Harley-Davidson has unveiled the new Softail FXDR 114 with a light weight aluminium swingarm, upside-down forks and chamfered exhaust for more corner clearance.
To feature its sporty prowess, the launch video shows the bike on the High Plains race circuit in Colorado.
The solo-seat FXDR arrives in Australia in the next month at $35,495 ride away, making it also the most expensive Softail yet. Click here for the 2019 Australian Harley prices.
Solo new model
The solo-seat Softail FXDR is the only new model for 2019. That’s unusual for Harley which has been in model overdrive over the past few years.
Last year 11 new models were launched after CEO Matt Levatich announced that the company would release 100 new models in the next 10 years.
However, the new FXDR follows the recent announcement of upcoming models over the next four years, including electric motorcycles, electric bicycles, adventure models and a new line-up of water-cooled street fighters and custom cruisers from 500 to 1250cc.
We also expect more new models next February or March.
FXDR 114
The FXDR 114 is powered by the Milwaukee-Eight® 114 V-Twin engine with about 61kW of power and a massive 162Nm of torque, up almost 20Nm.
It’s part of the new Softail range launched last year with a stiffer and lighter chassis. It also gets a lightweight aluminium swingarm that saves 8kg, yet the bike still weighs 289kg dry.
Like all Softails it comes with a hidden single rear mono shock, but also features upside-down forks like the Fat Bob.
Another feature is the rear hugger and number plater holder which is becoming popular with new models such as the Husqvarna Vitpilen and Svartpilen models.
It comes with a 19-inch front wheel with a 120mm Michelin Scorcher 11 tyre and Ace thin-spoked alloy rim.
On the rear is a fat 240mm on an 18-inch rim like the popular Breakout.
But the FXDR should have slightly more cornering clearance (32.6° on the left and 32.8° on the right) than any other Softail with its chamfered triangular 2-into-1 exhaust pipe.
Although it’s nothing like the Street Rod which has the biggest lean angles of any Harley at 37.3° (right), 40.2° (left).
It also has a small digital screen, clip-on handlebars, sports cowl and LED headlights.
We are heading to Minneapolis next week to ride the FXDR to the company’s headquarters in Milwaukee for their 115th birthday celebrations.
Stay tuned for our ride review.
2019 Harley-Davdison Softail FXDR tech specs
DIMENSIONS
| Length | 95.1 in. (2,416 mm) |
| Seat Height | 28.5 in. (723 mm) |
| Fuel Capacity | 4.4 gal. (16.7 L) |
| Dry weight | 637 lb. (289 kg) |
POWERTRAIN
| Engine | Milwaukee-Eight® 114 |
| Displacement | 114 cu. in. (1,868 cc) |
| Bore | 4.016 in. (102 mm) |
| Stroke | 4.5 in. (114 mm) |
| Engine Torque | 119 ft-lb (162 Nm) |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Cruise Drive® |
WHEELS / TIRES
| Wheels | Gloss/satin black, split 5-spoke, Ace cast aluminum with laser h laser etched graphics |
| Tires Front | 120/70ZR-19 60W |
| Tires Rear | 240/40R-18 79V |