I just obtained a nice 1987 fxr and gave it to an old harley guy to play with and restore. I put about $7000 and 6 months of restoration work into it. I am so impressed with the ride. I kept all except the pipes stock and am glad to hear from you that with good maintainence it should last awhile. I agree with you that it is the best damn ride period. Nothing beats the vibration this engine gives off... I have a brand new Harley Springer and my FXR is still more fun, it is raw and old school... the new ones are so refined.