Rick's Motorcycles has new custom parts for the FXDR 114 in its program
F-RICKS-DR 114
The former V-Rod models undoubtedly left a gap in the company's model range, which was intended to be filled with the Harley-Davidson FXDR 114 . In August 2018 the time had come and the company presented the successor to the power cruiser.
The reactions were similar to those after the turn of the millennium, when the first VRSC models were about to establish a new type of motorcycle.
The FXDR is powered by the new Milwaukee-Eight engine and is based on the new Softail frame of the 2018 models. The body parts are particularly new, such as the swing arm and the exhaust including the manifold.
Custom tail for the FXDR 114
The new design has little to do with the VRSC models and is far removed from the concept of the former V-Rod models, but it can convince with its consistent lines.
The only thing that doesn't fit into the composition of tight lines is the underrun protection on the rear wheel, which you're usually used to on trucks weighing 30 tons or more. On top of that, all four direction indicators appear to have previously been used in freight transport.
Rick's also took the consistent approach FXDR 114 The entire motorcycle was first scanned, finely filleted and every part was also digitized. In this way, precisely fitting parts can later be designed on the computer.
Side license plate holder for the FXDR 114
There was no question for everyone involved that the rear bar was a nuisance.
However, if you remove this, it triggers a whole new series of questions that need to be answered. Not only does the license plate hang on it, but also the taillight, including the indicators.
And don't forget a thin wheel cover that stretches over a large part of the tire. Consequently, replacements must be found for all components that are not only functional, but also fit much better into the design scheme and meet Rick's typical demands for perfection and design.
Let's start with probably the largest indicators that last illuminated the street scene in this dimension in the late 1980s.
You don't have to reinvent these, because there are specialists who use modern LED technology to produce real tiny things that can also score points with an attractive design. Kellermann in Aachen produces the Atto, the smallest 3-in-1 turn signal, which is barely larger than a cherry stone and can be used legally on European roads the ECE test mark
For the FXDR project Rick's Motorcycles opted for the slightly larger Rhombus S because the tight contour fits the line of the bike much better. By the way, 3 in 1 means indicators, taillights and brake lights are in a single housing.
Rhombus S indicators for the FXDR 114
The problem with the lights would be solved, but how do you attach them to the vehicle? For this purpose, Rick's has developed a holder that solves this problem in a simple way. The holder, milled from aluminum, appears to float freely under the rear section, but is fixed to the existing mounting points with a special bracket. This can be positioned in such a way that it meets the requirements of the German approval regulations.
It is precisely these regulations that also require a reflector that must be mounted centrally to the vehicle axle. Rick's uses the distance between the indicators to integrate the required reflector in a particularly beautiful way.
Using the mounting points of the series version is a good idea simply because it makes installing the new parts incredibly easy. Rick's also adhered to this principle with the newly designed wheel cover. The curves of the steel sheet nestle perfectly against the radii of the tire and cover it as little as possible and as much as necessary.
All that remains is to mount the license plate in style. Thanks to side mounting, the now much better view of the rear wheel is hardly disturbed.
Rick's has also come up with an attractive milled part for the holder, which is available either in a longer, approved version or, for those who do not have to meet the European approval regulations, in a crisp, short version.
In combination with Rick's milled base plate and integrated license plate lighting, a necessary license plate holder becomes an attractive design part.
And while we're on the subject of design... we don't want to forget to point out the belt guard that Rick's developed specifically for the FXDR. Sometimes it's the small, fine details that are crucial for the later appearance.
Parts for the FXDR 114 from Rick's Motorcycles
We have described in detail how the turn signal problem at the rear was solved. But the front lights also had similar and therefore unsightly dimensions.
If you unscrew the standard lights, there is hardly any suitable option to mount the delicate cellar men appropriately. For this purpose, Rick's has designed an adapter specifically for the Kellermann Atto and the Rhombus S, which is simply screwed onto the original mounting points. The new indicators fit perfectly into the black milled aluminum part.
So at the end all that remains is a reference to another fine detail that is celebrating its premiere on this bike. Rick's clutch covers allow a clear view of the clutch mechanics thanks to the integrated disc.
This cover has been a real bestseller in the parts range at Rick's Motorcycles since the Evo era. For the new models from 2018, the entire design was redrawn and refined again. Rick's also offers the new lids in matt black, glossy black and bright polished.
The FXDR interpretation from Rick's Motorcycles is immediately convincing. The many small detail improvements ultimately lead to a massive optimization of the overall appearance without denying the original design line.
Web link: Rick's Motorcycles FDXR
Tel. +49722139390
Text & photos: Peter Schulz
