Harley-Davidson Fxrs-Sp

Harley-Davidson FXRS-SP

THE BOTTOM LINE ABOUT STANdard motorcycles is that they're supposed to be simple beasts, unencumbered by pretentious riding positions, unadorned by fairings, and fun to ride. The FXRS-SP is all of that.

Not convinced about the "standardness' of any Harley, least of all this one? Well, okay, neither were we, at least not completely. But apply a variation of the Duck Proof: If it looks like a standard, and rides like a standard, it must be a standard, right?

STANDARD TIME

First of all, what could be more simple than the SP’s 1340cc, singlecarburetor. two-valve, push-rod VTwin driving through a separate fivespeed transmission that puts its power to the rear wheel through a toothed belt? What could be more basic, or more traditional, than hanging all of this on a simple backbone frame, suspended at one end by airadjustable fork tubes and at the other by dual shocks?

" Riding position? Well, we're in a little trouble with that. The SP’s lowish, flatfish bars are standard in feel, but they pull the rider forward while the shape of the seat and the position of the footpegs want to roll him back. Exacerbating this positioning conflict, especially for riders who are long of leg and large of foot, is the right footpeg. Because of the peg’s close proximity to the exhaust system, and the intrusion of the air cleaner, some of our test riders had trouble finding a comfortable cruising position.

SPECIFICATIONS

Harley-Davidson FXRS-SP

$9775

^While that inconvenience will only be bothersome to a few riders, the manner in which the big Harley moves down the road can be appreciated by all. A rider thumbs the VTwin’s starter button, uses the long, heavy gearshift lever to slide what feels like a 15-pound gearwheel into place, rolls in a little throttle, and releases the clutch. All, then, becomes joy, as the SP reveals itself as smooth, effortless and composed.

Okay, so call us too used to the weather protection of fairings. But the SP, like the rest of the bikes in this class, isn't terribly pleasant at higher speeds because of the unimpeded buffeting the rider takes from the wind. But get the SP on a road endowed withTtwists and turns, and the rider soon forgets about everything except the great time he’s having. Two things elevate the FXRS-SP above the basic (and $ 15 more expensive) FXRS Low Rider to a level capable of delivering that fun: 2 inches more suspension travel fore and aft, along with spring and shock rates designed to make the best use of that extra travel, and twin disc brakes up front. Those two items transform the standard, relatively uninspiring single-front-disc FXRS into a different machine altogether, a Harley that’s a blast to ride in corners. Sure, if you corner hard enough, you’ll start scraping things, most especially the kickstand, even with the shock preload cranked up. But it’s the quality of the experience, rather than speed by itself, that makes a great ride. And based on that, the FXRS-SP not only is a great standard, it's a great motorcycle. Period.