2019 SCH FXDR™ 114 Spotlight

2019 SCH FXDR™ 114 Spotlight

Since the V-Rod retired, power cruiser fans have been on the lookout for the next hefty bike from Harley-Davidson®. Fortunately, the newest rendition has arrived: the 2019 Harley FXDR™ is the V-Rod’s spiritual successor with a few tricks up its sleeve. With the same kick as its predecessor but with enhanced agility, this bike is a monster on the road.

Power

The FXDR’s massive capacity for speed is fueled by the Milwaukee-eight engine, the new Big Twin manufactured by Harley-Davidson®. This motor has a state-of-the-art cooling system to keep you riding even when you burn rubber and combines power and precision with approximately 100 horsepower and a torque of 119 pound-feet. This means an impressive acceleration as you push for those high speeds.

 The Milwaukee-eight is, as its name suggests, an eight-valve engine adapted to meet modern needs. In addition to remedying the overheating issues that plagued previous models, this motor is fuel-efficient and meets emissions requirements on top of being highly reliable. The revamped design results in an additional 50 percent airflow capacity to keep internal parts from warping.

Performance

The biggest upgrade on the Harley Davidson FXDR™ is its handling capabilities. Inspired by drag bike designs, this motorcycle sports custom hardware to increase its precision on the road. This includes an inverted racing style fork for better leaning without trading stability. With a lean angle of 33 degrees, this bike can take you through twists and curves even as you reach those thrilling speeds.

 Weight

The FXDR™ is certainly no lightweight—at 637 pounds, this bike is all muscle. However, H-D has leaned into the newest line of Softail frames by making this biker lighter than previous power cruisers. Equipped to channel the massive torque of the Milwaukee-eight, this heavily researched frame contributes to the drop of nearly 35 pounds compared to 2017’s models.

The engineers at Harley-Davidson® set their sights on alternative materials when they tackled the challenge of a lighter power cruiser. Certain elements traditionally made of steel were instead fashioned with the less dense aluminum and other alloys. One example of an optimized part is the swingarm, which itself further increases handling capabilities by allowing better use of chassis geometry.

Innovation

This bike comes with all the electric fixings, including:

●      Keyless ignition

●      LED rear lighting

●      LED turn signals

●      LED Daymaker headlamp

●      Digital riser gauge

This technology adds convenience, and a touch of flair to a model celebrated for its modernization.

Aesthetic

Despite the changes, the FXDR™ has a look and feel that’s all Harley. While updated, the silhouette and chassis are still steeped in iconic style.

Though the Milwaukee-eight engine is designed to reduce noise, H-D engineers were careful to keep the classic roar that riders prize as part of the biking experience. Based on customer feedback, the Harley FXDR™ retains the famed exhaust rumble while decreasing mechanical noise and staying within EPA guidelines.

The new engine also cuts down on vibration by 75 percent. While engineers found it possible to eliminate vibration, after extensive testing with customers, it became clear that some degree of shake is a valued trait of the Harley-Davidson® motorcycle. The resulting compromise should appeal to newer customers who expect more smoothness while still satisfying faithful riders’ need for that true H-D feel.

If you like what you see and want this powerhouse of a motorcycle in your garage, Buddy Stubbs Harley-Davidson® in Phoenix and Anthem are the places to go. As the first authorized Harley-Davidson® dealer in Arizona, we’re dedicated to serving our state’s biker community. For more information on this elite machine, get in touch with us by calling (602) 833-5505.