For the past nine months I have had the pleasure of riding the Harley-Davidson FXDR 114 across the southern regions of Russia and into Belarus, through the daily grind of city traffic, clocking up a solid ten thousand kilometers. As I bid farewell to the “one fourteen”, I cannot help acknowledging how it has reshaped my view of the iconic American brand.
What Ten Thousand Kilometres Did to It
At that mileage I would normally expect the first signs of wear on any new machine, motorcycles above all. The FXDR 114 surprised me pleasantly with its durability. Harley’s maintenance-free belt, unlike a traditional chain drive, proved its longevity and asked for almost nothing even after hard use. Some parts were less robust: elements of the frame and the exhaust pipe cover showed an allergic reaction to the chemicals used at domestic car washes — a minor irritation in an otherwise reliable ride.
The coating of the exhaust pipe suffered from the chemicals used in domestic car washes: I recommend restoring the shine in trusted places.
The instrument panel is compact but functional.
94 Horsepower, and the Stage 4 Question
On performance the stock 94-horsepower engine felt somewhat underwhelming, particularly with its cutoff at 193 km/h. Milwaukee acknowledges the gap and sells engine tuning, known as Stage 4, for more power and sharper response. The upgrades cost money, but they turn the FXDR 114 into a formidable machine and close much of the distance to the coveted FXDR 117.
The rear seat is an option. There’s hardly any talk of comfort for the passenger, but it will suffice for transporting a companion from the bar.
Comfort Is Not the Point
Comfort is not the FXDR 114’s strong suit. With its aggressive ergonomics and firm clutch, riding through traffic or over rough surfaces is a test of endurance. Yet that same ruggedness is what makes it exhilarating, especially on winding mountain roads. Quirks and all, it offers a riding experience that will appeal to anyone looking for adventure on two wheels.
Not to burn rubber at the start on a practically factory dragster is simply a crime.
As I say goodbye to the FXDR 114, I do so with a tinge of nostalgia. Our time together may have ended, but I am left hopeful that our paths will cross again. Until then I will keep the memories of our adventures on the open road, knowing that the spirit of Harley-Davidson will always remain with me.
Dirt flies straight onto the riders’ backs through the hole in the mudguard.
Analytical Data
| Expense | RUB | USD (2019) |
|---|---|---|
| Total mileage — 10 000km | ||
| Gasoline (AI-95) | 28100 | $435.00 |
| Car washes | 2900 | $44.93 |
| Tire repair | 1000 | $15.47 |
| Maintenance-1 | 23290 | $360.94 |
| Maintenance-2 | 17850 | $276.11 |
| Michelin Scorcher 11 Tire (240/40 R18) | 34630 | $536.19 |
| Balancing weights (2 pcs.) | 1000 | $15.47 |
| Labor | ||
| Front tire (removal, balancing) | 1845 | $28.57 |
| Rear tire (removal, replacement, balancing) | 4920 | $76.20 |
| Total expenses for all period of operation | 115535 | $1788.88 |
| Parameter | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Motorcycle | Harley-Davidson FXDR 114 |
| Dimensions, mm Length Width Height Wheelbase Seat height | 2425 929 1083 1735 720 |
| Fork rake/trail, deg/mm | 34/120 |
| Frame | Steel, aluminum swingarm |
| Curb weight, kg | 303 |
| Number and arrangement of cylinders | 2, V-engine |
| Cylinder bore/stroke, mm | 102/114 |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Displacement, cc | 1868 |
| Number of valves | 8 |
| Max. power, hp/kW/rpm | 93.8/69/4500 |
| Max. torque, Nm/rpm | 162/3500 |
| Transmission | 6-speed gearbox, multi-disc clutch, belt |
| Front suspension | Telescopic, inverted, Ø 43 mm fork tubes, 130 mm travel |
| Rear suspension | Monoshock, adjustments: spring preload; 86 mm wheel travel |
| Front brakes | Two Ø 300 mm discs, 4-piston calipers |
| Rear brake | Ø 292 mm disc, 2-piston floating caliper |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 193* |
| Front wheel | 120/70-19″ |
| Rear wheel | 240/40-18″ |
| Fuel tank capacity, l | 16.7 |
| Fuel | Gasoline AI-95—98 |
*Limited by electronics
Harley-Davidson FXDR 114: The Key Facts
- Tested over: nine months and ten thousand kilometers, in Russia and Belarus
- Engine: 1868 cc V-twin, 93.8 hp at 4500 rpm, 162 Nm at 3500 rpm
- Top speed: 193 km/h, limited by electronics
- Final drive: maintenance-free belt — the part that impressed most
- Weak point: finishes that react badly to car-wash chemicals
- Curb weight: 303 kg, on a steel frame with an aluminum swingarm
- Total running costs: 115535 RUB over the period, tyres and two services included
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it hold up over serious mileage? Yes. After ten thousand kilometers there was no meaningful mechanical wear, and the belt final drive needed almost no attention.
Is 94 horsepower enough? It felt underwhelming, and the 193 km/h cutoff is part of that. Harley’s own Stage 4 tuning is the answer if you want more, at a price.
Can you carry a passenger? Only just. The rear seat is an option, and it is best thought of as a way of getting a companion home rather than a touring arrangement.
What did it cost to run? 115535 RUB in total over ten thousand kilometers — fuel, two scheduled services, a rear Michelin Scorcher 11, balancing and labour.
Photo: Nikita Kolobanov
This is a translation. You can read an original article here: Hasta la vista. Harley-Davidson FXDR 114 после 10000 километров в Авторевю
Published April 18, 2024 • 4m to read
