Hi,I posted on the Dyna section "FXR Just Curious" & now after a couple of replies saying the FXR was/is a better riding bike than the Dyna, i'd like to ask your opinions on why is the FXR a better riding/handling bike.I've also read that the FXR dosen't suffer from the same engine vibration as the Dyna's because of a different isolation system.I'd really appreciate your comments.
Thanks,Brit.
The frames are different, find some pictures here to look at at the top of the page. There have a backbone that was first designed for a no down tube frame were the motor would have been part of the frame.Different motor. When the evo was slated for use with this frame they added down tubes and with all the gusets and with the heavy backbone it just makes for very strong and flex free ride that is also light for a big twin.It is shared with the e=glides up till this year with miner changes through the years.The fxr and the flht series did have some differences but the engineering was there in the box part of the frame. Even by todays standard. The rubber mount is like hd used in the baggers of the day and is different from the dyna's . The dyna's and all rubber mounts do shake at idle but should calm down as you bring the rpm's up from idle. There are many small ajustments can can change what you feel but most large v-twins vibrate , it does not matter what make , yamaha ,kawa and suki all have some (harmonics) vibration that will be felt. If what you think is shack is to much for you there are some things to check and some people fell more and are botherd more than others. I have had all of these models of different motor designs and not had any that botherd me but have had non- harley riders ask about the motor shack at idle , and that will disappearr for most at the crack of the throttle.
The FXR's are lighter than Dynas by anywhere from 40-80 lbs. depending on the model. The most basic FXR's weighed 560lbs dry.
The front forks have a bit more rake too and a good one is rock steady in the high speed sweepers. If you look closely at the frame you'll see it bears a remarkable resemblence to the old Norton Commando frame. That might not be a coincidence.
As hardluk1 said, the frame is the key. It's much more rigid and strong. It was designed or co-designed (depending on who you ask) by Eric Buell.
The frame was also the cause of its own downfall. "It doesn't look like a Harley" and "It looks too Japanese" were the mantras of those who couldn't appreciate its superiority. That, and the fact that it was more expensive to produce, brought the Dyna into being as a replacement.
The first HD I rode was a friend's brand spankin' 82 FXR. Now, I ride a 93 FXRT.
i'd like to ask your opinions on why is the FXR a better riding/handling bike.I've also read that the FXR dosen't suffer from the same engine vibration as the Dyna's because of a different isolation system.I'd really appreciate your comments.
Tnbrit:
I would be really surprised if some of the answers you are looking for in attempting to learn about an FXR "styled" bike wouldn't be answered by reviewing this thread.....there is a lot of information listed and if you take your time you probably would find it helpful, simply click, view & read:
Thanks,for the replies,the more I read about these bikes,the more i like
Quote,Unca Mike.
If you look closely at the frame you'll see it bears a remarkable resemblence to the old Norton Commando frame. That might not be a coincidence.
Pretty big coincidence,my friend(as in riding!!)has just sent a Commando 850 frame for powdercoat,I see exactly what you mean.
Classisrider,thanks for the links as you said lots of info.
Brit.
Yeah Tnbrit, FXR's are very cool. They have been in the past the number one favorite bike of the Hells Angels out here in California I think mainly because they are so fun to ride although lately I've been seeing more HA's on baggers and FXDX's. The stock EVO engines are dogs but they respond readily to the usual mods. 90 hp at the rear wheel out of 80c.i. is not at all out of the question. My 2000 FXR4 is such a bike and it is big time fun to ride! Kinda like a Commando on steroids. Bigger and faster.
The stock suspension units are not so great either but they too can be modified easily. Like all the rubbermount Harleys they will shake the fillings right out of your teeth at idle but smooth right out over about 2800 rpm. They are the serious riders' Harley. They'll never keep up with a capable rider on a crotch rocket in the twisties but they will definitely come out on top in cool department.
Last edited by Unca Mike : 09-30-2008 at 01:31 PM.
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