1986 Harley-Davidson FXRS Liberty Edition – 1 of 744 – Original Paint – Stage II

Take a close look at this absolutely stunning and exceptionally rare 1986 Harley-Davidson FXRS Liberty Edition. Harley-Davidson produced only 744 examples of this model to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Statue of Liberty—making it one of the most collectible FXRs of the Evolution era.

The Statue of Liberty was dedicated in 1886, making 2026 both its 140th anniversary and the 40th anniversary of this motorcycle. Finding any surviving FXRS Liberty Edition is difficult. Finding an original-owner example retaining its factory Liberty paint and graphics in this condition is nearly unheard of.

A Genuine Piece of Harley-Davidson History

Harley-Davidson partnered with the Statue of Liberty–Ellis Island Foundation to help fund the monument’s restoration. The company produced special Liberty Editions of the FLHT, FLTC, FXRS and XL 1100 for 1986.

These commemorative motorcycles received a distinctive two-tone black and silver paint scheme with maroon pinstriping, Statue of Liberty artwork and special “Ride Free” graphics. Harley-Davidson donated an additional $100 from every Liberty Edition sold directly to the restoration fund. Harley-Davidson Museum history

Only 744 FXRS Liberty Editions were reportedly produced, placing this motorcycle among the rarest variations of the legendary FXR platform.

Original-Owner Estate Motorcycle

This was an original-owner motorcycle that remained with the same owner until we acquired it from his daughter and estate in Ohio. We then transported it to the New England Motorcycle Museum in Connecticut, where it underwent a comprehensive mechanical recommissioning and cosmetic preservation process.

Most importantly, this motorcycle retains its original factory Liberty Edition paint. It has not been stripped of its history or turned into another generic custom FXR. The irreplaceable factory finish, pinstriping and commemorative graphics remain intact and present beautifully for a 40-year-old original motorcycle.

Nearly $8,000 Invested

Our service and detail departments invested approximately 35 hours of professional labor and more than $2,300 in parts, representing nearly $8,000 in recent recommissioning and preservation work.

The motorcycle received a complete mechanical inspection, service and an extensive rotisserie-style detail. Particular attention was given not only to the obvious components but also to the smaller age-related items that are frequently overlooked on vintage motorcycles.

Recent work and upgrades include:

• Brand-new Dunlop tires

• Brand-new battery

• Fuel tank cleaned and serviced

• Carburetor cleaned and serviced

• Complete fuel system inspection and recommissioning

• New handlebar rubber mounting dampers

• Brand-new handlebars

• Brand-new grips

• Full mechanical inspection and service

• Comprehensive rotisserie-level cleaning and detailing

• Complete nut-and-bolt check

• Stage II engine performance package

• Performance camshaft

• Upgraded carburetor

• Performance exhaust system

A complete YouTube presentation will document the motorcycle in detail and include a review of the full service work order.

The Legendary FXR Platform

The FXR chassis is widely regarded by Harley-Davidson enthusiasts as one of the finest-handling Big Twin platforms the company ever produced. Its triangulated frame, rubber-mounted powertrain and comparatively sporting geometry created a motorcycle that offered considerably more responsive handling than many traditional cruisers of its era.

At its heart is Harley-Davidson’s air-cooled, four-stroke, 45-degree Evolution V-twin. The factory engine displaced approximately 1,340cc, or 80 cubic inches, and was paired with a five-speed transmission and clean, low-maintenance belt final drive.

Factory FXRS specifications included:

• Approximately 1,340cc/80-cubic-inch Evolution V-twin

• Air-cooled, four-stroke OHV engine

• Two valves per cylinder

• Five-speed transmission

• Belt final drive

• Electric starting

• Wet multi-plate clutch

• Telescopic front fork

• Dual rear shocks

• Disc brakes

• Approximately 4.2-gallon fuel capacity

• 19-inch front and 16-inch rear wheels

This example’s Stage II performance package, upgraded camshaft, carburetor and exhaust allow the Evolution engine to breathe considerably better while preserving the unmistakable character that made the FXR famous.

Originality, Performance and Provenance

This motorcycle offers a combination that is extremely difficult to duplicate: documented original-owner provenance, exceptionally rare Liberty Edition production, surviving original paint, comprehensive recent service and tasteful period-style performance upgrades.

It has the historical significance and originality collectors demand, but it has also been professionally recommissioned so the next owner can enjoy it rather than immediately facing years of deferred maintenance.

This is more than another vintage Harley-Davidson. It is one of only 744 FXRS Liberty Editions produced, created to commemorate one of America’s most important symbols of freedom. Forty years later, it remains a striking tribute to Lady Liberty, the American road and Harley-Davidson’s legendary Evolution-era engineering.

It has been cleaned, serviced, upgraded and dialed in to the nines. This exceptional FXRS Liberty Edition is ready to be displayed, collected and enjoyed for another 40 years.

Serious inquiries are encouraged.

Call or text Junior at 860-471-0192.

WHY SHOULD YOU BUY FROM KAPLAN? WHAT DO YOU GET?

“You are buying from the Kaplan Cycles Family. We are not just another big auction house. We are family-owned and operated and have been buying, servicing, and selling motorcycles since 1975. You will work directly with Ken Jr., Ken Sr., and/or one of the 30+ experts on our team. We provide museum-quality, white-glove concierge service from start to finish. Every motorcycle we sell is inspected, serviced, and supported by our team, and we stand behind it after the sale. You’re not on your own — we back what we build and what we sell.

With over 17,000 units sold and still 100% positive feedback, we are the best stress-free buying experience you can have. From the first call to delivery at your door, we will handle it all — because vintage motorcycles deserve support, and so do you.

With every bike we curate you get:
• museum-level inspection & preservation services
• every machine is professionally evaluated, serviced, & rotisserie detailed
• all critical systems are checked, adjusted, or renewed
• you get professional setup, tuning, and delivery prep
• done by the best experts in the industry — we ride and restore every day
• you get post-sale phone support
• you get white-glove, insured, always-enclosed shipping to your door anywhere in the country

You’re buying from Kaplan Cycles at the New England Motorcycle Museum, one of the largest vintage motorcycle collections in North America. Free museum tours and tickets are included with every bike sold. With every bike you purchase, a portion of the proceeds is used to support, continue, and improve the 501(c)(3) nonprofit New England Motorcycle Museum.

You don’t just win an auction — YOU are creating & helping to preserve motorcycle history, and you become part of our family, a Kaplan Cycles client for life.

We do not take new clients off the street.
We do not service bikes purchased elsewhere.
We only take new exclusive clients who purchase a motorcycle from us.

You get a guided purchase experience with, and from, the experts who care about the bike as much as you do. If there’s a problem, you don’t get ghosted. You call us — you will have our cell phone numbers — we will answer your call on weekends, and we will help make it right.

Auction platforms = listing only. No support. No accountability.

Kaplan Cycles = we stand behind what we sell.

You are buying museum-curated provenance. That means:
• expert evaluation
• documented condition
• professional presentation
• long-term preservation mindset

You’re not just buying a motorcycle — you’re buying a curated piece of motorcycling history.

From the #1 family in this business — Kaplan Cycles & the New England Motorcycle Museum.

Sincerely,

Ken Kaplan Sr.
12/28/2025”

AUCTION TERMS:

All motorcycles & vehicles are sold as-is where-is.

Kaplan Cycles guarantees all motorcycles are as-described. Please read the entire description and watch the entire video before bidding.

A non-refundable deposit is due immediately on purchase. PayPal or Credit Card is accepted for the deposit.

Cash (In-Person), Card (+3% fee), or Wire Transfer are our only accepted forms of final payment.

Full payment must be made within 7 days of auction close.

Your motorcycle must be picked up within 30 days of auction close. 

Exceptions are made only for international buyers OR buyers who have ALREADY made transport arrangements with a third party.

If a motorcycle is purchased and left here for longer than 30 days without written permission from Kaplan Cycles it will be resold. In the case of a re-sale, the owner will be entitled to a refund less storage fees ($25/ day beginning 30 days from auction close) ONLY if the motorcycle was paid in full on-time within the auction terms.

We always describe our motorcycles as accurately as possible.

You are purchasing a classic motorcycle. Even in cases where a bike may be in good running/ operating condition, new problems & idiosyncrasies can arise over-time from sitting or regular use.

If you have an issue with the motorcycle you’ve received, contact us within 24 hours of delivery and before leaving feedback so that we can address your concerns.

It is important you have at least a basic mechanical knowledge before purchasing and operating a classic motorcycle.

Due to our backlog, we cannot perform any additional service work or modifications on your motorcycle after the sale (ie; adding a light kit, different tires, etc.)

We respond quickly between the hours of 9am and 5pm EST, Monday - Friday

For our fastest service please call Ken Kaplan Jr directly at 860-471-0192

We will not charge out-of-state buyers sales tax.
Out of state residents will pay sales tax with their DMV. 

We are not a registering dealership. You will receive only the documents required to register your vehicle in your state.

In our listings, title status is always listed directly below the main description.

In some cases we will sell motorcycles without title or registration. In these cases we guarantee all motorcycles sold are free and clear. We will always provide a route to obtaining title. Generally in these cases, the motorcycle will be sold at a discount to accommodate expenses involved.

Documents are mailed via USPS priority mail with a tracking number. Please allow up to 14 days after payment in full for your documents to be processed and mailed.

Keys will be shipped with the motorcycle.

Warranty:

All Motorcycles sold "as is, where is" and Kaplan Cycles does not warranty any motorcycle sold. No express warranty and/or implied warranty are made by Kaplan Cycles. No statements by us give an implied warranty.

SHIPPING:

SEND US YOUR ZIP FOR A SHIPPING QUOTE!
WE WILL MAKE ALL ARRANGEMENTS!

We have the best shipping contacts in the nation who will provide the FASTEST transport times, have a perfect track record, and are always insured and ENCLOSED! All motorcycles are shipped WHOLE (roll-on, roll-off). We do not offer a pallet or crate service.

International shipping specialist contacts are available! They will assist in ground freight, customs clearance, and ocean freight to your country. International buyers will be required to work directly with our third party shipping contacts.

We strongly recommend you insure your motorcycle at the time of purchase.

PICKUP:

We require a 24 hour notice prior to pick-up. Please call us at 860-454-7024 during office hours Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm EST.

We will provide ramps, a dock for loading, and assistance to load for free.