Nick Trask of Trask Performance has never been one to shy away from bold, aggressive designs. As a fellow Hamster and V-twin junkie, it’s no surprise that Nick, known for his need for speed by creating on-tap, raw horsepower through his Trask Turbo Systems, brought his trademark style to the forefront with this FXR build. This project is not just another custom motorcycle—it’s a visceral, sensory overload that pulled out all the stops.  

Nick and the owner of this fine machine, Steve Conklin, met through Hamsters club. They quickly bonded over their shared passion for anything with a motor and wheels. Nick’s personality is reflected in his creations, and when it came to building an FXR, it was clear the result would be something out of the ordinary. Trask’s style can be summed up in a few words: clean, masculine, rugged, and fast as fuck. The first time you hear the bike’s turbo whistle, you know it’s a Trask machine—a signature that’s hard to miss. 

 Nick and the Trask crew had a simple goal when taking on Steve’s FXR project: build a lightweight, high-horsepower machine that delivers performance as aggressive as its appearance. In the world of custom motorcycles, people often say “less is more,” but Trask took the opposite route with this project. The design is an all-out assault on the senses. The moment the Twin Cam roars to life, you’re bombarded with sound, vibration, and raw speed. The turbocharged V-twin is anything but subtle, delivering ridiculous power that Steve jokingly refers to as “Tra-diculous.” The throttle response? Explosive. The speed? Beyond belief. It’s not just a bike—it’s a missile on two wheels as Steve refers to it.  

 The FXR platform has seen a resurgence in popularity over the past decade, becoming somewhat of a cult classic. Known for its nimble handling, low stance, and robust frame, the FXR is an ideal foundation for a custom build. Lightweight and compact, the FXR frame can handle big horsepower upgrades, which is exactly what Trask Performance aimed to do. 

As with any ambitious custom project, the biggest challenge was time. Trask Performance is a world-renowned shop, churning out high-quality performance V-twin motorcycle products and they’re also in high demand for their elite builds. This FXR was no different. But, Nick is a loyal friend, and Steve’s FXR would have been built no matter what because Nick took on the project despite his busy schedule. As with most custom builds, patience is a virtue. Perfection takes time, and Nick Trask was determined to make this bike perfect. “It’s going to be badass,” became the recurring mantra whenever progress updates were requested. Hearing Nick say it in his Kiwi accent only added to the anticipation. 

While the FXR may have classic roots, Trask Performance’s approach was anything but old-fashioned. Every inch of this bike was engineered with performance in mind. Moots McDonagh, another seasoned pro and Trask tech guru, helped bring the vision to life, transforming raw ideas into mechanical reality with uncompromised craftsmanship. Whether it was the frame modifications or the custom turbo setup, Moots’ handiwork is all over this bike. His skill in balancing function with form is evident in every detail. 

 The final product is more than just aesthetically pleasing—it’s a predator. Designed for performance, the Trask FXR feels like a weapon. Light, agile, and incredibly quick, it delivers massive horsepower while staying nimble enough to slice through traffic or carve corners on backroads. Riding this bike feels like you’re locked and loaded, ready to unleash it at any moment. 

 The FXR platform has always held a special place in the hearts of custom bike builders because it offered better handling and durability compared to other Harley-Davidson models of the time. It’s compact, relatively affordable, and, most importantly, it can handle a high-performance build. The variety of aftermarket parts available only sweetens the deal, allowing custom builders like Trask to take the platform to new levels of power and style. 

 This particular FXR started as an ’88 FXR-S, a bike with humble beginnings but ripe with potential. While FXRs have become somewhat nostalgic, this one is far from a museum piece. It’s a modernized, turbo-charged monster, ready to take on the road with unparalleled performance. 

No matter where this FXR goes, it turns heads. Whether it’s parked at a bike show or cruising down the highway, people can’t help but stare. The bike’s aggressive stance, combined with its muscular design and turbo whistle, leaves a lasting impression. “What is it?” is the most common question from curious onlookers. The answer is simple: it’s the most radical bike they’ve ever seen. 

The Trask FXR custom build is a testament to Nick Trask’s talent, vision, and relentless pursuit of performance. It’s more than just a bike—it’s an experience. From the roar of the turbocharged engine to the razor-sharp handling, every ride is an adrenaline rush. And as the author can attest, this build was well worth the wait. Trask Performance has once again proven why they are at the forefront of custom V-twin motorcycles, delivering a bike that’s not only visually striking but a true powerhouse on the road. HB

WORDS: Frank Rizzo  PHOTOS: Alex Chapman