Most motorcycle enthusiasts think of the Harley-Davidson FXR as one of the most underrated yet top-performing Harleys ever built. This viewpoint wasn’t always the consensus. The FXR was widely disliked when it was first released. Some die-hard H-D fans even considered them too sporty—and too similar to Japanese motorcycles of the era.
The spectacular 1998 FXR offered on eBay is an entirely different thing. It might have FXR roots, but it’s a fully custom creation.
The bike, known as the “Nitrous Express,” was built by Rick Goss and Atlanta Harley-Davidson. Goss and team pieced it together over a year and a half. The finished creation was featured on the cover of Easyriders magazine. The same FXR, now selling on eBay, took second-best honors at the Easyriders bike show in late 1998.
The original owner never titled, registered, or rode this motorcycle on the street. Instead, it spent the last 22 years of its life on a motorized turntable in his living room.
Recent service from G&G Cycles in Roswell, Ga., returned the bike to top running condition. Finally, the current owner registered it in 2021 and put the first six miles on the odometer.
Shop now for a Harley-Davidson FXR
The FXR Has a Cult Following
The first FXR was released in 1981 (as an ’82 model). These were the two options:
- FXR Super Glide II
- FXRS with two-tone paint and cast wheels
Later, Harley-Davison built more models on the FXR platform—including FXR touring models, Police Models, Low Glide, Low Rider, and Sport. The frames are stiff and solid, with plenty of ground clearance and a lean angle. The goal was a smaller, lighter, well-handling bike with superior maneuverability comparable to the larger touring models while still providing the comfort of bigger bikes.
Initially, FXRs came with the Shovelhead engine. Later on, the model boasted a rubber-mounted, 80-inch V-Twin Evolution engine mated to a five-speed transmission.
By the 1990s, the FXR was replaced with the Dyna. The FXR model popped up again in later years with the FXR2 and FXR3, but these were short-lived revivals. This doesn’t mean these bikes aren’t still popular. On the contrary, the FXR now has a cult-like following.
A Showcase of Stellar Upgrades
The heart of this beast is a 120 cubic-inch engine with a Magnacharger and a double-shot nitrous oxide system (NOS). No expense was spared on this bike, and it shows. The engine has numerous performance upgrades, including:
- Axtell Cylinders
- Carillo rods
- A Dyna 2000 ignition
- Flywheels from S&S Cycle
- A Headquarters cam
- House of Horsepower cases
- JE pistons
- Lifters from JIMS
- STD 8.5:1 comp heads flowed and polished by Headquarters
- Typhoon carburetor by Carl’s Speed Shop
The exhaust system is by Buster Smith Customs. A 1998 Zippers transmission with back cut gears and a Bandit Clutch provides power to the rear wheels.
Slick Style to Boot
The Nitrous Express has show as well as go. The Carlini handlebars swoop back over the Battistinis gas tank coated in a “blurple” metallic paint by the legendary Dave Perewitz.
Accessories like fenders, grips, and headlights display true 1990s custom style from Arlen Ness. The front suspension includes 43-mm Ceriani forks built by Storz, and in the rear, shocks by Works Performance. In addition, riders enjoy the comfort of a custom leather seat by Danny Gray.
All of this performance rests on a Kenny Boyce FXR style aftermarket frame.
If you’ve always wanted a supercharged, 90s-style Harley, the FXR offered on eBay might have your name on it.
