Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1119655
FIRST REVIEW P96 2 019 H A R L E Y- D AV I D S O N F X D R 114 Design Philosophy Mass centralization, pioneered and championed at Buell, meant putting all the weight as close to the center of the chassis as possible. An aluminum subframe and swingarm make the back as light as possible. Cruisers tend to have a rear weight bias, so the more weight removed from the back, the better overall handling you'll have. The 2:1 pipe is similarly tucked up and in, not extended to the rear of the bike. The massive muffler, paired with the big high-flow airbox makes the most of what the 114 pushrod twin has on tap. The other reason for the high and tight pipe is lean angle. Although it may resemble a pro stock drag bike, some very smart designer at the Motor Company thought to make this motorcycle want to lean over as well. Plentiful suspension travel helps to absorb bumps, but also lifts the chassis up off the tarmac a bit, while the forward pegs are lifted from their position on most Softails. The higher pegs make for some challenging 'Rider Triangle' issues, so unlike the dropped-to-the-weeds seat- ing on most Softails, the FXDR has an actual built-up area between the seat and frame, which gives some packaging space for electronics. On the third side of that triangle are the clip-on bars, to get the right ergonomics, while setting the right tone for the bike. Comfort and Controls So, about those ergos; just like most bikes with forward pegs, you're going to want to be on the high side of 5'8" (or at least be long of limb) to ride this bike comfortably without modification. The seat height, not so high at 28 inches, still puts you in reach of a hot pipe and slightly wide spread to the ground. A particularly short-limbed tester couldn't relax into the supportive pocket while on the go and stay in touch with the pegs (and, more importantly, controls) at the same time. For taller folk, it's an aggressive position, but the seat cups the derriere well. The feet are on the high side, but not uncomfortably so. The massive air box is a presence, but not an intrusive one... unless you're on the shorter side. HARLEY-DAVIDSON FXDR 2019