If you study this very sharp 2000 model year Harley-Davidson FXDL a bit, you’ll see a few things different. Most are related to Mike Wilson’s efforts to fit the bike to his diminutive wife, Margaret who was probably under five feet tall. The rear suspension is lowered with aftermarket adjustable shock absorbers. Fork tubes are pushed up in the triple tree almost two inches. The seat is custom and has no more than an inch and a half of foam. The bike is closer to the ground so Margaret could reach, center of gravity lower as well. The windscreen kept Margaret out of the wind and bug free. Saddle bags allowed for a rain-suit and some changes of gear, gloves and such. Her initials are bold on the side of the machine.
The Harley-Davidson Dyna series essentially replaced the all the FXR models except for the FXR Super Glide and the FXR chassis was discontinued, temporarily. The FXDL was first offered in 1993. The Dyna served as the standard cruiser, neither Sportster nimble or FL touring weight; the in between machine. By the mid-1990s 1/3 of Harleys produced were FXs. The original Low Rider, launched in 1977 was still a strong design almost 25 years later. It was a good platform for customization and worked fine for long rides as well. Low riding was a good fit for the diminutive Margaret Wilson, and Mike’s modifications made it even better.
Margaret rode this solo bike to many annual Motor Maid Conventions as well as touring to rallies across America. Her other vehicle was a red 1990’s Pontiac Firebird. Sometimes if Mike was flying cross country at aircraft speed, Margaret would be down below, flying low in her Firebird. Then they’d meet up at an airport for fuel, ultimately at one hosting an historical aviation event. In World War II, Mike Wilson was a fighter pilot, later a lifelong historic aircraft mechanic and loved his Ryan trainer. Late in life, at 83 years of age, he was the first to make a “touch and go” with Glacier Girl, the P38 that he helped to restore after its fifty years under the ice in Greenland.
Mike and Margaret owned a Harley-Davidson dealership in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Wilson’s Motorcycle Sales, later added Honda to the mix so they had fairly new machines to ride if they wanted. But in most cases they were happier to see just how far they could run a machine. Most marveled at Mike’s ability to keep a bike looking sharp even after tens of thousands of miles. Margaret and Mike gave their time and resources tirelessly to museums preserving history of motorcycling and aviation and an exhibit area in the National Motorcycle Museum is dedicated to them.
Specifications:
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- Engine: Twin Cam / Overhead Valve 45 Degree V-Twin
- Displacement: 88 Cubic Inches / 1450 cc’s
- Bore & Stroke: 3.70” x 4.00” / 95mm x 102mm
- Compression Ratio: 8.9:1
- Horsepower: 68 HP
- Induction: Carburetor
- Ignition: Electronic
- Transmission: 5-Speed
- Clutch: Wet, Multi-plate
- Primary Drive: Chain
- Final Drive: Belt
- Brakes: 292mm Dual Disks / 292mm Disk
- Electrics: 12 Volt
- Ignition: Electronic Ignition
- Wheels/Tires: 100/90×19 / 150/80×16
- Frame: Steel, Double Down Tube
- Suspension: Telescopic Fork /Dual Shocks
- Wheelbase: 64.6 Inches
- Weight: 641 Pounds
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Kind of funny how this looks like a Twin Cam Dyna not a Evo FXR ……WE HAVE A 1986 Liberty FXRS & a 1987 FXRS , they both have 5 speed EVO’s although the transmissions & fenders (front) are different on each bike ……..looks a lot more like my 2002 FXDXT except mine has a chrome frame & blacked out motor , maybe you are playing an April Fools trick to see if we pay attention …… MR.E of MR.E MOTORS
yep it’s a twin cam Dyna
I agree. Twin Cam Dyna. Maybe Low Rider. Definately no EVO in my book. Someone’s messing with us. I’m 69 pushing 70. Been riding since the 60’s. Maybe my eyes are failing me. No, don’t think so.
I see a lot of folks are taking issue with calling a Twin Cam powered Dyna an FXR. I’m sure someone will be getting a “Got a minute?” soon.
Yes.
Twin cam Dyna
More later.
MM
We are sorry – our specs were not correct for this post – updated specs and information to come on this featured bike soon. We do thank you all for reading our emails, watching our posts and interacting with our site. We appreciate the support for the National Motorcycle Museum and your knowledge of motorcycles and their history!
2000 FXDS. Convertible, not lowrider. Twin gauges on the risers, center fill fuel tank with dash mounted fuel gauge, those bags and windshield. Convertible.
Definitely looks like a Dyna to me. I own a ‘90 FXRS and I love it.
Not an H-D FXR! I sold this 2000 H-D Dyna Low Rider to Mike & Margaret Wilson at Wilwerts H-D in Dubuque, IA back in 2000. Mike lowered & set up this amazing H-D Dyna Low Rider to fit Margaret. It is powered by a Twin Cam 88 (1450cc) engine. Again, NOT an FXR & NOT an Evolution engine! TV
But that isn’t a a lowrider. I mean it’s low. But that’s a convertible.
I like it – right from the horse’s mouth!
I don’t think this weighs 6412 lbs ? Them Harleys are heavy but I don’t think Margaret and Mike and maybe 2 more healthy fellows from the museum could get it off the kickstand ? Maybe 641 lbs 🤷♂️
I bought a 2000 Super glide original condition very low miles in 2011 looks just like that one. Only all black and chrome.
Definitely looks like a twin 88 I got a 2000 fat boy with the same motor
2000 FXDS. Convertible, not lowrider. Twin gauges on the risers, center fill fuel tank with dash mounted fuel gauge, those bags and windshield. Convertible.