It has come to my attention that a lot of guys out there have no clue about the historical significance of Harley’s Super Glide T-SPORT (FXDXT) in today’s motorcycle culture.
This post should serve to educate those guys, if they even care... They probably don’t… and honestly, I probably don’t know shit about what I am about to say, but I am going to say it anyway because I feel it to be my truth.
First I’ll start by saying that, in my opinion (shared with other 99-05 Dyna enthusiasts), the T-SPORT is the best Dyna model that H-D ever produced. I'm not speaking from a technical perspective about the Twin Cam drivetrain and motor, because it was not unique to the T-SPORT.
I am talking about the nostalgia; the look; the characteristics and features that are unique to the T-SPORT and have literally propelled this motorcycle to the ideal image of what many riders have in mind when they build their motorcycles today.
The irony here is that many guys don’t even know they’re building their bikes in the likeliness of the stock T-SPORT that was first introduced by H-D in 2001.
How can I say this?
It’s all of the constant questions I get when I post pictures of my T-SPORT…
Q: “What kind of fairing is that?”
A: It’s an OEM T-SPORT fairing that came only on the FXDXT
Q: “Who makes those bags?”
A: These are OEM T-SPORT bags that came on the FXDXT
Q: “$15k for a 20+ year old Dyna? What makes a T-SPORT so special?
A: The T-SPORT was a 3-year only model from H-D. It is a completely different motorcycle than the mass-produced FXDL, where you can see some inspiration was taken by H-D. That said, the suspension, the dual disc front brakes, bags, fairing, rear fenders, etc. are all unique to the T-SPORT.
A: One of those 3-production years (2003) was an anniversary year where H-D produced bikes in the Anniversary colors that they pushed out to the entire line in 2003. This means that the paint on the 01 and 02 models was a 2-year production. They are rare, with 2002 being the most limited production run world-wide. Some colors had less that 70 units world-wide.
I love my T-SPORT... and not just because I'm an old school guy who loves the history and nostalgia of it all, but namely because it is a bike that was built for riders who like to go fast for a long time. An adaptation from of the FXRS-C/FXRT (technically H-Ds first sport touring models), the T-SPORT was a new breed of sport touring motorcycles and it gave rise to a style of bike that many guys love today.
I don't know why, but I am always surprised to learn that guys literally have no idea that the reproduction aftermarket parts you see on tens of thousands of Harley’s today were directly inspired from the T-SPORT (LeatherPros bags, Saddlemen Bags, T-SPORT “style” fairings, etc.) - You are building your motorcycle in the likeliness of H-Ds T-SPORT when you decide you want to run these parts.
Give credit where credit is due, yeah? Or don’t… who cares? Well, you asked what makes the T-SPORT so special — it’s the fucking OG that started it all… and you’re sitting on your FXLRS with your LeatherPros and a T-Sport style Krator fairing completely oblivious to the fact that you’ve styled your bike to look like a T-SPORT. Not knocking you… I get it. It looks rad. BUT, just know WHY your shit looks gangster.
I should probably give some credit to the term “club style”
This style is characterized mainly by T-bars, a 2-1 pipe, blacked out shields/lights, etc. The popularity of this style aligns with the OG look of the T-SPORT and it’s clear to see that some of the stock features of this bike have carried over to the culture and are thriving, or even still wildly popular today.
Don't take my word for it... it was even well-received 20+ years ago!
T-SPORT IN THE PRESS:
A new model in 2001, the Super Glide® T-SPORT™ represents Sport-touring the way Harley-Davidson® envisions it. With its excellent lean angle, nimble steering, generous power, comfortable seat, effective wind protection and ample storage, the T-SPORT was created with twisty mountain roads in mind. Weighing in at 642 pounds, the FXDXT represents a lighter-weight touring option from Harley-Davidson that captures many of the Dyna Super Glide SPORT's Key attributes in a new, long-distance model. (link to article)
- Vibration-isolated, Black-on-black Twin Cam 88ci Engine
- Sport fairing with adjustable tinted windshield
- Premium, quick-detach ballistic nylon saddlebags that expand
- Comfortable Two-up touring saddle
- Triple-disc brakes
- Premium, adjustable sport suspension
- Top-mounted speedometer and tachometer
- Nimble handling (28-degree steering head)
- Excellent lean angle
- Frame-mounted highway pegs (not all destinations)
- MSRP US $14,895
And another one...
Here’s an article about the T-SPORT from the December 2000 issue of Motorcycle Cruiser magazine that was released as a review shortly after its introduction:
Motorcycle Road Test: Harley-Davidson Super Glide T-Sport
And, another...
WHY IT'S DESIRABLE: The Motor Company's take on sport-touring, the T-Sport is essentially a Super Glide Sport equipped with a fork-mounted fairing featuring height and tilt adjustability, a more deeply padded saddle, and Cordura-nylon detachable saddlebags. When the bike was introduced in late 2000, we immediately put our long-term T-Sport's travel capabilities to the test. "One of my most enjoyable rides last year was from Sturgis, South Dakota, to California via Utah aboard the T-Sport," remarked then Editor-in-Chief David Edwards. "Maybe Harley's best-kept secret, it's the perfect bike for the Great American Tour."
To summarize:
T-SPORTs are the OG Dyna that paved the way for the style that many Harley guys choose to ride today. And, they don't even know it...
Hopefully this has been insightful and educational for you.