DYNA OR FXR?!

[@jmmenell]

Nothing feels like an FXR. It’s not just the handling, it’s the way the frame sends the engine feedback to the rider. It’s the most involving satisfying motorcycle I’ve ever ridden in 40 years on two wheels. Neither of these bikes are fast, but they are fast enough. A carbed Evo FXR is the only one for me. Just went from ATL to CT on mine in two days. Around 1300 miles with back roads, but also a few hours on the 81 hitting 90mph regularly. It can be set up for comfort, performance and reliability.

[@FXDLSBrooklyn]

I’m with you man 💯 - That ride sounds awesome too, they type of mileage on backroads is whats up

[@blues3824]

Great video! Just watched it for the fourth time. I bought my '86 FXR in 1991 for $8k. Since then I watch my buddys trade in their Softails for Electrial Glides, then go with Street Glides or Road Glides-a new bike every 3 or 4 years. I kept my FXR and upgraded to a pro clutch, Jim's transmission, adjustable Dyna front end, Legend shocks and performance S&S engine. Now it's the perfect motorcycle.

[@FXDLSBrooklyn]

Man would love to see pictures of this bike if you can send to my email or instagram

[@Paul20661]

"A Harley with no noise is like a woman with no Boobs"

[@freyatilly]

🤭

[@Junior-fd8ux]

My FXR just puts a smile on my face every-time I rid it. It’s got some light engine work pistons, cam.. gives me what I need. I am on the hunt for an FXDX because of that 70 in 5th gear feeling you mentioned.

[@FXDLSBrooklyn]

Absolutely man, there's just nothing like an FXR - As for the DX, same thing, a special bike in it's own lane

[@canadianloon6433]

No contest. FXR all the way for handling and the sound of the EVO is the best of the best

[@bradleyyounger8499]

I would disagree on reliability. Depending on the year of twin cam I think the evo is more reliable. As long as the evo has been maintained

[@FXDLSBrooklyn]

That's true, I have a few friends who have had no problems

[@JIMBOBALOU]

I ride a 98 1200s. It's the fxdx of the Sportsters. It has adjustable front and rear suspension, dual disc front brakes, dual spark plug heads, 10:1 compression pistons, single fire ignition, and a performance cam. All from the factory. It's one of the fastest Sportsters HD made. Easily the fastest ridgid mount Sportster from the factory.

[@FXDLSBrooklyn]

Right on man - Yeah I had a buddy with that had the same year, great bike for sure!

[@JIMBOBALOU]

@@FXDLSBrooklyn I love it, I never plan on selling it. I hope they start to gain in popularity like the FXR and FXDX cuz it really is a great bike. Especially for beginners in the stunt game

[@kashanimous1711]

I laughed out loud at the super nonchalant abrupt explosion after the "back in the building".

[@FXDLSBrooklyn]

💥

[@yankeesuperstar]

I can’t afford either. FXRs have been the bike to have since before the dyna was discontinued. I loved how my 98 sporty felt.

[@FXDLSBrooklyn]

Yeah man - What are you riding these days?

[@clubstyleridahd4695]

I built a 105hp hammer performance 1275 sportster, full suspension, T-bars, saddlemen seat, road warrior fairing. Basically everything you can do is done. It out runs and out handles built dynas, stage 2 m8's. I'd like to see you review and ride a fully built sportster!

[@jackwhite108]

all you can really do is the 6 speed kit

[@ΑναστάσιοςΠαπαζαχαρίου]

How much does all that cost roughly?

[@Calvinmob681]

I've had both bikes, and I'm in a large 1%er club, reason I mentioned this is I've ridden across the country and even Mexico. My conclusion is the FXDX/XT is by far and still is my favorite motorcycle. FXDXT bags, 14 inch piggy backs, fairing, risers, and freeway pegs and I can go anywhere. I even prefer it over my Lowrider S, reason is it feels lighter, I can hop curves and center dividers, I hit the bar and hop the bike on the sidewalk and park it on the side of the wall, and most of all reliability.

[@FXDLSBrooklyn]

Absolutely - That's the comparison I usually make with my FXDLS, it's just so much lighter - Where in Mexico did you go, you did Baja?

[@Calvinmob681]

@@FXDLSBrooklyn yes sir. Suspension made such a huge difference, can't imagine people with hard tails.

[@dylancoric1194]

So your saying you prefer the Dyna over the new lowrider S Harley makes?

[@thomasmiller1364]

Cool comparison! I am going to be soon buying my first Harley Davidson FXDL, it’s a 2003, in pretty nice shape, 41,XXX miles on it, will be taking a look at the cam chain tensioners first thing before I go for any serious rides on it.

[@FXDLSBrooklyn]

That's awesome man - Congrats! 🏁 ⚡️

[@grantkokich6906]

Nice comparison. I've got the 2005 fxdc version of your Dyna. Done 50,000 miles and no major problems. Cam chain tensioners minimal wear, and mechanic thinks they are the original ones.

[@KingofKarnies]

I have a 2012 FXDF, upgrade from a 1979 883, and I love the difference in ride.

[@FXDLSBrooklyn]

Wow a 79? What happened to it

[@KingofKarnies]

@@FXDLSBrooklyn my parents traded it in for work on their 1965 Panhead while I was in the Army.

[@jonz5978]

Owned both. I agree. Did a lot of upgrades to my fxr to get it on par with newer drivetrain as with my 2001 dyna. Believe it or not my favorite drivetrain is my current build 2011 fat bob( lots of work done to make it the best it can be). It cruises highway and fun in town. They are plentiful, cheap and reliable. As always great Channel.

[@darylwalton8622]

Have a 91 FXR bought it bran new I will never get rid of it never heard of a FDX Trying to send s picture not working

[@FXDLSBrooklyn]

Send the picture to [e-mail]

[@RedEmpire36]

Only thing I would add about the early twin cams is that a cam chain follower being made of plastic, are definitely a ticking time bomb. They could randomly grenade stop up oil flow and ruin an engine really at any moment. You can get that fixed for around $500 if you do the work yourself ideally when installing cams.

[@boyhv]

Can you tell me what kind of caliper conversions you did om both? I’m planning a upgrade on my `99 FXDX. What kind off adapters did you use? Greetings from Amsterdam, the Netherlands

[@crooksidewood]

What about Dynas 99-05 vs 06-17 vs 18-24? I can not make my mind up. I already have an 01 Road King which i love! I don't know if I want to go FXR, Dyna, 18 and later Low rider s, or 16-20 Road Glide?

[@bsmart516]

FXR all day. No matter what bike you're going to have to pay the "harley tax" (upgrades). Might as well go with the better handling. Evo motor does need high compression and Cam or drop a v111 in there, but it beats having the dyna death wobble after 100mph+. Scary riding behind my dyna buddies and watching them wobble, while I ride on rails.

[@kvnc4101]

With what paint is this engine painted and was it painted out of the frame ?

[@FXDLSBrooklyn]

Which bike?

[@Indobiker61]

I got both ...prefer the FXR 😊

[@FXDLSBrooklyn]

I think it depends on what kind of riding I'm doing

[@richardpitts6284]

I like the "6" Speed Dyna , bigger swingarm bolt , bigger axels , 17" rear wheel .

[@FXDLSBrooklyn]

Yeah I've put a lot of miles on those, definitely look similar for feel worlds apart

[@travishuber8103]

Gotta be careful with a low mile FXR. The bike has probably been sitting a LONG time. I have a 1990 FXR that i bought with about 6k miles on it, within a year of having it I had many issues that came from it just sitting unmaintained for so long. Here is a non-comprehensive list but most things. 1 of my head gaskets blew from being dried out (both replaced), both base gaskets blew again dried out, one push rod gasket blew again dried out. Those all happened at once, but it had been riding good before that for about 500 miles or better. Once those were all fixed by a family friend who owned a v-twin shop for 40+ years (cost $800 but that was family and friends pricing) I also had the pick-up and timer go out, this took me hours of diagnosing to figure out and I would not have figured it out without that family friend. Once that was fixed I ran into a hydro-locking issue with my fuel. For those that do not know that is when the tank becomes pressurized and does not allow fuel out because it cannot get air in. This was due to the valve in the gas tank cap. After a little googling I found that this is a simply fix of just drilling a small hole in the little ball inside the cap that was seized. I was also plagued with carb problems that started with the fact that it had not been re-jetted when the previous owner straight piped it, followed by the fact it had sat so long that crap got into the gas tank and would gum up the carb. The fix to this was simply putting an in-line filter into the fuel line between the tank and the carb. Lastly, the bike needs a paint job since the clear is peeling from sitting for so long and poor quality paint back in 1990. Like I said not a comprehensive list but just a few things to think about.

[@FXDLSBrooklyn]

Absolutely and all good points man! As for my FXR, it's more of a "miles unknown" situation 😝

[@travishuber8103]

@@FXDLSBrooklyn With as much time and money as I have put into my FXR I could've just bought a nice (slightly older) Road Glide lol. Honestly wouldn't trade this bike for the world.

[@jakef518]

Fellow fxr owner/nerd here and I will say only get the fxr if you’re an fxr guy or you want to get good at spinning wrenches. To make the dyna great it only really needs the Sputhe kit and it’s fine. Love my fxr and it eats dynas in corners but let’s be real- they’re called fixxers for a reason. So path of least resistance is def the dyna especially with a Sputhe kit. FXRs are a rite of passage for Harley guys/dyna bros but I’d only reccomend holding onto it if you’re a fxr guy or it’s not your main bike.

[@FXDLSBrooklyn]

100% agree - It works for me because it's not my main bike, so when things go wayward, I can be patient - Thanks for that one!

[@dylancoric1194]

This is a Dyna superglide? I thought it was a Dyna lowrider S

[@FXDLSBrooklyn]

That's my other bike

[@dpinedoblog]

This is a really helpful video. Sounds like the Dyna can be the reliable bike (first and main) and the FXR can be the fun project bike (secondary and for fun)

[@FXDLSBrooklyn]

That's the way I see it, however, an FXR can definitely also be a main as well, just be prepared to maintain it more than a modern bike

[@codybell87]

Did a new Softail Low Rider, then a Road Glide Special, now I'm stepping back to an 03 Anniversary FXD-"X-T". Ready to see what it's about.

[@FXDLSBrooklyn]

Let us know what you think!

[@codybell87]

@@FXDLSBrooklyn getting delivered in about an hour!

[@onementality9781]

My mechanic has 3 FXR’s with twin cams, different swing arms and trans. He said it takes 3 motorcycles to make each one and 2 of them are built and very fast

[@shano81]

that Indian Larry bike is heirloom quality. You are blessed my friend,

[@jerryakbar6147]

What kind of seat on the FXR. Thanks in advance

[@FXDLSBrooklyn]

Saddlemen Step Up!

[@jerryakbar6147]

@@FXDLSBrooklyn copy that, thanks.im 60 and have had my 93 FXLR for many moons. It interesting how many lads want to buy my bike, same thing happened when I was riding my 76 FLH. One last thing, the lads that want my bike also buy relic ( pre- scratched up) Les pauls and strats. Cringe…. Enjoyed the video

[@riffraffchoppers]

The tank isn’t bigger in the fxdx. The evo is a 100% a better motor than a twin cam. Easy to work on and will last longer most times and no cam chain tensioners to deal with.

[@FXDLSBrooklyn]

I like them both for different reasons - I would hands down say all of my twin cams have been way more reliable than the evo, and not just mine, I'm referring to multiple friends situations too

[@riffraffchoppers]

@@FXDLSBrooklyn ​​⁠maybe they’re buying shitty Evos to begin with. Like you said you had to do a bunch to the fxr to get it right when you first got it. To me that says who had it before you didn’t take care of it so they prob didn’t take care of the motor too. I use Evos in all my builds and never really had any problems except when I’m beating on em to hard all the time. Twin cams are definitely reliable tho evo is just a better motor

[@blues3824]

@@FXDLSBrooklyn True... if I added up all my work orders I might go into shock. However, I've ridden it for 33 years, lost a fiancé over it, and written about it in magazines. No regrets.

[@Brother-Huff]

Either way the 2 best bikes Harley-Davidson ever made.

[@larrikinlancer685]

Along with the FXLRS. Something about these high powered, mid sized bikes that hits the spot for me

[@Brother-Huff]

@@larrikinlancer685 90 FXLRS is what I ride. I love it.

[@FXLRS]

@@Brother-Huff isn’t that an FXR?

[@dylancoric1194]

The new lowrider S is sweet

[@joshuagallagher2131]

I have had a 84 fxr for a year as my daily ride living in Orlando and i don’t wrench on it at all other than upgrades

[@ispeedon287]

What headlights are those?

[@FXDLSBrooklyn]

Moons MC

[@adamhill2788]

What's the FXR like when riding 2 up? Great topic thou🤘🛵

[@jimgomez5396]

Mine was fine,

[@modekko]

Great comparison video from someone with heavy miles on both. That’s definitely a good situation to be in for sure. Thanks for breaking things down. I kinda want an early dyna now, to roundout the collection, but garage space is already at a premium 😂

[@mark2graves-MC]

My 99 twin cam FLHR has needed TONS of work. I've spent 6 months and thousands of dollars getting it on the road. It's hard to believe the simplicity of the EVO is more expensive to work on.

[@marshallartsncards4890]

I got a 07 super glide fxd got a stage 1 going club style slowly but surely..coo video thanks man

[@yamaha450man]

If you want something simple to mod, easy to set up and easy to ride get a dyna. I have an fxr, fxdx and an fxbb. They’re all great, for different reasons.

[@drainmonkeys385]

Dyna or FXR. how about Dyna and FXR

[@FXDLSBrooklyn]

That's how I did it

[@barrybarnes96]

Can't imagine "crushing highway miles" at 70-75mph with a 5 speed is rewarding.

[@SethEques]

Got both of them but it doesn't matter how much I upgrade my DX my FXR runs alot better through turns. That frame is amazing but that's probably the only thing that's good stock. The engine is under powered, brakes are poor at it's best and the suspension suck. When all that's upgraded it's solid. The DX have a bit more grunt, better brakes and better suspension out the box but most of us will upgrade them anyway.

[@Nobody-xh5qe]

Good review 👍

[@FXDLSBrooklyn]

Thanks!

[@tea4two602]

FXR was an awesome bike for its time, so why is it not still in production.

[@FXDLSBrooklyn]

Had something to do with it being expensive to continue manufacturing it at the time

[@TeensierPython]

Nostalgia is a hell of a drug. And as you said. It was good for its time. That time has passed.

[@blues3824]

A big reason was that, in the 80s and 90s all the Japanese motorcycles had triangulated frames. FXRs didn't look American enough.

[@seanmakesthings]

Thinking of trading my truck for an '02 FXDL. I currently ride a '96 Sportster 1200, not sure if you've spent lots of time on them, but i'd love to hear what you have to say on them and the differences between the FXDL and the Sportster 1200. Obviously they're very different, but what do you think are the biggest differences? Thanks!

[@FXDLSBrooklyn]

Biggest difference? Your coolness factor will increase 10 fold with an FXR 😜 In all seriousness, with a 1200 unless you do motor work the power will feel probably somewhat the same, however, with an FXR you can definitely reasonably do longer mile days with no problem and still throw the bike around like a Sportster

[@seanmakesthings]

@@FXDLSBrooklyn Love that response, but I was talking about the FXDL, not the FXR

[@FXDLSBrooklyn]

@@seanmakesthings my response remains the same - either way you go, you’ll be happy

[@seanmakesthings]

@@FXDLSBrooklyn Hell yeah 🤘🏼Thanks for the response

[@btldonkey82]

If I'm going to put down a lot of miles on commute I would say the DX but if I'm a weekend warrior and I just want to ride and enjoy my bike not really care about mileage or reliability I'm probably going to go with the FXR

[@FXDLSBrooklyn]

You know, years ago I used to say this, but honestly present day, my FXR has become a reliable year long commuter for me, even in the dead of winter

[@92dieselunit]

ill stick to with my FXR with a 113 evo, DX front end, 2 into 1, bars , risers and some good rear shocks. I agree the 80 evo is underpowered even with a few mods.

[@darylwalton8622]

When is the next FXR event

[@FXDLSBrooklyn]

The one I go to is the East Coast Jam which is in June

[@darylwalton8622]

4:

[@roymoderatto]

One of each... or more!

[@br529]

The Evo motor is by far a much better motor than a Twinkie. They run hot as a heat pump. My fxr will cruise dead smooth riding 2 at 80 mph. I owned a dyna fxr is by far the best of the 2

[@FXDLSBrooklyn]

I love my evo for sure!

[@velvetkilla9911]

Man you know I'm FXR ALL DAY!

[@FXDLSBrooklyn]

I miss you man! Let me know when you get a day to ride!

[@markwhitney9175]

You know bro back in the day the FXR was the bike of choice for a certain 1% club that ran hard miles from coast to coast. Nimble and with some hp upgrades what else do you need. Plus big twins are 100k motors and EVO’s go much farther and easy to work on.

[@larrikinlancer685]

Which Club?

[@davidortiz173]

The blue one is the FXR! Both of those bikes are bitchin!

[@mauser8515]

Never seen anyone riding one fast in the twisties. I have , but I’ve never seen anyone else doing it. I had a 2009 Dyna.

[@FXDLSBrooklyn]

Oh I do it plenty

[@exzackt]

I think it really comes down to if you plan to spend money on it, get the fxr.

[@Brian-zg9ff]

The twin cam more reliable than the evo comment is going to make some heads explode

[@FXDLSBrooklyn]

That's just my opinion from my experience with both drivetrains

[@project.jericho]

I picked an FXDWG... They just look cooler.

[@FXDLSBrooklyn]

Definitely different aesthetically - In terms of what looks cooler, all personal preference - Congrats!

[@LonerBoi88883]

M8 Softail! Nah anything with two wheels is ok in my book

[@Paul20661]

Nice

[@dormantmenace]

Love the panel job.. just can't with the painted windscreen.. I don't care about visibility. It's just a nope for me. ... and you forgot time! If you have the time! For wrenching lol

[@MrTheDays1]

Same

[@bretcappola6904]

I love the painted windscreen,nice touch

[@MrRourk]

FXR all day Unless you are just going to do stunts. Then the Dyna.

[@pinkisfxlr6840]

Change the back sprocket/belt pulley,it will run down the freeway 100mph all day long no problem..(just a lil gearing change)so I was told by Fxr legend Joekid

[@cavscout62]

DEFINE “Better”.

[@dynaordie8083]

Both bikes are full winners... DX motor =more power. fxr = better handling. Those ore brass taxes

[@lancestone4409]

Just get a softail...

[@MrTheDays1]

What everyone told me , but now I want a FXR

[@TheMarcosdeo]

Someone here in Australia wants $30,000 for an fxr. Crazy.

[@jimmyrustles8118]

I know the FXR your talking about, but to be fair, it's completely rebuilt and has a twincam. The alternatives are buying a clapped out POS for $17k and spending another 10k getting it decent but basically stock motor wise, or doing a full build. Im in Aus too and have had all kinds, minty clean, clapped out, and have fully built two now. The costs rack up unbelievablely quick on just consumables and freshening things up, let alone doin solid work.

[@jimgomez5396]

Fxr had a better frame,rear shock angle wasn't the greatest but way better frame, dyna is ok 02 03 twin cam has a better lower end, frame change on the 06? Dyna I believe?? I had a 82 FXR never should have sold it! 60 thousand miles on it an never been apart weak link on the early FXRs was the inner primary would crack,hence the toque plate to lock in both sides of the driver train an engine,

[@Kajemyster]

FXR>SOFTAIL>DYNA

[@FXDLSBrooklyn]

Some might say

[@magnethys8990]

Just like you I have both an FXR and an FXDX, they are both very different bikes. I can't choose haha so i keep both 😂 There was a moment however when I thought to put the Twin Cam powertrain in my FXR frame, but I feel that it doesn't make the bike more reliable. (it's just the vibrations+rubbermount that makes me lose bolts etc) I have updated the clutch master with a Hydraulic one and dual disc brake in the front 👍 You better not sell either one because you ride the Lowrider ST now, just kidding (not kidding) I like your videos

[@Calvinmob681]

I live in the Ca Bay area and the Hells Angels I noticed all had FXDX or FXDXT Dyna's and I remember asking one of them why and he said this is the perfect bike for guys in the life. I was like cool and 20 years later I still own a few.

[@jackscruggs1536]

Evo forever

[@FXDLSBrooklyn]

⚡️

[@gianni_dub]

what about a twin cam fxr? is that the best of both worlds?

[@jimmyrustles8118]

I agree, which is why I just finished my build of what in my mind, is the perfect blend. FXR frame with DX components and hot twincam motor🙏

[@riffraffchoppers]

You might just be wrenching on yours a lot cause it’s a terd haha. Most Evos are super reliable

[@FXDLSBrooklyn]

Oh really, so the old leaking FXR/Evo is just a myth then, interesting ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@riffraffchoppers]

@@FXDLSBrooklyn ya maybe you guys are just buying clapped out terds. Most 20 year old bikes might leak but if everything is freshened up and right ya it ain’t gonna leak. And a leak doesn’t mean your motor is a terd either

[@riffraffchoppers]

@@FXDLSBrooklyn and again a leak doesn’t mean you’re gonna be wrenching on your bike all the time. It ain’t a shovel ha

[@AMERICAFIRST54]

Late model dyna is the best, far superior to the fxr.

[@FXDLSBrooklyn]

Really?? I somewhat agree with this, but not fully - What are your reasons

[@AMERICAFIRST54]

@@FXDLSBrooklyn my reason for my comment is I ride a 2017 fxdl lowrider it handles great in the twisties with plenty of power and absolutely no wobbles.

[@Jimmy_Jim_Jim_1234]

Look the same to me....

[@FXDLSBrooklyn]

lol

[@drainmonkeys385]

I keep seeing people say/post the fxr is the best handling bike ever by Harley.. I am not buying I to that. lighter ? and easier to ride for a smaller person…if that’s what people mean .. then ok..it’s easier to ride and to learn on..but for a experienced rider I’m goin with the current Softail models… sorry

[@FXDLSBrooklyn]

Now that, is an interesting topic

[@TeensierPython]

It’s so sad people look at an FXR for “handling.” Unfortunately if you want real handling you need to go to a different brand all together. Or if you truly want the best handling Harley; you’ll have to buy the new softail M8. Or better yet the new sportster s. Just admit you like the older bikes and quit justifying by saying you want better handling.

[@FXDLSBrooklyn]

Man as someone who owns both an 1988 FXR and a 2023 FXLRST, I have to respectfully disagree. Don't get me wrong, my modern m8 hands down handles better than my dynas, no contest - But when it comes to the FXR, there's just something with how tight and locked in that bike feels, that even decades later, it still holds it down - This is the only reason why I went through the pain of two years working to get that bike right

[@TracyGunz]

I ride a Dyna FXDL Low Rider. I through better cams in it and it actually hauls ass. I have a mukuni carb on it as well. Rides fine better than most. Have no problems with it at all! I run vance n hines long shot staggard too, I am not into those 2 nto 1 exhaust systems. I'm old school though.

[@FXDLSBrooklyn]

What year?

[@Dexatron]

Typical dyna bro question here but what bar/riser setup are you using on your FXDX?

[@Paul20661]

XD

[@Calvinmob681]

Looks like 10 inch risers.

[@ihann1baL666]

man i want me one of those swingarm stickers funny as shit🤣

[@FXDLSBrooklyn]

Which one?

[@ihann1baL666]

@@FXDLSBrooklyn the get on brother were going shopping i picture white chicks basically

[@Dexatron]

I got a FXDC and fuckin love it