Matt Anderson’s Custom 1982 Harley® FXRS Wins Mod Retro Prize at Minnesota IMS

Dec 21, 2017

Matt Anderson's 1982 Harley-Davidson® FXRS custom at the Minneapolis IMS side view

Matt Anderson's 1982 Harley-Davidson® FXRS custom is long, low, and unconventional

Extreme design creativity and boundary-shattering engine building have long been the earmarks of the custom motorcycles to emerge from Gilby’s Street Dept. The 1982 Harley-Davidson® FXRS built by Gilby’s Matt Anderson is a prime example.

When the custom FXRS named ‘Hot Rod FXR’ rolled onto the red carpet of the Minneapolis, Minnesota staging of the Progressive International Motorcycle Show (IMS), something was clearly different than the other congregated custom Harleys.

Here at K&N, we love different. That’s why we sponsor three of the coolest classes at each stop of the J&P Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show. Anderson's custom won the K&N-sponsored Modified Retro Class in the third stop of the IMS.

Matt Anderson's 1982 Harley-Davidson® FXRS custom at the Minneapolis IMS engine view

Anderson's unique engine configuration makes for a smooth exhaust design

So what is so different about Anderson’s creation? That starts at the heart of the build. The 94 CI Shovelhead that gleams inside that stretched frame is a bit, well…backwards. The rear mounted front cylinder and heads literally turn things around on the Hot Rod.

The reversed V-twin puts the intake on the left side where a side draft Weber carburetor sits aggressive and prominently in its unconventional location. Of course, if the intake is reversed, the exhaust must be unconventional as well. The front header emanates from the rear of the jug for a clean, if a bit unsettling look.

More stops of the J&P Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show and IMS will commence in 2018

The rest of Anderson’s build is just as cool as the engine. The cast rims gleam from under wrap-around fenders. The bodywork carries a stunning red Gilby’s Street Dept. paint job, and chrome and polished aluminum bits abound.

The frame is long and low and the aggressively raked forks emerge from a retro half fairing. The foot controls are mounted in an extreme forward position creating a classic chopper riding posture.

The Gilby’s Street Dept. custom makes unconventional ultra-cool. K&N congratulates Matt Anderson on a head-turning build. For his efforts, Anderson rolls away with a cash prize and a substantial K&N product award.

After a long break for the holidays, the Progressive International Motorcycle Show and the J&P Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show will resume in the new year with stops in Cleveland, Dallas, Chicago, and Washington D.C.

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