1985 Harley-Davidson FXRC Hightlight and Test Ride

[@Kris_Stiletto]

I used to own a 1985 FXRLC (Low Rider Custom) and a 1990 FXR Superglide. Both of them were super stable and confidence inspiring at speeds over 100 mph. I never experienced high speed wobbles, ever. The FXR was the best handling HD I ever owned. I've owned 2 new FXRs, 1 used, low mileage Dyna, 1 new Sportster and 2 used low mileage Sportsters. I've been riding HDs since 1982. Peace, Stiletto :-)

[@mopar21]

22 years old and cooler than anything made today! :)

[@davidjoel111]

Beautiful bike! Like the practicality of it, gauges are in an ideal spot and increased ride height! This guy nailed it with this bike!

[@jag2039]

Great videos plus learning about these bikes.Thanks

[@edwardweiszbeck1649]

Good idea to do these highlights on other people's Harleys. I'll watch every one if you keep making these vids

[@kevinstrang11]

I have a 85 FXWG, bought it new and still own it today

[@bluebeard6189]

Part of the reason why the fxrs we're known to have a wobble at highway speeds was the tight rake angle. That frame is the closest hardly ever came to a track model big twin. What you gave up in Long cruising, you more than gained cornering ability.

[@fedricoekkelenkamp5384]

Nice bike. My first harley was a FXR super glide(1987) in blue. Was a good riding bike.

[@FXDLSBrooklyn]

Such a sick bike...thanks for the video!

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thanks. Yea, it's nice

[@osoriocorey]

Tastefully done. Very rare. Very very rare

[@nickrichardson7451]

Beautiful sound!

[@onlyhereonce7290]

What a different style of video. You've outdone yourself again Matt. As I've probably already told you I own a 1997 Flatf FatBoy. So I immediately noticed the Evo engine. Good job man ! Keep them coming.

[@MattLaidlaw]

Richard Enstad thanks Richard!

[@intothevoid5027]

If you are using a steering damper to mitigate high speed shimmy or fork wobble then that means that something else needs attention. the fxr frame should track strait if bike is set up correctly. still is a good looker.

[@fililoboesparza5784]

Very beautiful Harley!! Hope you enjoy it for many more years. Ride safe. Great video Matt👍🏻

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thanks you too. Nice SLim

[@mattgoodrich2296]

I really like this bike, an awesome color too.

[@zacarmstrong171]

Dono how I missed this video until now but wow! Me being a dyna guy I loved this. Awesome job Matt

[@gorillahd9247]

That thing is gorgeous! Scott

[@0616ko]

Very nice Harley. Enjoyed your video, thanks.

[@Tmobile-jc1uf]

Thank you

[@simmon81au]

This series of videos was a good idea. I enjoyed this one as much as the new bike reviews. Can you try find some performance Harleys and talk about some of the different paths you can take to get to get the power up? That would be really interesting too.

[@MattLaidlaw]

Will do. Thanks for watching

[@anthonyc362]

FXR with a thunder header and tall bars is what made me love Harley when I was a kid. I used to go to tower books and look through all of the magazines every month but I have always hated forward controls and the goofy riding position of most Harley's. I saw club guys around San Francisco doing wheelies and burn outs on bikes that had the Harley sound but looked like a dirt bike riding position. I now have a 91 FXRT and I love it, it's like a time machine. The only Harley since that has ever done anything for me is the possibility of the new adventure bike being light and quick enough to compete with KTM and BMW, if it is I am buying one.

[@martinsowkowski8957]

the best bike on here, stunning love it

[@onlyhereonce7290]

Matt, I also noticed that the " Laidlaws " sticker was placed on the gas gauge. At counter 2:30 the reason I mention this obvious plug ( good job ) is that I also noticed " Rosemead " CA ?

[@MattLaidlaw]

Richard Enstad the dealership was in Rosemead for over 35 years. We moved to Baldwin park in 2002.

[@cjsmith]

Nice FXR - Good idea to start reviewing custom bikes 🤙🇺🇸

[@mikecanada2453]

Evolution Engine is a timeless masterpiece!!

[@onlyhereonce7290]

Thanks for the quick response. I didn't know that the dealership was once just down the road. I can't wait to see your next video !

[@MattLaidlaw]

yup, we have been around for almost 60 years

[@michaelcarley7016]

Does your shop work on FXRs ?

[@MattLaidlaw]

Michael Carley generally No because of the age of the bike. We do make some exceptions depending on what's needed. Contact our service Dept. if you want to go over your specific service needs.

[@michaelcarley7016]

Can you recommend a good shop, I have my original FXLR and have the typical oil pump sumping and making a mess everytime I start it after sitting a few weeks , Most HD Shops won't touch it. Thanks

[@vitogenovese9396]

ya gotta ride it more bro.that will sort out ya oil sumping problem.

[@taiwanreef]

hat kind of steering damper is that one?

[@evil_musclemuscled3814]

Sweet bike , that's my first time seeing a dash like that and the fuel cap is different ,nice fuel gauge.

[@davidmiddleton9191]

Best frame hd ever made!!

[@hamitcampos4989]

Epic dude. So what engine was in these bikes? Ah so also this explanes why the Dina bikes sound kinda manlie. You said that they replaced the FXR. Verry interesting and cool.

[@mikecanada2453]

Beautiful!!!

[@garystratton4125]

Very Nice bike. Yes FXR was the best Harley ever made for handling. Like the Shovel too ..Favorite is the 1982.

[@hollowaysteve]

That’s a beauty. Great colour. Can’t see the owner ever selling that, what with it being in the family since new.

[@nickeldime3119]

I have the same bike and it’s a beast👍

[@blackOut-jh8cd]

Very Nice bike 👍🏻 Great video

[@Tmobile-jc1uf]

Thank you

[@Grimetoshine]

Nick was much shorter in the older videos LOL. The camera angle at the end was hilarious. Awesome bike though.

[@mike13158]

I have the same bike 1985 FXRC and I love it!! The only thing I have really changed is I put an over drive six speed in it

[@goaheadmakeourdayscooterpe9644]

I had 2 of these ,one new off showroom floor in 86 and it cost 8600 had to sell when I lost my job, 2 years later found a untouched one with only 800 miles and paid 11k for it. Pretty rare with only 1075 made I only ever saw 5 and 2 were mine,it was Willy Gs custom had a sportster front fender and first ever brown leather with everything chromed and painted side covers.Wish I still had.

[@stevemack389sm]

it's gorgeous and badass!!!!!

[@mike13158]

anyone know the paint codes for the two candyapple oranges on the 1985 FXRC?

[@xBobby]

lol damn, made me miss my fxr2 even tho mine was a 99 it would do the same gear drop as well.

[@bullitt79]

My 89 does it too. Sometimes it's my fault...tall and riding with mid mount pegs (which I love), sometimes my toe doesn't let the shifter return to center for next shift. I have to be careful 3rd and 4th gears.

[@robertavellino2045]

Hey Matt, great video. It's hard to find Harley dealers that work on evo engines and Shovelheads!!! Why????

[@MattLaidlaw]

Because the parts are hard to come by now man. It's unfortunate.

[@vitogenovese9396]

shit! thats a nice fxr its a real beauty. i own a 1988 fxlr that ive had since 89 spent way to much money on it...but you know what the fuck it puts a smile on my dial and thats what matters at the end of the day,cheers.

[@MattLaidlaw]

Us men buy toys to make us happy. How do you put a price on happiness.

[@XCRiders]

Just Awesome

[@e34m51]

86 FXRS with 6 speed , ceriani 43 mm forks , Jesse James Maltese cross wheels Mikuni carb , pm dual disc front , Olins shocks . Thunder Header , Tangerine paint / gold undercoat red ,topcoat . Its Fast ...

[@vernegibb7749]

Like to see hp an tq numbers on this bike.

[@thakery5720]

Fork braces and steering dampers are just sticking plasters on an open wound as is the tiebar/stabiliser by the front engine mount..... the rubber mounts used on the bike - like on the Dynas and Sportsters - are too soft. Use Urethane ones from Drag Spec and other aftermarket sources or better still front mounts from Big Bear Performance (with Urethane mounts NOT O.E.M. rubber ones ) as they stop the front of the motor moving sideways and screwing up the stability. Sportsters have three tie links - two at the front.... does that not tell you anything ? - the front of the motor needs to be stopped from moving sideways at the top AND bottom of the motor or the rear wheel will not stay inline with the front. On Dynas, the amount the O.E.M. front and rear mounts let the motor/trans unit move vertically causes the top of the motor to move sideways due to the toplink/headsteady being situated between the cylinders and not at the front of the engine..... this in effect lets the rear wheel 'twist' in relation to the front wheel. THAT is the reason that H-D discontinued the FXR and Dyna.... the same problem exists on Norton Commandos from the sixties and seventies. The ONLY way to control vibration is with balancer shafts !

[@mattmusiclista4633]

I have one for sale. Need some motor work. What do you think it's worth . it runs it just smokes

[@MattLaidlaw]

If it needs work probably 3k or so.

[@taiwanreef]

Candy tangerine

[@taiwanreef]

Candy Tangerine

[@stevemack389sm]

I want ONE LoL Nah I'll go for the night rod muscle!!!!

[@mike-gc4gz]

bad choice . why do you think H.D. is not making v-rods in 2018 .

[@alexdiersen]

probably because it is not a true Harley-Davidson

[@akaredcrossbow]

Great choice on the V-ROD! Porsche worked with Harley on the FXR and the V-ROD. The 2 best and most reliable HD motorcycles ever created! Harley discontinued the V-ROD because reliability was outstanding. HD wasn’t making their money back on repairs and accessories! The V-ROD was priced perfectly, all you needed to do was buy a set of pipes and a tuner and you were good to go! Another reason it was discontinued is the emissions in Europe are getting to strict and the V-ROD wasn’t going to pass the emissions testing anymore. Hate it or love it, the V-ROD is a great American motorcycle that saved HD just like the FXR did back in the day. The V-ROD needs to return!

[@taiwanreef]

Candy tangerine

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thank you