Doh! : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

shovelhead dale · 07-19-2007, 03:31 PM

what is the differance between an FXR and a FXE (could be just a stupid Question).

springer- · 07-19-2007, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shovelhead dale

what is the differance between an FXR and a FXE (could be just a stupid Question).

An FXE is a 4 speed shovelhead with a solid mount engine and transmission. An FXR it a rubber mount engine and 5 speed transmission. It came with a shovelhead in 82-83 and an EVO from 84-94.

There are many other differences as well but those are the major ones.

shovelhead dale · 07-19-2007, 04:49 PM

thanks springer

Y2K · 07-19-2007, 05:17 PM

Just to add a little info,FXRs were made in limited editions after 94 up through model year 2000 making the 2000 FXR the last Harley EVO engined big twin.

Uesque · 07-25-2007, 08:28 AM

A very big difference is the frame. The FXR has an exposed frame that is much more substantial than the FXE or even the newer FXD and as a result handles better. Apparently Erik Buell did a substantial amount of the chassis tuning on the FXR. The FXR frame is very similar to the touring bike frames.

Speaking from my own experience, my FXR rides as nice as my buddy's Ultra, but has more feel to the front end.

Y2K · 07-25-2007, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uesque

A very big difference is the frame. The FXR has an exposed frame that is much more substantial than the FXE or even the newer FXD and as a result handles better. Apparently Erik Buell did a substantial amount of the chassis tuning on the FXR. The FXR frame is very similar to the touring bike frames.

Speaking from my own experience, my FXR rides as nice as my buddy's Ultra, but has more feel to the front end.

Yup,one of the reasons they are no longer made is the production cost of the hand built Buell designed frames.
I put over 120,000 miles on one and loved every mile.

FXR2 · 07-25-2007, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Y2K

...FXRs were made in limited editions after 94 up through model year 2000...

Not exactly. Production model FXR's were discontinued after the 1994 model year. HD revived the frame in limited numbers for use in 1999 CVO models FXR2 (901 built in two colors) and FXR3 (684 built in two colors). They continued the frame in 2000 with the FXR4 (980 built in two colors). After 2000, the FXR frame was dropped again.

Uesque · 07-25-2007, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Y2K

Yup,one of the reasons they are no longer made is the production cost of the hand built Buell designed frames.
I put over 120,000 miles on one and loved every mile.

I have heard that, but then the touring bikes use almost the same frame, so I don't know that I buy the cost excuse.

I have also heard that it looked too "Japanese" with its exposed frame, and that Willie G. didn't like the styling, so that was why the switch to the Dyna with the hidden parts.

In any case, I love mine, and have 100K to go to catch you.

FXR2 · 07-25-2007, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uesque

I have heard that, but then the touring bikes use almost the same frame, so I don't know that I buy the cost excuse.

But the touring bikes had a much greater sales price and profit margin over which to spread the added labor cost of the frame. I'm not declaring the cost thing to be absolute fact, but it makes sense to me. A lot fewer parts go into the welded up Dyna frame. And all the prices of all those accessories added to a bagger can soak up more labor costs.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uesque

I have also heard that it looked too "Japanese" with its exposed frame, and that Willie G. didn't like the styling, so that was why the switch to the Dyna with the hidden parts.

Yep. This is the second most reason that I've always heard, too. Die-hard HD folks didn't like to see frame members and painted side covers. However, I've never heard that Willie G. himself didn't like it for those reasons. Could be true, I suppose, although I would imagine that businessman Willie G. would like anything that sells well and made money and dislike anything that doesn't sell well. It wouldn't be about style.

Me, I'm keeping mine forever. Unless HD brings the frame back and puts a 110 in it. And that's only a "maybe".

fringe · 07-25-2007, 04:24 PM

i had also heard of all these reasons , plus , i was told by a HD worker that
the motor had to be assembled in the frame, and the dyna the motor could be assembled and put right into the frame , which ment less production time
on each bike, which means mo-money for the Company ..... lol
what ever i guess, i'm just glad i have one (fxr 91) and i'm going to keep it
"big smile"

fringe

Y2K · 07-25-2007, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uesque

I have also heard that it looked too "Japanese" with its exposed frame, and that Willie G. didn't like the styling, so that was why the switch to the Dyna with the hidden parts.

That's the other side of the coin and then there's the fact that the Twin Cam engine doesn't fit in an FXR frame.
I hope to find another low mile FXR when I have some cash to look,hope I have some cash before they're all gone lol.

springer- · 07-25-2007, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Y2K

That's the other side of the coin and then there's the fact that the Twin Cam engine doesn't fit in an FXR frame.
I hope to find another low mile FXR when I have some cash to look,hope I have some cash before they're all gone lol.

Actually it does with minor modifications. If the Moco ever wanted to put one in an FXR frame it would be a simple as casting a new transmission case. I am currently rebuilding an 83 FXRT and I just purchased another FXR frame that I am going to build with a Twin Cam.

Uesque · 07-26-2007, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FXR2

Me, I'm keeping mine forever. Unless HD brings the frame back and puts a 110 in it. And that's only a "maybe".

That would be me also. In fact, when the Evo dies, I'll put my own 110 in it and keep on riding.

Y2K · 07-26-2007, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by springer-

Actually it does with minor modifications. If the Moco ever wanted to put one in an FXR frame it would be a simple as casting a new transmission case. I am currently rebuilding an 83 FXRT and I just purchased another FXR frame that I am going to build with a Twin Cam.

Please post some pics of that process,sounds like a very interesting project.
An FXR with a stomp'n TC engine would be sweet indeed.

Uesque · 07-26-2007, 09:04 AM

Twinkie FXR, but no details on the swap:

http://www.ridetowork.org/homebuilt-...ed-built-drive