Models
FXRC Low Glide Custom
A limited 1985 custom in Candy Orange and Root Beer, with wire wheels and a dozen chrome covers.
Overview
Rider describes the 1985 FXRC Low Glide Custom as a limited edition that was nearly identical to the FXRS Low Glide except for Candy Orange paint with Root Beer metal-flake trim, a tan seat, wire wheels, a dozen chrome engine and transmission covers, and a skinny XR-1000 style front fender (Rider, Sep 2017). Hot Bike also lists it for 1985 (Hot Bike, "Separating the Men From the Boys").
Moto Gallery's family table gives 1985 to 1987 (Moto Gallery FXR overview). We have not seen a primary source for FXRC models after 1985 unverified.
Years made
1985 (some guides say to 1987).
| Model year | Units built | Notes | Confidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | unverified | Limited edition | Needs source | None yet |
Identifying features
- Candy Orange with Root Beer metal-flake trim, tan seat (Rider, Sep 2017)
- Wire wheels (Rider, Sep 2017)
- A dozen chrome covers on engine and transmission (Rider, Sep 2017)
- Narrow XR-1000 style front fender (Rider, Sep 2017)
- VIN model code EJ (Rider, Sep 2017)
Specs
No period road test of this model found yet. See what the magazines measured on other FXRs: Period Road Tests →
Mechanically based on the 1985 FXRS Low Glide per Rider. Detailed specs unverified
| Item | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1340cc Evolution | Rider, Sep 2017 |
| Final drive | Belt (1985 FXRS base) | Rider, Sep 2017 |
| Wheelbase | unverified | None yet |
| Rake / trail | unverified | None yet |
| Seat height | unverified | None yet |
| Weight | unverified | None yet |
| Fuel capacity | unverified | None yet |
| Tires | unverified | None yet |
| Brakes | unverified | None yet |
Known issues
Common problems across the FXR family, by model year: Known Issues →
Early 1985 transition parts
Some early 1985 bikes still had a dry clutch with a Shovelhead-style release, tapered shafts or even chain drive, so parts may not match later bikes (Hot Bike, "The Saga of the FXR").
1984 to 1985 Low Glide clearance
Rider says the lowered FXRS Low Glide got poor magazine reviews because the reduced ground clearance hurt handling and braking. That is why the FXRS-SP package appeared (Rider, Sep 2017).
Rubber mounts and stabilizer links
The whole design depends on three elastomer mounts and two adjustable stabilizer links (Rider, Sep 2017). Buyer's guides suggest checking them on any used FXR (Moto Gallery FXR overview). Typical wear symptoms and replacement intervals unverified.
Photos
No FXRC photos here yet. We only publish photos that are free to use or that owners send us with permission. Have one?
Related models
FXRS
The dressier twin of the first FXR. It later became the Low Glide, then the Low Rider, and was the most common FXR of the early years.
FXRDG
A limited 1984 special with a solid disc rear wheel, and Cycle World's Best Cruiser that year.
FXLR
The custom-styled FXR, with a skinny 21 inch front wheel, solid rear wheel and blacked-out engine.
Sources
- Kip Woodring, "Motorhead Memo: The Gentleman's Express", Rider Magazine, September 20, 2017 (year-by-year FXR history and VIN model codes). Link
- Hot Bike, "Separating the Men From the Boys: The History of the FXR" (photos from the Harley-Davidson Archives; interviews Bob LeRoy). Link
- Moto Gallery, "1982-2000 Harley-Davidson FXR" resource guide (secondary buyer's guide). Link
About the unverified flag: it marks a detail we have not yet been able to confirm in a published source, such as a factory document, owner's or service manual, or period magazine test. Where a table cell shows only the flag, we have not found a reliable figure. We keep these details visible so they can be checked. If you have a source, please tell us.
Full bibliography and image credits: Sources & Credits. Magazine pages are linked, never copied or hosted here. Spot an error? Tell us.