This is from a Cycle World review in 1987

 

Yep. There's also the FXRS-Conv (Convertible - what i have) that came with some soft luggage, +2" air forks up front and dual disks.

 

And removeable windshield.

~Pete

 

Gentlemen,

I cannot find much about the FXR on the internet when it comes to the different versions, FXR, FXRS, FXRS-SP, FXRP, except some general info.

One big problem is the FXR series has been around longer than the world wide web has. Nowadays when a new bike is introduced the manufacturers and trade press put all the info on the web. In the old days they put it in magazines and books, not all of which are available electronically yet, if they ever will be.

Your best bet is to get your hands on a buyers guide that was published back in the day, or copies of old magazines and brochures covering the specific FXR variants you're interested in.

 

For all of the names the MoCo used for FXR's, there is not enough differance in the scooters to have a good discussion about.

Tall bikes or short bikes

Bagges or not

And the convertibles which was basically the factory grabbing the accessory money away from the dealer.

Performance wise, it was just the same evolutionary upgrades that the whole line got.

Left front brake, front forks and shocks were the only performance options that the MoCo offered from the factory. And IIRC that was only on the 84-86/7 scooters.

The non fairing scooters all looked more or less the same till the flat top Low Rider showed up. Then the CVO scooters put some serious bling on them.

 

My 1990 FXRS is a Low Rider, not a sport.

 

For me, when Harley slaps the "S" for "Sport" after a model indication, to me it means to changes:
1-shorter handlebars (in respect to "standard"buckhorn & standard "ape")
2-Dual disk-brake system at the front.

But -have they been consistent with this ever since the FXRS has been introduced in 1983/4?

What you described above would be an "-SP" for "Sport"

Here's some info: http://www.hdfxr.dk/public/fxr/fxrhistory.aspx

 

The first fxrs, I have one was 1982. It has a taller suspension, sissy bar and pad, different paint scheme, highway pegs, and the wrinkle black engine. All had dual disc that year. Over the years, Harley has changed the accessories for the fxrs. oops forgot the cast wheels painted black with polished highlights

 

After 30 years of personalization does it matter?

Its rare that a bike comes on the market that has not been molested.

To really know for sure you need to find old pictures of the actual models.

Beware, many pictures depict prototypes or pre-release versions.
Most of the magazine pics are pre-release versions (even in the HD ads) because of magazine lead times (6mos or more).
Pics from dealerships, clubs, or late reviews are more accurate.

Multiple pics of different bikes should be compared before deciding how a particular year model was equipped.

 

1992 was the last year that six FXR model versions were offered. '93 and '94 were the 'phase-out' years for this frame.
The writing was on the wall for the FXR when in '91 a new rubber mount was introduced. The Dyna-Glide.
The differences between the base FXR and the FXRS Lowrider were cosmetic. Seat, handlebars, chrome/black wrinkle motor, paint.
The FXRS-SP, and the FXRS Convertible had performance upgrades. Forks, brakes, air suspension, etc.

So many variations .....

 

It depends on the year. They seemed to have a hard time deciding just what you'd get with the FXRS upgrade. Black paint on the wheels and a lower tree trim decal being the things to look at a quick glance. There was such a small difference most years as to be hardly worth having two models.

 

I always thought the FXRS added cast wheels too.

joe

 

I usually see allegedly unmolested FXR's with bare spoke wheels, and FXRS's with black spoke wheels.

I've never see (in person) an Evo FXRx with wire wheels on both ends. The front wire wheel with a disk rear wheel is not uncommon. Don't know if that is representative of how the rolled out of the dealer, or if it perhaps reflects which wheels held up over the years.

 

I got my '88 FXR new and it was single disc so I bought the leg/caliper/master cylinder kit offered at the time. (I used the stock master and braided lines for better hydraulic advantage.) It had (plain) cast wheels stock. I ditched the hinged seat for a Super Glide single pan which put my posterior slightly further rearwards.

Best to choose what style you prefer then if getting a minty one matters look up that specific info for the model and year.

I was glad to get it for $8400 since it was sitting along with another "ugly" Rubber Glide next to it, an FXRT I should have bought instead. Nowadays we tend to forget Rubber Glides didn't exactly fly off the showroom floor and the sexy Softails were a much hotter product.

 

Mine was over a year old when I got it off the showroom floor...no, they were Not popular...But if you Put a seat on yer '88..I can't imagine it fit very well!!..First thing I tried was a Superglide [4-speed] seat...No Go.

 

Did you notice in the magazine article they ragged on mids??

 

Yeah what I understand that they prefer it more to the back.:
"Another annoyance was the footpeg placement which no one was really fond of, especially the leftside peg, which has to make concessions to the bulging clutch cover."

 

Isn't that what the FXRP floorboards are for? I love 'em!

 

I have a 1988 and a 1991 fxrs. They both have speedometer and tack on the tank.

 

fxrs-sp

I have a 1993 sport air forks , small bars from factory and tack and speedo mounted on top of triple trees and rear blinkers mounted thru the rear fender........ unlike the conv that are mounted around the tail light area...... and its available if anyone needs it.

 

Here's one for all of you FXR aficionado's ........
In the sales brochure for the '91 H-D lineup, all FXR models are spec'd with a 4.2 gallon fuel tank ...... except the FXRS Lowrider at 4.5 gallons.

The FXRS Lowrider tank with tach/speedo mount is wider .....

The 'Police' model, with its different equipment, etc. ........ does anyone know if this bike came from the factory with the SE cam ?

 

The 'Police' model, with its different equipment, etc. ........ does anyone know if this bike came from the factory with the SE cam ?

It did not. They are mechanically identical to the other models.

 

The Vin will identify everything that came on any harley, back into the 1980's, pretty cool isn't it?