Words & Pics Craig Pattison
A
s a one-eyed, pure-blood Harley-Davidson owner
I jumped at the offer of a few weeks ‘loanership’
on a 2019 Harley-Davidson FXDR with the 114
cube Milwaukee Eight engine.
The FXDR is visually unique and truly stands
out in the Harley-Davidson range. It won’t be to everyone’s
taste but ride it and you’ll find that Harley-Davidson have
done a great job engineering this machine. It’s tight in
the chassis and suspension, smooth and powerful in the
engine, and has a refined, and smooth finish.
The large inverted forks and angled handlebars scream
sportsbike, the side profile suggests stretched street-
fighter, and the 240 mm wide rear tyre means tough.
When I sat on the bike I was instantly reminded of a
new V-Rod I rode a few years ago, and I’m guessing that
Harley-Davidson have aimed this model at the hole in
the Harley line-up that the V-Rod used to occupy. It has
a ‘Rocker’ feel about it and given that many owners will
strip the ADR mandated number plate mount these bikes
will be a great custom platform.
Riding the FXDR the most obvious impression (compared
to the 16in apes on my own bike) is the slightly leaning
forward, low wrist and angled grips riding position.