Tech
FXR Transmission Info
Every factory FXR has a five-speed transmission. No factory FXR ever got a four-speed.
That covers the Shovelhead bikes of 1982 and 1983, the Evolution bikes from 1984 through 1994, and the limited FXR2, FXR3 and FXR4 of 1999 and 2000.
The part that trips people up is checking the fluid. Older Harley books say screw the dipstick in and fill about 1 pint. Later books say rest it on the threads and fill 20 to 24 ounces.
How this page counts the years. This page treats all 1984 factory FXRs as Evolution; 1982 and 1983 are Shovelhead. FXR2, FXR3 and FXR4 share the same transmission and manual content, so they are covered together.
Quick answers
| Question | Short answer | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Did any factory FXR get a four-speed? | No. Every factory FXR is a five-speed from day one. | FXR years page; Cycle World, Dec 1981; Harley-Davidson 1985 FLT/FXR Owner's Manual p. 78 |
| What did Softails run in 1984 and 1985? | A Shovelhead era four-speed. Fill to a level plug, no dipstick. A different box. | HD Forums, 4-speed transmission fluid |
| Early FXR capacity | About 1 pint (16 ounces). | Harley-Davidson 1985 FLT/FXR Owner's Manual; Harley-Davidson 1987 Owner's Manual; Harley-Davidson 1990 Owner's Manual |
| Later FXR capacity | About 20 to 24 ounces. FXR2, FXR3 and FXR4: 22 to 24 ounces. | HarleyTechTalk, FXR trans fluid check |
| Early check method | Bike straight up, warm. Screw the dipstick all the way in. Read between the two marks. | Harley-Davidson 1985 FLT/FXR Owner's Manual p. 57; Harley-Davidson 1987 Owner's Manual; Harley-Davidson 1990 Owner's Manual |
| Later check method | Bike straight up. Rest the dipstick on the filler threads. Do not screw it in. | HarleyTechTalk, FXR trans fluid check |
Harley's books disagree. The owner's manuals through 1990 still say “reinstall all the way” and “approximately one pint.” The 1991 FXR service manual and the 1999 to 2000 limited model books, as quoted by owners, say 20 to 24 ounces with the stick resting on the threads (HarleyTechTalk, FXR trans fluid check). A long time HarleyTechTalk poster ties the change to the 1987 side cover. Both are real factory wording. Check the book that matches your year and cover.
The two charts
What “the Shovelhead transmission” means on an FXR
People say “Shovelhead transmission” two different ways. Only one of them is an FXR story.
1. On an FXR
It is the early five-speed used with the 80 cubic inch Shovelhead in 1982 and 1983, and carried into the early Evolution years as the same basic five-speed. The 1985 owner's manual lists 1 pint. The check uses a threaded filler plug with a short dipstick, and you screw that plug all the way in to take a reading. The lube called out is Harley-Davidson Transmission Lubricant, part 99892-84 (Harley-Davidson 1985 FLT/FXR Owner's Manual).
2. On Softails and other four-speed Big Twins
It is the rotary top (“cowpie”) four-speed that Shovelheads used into the early 1980s and that Softails kept through 1985. That box has no dipstick. You fill to a small level plug in the cover, or to the filler opening if there is no level plug (HD Forums, 4-speed transmission fluid). Softails switched to a five-speed for 1986.
An FXR never got that four-speed from the factory. If the fluid check on your Shovelhead FXR feels old school, you are still dealing with the early five-speed and its screw-in dipstick. If your bike really has a four-speed case, it has been swapped.
Year by year: what came on the FXR
| Years | Models | Transmission | Related changes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | FXR, FXRS | Five-speed, constant mesh, foot shift. Shared rubber mount FLT and FXR family. Chain final drive. | First FXR year. Dry clutch. |
| 1983 | FXR, FXRS, FXRT | Same five-speed family. | FXRT touring model added. |
| 1984 | FXRS, FXRT, FXRP, FXRDG | Same five-speed family behind the Evolution. Early and Late 1984 is a gearbox case split (34730-81 and 34730-84), not an engine split. | Wet diaphragm clutch arrives during the year. The late 1984 primary bearing is a known leak point (Known Issues). |
| 1985 | FXRS, FXRT, FXRP, FXRC | Same early five-speed. Owner's manual: 1 pint, screw-in dipstick. Filler plug with dipstick 37071-79 for FXR 1982 to 1986 (V-Twin filler plug 37071-79). | Belt final drive on most models. New inner primary with a lip seal. |
| 1986 | FXR, FXRS, FXRT, FXRP, FXRD | Still the early filler plug (37071-79 through 1986). | Base FXR returns. FXRD, one year only. |
| 1987 | FXR, FXRS, FXRS-SP, FXRT, FXRP, FXLR | New side cover and clutch release. Dipstick 37075-87 (and 37071-87) for 1987 and later (Drag Specialties dipstick 37075-87). Ball and ramp clutch release. | The 1987 owner's manual still prints about 1 pint and “reinstall all the way.” Forum consensus says the cover change also changed the amount and the method. A conflict. |
| 1988 to 1989 | Full FXR line | Later five-speed continues. | 1989: 32 amp charging, compound starter. |
| 1990 | Full FXR line | Splined mainshaft and matching clutch hub replace the tapered shaft and Woodruff key. Revised diaphragm clutch. | The 1990 mainshaft is often treated as a one year part; the shaft changed again for 1991. |
| 1991 to 1993 | Shrinking FXR line | Later five-speed. 1991 FXR service manual (quoted): fill 20 to 24 oz, or until the dipstick shows full resting on the threads, bike level and upright (HarleyTechTalk, FXR trans fluid check). | Mainshaft part changes again in 1991 (35042-91). |
| 1994 | FXR, FXLR, FXRP | Last regular production year. Later five-speed. | The mechanical baseline for the FXR2, FXR3 and FXR4. |
| 1995 to 1998 | None | No factory FXR. | The Dyna replaced the FXR in the showroom. |
| 1999 | FXR2, FXR3 | Later five-speed, built on the 1994 FXR. Nine plate clutch noted in period coverage. | FXR2 owner's manual (quoted): 22 to 24 oz, rest the filler on the shoulder of the hole, do not thread it in (HarleyTechTalk, FXR trans fluid check). FXR3 is the same. |
| 2000 | FXR4 | Same later five-speed as the FXR2 and FXR3. | Last FXR and the last Evolution Big Twin. Same fluid check as the FXR2 and FXR3. |
Case and cover notes
- Trap door and end cover. Early bikes use the older clutch release. Ball and ramp arrives with the later trap door, 1987 and later by forum consensus. Early bikes can be converted with the matching door, cable and end cover without swapping the whole transmission. See Known Issues.
- Starter hole. Builders sort FXR cases into early (small starter hole) and late (large hole for the later starter). Early cases are sometimes machined to take the later starter. That is forum knowledge, but widely repeated by people who rebuild these boxes.
- No oil pan under the case. FXR cases do not use the later Touring layout with the oil pan under the transmission. Some owners have swapped Touring cases into FXRs. That is not factory.
- Filler and dipstick. Early part 37071-79 (FXR 1982 to 1986) (V-Twin filler plug 37071-79). Later part 37075-87 or 37071-87 (1987 and up FL and FX, including the FXR and the FXR2, FXR3 and FXR4) (Drag Specialties dipstick 37075-87).
- 1990 parts fiche examples. Case sub-assemblies such as 34700-88 and 34700-89C, side covers 37103-87A and 37109-87A, and dipstick 37075-87.
Fluid level: the part that bites
A. Early FXR five-speed (the owner's manuals through 1990)
From the 1985 FLT/FXR Models Owner's Manual, part 99465-85, pages 56 and 57 (Harley-Davidson 1985 FLT/FXR Owner's Manual):
The transmission lubricant level should be checked monthly. When filling the transmission, use Harley-Davidson TRANSMISSION LUBRICANT, Part No. 99892-84.
When checking the transmission lubricant level, motorcycle should be standing STRAIGHT UP, not leaning on the jiffy stand. When normal operating temperature is achieved, turn the engine off and position motorcycle STRAIGHT UP and completely level. Remove the threaded filler plug. Clean dipstick and reinstall all the way. Remove dipstick and take reading. (See Figure 35). Lubricant level should be between the two marks on the dipstick. Add lubricant if necessary. Do not overfill or leakage may occur. The transmission capacity is approximately 1 pint. When reinstalling the filler plug, tighten it finger tight.
The transmission should be drained and refilled with fresh lubricant after the first 500 miles and thereafter seasonally or every 5000 miles, whichever comes first. The transmission drain plug is located underneath the transmission, in the middle of the case. When reinstalling the drain plug, tighten it to 7 ft-lbs torque.
The same manual's capacities table lists the transmission at 1 pint for the FXRS and FXRT, and the specs page lists it as constant mesh, foot shift, five forward speeds.
The 1987 and 1990 All Models owner's manuals repeat the same procedure for 1340 cc models: check monthly, part 99892-84, bike straight up and warm, dipstick all the way in, level between the two marks, about one pint (Harley-Davidson 1987 Owner's Manual; Harley-Davidson 1990 Owner's Manual). The 1990 book adds a filler plug torque of 25 to 75 in-lbs, finger tight.
B. Later five-speed (the 1991 service manual and the FXR2, FXR3 and FXR4)
HarleyTechTalk members quote the 1991 FXR Harley-Davidson Service Manual, page 7-16 (HarleyTechTalk, FXR trans fluid check):
fill the transmission with 20-24 oz. of HD Transmission Lubricant or until the dipstick on the side cover filler plug shows full with motorcycle in level, upright position and the dipstick resting on the threads.
A poster there says that wording is right for all 1987 and later five-speeds, and that when the side cover changed in 1987 the amount and the method changed with it.
The 1999 FXR2 owner's manual is quoted on the same thread at 22 to 24 ounces, with the cap rested on the shoulder of the hole and not threaded in. The FXR3 (1999) and FXR4 (2000) are the same limited model five-speed, built on the 1994 FXR, and share the same transmission and manual content. Use the same method on all three.
Harley's later Big Twin five-speed procedures use the same rest on the lip, do not screw it in idea and about 20 to 24 ounces. Those are Softail and Touring procedures, not FXR ones, but they match the late FXR practice.
C. Softail and Shovelhead four-speed (not an FXR box)
Factory wording as posted by an owner with a 1984 Softail four-speed (HD Forums, 4-speed transmission fluid):
- Four-speed with an oil level plug: remove the level plug from the transmission cover. Oil should be level with the level plug opening.
- Four-speed without an oil level plug: oil should be level with the filler cap opening.
- Five-speed, in the same quote: wipe the dipstick, put it back without screwing the cap in, rest it on the housing, pull it out and read between the two marks.
Capacity for that Softail four-speed is usually given as about 1 to 1.5 pints, depending on the book and whether a kicker is fitted. Do not use Softail numbers on an FXR.
Side by side
| Box | Years | How you measure | Capacity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FXR early five-speed (owner's manuals) | Printed through at least 1990; early filler 1982 to 1986 | Warm, upright, screw the dipstick all the way in, read between the marks | About 1 pint | Matches the Shovelhead era FXR books |
| FXR later five-speed (1991 service manual; FXR2, FXR3, FXR4) | 1987 and later cover by forum consensus; quoted from the 1991 service manual and the 1999 FXR2 owner's manual | Warm, upright, rest the dipstick on the threads, do not screw it in | 20 to 24 oz (FXR2, FXR3, FXR4: 22 to 24 oz) | Conflicts with the 1987 and 1990 owner's manuals |
| Softail and Shovelhead four-speed | Softail 1984 to 1985, and earlier four-speeds | Fill to the level plug or the filler opening. No dipstick. | About 1 to 1.5 pints (varies) | Never factory on an FXR |
Clutch and primary changes
These are not gearbox parts, but they changed in the same years and come up in every FXR transmission conversation.
| Change | When | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Dry clutch to wet diaphragm clutch | During 1984 | The wet clutch lives in the primary. The late 1984 inner primary bearing has no lip seal (Known Issues). |
| Belt final drive | 1985, most models | Transmission sprocket or pulley and spacers change (belt spacer 33334-85 shows up on later fiches). |
| Ball and ramp clutch release | About 1987, with the later trap door | Lighter pull. Early bikes can be converted. |
| Tapered to splined mainshaft and hub | 1990 | Clutch hub and shaft must match as a set. |
| Nine plate clutch | 1999 to 2000 (FXR2, FXR3, FXR4) | Called out in period coverage for all three limited models. |
Year by model chart
Every factory model year, 69 rows in all, grouped by era. Part numbers come from Harley parts fiche and catalogs and from aftermarket fitment lists. This chart treats all 1984 factory FXRs as Evolution; 1982 and 1983 are Shovelhead. The Early and Late 1984 cases (34730-81 and 34730-84) are a gearbox difference only. FXR2, FXR3 and FXR4 share the same transmission and manual content.
1982 to 1984 (Shovelhead 1982 and 1983, Evolution 1984)
Swipe the table sideways to see every column.
| Year and model | Engine | Final drive | Case | Mainshaft | Dipstick | Fluid | Overall ratio in 5th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1982FXR | Shovelhead | Chain | 34739-81 / 34730-81 (1982 FXR Low Glide transmission housing fiche); assembly 33018-82 | 35042-79 | 37071-79 family | About 1 pint (16 oz) | 3.57 |
| 1982FXRS | Shovelhead | Chain | 34739-81 / 34730-81 (1982 FXR Low Glide transmission housing fiche); assembly 33018-82 | 35042-79 | 37071-79 family | About 1 pint (16 oz) | 3.57 |
| 1983FXR | Shovelhead | Chain | 34739-81 / 34730-81 (1982 FXR Low Glide transmission housing fiche); assembly 33018-82 | 35042-79 | 37071-79 family | About 1 pint (16 oz) | 3.57 |
| 1983FXRS | Shovelhead | Chain | 34739-81 / 34730-81 (1982 FXR Low Glide transmission housing fiche); assembly 33018-82 | 35042-79 | 37071-79 family | About 1 pint (16 oz) | 3.57 |
| 1983FXRT | Shovelhead | Chain | 34739-81 / 34730-81 (1982 FXR Low Glide transmission housing fiche); assembly 33018-82 | 35042-79 | 37071-79 family | About 1 pint (16 oz) | 3.36 |
| 1984FXRS | Evolution | Chain | Early 1984: 34730-81 (the 1981-design case, same as Shovelhead-era FXR). Late 1984: 34730-84. | Early 1984: 35042-79. Late 1984: 35042-84. (Fifth gear 35029-79 early, 35029-84 late.) | 37071-79 family | About 1 pint (16 oz) | 3.57 |
| 1984FXRT | Evolution | Chain | Early 1984: 34730-81 (the 1981-design case, same as Shovelhead-era FXR). Late 1984: 34730-84. | Early 1984: 35042-79. Late 1984: 35042-84. (Fifth gear 35029-79 early, 35029-84 late.) | 37071-79 family | About 1 pint (16 oz) | 3.36 |
| 1984FXRP | Evolution | Chain | Early 1984: 34730-81 (the 1981-design case, same as Shovelhead-era FXR). Late 1984: 34730-84. | Early 1984: 35042-79. Late 1984: 35042-84. (Fifth gear 35029-79 early, 35029-84 late.) | 37071-79 family | About 1 pint (16 oz) | 3.57 |
| 1984FXRDG | Evolution | Chain | Early 1984: 34730-81 (the 1981-design case, same as Shovelhead-era FXR). Late 1984: 34730-84. | Early 1984: 35042-79. Late 1984: 35042-84. (Fifth gear 35029-79 early, 35029-84 late.) | 37071-79 family | About 1 pint (16 oz) | 3.57 |
1985 to 1989
Swipe the table sideways to see every column.
| Year and model | Engine | Final drive | Case | Mainshaft | Dipstick | Fluid | Overall ratio in 5th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1985FXRS | Evolution | Belt | 34730-85; transmission assembly 33017-85A (five-speed, rear belt drive, FXRS/FXRT) | 35042-85 (1985-1989 tapered belt-era shaft per Andrews/V-Twin catalogs); late-1984 may still use 35042-79 | 37071-79 | About 1 pint (16 oz) | 3.37 |
| 1985FXRT | Evolution | Belt | 34730-85; transmission assembly 33017-85A (five-speed, rear belt drive, FXRS/FXRT) | 35042-85 (1985-1989 tapered belt-era shaft per Andrews/V-Twin catalogs); late-1984 may still use 35042-79 | 37071-79 | About 1 pint (16 oz) | 3.37 |
| 1985FXRP | Evolution | Belt | 34730-85; transmission assembly 33017-85A (five-speed, rear belt drive, FXRS/FXRT) | 35042-85 (1985-1989 tapered belt-era shaft per Andrews/V-Twin catalogs); late-1984 may still use 35042-79 | 37071-79 | About 1 pint (16 oz) | 3.37 |
| 1985FXRC | Evolution | Belt | 34730-85; transmission assembly 33017-85A (five-speed, rear belt drive, FXRS/FXRT) | 35042-85 (1985-1989 tapered belt-era shaft per Andrews/V-Twin catalogs); late-1984 may still use 35042-79 | 37075-84 | About 1 pint (16 oz) | 3.37 |
| 1986FXR | Evolution | Chain | 34730-86A (all 1986 FXR models); transmission assembly 33020-86A (rear chain drive) | 35042-85 | 37071-79 | About 1 pint (16 oz) | 3.36 |
| 1986FXRS | Evolution | Belt | 34730-86A (all 1986 FXR models) | 35042-85 | 37071-79 | About 1 pint (16 oz) | 3.37 |
| 1986FXRT | Evolution | Belt | 34730-86A (all 1986 FXR models) | 35042-85 | 37071-79 | About 1 pint (16 oz) | 3.37 |
| 1986FXRP | Evolution | Belt | 34730-86A (all 1986 FXR models) | 35042-85 | 37071-79 | About 1 pint (16 oz) | 3.37 |
| 1986FXRD | Evolution | Belt | 34730-86A (all 1986 FXR models) | 35042-85 | 37071-79 | About 1 pint (16 oz) | 3.37 |
| 1987FXR | Evolution | Belt | Polished case 34730-87; black-wrinkle case 34700-87 (FXLR only) | 35042-85 | 37075-87 | About 1 pint (16 oz) | 3.37 |
| 1987FXRS | Evolution | Belt | Polished case 34730-87; black-wrinkle case 34700-87 (FXLR only) | 35042-85 | 37075-87 | About 1 pint (16 oz) | 3.37 |
| 1987FXRS-SP | Evolution | Belt | Polished case 34730-87; black-wrinkle case 34700-87 (FXLR only) | 35042-85 | 37075-87 | About 1 pint (16 oz) | 3.37 |
| 1987FXRT | Evolution | Belt | Polished case 34730-87; black-wrinkle case 34700-87 (FXLR only) | 35042-85 | 37075-87 | About 1 pint (16 oz) | 3.37 |
| 1987FXRP | Evolution | Belt | Polished case 34730-87; black-wrinkle case 34700-87 (FXLR only) | 35042-85 | 37075-87 | About 1 pint (16 oz) | 3.37 |
| 1987FXLR | Evolution | Belt | Polished case 34730-87; black-wrinkle case 34700-87 (FXLR only) | 35042-85 | 37075-87 | About 1 pint (16 oz) | 3.37 |
| 1988FXR | Evolution | Belt | Polished case 34730-88; black-wrinkle case 34700-88 (FXRS, FXLR) | 35042-85 | 37075-87 | About 1 pint (16 oz) | 3.37 |
| 1988FXRS | Evolution | Belt | Polished case 34730-88; black-wrinkle case 34700-88 (FXRS, FXLR) | 35042-85 | 37075-87 | About 1 pint (16 oz) | 3.37 |
| 1988FXRS-SP | Evolution | Belt | Polished case 34730-88; black-wrinkle case 34700-88 (FXRS, FXLR) | 35042-85 | 37075-87 | About 1 pint (16 oz) | 3.37 |
| 1988FXRT | Evolution | Belt | Polished case 34730-88; black-wrinkle case 34700-88 (FXRS, FXLR) | 35042-85 | 37075-87 | About 1 pint (16 oz) | 3.37 |
| 1988FXRP | Evolution | Belt | Polished case 34730-88; black-wrinkle case 34700-88 (FXRS, FXLR) | 35042-85 | 37075-87 | About 1 pint (16 oz) | 3.37 |
| 1988FXLR | Evolution | Belt | Polished case 34730-88; black-wrinkle case 34700-88 (FXRS, FXLR) | 35042-85 | 37075-87 | About 1 pint (16 oz) | 3.37 |
| 1989FXR | Evolution | Belt | Polished case 34730-89A; black-wrinkle case 34700-89A (FXRS, FXLR) | 35042-85 | 37075-87 | About 1 pint (16 oz) | 3.37 |
| 1989FXRS | Evolution | Belt | Polished case 34730-89A; black-wrinkle case 34700-89A (FXRS, FXLR) | 35042-85 | 37075-87 | About 1 pint (16 oz) | 3.37 |
| 1989FXRS-SP | Evolution | Belt | Polished case 34730-89A; black-wrinkle case 34700-89A (FXRS, FXLR) | 35042-85 | 37075-87 | About 1 pint (16 oz) | 3.37 |
| 1989FXRT | Evolution | Belt | Polished case 34730-89A; black-wrinkle case 34700-89A (FXRS, FXLR) | 35042-85 | 37075-87 | About 1 pint (16 oz) | 3.37 |
| 1989FXRP | Evolution | Belt | Polished case 34730-89A; black-wrinkle case 34700-89A (FXRS, FXLR) | 35042-85 | 37075-87 | About 1 pint (16 oz) | 3.37 |
| 1989FXLR | Evolution | Belt | Polished case 34730-89A; black-wrinkle case 34700-89A (FXRS, FXLR) | 35042-85 | 37075-87 | About 1 pint (16 oz) | 3.37 |
| 1989FXRS-Conv | Evolution | Belt | Polished case 34730-89A; black-wrinkle case 34700-89A (FXRS, FXLR) | 35042-85 | 37075-87 | About 1 pint (16 oz) | 3.37 |
1990 to 1994
Swipe the table sideways to see every column.
| Year and model | Engine | Final drive | Case | Mainshaft | Dipstick | Fluid | Overall ratio in 5th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990FXR | Evolution | Belt | Polished case 34730-89A; black-wrinkle case 34700-89A (FXRS, FXLR); assemblies 1990: 33021-90 FXRS, 33022-90 FXR/FXRT/FXRS-Conv, 33024-90 FXLR, 33036-90 FXRS-SP | 35042-90 (one-year-only part) | 37075-87 | About 1 pint (16 oz) | 3.37 |
| 1990FXRS | Evolution | Belt | Polished case 34730-89A; black-wrinkle case 34700-89A (FXRS, FXLR); assemblies 1990: 33021-90 FXRS, 33022-90 FXR/FXRT/FXRS-Conv, 33024-90 FXLR, 33036-90 FXRS-SP | 35042-90 (one-year-only part) | 37075-87 | About 1 pint (16 oz) | 3.37 |
| 1990FXRS-SP | Evolution | Belt | Polished case 34730-89A; black-wrinkle case 34700-89A (FXRS, FXLR); assemblies 1990: 33021-90 FXRS, 33022-90 FXR/FXRT/FXRS-Conv, 33024-90 FXLR, 33036-90 FXRS-SP | 35042-90 (one-year-only part) | 37075-87 | About 1 pint (16 oz) | 3.37 |
| 1990FXRS-Conv | Evolution | Belt | Polished case 34730-89A; black-wrinkle case 34700-89A (FXRS, FXLR); assemblies 1990: 33021-90 FXRS, 33022-90 FXR/FXRT/FXRS-Conv, 33024-90 FXLR, 33036-90 FXRS-SP | 35042-90 (one-year-only part) | 37075-87 | About 1 pint (16 oz) | 3.37 |
| 1990FXRT | Evolution | Belt | Polished case 34730-89A; black-wrinkle case 34700-89A (FXRS, FXLR); assemblies 1990: 33021-90 FXRS, 33022-90 FXR/FXRT/FXRS-Conv, 33024-90 FXLR, 33036-90 FXRS-SP | 35042-90 (one-year-only part) | 37075-87 | About 1 pint (16 oz) | 3.37 |
| 1990FXRP | Evolution | Belt | Polished case 34730-89A; black-wrinkle case 34700-89A (FXRS, FXLR); assemblies 1990: 33021-90 FXRS, 33022-90 FXR/FXRT/FXRS-Conv, 33024-90 FXLR, 33036-90 FXRS-SP | 35042-90 (one-year-only part) | 37075-87 | About 1 pint (16 oz) | 3.37 |
| 1990FXLR | Evolution | Belt | Polished case 34730-89A; black-wrinkle case 34700-89A (FXRS, FXLR); assemblies 1990: 33021-90 FXRS, 33022-90 FXR/FXRT/FXRS-Conv, 33024-90 FXLR, 33036-90 FXRS-SP | 35042-90 (one-year-only part) | 37075-87 | About 1 pint (16 oz) | 3.37 |
| 1991FXR | Evolution | Belt | Case 34730-89A (FXR), 34700-89A black wrinkle (other FXR models); transmission assembly 33022-91 | 35042-91 | 37075-87 family | 20 to 24 oz | 3.37 |
| 1991FXRS | Evolution | Belt | Case 34730-89A (FXR), 34700-89A black wrinkle (other FXR models); transmission assembly 33021-91 | 35042-91 | 37075-87 family | 20 to 24 oz | 3.37 |
| 1991FXRS-SP | Evolution | Belt | Case 34730-89A (FXR), 34700-89A black wrinkle (other FXR models) | 35042-91 | 37075-87 family | 20 to 24 oz | 3.37 |
| 1991FXRS-Conv | Evolution | Belt | Case 34730-89A (FXR), 34700-89A black wrinkle (other FXR models); transmission assembly 33021-91 | 35042-91 | 37075-87 family | 20 to 24 oz | 3.37 |
| 1991FXRT | Evolution | Belt | Case 34730-89A (FXR), 34700-89A black wrinkle (other FXR models); transmission assembly 33021-91 | 35042-91 | 37075-87 family | 20 to 24 oz | 3.37 |
| 1991FXRP | Evolution | Belt | Case 34730-89A (FXR), 34700-89A black wrinkle (other FXR models) | 35042-91 | 37075-87 family | 20 to 24 oz | 3.37 |
| 1991FXLR | Evolution | Belt | Case 34730-89A (FXR), 34700-89A black wrinkle (other FXR models); transmission assembly 33024-91 | 35042-91 | 37075-87 family | 20 to 24 oz | 3.37 |
| 1992FXR | Evolution | Belt | Case 34730-89A (FXR), 34700-89A black wrinkle (other FXR models); transmission assembly 33022-92 | 35042-91 | 37075-87 family | 20 to 24 oz | 3.37 |
| 1992FXRS | Evolution | Belt | Case 34730-89A (FXR), 34700-89A black wrinkle (other FXR models); transmission assembly 33021-92 | 35042-91 | 37075-87 family | 20 to 24 oz | 3.37 |
| 1992FXRS-SP | Evolution | Belt | Case 34730-89A (FXR), 34700-89A black wrinkle (other FXR models) | 35042-91 | 37075-87 family | 20 to 24 oz | 3.37 |
| 1992FXRS-Conv | Evolution | Belt | Case 34730-89A (FXR), 34700-89A black wrinkle (other FXR models); transmission assembly 33021-92 | 35042-91 | 37075-87 family | 20 to 24 oz | 3.37 |
| 1992FXRT | Evolution | Belt | Case 34730-89A (FXR), 34700-89A black wrinkle (other FXR models); transmission assembly 33021-92 | 35042-91 | 37075-87 family | 20 to 24 oz | 3.37 |
| 1992FXRP | Evolution | Belt | Case 34730-89A (FXR), 34700-89A black wrinkle (other FXR models) | 35042-91 | 37075-87 family | 20 to 24 oz | 3.37 |
| 1992FXLR | Evolution | Belt | Case 34730-89A (FXR), 34700-89A black wrinkle (other FXR models); transmission assembly 33024-92 | 35042-91 | 37075-87 family | 20 to 24 oz | 3.37 |
| 1993FXR | Evolution | Belt | Case 34705-92 (FXR), 34703-92 black wrinkle (FXRS-SP, FXLR, FXRS-Conv); transmission assembly 33022-93 | 35042-91 | 37075-87 family | 20 to 24 oz | 3.37 |
| 1993FXRS-SP | Evolution | Belt | Case 34705-92 (FXR), 34703-92 black wrinkle (FXRS-SP, FXLR, FXRS-Conv) | 35042-91 | 37075-87 family | 20 to 24 oz | 3.37 |
| 1993FXRS-Conv | Evolution | Belt | Case 34705-92 (FXR), 34703-92 black wrinkle (FXRS-SP, FXLR, FXRS-Conv); transmission assembly 33021-93 | 35042-91 | 37075-87 family | 20 to 24 oz | 3.37 |
| 1993FXLR | Evolution | Belt | Case 34705-92 (FXR), 34703-92 black wrinkle (FXRS-SP, FXLR, FXRS-Conv); transmission assembly 33024-93 | 35042-91 | 37075-87 family | 20 to 24 oz | 3.37 |
| 1993FXRP | Evolution | Belt | Case 34705-92 (FXR), 34703-92 black wrinkle (FXRS-SP, FXLR, FXRS-Conv) | 35042-91 | 37075-87 family | 20 to 24 oz | 3.37 |
| 1994FXR | Evolution | Belt | Case 34705-92 (FXR), 34703-92 black wrinkle (FXRS-SP, FXLR, FXRS-Conv); transmission assembly 33022-94 | 35042-91 | 37075-87 family | 20 to 24 oz | 3.15 |
| 1994FXLR | Evolution | Belt | Case 34705-92 (FXR), 34703-92 black wrinkle (FXRS-SP, FXLR, FXRS-Conv); transmission assembly 33024-94 | 35042-91 | 37075-87 family | 20 to 24 oz | 3.15 |
| 1994FXRP | Evolution | Belt | Case 34705-92 (FXR), 34703-92 black wrinkle (FXRS-SP, FXLR, FXRS-Conv) | 35042-91 | 37075-87 family | 20 to 24 oz | 3.15 |
1999 to 2000 (Custom Vehicle Operations)
Swipe the table sideways to see every column.
| Year and model | Engine | Final drive | Case | Mainshaft | Dipstick | Fluid | Overall ratio in 5th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999FXR2 | Evolution | Belt | 1994-based FXR five-speed case family; 1999 trap-door bearings upgraded industry-wide to larger outer diameter (Baker) | 35042-91 family (1991-up splined) | 37075-87 family | 22 to 24 oz | 2.925 |
| 1999FXR3 | Evolution | Belt | 1994-based FXR five-speed case family; 1999 trap-door bearings upgraded industry-wide to larger outer diameter (Baker) | 35042-91 family (1991-up splined) | 37075-87 family | 22 to 24 oz | 2.925 |
| 2000FXR4 | Evolution | Belt | 1994-based FXR five-speed case family; 1999 trap-door bearings upgraded industry-wide to larger outer diameter (Baker) | 35042-91 family (1991-up splined) | 37075-87 family | 22 to 24 oz | 2.925 |
Gear ratios
Stock internal ratios are the same on every factory FXR five-speed: 1st 3.24, 2nd 2.21, 3rd 1.60, 4th 1.23, and 5th 1.00 (direct drive). What changes by year is the overall gearing (sprockets and belt), the fluid wording and the dipstick part.
Overall ratios from the 1985 FLT/FXR Owner's Manual specifications page (Harley-Davidson 1985 FLT/FXR Owner's Manual). The page in the copy checked is printed for the FLT and FLHT, with the same shared five-speed:
| Gear | Overall ratio |
|---|---|
| 1st | 10.93 |
| 2nd | 7.45 |
| 3rd | 5.40 |
| 4th | 4.16 |
| 5th | 3.37 |
Sprocket teeth on that page: engine 24, clutch 37, transmission 33, rear wheel 70. Check the FXR line for your year before quoting a single bike, because final drive (chain or belt) and sprocket counts changed across the run. The year by model chart above gives the overall ratio in 5th for each model (HarleyTechTalk, FXR gearing).
Owner's checklist
- Find the year, and whether the side cover dipstick is the early piece (37071-79 style) or the late one (37075-87 style).
- Read the owner's manual and the service manual for that year. If they disagree, write down both procedures and capacities before you pour.
- Always check with the bike straight up and level, not on the jiffy stand. Give the oil a moment to settle.
- Do not go by the Softail procedure. Softail books sometimes want the stick threaded in when FXR service books want it resting on the threads.
- Do not assume a Shovelhead FXR has a four-speed. It does not, unless someone swapped one in.
- On the FXR2, FXR3 and FXR4, use the later rest on the threads method and about 22 to 24 ounces.
- When the primary is open, deal with the left side transmission seals and (1985 and later) the inner primary race while you are there. See Known Issues.
Still being checked
- Whether 20 to 24 ounces resting on the threads holds for every 1987 to 1994 FXR, or only some years, against a printed 1991 service manual page.
- Whether any 1982 to 1983 FXR owner's manual wording differs from the 1985 book.
- FXR specific overall gear ratios by year where they differ from the FLT page (belt years, police gearing, FXR2, FXR3, FXR4).
Have a page that settles one of these? Tell us.
Factory manual pages
Key pages from the 1985, 1987 and 1990 owner's manuals. These are the screw-in, 1 pint books. The later rest on the threads wording comes from the 1991 service manual and the FXR2 owner's manual, as quoted by owners.
More
More drivetrain detail: Engines: Shovelhead and Evolution, Specs and Dimensions, Known Issues and the year by year model guide.
FXR Archive | Tech | October 2026