for more comfort, I got a 2005 Road King Classic for 2 up riding, relegating the FXR to solo riding. I have had a minimum of problems with the bike beyond wear and tear. The most persistent issues have been electrical: stator, regulator, ignition switch, starter, coil, coil wires, and usually on trips not local. Harley dealer nowadays don’t work on bikes over 10 years old it seems with some exceptions. They will replace tires, and they did rebuild my stock CV carb this year. But anything major like engine work, they’ll point you to a local bike shop. Overall, love the bike and glad I got it and still feel that way. About 80k miles on the bike, most put on prior to 2005.
What a lot of people forget is FXR's are between 30-40 years old. That's 30-40 years of backyard mechanics messing with them and doing messy repairs, and people used to ride these things into the ground and beat the snot out of them. Try to find a reasonably clean one that someone isn't asking $10k for, get a shop manual, a torque wrench, and some blue loctite, and get your hands dirty.
Here are some of mine: It is a couple hundred pounds lighter than all of your friend's bikes and after putting some work on the top end it put 100hp to the back wheel so you are going to need to wait up for them most of the time when you go on rides. Or this one, it handles like it's on rails once you replace the old mounts and reset the wheel and motor alignment so again you will be waiting for your friends and the end of the twisty canyon roads. So a lot of waiting is going to happen especially if your friends are on Dynas. Note: Put a 6-speed in it with an OD and lower the drive gear one tooth so you can hit 100+ all day long, and use blue lock-tight so your bolts don't fall off in the future. Just a suggestion.
I agree, I bought this 88 fxr with only 8k miles. This bike rides like a dream. But I appreciate your videos. Now I'll know what to check. Thanks dude.
I've had my 86 FXR for 26 years! Once upon a time It was one of the fastest bikes around and that's how I rode it. That explains the 3 times I rebuilt it. Now I ride it like a gentleman. Yeah I'll get it into triple digits sometimes but not very often. You live and you learn!
Well spoken video! I love my 82 FXRS. Bought my first in in 86. Was my first bike. Love my Shovel. I live in Syracuse NY. Looks like the same type of scenery. FXR is definitely a different breed.
Pistons dual Spark change the inner sprocket my 89 smokes most of them jet the carburetor once I done the good work for the past 20 years all I needed was tires oh replace the belt as well oh you need a heavy duty front motor mount to protect it from accidental wheelies
The gearing on these bikes were made when the speed limit was 55. You can get different gearing on it there are several ways, I am trying to remember this but I think I used a front pulley off an electra glide. You will loose a little off the lines but the feels decent at 80 where as before it felt ok at best at 70. You will have to know how to work on the bikes of course. But enjoy the ride I enjoy mine.
I have a FXR sense new in 1989 have been all over the west lived in New Mexico so have been to Seatle on it also all through Colorado, Arizona, Utah, Oregon, Washington, Montana, Idaho and many more just put a RT kit off a 1986 and learning to ride it with the RT fairing
If you took an FXR, gave it a FULL restore with all new seals, bolts to proper specs, etc. I wonder if it would hold up better in those extreme riding scenarios.
They hold up fine, bought a 90 FXRS when I was 21 rode the shirt out of it, over 70,000 miles in four years. The bike was damn near flawless. So was my 94 FXLR. The problem is every idiot in the world has worked on them by now, that why some dealers won’t touch them.
Just watched your video, I have a 97 fxd, built up and a 93 fxr built, I've run mine fairly hard over the years...she has 80,000 + on the clock but I can say no leaks as of yet, but still runs very strong...enjoy all of your stuff....keep cranking on...
1985 FXR here, with over 90,000 miles on her. Nothing ever came off, few oil leaks here and there, all taken care of now... recently new drive belt and pulleys and regular maintenance... Don't ride her hard though, It would have been the wrong choice I'd say, probably better off for high speed with a Hayabusa, but I don't care a bout High speed so yeah like to hit the curvy roads mountain roads... just like what you're doin'in this video having a blast on my FXR. Got 2 FXR's by the way; mine and my wife's. Considering of selling one...1985 FXRT (looks like a FXRS now) and 1986 FXRS.
@@freyatilly Well I live on the European continent in The Netherlands. So I'd say that's kinda close by, right? My FXR is for sale right now, but I am obviously not allowed here to share the website with you. So let me know if you're interested maybe we can find a way to communicate to each other privatly...
I know this is almost a year old. But I just picked up a sic FXRS anniversary. First time back on a harley in almost 20 years. So glad I randomly found it.
at 9:20 I got a good laugh. I bought mine not running with 7k miles. Re-jetted the carb and then I get issues from time to time. Then I blew out both base gaskets and a head gasket.
At this point in history, one is not accidentally owning a FXR while they're waiting to get the bike of their dreams...the FXR is their vision quest and once you're on the FXR cult you learn where to get the parts and the quirks...of course Elvis has the parts and while I see people complain about his prices, no one is forcing you buy from the guy who has been storing those parts for two decades on your behalf...but there's so much parts and information out there... And once one owns an FXR people will then refer to you as the FXR expert even if you're not...be prepared... And don't keep the Unknown Industries videos on a constant loop...you're find the urge to find out how great your FXR really is...
over the years I have lost the following things: brake caliper bolts, belt pulley bolts, pegs, primary cover bolts (also inside the primary), exhaust bracket + bolts, mirror acorn nuts, rear axle nut and so on. If you consider buying a FXR i suggest getting some tools, a manual and a lot of LocTite because this bike will disassemble itself before you have even read the manual. The FXR is definitely a 10/10 even with the stock EVO 👍
I put over 70,000 miles on a 90 FXRS and a 94 FXLR and never had anything come loose, or fall off! Maybe you need a new mechanic, or it has a ton of aftermarket nuts and bolts. The only thing to ever break was the vacuum nipple in the Screaming Eagle intake because it was plastic. I was young and rode them harder than most!
Shit the seller forgot to mention... hilarity and hi-jinks are ongoing. First HD product for this lifelong 2-stroke woods rider. 10x on the loctite and some basic tools in the pack for EVERY ride!
Got a 90 FXR and due to a lay down have to find parts for it. To this point a year and a half later, I still cannot find a replacement brake pedal or front levers for it. Thankfully they are still operable and just cosmetically damaged. But the only place I can find parts at this point is swap meets.
Alright, so im on the way(12 hour trip) to go look and (Lets face it buy) a 94 fxr with only 8000 miles on it. Stock frame and engine. Titled running just sitting for 3000 bucks. Im trying to talk my self out of it as i dont need it. But cant help but just want to buy it
@@FXDLSBrooklyn I haven’t yet 🤣 it’s only been four days and I’ve just been riding it too and from work and around town, but on the interstate in town I’ve had no trouble going 70 in 4th/5th
How high the bike sits? I feel like an FXLR sits way lower than any bike I have ever been on - However, you can run a smaller length on the shocks for the FXR if you feel like it is too tall
@@FXDLSBrooklyn Growing up my best friends parents happened to own the Harley Davidson dealer in my town. He let me ride a brand new 87 FXRC, I was 18 years old. I fell in love and knew right then if I ever bought a street bike, this would be it. Never was really into Harleys growing up, I raced motorcross! Bought a FXRS in 1990.
Great video!! Great review on the FXR!! My girlfriend owns a 1994 FXLR. Totally get what you are saying. Thank God we have a mechanic who works on older Harleys, especially the older EVO's. In the past 4 years, she has put in at least 3 grand into it to to fix/upgrade stuff. There's more stuff I'd like for her to upgrade, on the bike, but that's just my opinion lol. Her bike is on my channel, if you'd like to check it out. Ride safe bud 🇺🇸🤘🏻💯
If you want to run an FXR in the modern fashion the best option is to build an M8 powered FXR from scratch. It won’t be an Original H-D factory FXR but for me that’s a Great thing.
Funny thing, when the fxr came out, it was shovelhead powered. I thought it was the ugliest Harley I'd ever seen. Thirty years later, I thought it was the most beautiful...ha! BTW, do you think that M8 will still be on the road thirty years from now?
Legit. I’ve spent twice what I paid for my 90 FXRS on repairs but it’s by far the coolest bike I’ve ever owned over my 30 years of riding.
Definitely
@@FXDLSBrooklyn I have a 85' FXR that's suddenly misting oil (I believe) that's spraying me in the face, helmet and on my right shoulder. Thought it was forks or brake fluid leaking, but they're not. Any idea where else it could be coming from?
Kind of weird.
@safeeffective385 sounds to me like a intake seal. The evos love to eat up gaskets if it's not warmed up everytime. Good thing their cheap and pretty easy to do.
I bought my 91 FXRS new and still have. So 32 years and counting. Still in stock condition, original tins, etc. I put FXRP windscreen on it because at that time the only FXR bikes that had OEM passing lights option from Harley were FXR police bikes and the light mounts were built into the windscreen frame. I also put FXRT passenger seat and FXRT passenger footboards on it for my significant other comfort. After a trip in 2004 on the FXR to Key West from Pa, she asked if I could get a touring bike for more comfort, I got a 2005 Road King Classic for 2 up riding, relegating the FXR to solo riding. I have had a minimum of problems with the bike beyond wear and tear. The most persistent issues have been electrical: stator, regulator, ignition switch, starter, coil, coil wires, and usually on trips not local. Harley dealer nowadays don’t work on bikes over 10 years old it seems with some exceptions. They will replace tires, and they did rebuild my stock CV carb this year. But anything major like engine work, they’ll point you to a local bike shop. Overall, love the bike and glad I got it and still feel that way. About 80k miles on the bike, most put on prior to 2005.
I appreciate you sharing this - Glad you still have the bike and it's still kicking!
What a lot of people forget is FXR's are between 30-40 years old. That's 30-40 years of backyard mechanics messing with them and doing messy repairs, and people used to ride these things into the ground and beat the snot out of them. Try to find a reasonably clean one that someone isn't asking $10k for, get a shop manual, a torque wrench, and some blue loctite, and get your hands dirty.
Here are some of mine: It is a couple hundred pounds lighter than all of your friend's bikes and after putting some work on the top end it put 100hp to the back wheel so you are going to need to wait up for them most of the time when you go on rides. Or this one, it handles like it's on rails once you replace the old mounts and reset the wheel and motor alignment so again you will be waiting for your friends and the end of the twisty canyon roads. So a lot of waiting is going to happen especially if your friends are on Dynas. Note: Put a 6-speed in it with an OD and lower the drive gear one tooth so you can hit 100+ all day long, and use blue lock-tight so your bolts don't fall off in the future. Just a suggestion.
All of those things mentioned are on the list
I agree, I bought this 88 fxr with only 8k miles. This bike rides like a dream. But I appreciate your videos. Now I'll know what to check. Thanks dude.
I've had my 86 FXR for 26 years! Once upon a time It was one of the fastest bikes around and that's how I rode it. That explains the 3 times I rebuilt it. Now I ride it like a gentleman. Yeah I'll get it into triple digits sometimes but not very often. You live and you learn!
Well spoken video! I love my 82 FXRS. Bought my first in in 86. Was my first bike. Love my Shovel. I live in Syracuse NY. Looks like the same type of scenery. FXR is definitely a different breed.
Excellent riding out that way! I got family not too far 🏁 ⚡️
Pistons dual Spark change the inner sprocket my 89 smokes most of them jet the carburetor once I done the good work for the past 20 years all I needed was tires oh replace the belt as well oh you need a heavy duty front motor mount to protect it from accidental wheelies
Motor mount upgrade is definitely an important one!
The gearing on these bikes were made when the speed limit was 55. You can get different gearing on it there are several ways, I am trying to remember this but I think I used a front pulley off an electra glide. You will loose a little off the lines but the feels decent at 80 where as before it felt ok at best at 70. You will have to know how to work on the bikes of course. But enjoy the ride I enjoy mine.
I have a FXR sense new in 1989 have been all over the west lived in New Mexico so have been to Seatle on it also all through Colorado, Arizona, Utah, Oregon, Washington, Montana, Idaho and many more just put a RT kit off a 1986 and learning to ride it with the RT fairing
If you took an FXR, gave it a FULL restore with all new seals, bolts to proper specs, etc. I wonder if it would hold up better in those extreme riding scenarios.
They hold up fine, bought a 90 FXRS when I was 21 rode the shirt out of it, over 70,000 miles in four years. The bike was damn near flawless. So was my 94 FXLR. The problem is every idiot in the world has worked on them by now, that why some dealers won’t touch them.
Just watched your video, I have a 97 fxd, built up and a 93 fxr built, I've run mine fairly hard over the years...she has 80,000 + on the clock but I can say no leaks as of yet, but still runs very strong...enjoy all of your stuff....keep cranking on...
1985 FXR here, with over 90,000 miles on her. Nothing ever came off, few oil leaks here and there, all taken care of now... recently new drive belt and pulleys and regular maintenance... Don't ride her hard though, It would have been the wrong choice I'd say, probably better off for high speed with a Hayabusa, but I don't care a bout High speed so yeah like to hit the curvy roads mountain roads... just like what you're doin'in this video having a blast on my FXR. Got 2 FXR's by the way; mine and my wife's. Considering of selling one...1985 FXRT (looks like a FXRS now) and 1986 FXRS.
Well said - Sounds like a great garage
If only the one you wanna sell was closer to UK.
@@freyatilly Well I live on the European continent in The Netherlands. So I'd say that's kinda close by, right? My FXR is for sale right now, but I am obviously not allowed here to share the website with you. So let me know if you're interested maybe we can find a way to communicate to each other privatly...
I know this is almost a year old. But I just picked up a sic FXRS anniversary. First time back on a harley in almost 20 years. So glad I randomly found it.
That's sick man! What year? 1988?
@@FXDLSBrooklyn yea 1988. Needs a little work. But what 35 year old bike wouldn't.
I have a 92 fxr and ride hard and have no problems. Well, I gotta change oil and brake pads once in a while
at 9:20 I got a good laugh. I bought mine not running with 7k miles. Re-jetted the carb and then I get issues from time to time. Then I blew out both base gaskets and a head gasket.
Wow man that's pretty damn low mileage for a bike that old - Congrats man!
@@FXDLSBrooklyn Thanks! Only $3k to buy it. Got at least that into it so far and it needs paint. I think mechanically I got everything going good now.
At this point in history, one is not accidentally owning a FXR while they're waiting to get the bike of their dreams...the FXR is their vision quest and once you're on the FXR cult you learn where to get the parts and the quirks...of course Elvis has the parts and while I see people complain about his prices, no one is forcing you buy from the guy who has been storing those parts for two decades on your behalf...but there's so much parts and information out there...
And once one owns an FXR people will then refer to you as the FXR expert even if you're not...be prepared...
And don't keep the Unknown Industries videos on a constant loop...you're find the urge to find out how great your FXR really is...
😂all 100% correct!
Yupp same on my 1972 T120R nuts and bolts go missing and Oil likes!
bougt an 82 fxrs, upgraded it to a 94' primary, most people ask me why my sportster idles weird. i just tell them its the carb.
Yeah the sportster comment is classic - Gotta love a shovel FXR
That's why you do a S&S SuperSideWinder kit! 1987 FXLR 97ci Mikuni carb Red Shift cam !
Nice! How many miles?
over the years I have lost the following things:
brake caliper bolts, belt pulley bolts, pegs, primary cover bolts (also inside the primary), exhaust bracket + bolts, mirror acorn nuts, rear axle nut and so on.
If you consider buying a FXR i suggest getting some tools, a manual and a lot of LocTite because this bike will disassemble itself before you have even read the manual.
The FXR is definitely a 10/10 even with the stock EVO 👍
I put over 70,000 miles on a 90 FXRS and a 94 FXLR and never had anything come loose, or fall off! Maybe you need a new mechanic, or it has a ton of aftermarket nuts and bolts. The only thing to ever break was the vacuum nipple in the Screaming Eagle intake because it was plastic. I was young and rode them harder than most!
Shit the seller forgot to mention... hilarity and hi-jinks are ongoing. First HD product for this lifelong 2-stroke woods rider. 10x on the loctite and some basic tools in the pack for EVERY ride!
😂 that's a great line.
My mechanic loves putting built twin cams in FXR's and they are very fast
Same, Sal Bad Foot out here is known for that, and I haven't heard anyone complaining
I can't believe its been two years, damn I remember when you first got it. good run down man!
I'm buying the road King and making it fxr like. Fast, great handling, great looking. Modern
That's definitely a good way to go
I've had my 89 FXRS for a couple years now and I gotta say what's said is pretty legit to my experience.
how does this bike compare to one of the new softail models? I have a 2022 street bob that I'm always tempted to sell for one of these
Man the new models are amazing, especially with a mono shock and inverted front end - There's both great rides whichever way you go
Got a 90 FXR and due to a lay down have to find parts for it. To this point a year and a half later, I still cannot find a replacement brake pedal or front levers for it. Thankfully they are still operable and just cosmetically damaged. But the only place I can find parts at this point is swap meets.
It’s a Harley there all the same??? Pick something similar of the same gen
Ted's vtwin supply
Try fxr Division,you won’t be disappointed ,
Will you talk about the bike itself and not about it vs a dyna.
Yeah I got you right now - The FXR is a great bike - Buy one 😊
Alright, so im on the way(12 hour trip) to go look and (Lets face it buy) a 94 fxr with only 8000 miles on it. Stock frame and engine. Titled running just sitting for 3000 bucks. Im trying to talk my self out of it as i dont need it. But cant help but just want to buy it
Dude if you don't buy it, I will - Send me the link haha
Did you get the death wobble on your Dyna??
I only get it on the FXDX, not the FXDLS
@@FXDLSBrooklyn
Interesting??
Beautiful bikes.
Stay safe
What kind of oil leaks ?
For this bike? Mine we're mostly primary leaks
@@FXDLSBrooklyn inner primary ?
The search for the parts is have the battle and the you feel great when you find the fxr part. 91 and up is the best fxr.
this seems like a good weekend or city bike
I do know people who ride cross country and live off of it
Best handling HD ever made.
Locktite is your friend on them bolts
Always
loctite 242 saves some part searching
Yeah definitely good to have on hand
Fxr division for parts
Sounds more like old bike problems. Lol. My 87 touring model has all those issues too.
All part of the adventure
@@FXDLSBrooklyn Exacty!
Just picked up a 2000 FXR with a six speed baker. Freshly built EVO. Thing hauls ass.
That's really interesting man! How often are you getting into 6th gear with that setup?
@@FXDLSBrooklyn I haven’t yet 🤣 it’s only been four days and I’ve just been riding it too and from work and around town, but on the interstate in town I’ve had no trouble going 70 in 4th/5th
How much does one cost?@@NuclearSad
What do you reckon on someone 5'4" for the FXR or FXLR?
How high the bike sits? I feel like an FXLR sits way lower than any bike I have ever been on - However, you can run a smaller length on the shocks for the FXR if you feel like it is too tall
He says nothing is wrong with his bike, umm the tach doesn’t look like it’s working to me!
Nah man, I just keep the RPMs really low 🗽⚡️
@@FXDLSBrooklyn Growing up my best friends parents happened to own the Harley Davidson dealer in my town. He let me ride a brand new 87 FXRC, I was 18 years old. I fell in love and knew right then if I ever bought a street bike, this would be it. Never was really into Harleys growing up, I raced motorcross! Bought a FXRS in 1990.
Tach dont seem up to Par ..
Truth
Is that Vermont?
No he is in new york, thought the same thing!
Great video!! Great review on the FXR!! My girlfriend owns a 1994 FXLR. Totally get what you are saying. Thank God we have a mechanic who works on older Harleys, especially the older EVO's. In the past 4 years, she has put in at least 3 grand into it to to fix/upgrade stuff. There's more stuff I'd like for her to upgrade, on the bike, but that's just my opinion lol. Her bike is on my channel, if you'd like to check it out. Ride safe bud 🇺🇸🤘🏻💯
FYSA... looks like your tach isn't working
Nah man this bike just runs on really low RPMs all the time, super high performance transmission
@@FXDLSBrooklyn LoL for sure tach doesn't even register the rpms.
@@FXDLSBrooklyn 🤣🤣🤣
Another informative video. Keep em coming
Damn already 2 years since you got it
I remember when you got it
FXRS best harley frame ever made
Truth
If you want to run an FXR in the modern fashion the best option is to build an M8 powered FXR from scratch. It won’t be an Original H-D factory FXR but for me that’s a Great thing.
Yeah it's cool that you're seeing more and more of those these days
@@FXDLSBrooklyn - Indeed. It’s also in some cases the only way for a Working Man to acquire one. Love your Bike!
I would use the 103 myself the M8 is kinda over rated
Funny thing, when the fxr came out, it was shovelhead powered. I thought it was the ugliest Harley I'd ever seen. Thirty years later, I thought it was the most beautiful...ha! BTW, do you think that M8 will still be on the road thirty years from now?
Who knows - Definitely a solid foundation and I can't see the need to go much bigger motor wise
I’m on this train right now
Still a Bad Ass
🏁 ⚡️
I park my obnoxious FiXR in front of Traitor Joes, on a regular basis.
Sick, grab me some Scandinavian Swimmers while you're there brother
4321 Welch Prairie
This was a very helpful video. Makes me think I should stick to Dynas!
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Sipes Groves
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Sal rips the shit out of his fxr thats the million mile fxr….
100%
👍
They’re called a FiXeR for a reason😅I never thought I’d have a bike I loathe as much as I do my ‘93 at times but then love other days
If you buy a Fxr expect to spend a ton of money fixing it all the time, lock tight is your friend. Buy a 1991 or newer. Good luck…
Truth
⚡️💪🐺⚡️⚡️⚡️
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Exhausteration. Just listening to you not get to the damn point.
For real man....what even is the point? 🤔
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Good thing you dont own an 82/83. You obviously have no business on a shovelhead
I got a buddy with one, thing actually runs great!
I think you just need to build the bike properly
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