Harley-Davidson’s newest powercruiser is the FXDR 114, a machines that blends Softail DNA with brute force and a new design language
The recently-launched FXDR 114 powercruiser may be seen as the right piece of evidence that Harley-Davidson CAN change. It’s not a huge leap that’s meant to disrupt the world of the MoCo fans, but it represents a rather bold step towards bridging the gap between generations of machines and generations of riders.
The Harley-Davidson FXDR 114 is, however, much more than an heir to the V-ROD. In a way, it takes off where the V-ROD left off, but does this in a manner we though H-D forgot a long time ago. Milwaukee chose the best of the Breakout and Softail worlds, and the result is impressive, especially because the FXDR 114 now comes with handling that matches its brawns.
The engine is the biggest Milwaukee-Eight V-twin, now with dual, air and oil cooling, with a hefty 1,868 cc displacement capable of delivering 91 horsepower and a no-nonsense peak torque of 160 Nm at 3,500 revs. It boasts Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) and breathes through a modern 2-into-1 exhaust with very European looks. The intake uses a design that’s derived from the Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines drag projects. It looks aggressive and compact, and it also sports the modern lines we were all expecting to see from Harley.
Underneath the slender bodywork we can find a Softail frame, but it was mated to an all-new aluminium swingarm. It accommodates a 240mm rear tire and provides superior rigidity to help the new bike roll more precisely around the bends. The 34-degree fork also comes with shorter trail, and the suspensions are overhauled entirely. The rear suspension has remotely adjustable spring preload and is much stiffer than the front, for a better stance through the twisties.
Stopping power comes from dual 300mm front rotors with 4-pot calipers and a rear 292mm, 2-piston system in the rear, and is, reportedly, capable to provide excellent deceleration even under stress.
LED lighting was liberally used, but the dash did not get the expected TFT display, as Harley opted for a simpler LCD instrumentation. So far, we have no news about any electronic bells and whistles other bikes brag on. The MoCo hasn’t been a fan of this and we reckon it will still pass some time until such enhancements make it into production.
Last but not least, Harley says they shaved as much weight as possible from the FXDR 114. Still, this powercruiser tips the scales at a hefty 303 kg (669 lb), but Milwaukee says the figure only matters on paper, as once on the move, exhilaration will take over. Prices expected soon.
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