The Future Classic: Harley-Davidson 2019 FXDR 114 Review

From the name alone, you can tell that Harley Davidson’s 2019 FXDR 114 newest Softail member means business. There’s no catchy name, just the model number that nods to tradition and looks to the future. Any Harley fans will recognize the Dyna model designation “FXD” which traditionally meant pegs, twin shock suspension and a very powerful engine. The “114” signifies Harley Davidson’s new and already storied Milwaukee-Eight V-Twin engine. But what about the “R”?

I’m a sport bike rider so I know what “R” means when I see it, but somehow, I missed all the hints and clues the power cruiser’s model number provided as I approached it at Harley Davidson’s Canadian headquarters. There is so much to inspect when you see the FXDR 114 up close that you can temporarily forget about the menacing Milwaukee-Eight sleeping beneath the saddle.

Modern Styling

There’s a sharpness to the FXDR 114 that goes beyond its cropped tail. A sweeping line connects the tank decals to the seat, and carries through to the side covers. The chin spoiler gives a little nod to the V-Rod as it covers the frame. The grooved headlight cowl sports no less than six leading lines that mold around the singular round headlight and start a design language used on the tank and continued to the tail. All of the lights on this bike are LEDs. It’s a small detail that you can easily miss in press photos but one you’ll come to appreciate once you get up close and, in the years to come. The beefy Michelin Scorcher 240 rear tire is supported by a cast aluminum swingarm and hugged by a robust arm that holds the brake light assembly. This arm also connects a slatted fender adding a nice edgy detail. Above all this, my favourite detail would have to be the prominent forward sweeping 2-in-1 exhaust and triangular muffler that completes the divisive look of the FXDR 114.

There’s a lot to like about the design but I think the opposite will also be said, especially if you rode a Dyna and loved the classic styling of an unmistakable American cruiser. When HD revealed the Fat Bob last year, the typical excitement and criticism over any new HD machine was amplified because of the Fat Bob’s renegade styling. It was still a Softail, but the brutish design took a bit of warming up to. The Fat Bob, was however, powered by the Milwaukee-Eight mill and so was the then new Breakout, which effectively calmed the masses with more familiar styling and performance that made HD’s bold new steps less jarring. Little did we know that we were just getting buttered up for the FXDR 114.

Performance

I didn’t need to get to the highway to get a sense of the power in Harley Davidson’s new Milwaukee-Eight 8 engine in the FXDR. That legendary HD low end torque was instantly apparent, and relentless well into mid-range. Once I had a stretch of road in front of me the Milwaukee-Eight showed its true colours and as I shifted into second the bike shot forward so fast I was left gripping with just my fingertips. That hasn’t happened to me in a long time. The FXDR’s 114 ci (1,870 cc) Milwaukee-Eight or M8 has 2 spark plugs and 4 valve openings per cylinder. More valves mean more intake and more exhaust per stroke. The 2 plugs provide an even full burn faster which means they can fire closer to TDC. A full burn produces less waste emissions and overall needs less lift from the cam resulting in only needing one cam. All of this is more efficient, results in less wear and tear on the motor and of course more burn equals more power.

In the FXDR’s light frame the M8 produces delivers 119 ft-lbs of torque at 3,500 rpm and two counter balancers greatly reduce engine vibration. Learning from previous engines that ran leaner and leaner to meet emission requirements often resulting in engine knocking, the FXDR 114 comes equipped with a knock sensor that along with the ECM can retard or advance the timing to eliminate engine damage.

The Ride

On day one with FXDR 114 I wasn’t uncomfortable but I had to adjust to the forward controls and the riding position that I just didn’t expect from a cruiser. I’m 5’11”, put me in boots and I'd say I’m 6’ and while I had no issue reaching the pegs and controls or clip-ons handle bars I could see how someone with a shorter inseam could find themselves becoming really acquainted with the M8’s rocker box cover or the dragster styled intake.

By day two I had settled into the riding position which I found quite comfortable and I used the hydraulic preload adjuster to dial in the suspension to my liking.

The all-digital 2.14 in display was bright and easy to read no matter the light conditions. Hitting the menu button on the left bar cycles through minimal but useful displays one of which is a gear indicator.

The tachometer is digital too, which will take some getting used to, but you’ll likely just acquaint yourself with the exhaust note which is rich, throaty and not like any of the other Softail.

Built for Curves

If this FXDR were staying in my garage I would bolt on a pair of extended pegs to give my legs a wider resting position. Also, any extender pegs would have to include the wear peg as well because the FXDR has over 32° of lean angle on either side. This machine is a thrill to ride in any curve and in long sweeping curves it just feels like it’s on rails. I didn’t scrape peg once on this bike and I tried. Whenever you think you’re going to scrape peg, you’ll find there’s more to go. In fact, my boots connected with the ground first. When you need to flick it over, you’ll have no issues as the 19 in front tire helps make it more flickable than the Breakout and in a different universe than the Fat Bob.

For a bike with drag strip inspired design I was blown away by how capable it was in low speed maneuvers. The 34° rake and 4.7 in trail somehow proves to be the perfect positioning allowing for at speed capability and low speed maneuvers as well. ABS is standard and I was really happy to see dual discs squeezed by 4-piston calipers up front the rear brake is a floating 2-piston caliper. There is no cornering ABS or traction control, my guess is that HD will add those features on updates to the model. What is present by way of electronics is keyless ignition, Harley-Davidson Smart Security System and a USB charging port.

The power delivery is unforgiving and relentless, and sometimes abrupt, but that’s not a criticism. I’ve seen critiques of the FXDR 114 on the lack of versatility and scepticism on its potential to attract new riders, citing price. But the biggest gamble with this bike is the potential for its styling to deter Harley fans from the FXDR or the brand. Not every bike is made to eat up the miles. If you want to travel further, the 4.5 gal (17 L) tank isn’t bad at all and you can add a pillion seat and pegs and ride two-up.

Part of the new Harley-Davidson

The FXDR 114 is a Harley; everything is customizable. You can stick Screaming Eagle parts all over this bike, swap the breather, replace the clip-ons with a bar via mounts under the plate on the triple clamp and make it your own.

As for the price, the FXDR 114 retails at $26,499 CAD for vivid black but there are six color choices many of them are denim finishes. This isn’t the typical price range for new riders, but a new rider has no business riding this beast. New rider also means new to Harley-Davidson. Indian Motorcycle currently doesn’t have anything like this in their line-up and I’m pretty sure Harley is hoping to attract any riders that would typically consider something like the Diavel.

Like it or not, the FXDR 114 is a marker for the changes in HD. It’s easy to see how the brand might be slowly acclimatizing us to the new models it plans to unveil. New HD motorcycles will seem less and less alarming when compared to the FXDR 114 and if this is to be the new bench mark, then I can’t help but be excited to see what Harley produces. Considering the influence of the marquee you can expect other brands to follow suit which means exciting new machines for us riders and perhaps more importantly, non-riders. In the meantime, HD has definitely caught the attention of this sport bike rider with the 2019 FXDR 144. I love the styling and even if you aren’t, the performance is indisputable and deserving of the “R” in its name.