Harley-Davidson Fxrs Low Rider Sport

HARLEY-DAVIDSON FXRS LOW RIDER SPORT

THE CRUISERS

The cruiser that isn't

QUESTION: WHEN IS A CRUISER not a cruiser? Answer: When it's a Harley-Davidson FXR SLow Rider Sport. Amazingly, this bike from HarleyDavidson, the archetypal cruiser company, is the most conventional motorcycle in this comparison. And just as incredible, at highway speeds it is the smoothest of the bunch, thanks to its rubber engine mounts.

The Low Rider Sport is a bike that many riders, motorcycle-magazine journalists included, have for years been asking Harley to build. Basically, it’s a standard Low Rider with some handling improvements. Longer-travel shocks and a stouter, better-damped front fork offer increased cornering clearance and a more compliant ride. Dual front disc brakes allow more controlled braking with much less effort. A low-rise handlebar and reshaped seat give a more

out-of-the-wind riding position.

Otherwise, the Sport is mechanically identical to the standard I340cc, belt-drive Low Rider. The Sport edition improvements add only $200tothepriceofaLowRider,which has to be a bargain, although that term seems a little out of place on a

motorcycle that rings up just a few hundred bucks shy of nine grand.

But for that kind of money, at least you get a motorcycle that works well. The FXRS has the best ride quality of the six cruisers, even if sharp-edged bumps do defeat the rear shocks. When the road sprouts curves, the revamped suspension and hunkereddown seating position pay dividends, translating into some pretty impressive cornering velocities. Still, with a 19-inch front wheel, a 65-inch wheelbase and a 570-pound dry weight, the Sport will never be able to cut-andthrust with a genuine street racer.

Out on the open road, however, during our 1500-mile tour, it was the Sport’s ergonomics that drew the most complaints. Half of our riders didn’t care for the sporty, low handlebar, since it meant that leaning back cruiser-style against a rear-seat bag for back support was all but impossible. Another annoyance was the footpeg placement, which no one was really fond of, especially the leftside peg, which has to make concessions to the bulging clutch cover.

Still, there’s no denying that the FXRS Sport is the most well-rounded Harley-Davidson ever. Despite its name, this is no sportbike; and despite its heritage, this is no cruiser. What it is is a little of both. And in this era of increasing model specialization, that’s a nice choice to have.

Harley FXRS Sportl

$8649