‘90 Harley-Davidson FXRP Pursuit Glide: The Best Harley of All Time?
Motorcycles & ATVs
Motorcycles
Many H-D diehards believe the FXR is the best motorcycle Harley-Davidson ever made. It was launched in 1981, months after Harley reclaimed ownership from American Machine and Foundry (AMF). The FXR was The Motor Company’s answer to the fast bikes flooding the market from overseas.
The FXR is prized for its handling and nimbleness—thanks to fewer castings, less vibration, a stiffer frame, and a greater clearance than its predecessors. Notably, the FXR’s engineering team included Erik Buell, a young road racer who later helmed Harley’s sport-minded spin-off Buell Motorcycles.
The FXR is the bike of choice for hardcore Harley riders, one-percenters, and daredevils alike. Demand is always high. But models Harley-Davidson made for police, like this 1990 Harley-Davidson FXRP Pursuit Glide recently offerd for sale on eBay, are the most coveted of all.
Police-Pursuit Parts
The seller says:
Lights, sirens, PA, everything works.
Moreover, this FXR’s special police-pursuit parts—lamps, taillight, siren, microphone, and lollipop—are all original. So is the distinctive front fairing that houses the blue and red pursuit lamps.
The fairing style dates to a little-known liquid-cooled V-Four Harley project called the Nova - opens in new window or tab., which was ditched after the AMF buyout. The Nova-inspired, frame-mounted fairing first appeared on a 1983 FXRT Sport Glide.
Its look was tremendously popular with the V-twin crowd and was duplicated by many aftermarket companies. But the Nova-derived black and white one on the 1990 Harley-Davidson FXRP sets the high bar.
Performance from the SoCal Scene
This FXRP Pursuit Glide was given a performance overhaul—in keeping with the thriving SoCal FXR scene.
Even if you have a frame designed by the brilliant Erik Buell, any Harley motorcycle benefits from Ohlins Fully Adjustable Black Line shocks - opens in new window or tab. anchoring its back end and an Ohlins NIX 22-series cartridge kit stabilizing its 39mm fork - opens in new window or tab.. Three 11.5-inch full floating, high carbon steel rotors from Lyndall Racing give a boost to the Harley’s stock triple-rotor braking system.
The 10-inch-tall Buffalo straight risers - opens in new window or tab. reflect current trends in the SoCal scene. So does the Saddlemen Step-Up Gripper seat - opens in new window or tab.. But if by chance this style isn’t your cup of tea, the owner still has the stock police windscreen, handlebar, seat, shocks, exhaust, side covers, rear pulley, rotors, and headlight.
The 1340cc EVO engine is the same as it came from the factory. The odometer reads 26,412 miles.
The list of enhancements include an aftermarket Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle High Flow air intake. That's always good for a few more horsepower. And the addition of a set of Bassani Road Rage 2-into-1 exhaust uncorks a bit more oomph. Swapping the stock carb for a Mikuni 42 carburetor - opens in new window or tab. completes the improved air, fuel, and burnt gases trifecta.
Highway-Ready
Not only is the FXRP a capable daily rider, but it’s also a legit touring bike—due to its wind-deflecting fairing, Klock Werks windscreen - opens in new window or tab., leather saddlebags - opens in new window or tab., and floorboards.
With all the patrol-inspired bells and whistles, cars will probably part like the sea when they see you rolling up in black and white.
With its black glossy 9-spoke Harley mag wheels - opens in new window or tab. shod in fresh Dunlop rubber, this 1990 Harley-Davidson FXRP on eBay is primed to prove its merits on the next winding road. That’s when you can decide for yourself whether it indeed ranks as one of the best bikes Harley ever made.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.