The FXDX's new legs feature...
The FXDX's new legs feature gas-charged shocks that are adjustable for preload and compression damping. The more controlled suspension vastly improves the bike's back-road manners.
Start Me Up
Our pearl blue test unit started easily with a slight application of choke. While a little cold-blooded (even on summer mornings), the FXDX would settle into a choke-free, lumpy idle within a mile. However, beware of the off-idle flat spot until the engine is fully warmed. Launches from stoplights in the morning commute can result in a cough and a stall if this quirk is not kept in mind.
The new exhaust system delivers a little more resonance to the exhaust note, providing a character to the bike not found in many OE exhaust systems. The pipe's ceramic coating handled almost everything hurled at it with aplomb. Bugs, water spots, even a little burnt-on boot rubber were all removed with cleaners once the pipe had cooled. One drawback to the black coating becomes apparent when the rear cylinder's canister gets dragged in a corner. The bare metal underneath draws attention to the scuff marks of such shenanigans.
Out on the road, our seat-of-the-pants dyno didn't register any performance difference between the '00 Super Glide Sport and the '99 model, but the 13.62-second quarter mile sprint at 96.2 mph was 0.15 seconds quicker and 2.5 mph faster than our previous test of the FXDX (June '99). We did notice more vibration between 2500 and 3000 rpm than on our previous test unit. Although simply changing engine speeds remedied the problem, we liked the power characteristics at these rpm around town and learned to ignore the vibration. On the highway, the FXDX's top-gear roll-on power can only be beaten by one V-twin cruiser, the omnipotent Intruder 1400.
While we enjoyed the FXDX around town, the bike really shines out on a winding road. The suspension handles most road irregularities with firm compliance. Encountering a bump while leaned over in a fast sweeper is a no-pucker affair. The initial hit of the bump gets swallowed, leaving only a slight wallow in its wake. This reaction might be tuned out with some rebound-damping adjustability in the rear, but the wallow is so minimal it's almost a nonissue. Formidable, square-edged bumps have much of their force removed before it reaches the rider, but the jarring can still be felt.
All 2000 Harleys benefit from...
All 2000 Harleys benefit from the new four-piston, dual-action calipers. The disc's unique design allows it to expand when hot without warping. Just above the axle on the rear of the fork slider, the compression-damping adjuster hints at the new cartridge-type front suspension.
The Dunlop K591 tires never put a tread even slightly out of place. As we noted before, the FXDX will drag parts before traction becomes scant. In spirited cornering, the pegs touch down first on both sides. The left peg can be folded up a good bit before unforgiving hard parts touch down. The right side offers less clearance, with the lower exhaust canister touching down shortly after the peg. With that said, the FXDX still offers more ground clearance than most cruisers out there.
The riding position lends itself to finding the cornering limits. The low, slightly pulled-back bar may strike a chord with riders familiar with the superbikes of the mid-'80s. The handlebar gives the rider good leverage, and therefore, precise control of steering inputs. The standard-ish peg location places the rider's feet more rearward than the familiar BarcaLounger riding position of many cruisers. Again, a feeling of control is the result. The scooped seat also appears to have sporty riding in mind. The angle of the forward portion keeps the rider from sliding under braking but limits the wiggle room on longer rides. Similarly, the seat's overly firm foam gives the rider a good idea of what's going on underneath the glutes, but every little bit of engine vibration and road irregularities that make it past the suspension are felt to an annoying level.
When the time comes to stop, performance from the dual front discs is exemplary. The new four-piston calipers and dual front discs haul the FXDX down from speed with two-fingered precision. No muss, no fuss, just clean powerful braking. Harley-Davidson-induced gorilla grip will be a thing of the past. Unfortunately, the power that makes the front binders so effective causes the rear brake to lock up quite easily. Testers commented that not only was the rear difficult to manage in panic-stop situations, it was also prone to grabbing under normal braking until the rider learned to apply a gentle touch on the pedal. We'd recommend borrowing a trick from racebike builders and detuning the rear to help avoid lockup. A local race shop will be able to perform this modification or explain how to machine the brake pad material to achieve proper rear-brake power.
Our time with the 2000 Super Glide Sport left us impressed with how Harley-Davidson -- not just content to sit back on its laurels -- has continued to improve one of its best-performing cruisers. Whether this drive comes from within the Motor Company for the simple purpose of building a better bike or as a result of perceived threats to its market share doesn't really matter to sport-minded cruisers. Head-turning looks and strong performance are a good thing. For riders with both cruising and canyoning on their mind, the Super Glide Sport is a great vehicle for more than just their egos.
IN BRIEF High Points: Impressive suspension, strong brakes, twin-cam engine.Low Points: Grabby rear brake, more vibration than our previous FXDX.First Change: Detune the rear brake.
RIDING POSITIONS
Brasfield: 4.5
Stars Like I said in our June Big Twins comparison, the FXDX Dyna Super Glide Sport is the first stock Harley I've ever wanted to own after spending extended time in the saddle. I still feel the same way -- only more so. The engine makes me laugh out loud. (Imagine this bike with the 95-incher!) The new exhaust system's ceramic coating looks good, too. The brakes, well, they're awesome. So what if the rear gets grabby. A fix is only an afternoon away -- with no aftermarket parts required. If I liked the old FXDX's suspension, I love the new one. Whether I'm riding around town or down the road, the suspension does its job seamlessly. The only fly in the ointment? An uncomfortable seat. And that's a really small fly in the grand scheme of things.
If you suffer from cruising's bipolar disorder -- and want a stylish ride for urban strutting and a sporty bike for some rural fun -- seriously, consider the FXDX. You'll be glad you did.
Evans Brasfield
Send your insect-removal tips to Brasfield at his own website: Evans Brasfield
Friedman: 3.5 Stars
Funny, isn't it? All those Asian manufacturers make these great sportbikes. They should have arrived at this idea first, but they're letting Harley run off with this sport-cruiser concept (with Victory in pursuit). Imagine if Suzuki had done this with a 1400 Intruder motor.
The fly in my ointment though is the looks. I'm not a fan of the lines of the Dyna chassis, and I don't like all that wrinkle-black paint on the engine. (Did I just dream that the '70s ended?) But yeah, I like to ride it a lot, though the saddle is the first thing I'd fix, not the brake.
Art Friedman