Photo: Harley-Davidson
Many of the motorcycle models Harley-Davidson has made over the years, some of them already decades old, still capture the headlines today thanks to talented custom garages that give them a second, more flamboyant life. Try as you might, you won't find that many modified FXRs around.
FXR is a moniker born in the Super Glide lineup all the way back in 1982. Packing the same frame as the FLT Tour Glide, only with slightly larger tubes, it too received a series of variations that went on to hit the streets all the way until 1995.
People liked the bike at the time, with some even saying that this model is the one all bikes dream of becoming when they grow up. The custom industry, on the other hand, all but ignores the breed, so coming across one in modified form is reason enough for celebration.
We did exactly that, stumble upon a modified FXR that not only looks different from the stock version, but also packs some hardcore mechanical bits one doesn't come across on the production version.
To thank for the bike is a German crew we know as Kodlin. So different is the ride from its former self that the people who worked on it dare call it a full custom FXR, although that's for any one of us to judge.
The bike was originally a 1987 model year FXR, and it still has the bike's original frame. It however got painted in a dirty white color that suits it perfectly. Touches of blue on the fuel tank, braking hardware, fenders, and chain complete the look.
Back in the day the Harley-Davidson FXR held in its embrace a two-cylinder V-twin engine made by Harley, which displaced 82ci. That's gone from the bike made by Kodlin, having been replaced by a much, much larger powerplant made by S&S: 124ci.
The unit works by means of a Baker transmission, and it's kept in check by Beringer braking hardware. It spins wheels made in the shop of Roland Sand Design, whose dimensions have not been disclosed.
The wheels are supported in place and seamlessly move up and down courtesy of Ohlins shock absorbers.
Kodlin most likely performed a host of other modifications to the FXR, but doesn't go on to detail them all. The shop also keeps a tight lip when it comes to how much it cost to put the bike together like this.
Just to give you an idea of what to expect if you want to have something like this made today, just consider the fact the base bike alone sells on the used bike market for about $10k on average. Add to that the $9,000 you'll blow on the S&S engine, and a pretty decent picture about cost starts to form.
People liked the bike at the time, with some even saying that this model is the one all bikes dream of becoming when they grow up. The custom industry, on the other hand, all but ignores the breed, so coming across one in modified form is reason enough for celebration.
We did exactly that, stumble upon a modified FXR that not only looks different from the stock version, but also packs some hardcore mechanical bits one doesn't come across on the production version.
To thank for the bike is a German crew we know as Kodlin. So different is the ride from its former self that the people who worked on it dare call it a full custom FXR, although that's for any one of us to judge.
The bike was originally a 1987 model year FXR, and it still has the bike's original frame. It however got painted in a dirty white color that suits it perfectly. Touches of blue on the fuel tank, braking hardware, fenders, and chain complete the look.
Back in the day the Harley-Davidson FXR held in its embrace a two-cylinder V-twin engine made by Harley, which displaced 82ci. That's gone from the bike made by Kodlin, having been replaced by a much, much larger powerplant made by S&S: 124ci.
The unit works by means of a Baker transmission, and it's kept in check by Beringer braking hardware. It spins wheels made in the shop of Roland Sand Design, whose dimensions have not been disclosed.
The wheels are supported in place and seamlessly move up and down courtesy of Ohlins shock absorbers.
Kodlin most likely performed a host of other modifications to the FXR, but doesn't go on to detail them all. The shop also keeps a tight lip when it comes to how much it cost to put the bike together like this.
Just to give you an idea of what to expect if you want to have something like this made today, just consider the fact the base bike alone sells on the used bike market for about $10k on average. Add to that the $9,000 you'll blow on the S&S engine, and a pretty decent picture about cost starts to form.
Google News