Triumphrat

gregp

If I recall correctly, somebody here has adapted a HD seat to their TB. I was just curious what HD it was from and what was involved in getting it to fit. HD seats are a lot cheaper and easier to find than Triumph seats. They are also known to be quite comfortable. I have seen several on e-bay go for under $100 but I wasn't sure which ones might be the best starting points for fitting to my Adventurer.
Thanks for your help!

MrGreebo

I don't recall a post on here but I did find one by googling a while back. They mention a HD-FXR seat on their 99 Adventurer but no info on how they had to modify it. Hope that helps.

gregp

Yes, that helps a little bit. Now, I just have to figure out what an "FXR" is, as most e-bay listings refer to names such as "Fat Boy", "Lowrider", or some such tag. Do all of the "big" bikes (everything besides the Sportsters) use the same seat mounting? I would, of course, avoid any of the newer customs such as the "Rocker", or the V-Rod, which surely use a different seat and mounting system.

Tom Herold

An FXR is the Dyna series. The sub-catagories are varied, and are still in production, but the FXR itself ended production in 1994.
I own an HD and I still can't figure out the alphabet designations they give their bikes........

Here's a quick link:

http://www.bikepics.com/harley/fxr/

The FXR went through a few changes during it's lifespan, but I'd have to say the seat mounting would be the same because the frames themselves didn't change. When you get into the sub-catagories, like the Low Rider, Wide Glide, or Fatbob, then the changes are more drastic.

jweller

an fxr is only the finest handling motorcycle that hd ever made. they were made from the late 80's until '94. not a great seller at the time because many hd loyalists considered them to be too 'japanese' looking because of the triangulated frame.

you'll see them lumped together with dynas on ebay. they really have nothing in common with dynas besides having a rubber mounted engine.

gregp

Hmm. A Harley guy just stopped in my office and told me that the FXR refers to the "Dyna" series, which is different than any of the "Soft Tail" models by virtue of having two shocks.
I guess he was wrong. It sounds like even Harley aficionados are not sure what model designators mean. LOL!
Anyway, I was just looking for seat mounting info. Maybe I can Google up a pic or two of the underside of some.

jweller

"It's been said that the FXR was designed by Eric Buell, the Dyna was designed by HD accountants."


it's true that most who consider themselves 'harley guys' are largely clueless.

here's more than you ever wanted to know on the subject of fxr's.

*************


“An ode to the Ugly Glide culled from the r.m.h archives and various historical accounts.

Designed with a lot of input by Eric Buell, the FXR had the lightest weight and stiffest frame of any big twin. The computer-designed, all-welded frame had a massive box-section backbone, thicker diameter tubing, and massive gusseting around the steering head. The result was the stiffest frame Harley ever produced

It was released with the latest incarnation of the venerable shovelhead.


81.6 ci, reduced compression to burn anything you might put in the tank and an oil consumption package. This was coupled to a new five-speed tranny w/shorter shift linkage for more agressive shifting. All mounted to the frame utilizing Harley's Tri-mount system - an adaptation of the FLT's rubber mounts.

The 19" front wheel was mounted between a narrow-glide front end and suspended on stiff Showa forks with a 32 degree of rake. Stiff rear shocks were mounted to the end of the swing arm, vice in the middle as was done on other FX models. Total wheelbase was 64.7". Dual 10" disk brakes on the front, and a single 11.5" rear disk provided stopping power. New master cylinders improved braking performance.

A relatively raked out front end, combined with a long wheelbase is usually a recipe for straight line stability and resistance to turning. However, the low seating and engine positions place the center of gravity low and centered. This results in a bike that turns easily and predictably. With it's high ground clearance, it's capable of some aggressive cornering.


It was the fastest, best handling bike Harley ever built, and it dripped less oil and vibrated less intensly than previous shovels. However, it was shunned by function-follows-form poseurs who dismissed the exposed frame, side panels and exposed shocks as "too Japanese." It has been said that the FXR was designed to appeal to the rider, not to appease the bean counters ... or Willie G's design department - which ultimately led to its demise.


Depending on who you ask, Harley discontinued the FXR either because the frame was too expensive to make (a hand-assembled frame with many components and many welds), because it was too expensive to assemble the drivetrain, or because it was unpopular.


FXR V FXRS:

In early models, the FXR & FXRS Lowrider have the same seat height and differ only in Paint, trim and wheels. The Lowrider Sport is an inch higher due to 2" longer front forks. It has a longer jiffy stand and speedo cable as well as dual front disc brakes. The exclusive Sport parts are located in the back of the Parts Manual in the "High Performance" section <go figger!> along with parts exclusive to the FXRC.



FXR V DYNA:

It's been said that the FXR was designed by Eric Buell, the Dyna was designed by HD accountants.

The original Dyna was an EVO and flexed excessively if pushed hard while cornering. When HD bolted the stiffer Twinkie drivetrain to the frame, the chassis flexing diminished somewhat.

The FXR had a "3-point" engine mounting system considered by many to be superior to the "2-point" design used by the Dynas.

gregp

Thanks, J. It sounds like if I were ever to buy an HD, an FXR would be the one I would look for. For now, I just want the seat. LOL!

Tom Herold

The Dyna is different than a Softail, significantly different. The Dynas do indeed have two shocks, they're exposed on the rear quaters of the bikes. Take a look at the pics in the link I posted above.

jweller

well, since i have both an fxr and an '01 adventurer, i could get you measurements, pics, or such if that would help.