Rick's Motorcycles has new custom parts for the FXDR 114 in its range
F-RICKS-DR 114
The former V-Rod models have undoubtedly left a gap in the company's model range, which has been filled by the Harley-Davidson FXDR 114 should be closed. In August 2018, the time had come and the company presented the successor to the Powercruiser.
The reactions were similar to those after the turn of the millennium, when the first VRSC models set out 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 main new features are the body parts such as the swing arm and the exhaust system including the manifold.
Custom rear end for the FXDR 114
Although the new design has little in common with the VRSC models and is a far cry from the concept of the former V-Rod models, it impresses with its consistent lines.
Only the underride guard on the rear wheel, which is more commonly found on trucks weighing 30 tons or more, seems out of place in the sleek design. On top of that, all four turn signals appear to have previously been used in freight transport.
At Rick's, you're also at the FXDR 114 We took a consistent approach. The entire motorcycle was first scanned, finely dissected, and each part was also digitized. This allows us to design precisely fitting parts on the computer later on.
Side license plate holder for the FXDR 114
There was no question in anyone's mind that the rear bracket was a nuisance.
However, removing it raises a whole series of new questions that need to be answered. This is because it not only holds the license plate, but also the rear light, including the turn signals.
And let's not forget a thin wheel cover that spans most 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 standards of perfection and design.
Let's start with what are probably the largest turn signals, which last lit up the streets in this size in the late 1980s.
There is no need to reinvent this, as there are specialists who use modern LED technology produce truly tiny devices that also score points with their attractive design. Kellermann in Aachen manufactures the Atto, the smallest 3-in-1 turn signal, which is barely larger than a cherry pit and, thanks to ECE certification mark may be legally operated on European roads.
For the FXDR Project has one decided at Rick's Motorcycles However, for the slightly larger Rhombus S We decided on this because the sleek contour fits the bike's lines much better. Incidentally, 3-in-1 means that the turn signals, taillight, and brake light are all located in a single housing.
Rhombus S turn signals for the FXDR 114
The problem with the lights has thus been solved, but how are they attached to the vehicle? Rick's has developed a bracket that solves this problem in a simple way. The aluminum-milled bracket 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 complies with German registration regulations.
These regulations also require a reflector to be mounted centrally on the vehicle axle. Rick's uses the distance between the turn signals to integrate the required reflector in a particularly attractive way.
Using the mounting points of the production version is a good idea simply because it makes installing the new parts incredibly easy. Rick's has also adhered to this principle with the newly designed wheel cover. The curves of the sheet steel fit perfectly to the radii of the tire, covering it as little as possible and as much as necessary.
All that remains is to mount the license plate stylishly. Thanks to the side mounting, the now significantly improved view of the rear wheel is hardly disturbed.
Rick's has also come up with an attractive milled part for the bracket, which is available in a longer, approved version and, for those who do not have to comply with European approval regulations, in a crisp, short version.
In combination with Rick's milled base plate with integrated license plate lighting, a necessary license plate holder becomes an attractive design feature.
And while we're on the subject of design... we don't want to forget to mention the belt guard that Rick's developed especially for the FXDR. Sometimes it's the small, subtle details that make all the difference to the final look.
Parts for the FXDR 114 from Rick's Motorcycles
We have described in detail how the indicator problem at the rear was solved. However, the front lights also had similar and therefore unattractive dimensions.
If you unscrew the standard lights, there is hardly any suitable option for mounting the delicate Kellermann lights properly. Rick's has designed an adapter specifically for the Kellermann Atto and Rhombus S for this purpose, which is simply screwed onto the original mounting points. The new turn signals fit perfectly into the black milled aluminum part.
Finally, there is just one more subtle detail to mention that is making its debut on this bike. Rick's clutch covers feature an integrated disc that allows a clear view of the clutch mechanism.
This cover has been a real bestseller in Rick's Motorcycles' parts range since the Evo era. The entire design has been redesigned and refined for the new models from 2018 onwards. Rick's also offers the new covers in matte black, gloss black, and polished black.
Rick's Motorcycles' interpretation of the FXDR is instantly impressive. The many small detail improvements ultimately lead to a massive optimization of the overall appearance without compromising the original design line.
Weblink: Rick's Motorcycles FDXR
Tel. +49722139390
Text & photos: Peter Schulz
