Progress

Things went better today, although I still have to repaint the front, Easy clutch installed, fender on with no need for brackets.

Overall pretty much satisfied with the outcome but not of the progress, still marred by missing parts.

Project Jinxed

Its time to change from Blitz Bomber to Jinxed Bomber!! Nothing is going right this week, I received my coil relocation kit with missing hardware. My front fender is screwed up, after painting and mounting the wheel; with right axle, the holes do not match the forks. This means, welding grinding and repainting. My project plan is slipping and so is my temper. However challenges are to be overcome and time is the essence here.

Is my Luck changing?

Got a call today my USPS package has hit the APO facility, cool stuff, now I can start working again, at least in mock up mode. As I am still awaiting my triple tree from California. So the plan would be to achieve the following today.

• Finish the rear fender and mount the tire.
• Install oil tank drainage
• Mount coil relocating bracket
• Center front wheel
• Mount fender
• Manufacture fender spacers on Saturday
• Chrome Front wheel spacers.
• Drain Gear Oil
• Install Easy Clutch and clutch cable
• Change Gasket

String of Bad Luck!

All the parts I have waited for, in the past 10 days, were received yesterday  from JP-Cycles. After trying the parts on the bike, the decision was to scrap the lot in the bin. That's 65$ burned to the ground, which makes it  my 4th order on the bike that I am scrapping, as it is sometimes difficult to see what you are buying of a catalogue and the final product does not live up to your expectation.

Here are a list of the stuff i ordered and did not use

Seat Pan : 45$
Oil Fitting: 15$
Front Braided Brake line: 45$
Horn: 45$
Adjustable Rods: 75$ (lost)
Braided Hose: 35$

Total 260$. I would have rather spend them on something useful, however this is what I call Mail Order margin of error when you are building a custom bike.

Extreme Frustration

Not only my packages were late due a plane mechanical break down, the box they came in was torn into pieces. When I received the package one of my NPT Oil line fitting was missing. I checked the BOM everything was crossed correctly. Aramex maintains its customs and off course whom am I to challenge Kuwait customs . What a fuck up, don't they know how to open boxes. I guess this was not part of their training policy %$#@!* F****!!!! So what's next, I need to go to Shuwaikh and manufacture one.

Harley Dark Customs

Harley launched last year a new line up dubbed the Dark Customs line up. The bikes are mainly black and gray in color, preferably mat, chrome items have been replaced with black powder coat or spun aluminum. the whole concept is to give riders the ability to ride more rather than chrome and polish the bike. The flagship model of this line up is the Harley Crossbones, we have yet to see how successful the concept is in relation to the Kuwaiti market the V-Rods aka (Night Rod) have been selling well, as for the Crossbones , it is still sitting on the showroom floor for now. Link

Uneventful Week End

 With my parts scattered somewhere between the US  - Dubai - Kuwait and some unknown military base in Europe. Work progress on Blitzy has taken a second seat. I spent the week-end  with friends and family, kicking back and chilling, reading and watching some TV. Next week things are much more hectic, as I I 'll be flying to Dubai for a day, I  am still aiming at finishing  the bike by the first week of August, as my wife's bike is next inline to get a new paint job.

Harley CVO 2009

Every year Harley releases its CVO range (custom vehicle operation) a name that sucks, cause in reality there is not much customization going on, for the exception of the springer (240 tire). In a nut shell CVO comprises of a paint job, lots of  Harley Chrome components that you can find in their catalogue and a hopped up engine with bored crankcases. These are manufactured in limited quantities and priced at 45% more than the already overpriced Harley. Given the custom trend in the bike world it would be nice to see Harley adopting a Nike like strategy, where the customer can build his custom bike online based on OEM frames. This way you can decide color, tire size, engine size, etc, lets face it, since we are paying 45% more and a delivery time of 6 month, why not get something unique and worth your buck.

Paint Job Second Round

The guys at Monaco did another great job pinning the right variation of Mat. The whole job was done in 24 hours, including the helmet and the whole process job was done in one week, I guess faster than Larry and Tony. Contrary to Khaled's comments, their job was more expensive than Tony, however they have a satisfied customer and believe me, I am a tuff one to please. I hope that the bike will finish in the coming 10 days.

PS: Oh Yeah Lebanese Rules !!

Blitz Bomber Saddlebag

I am watching this item on eBay, plan is simple, buy it, manufacture bracket and bolt it to the left side of the bike. This would definitely look cool.

Swiss Bobbers

Blitz Bomber Game

I was searching for Blitz Bomber in Google and I found this game. maybe I should strategize how to obliterate my competition by bombing the hell out of them.

Shipments Delay

3 shipments scheduled to arrive yesterday were delayed due to the following reasons. Wrong address, misplaced and did not ship on time. Can things get any worse than this? Why is is that every time I need to finish my projects, I hit bump and my schedule get extended. Its good that the weather is still hot and my APO items did not arrive either. One more week of waiting bummer.

Aramex Update

My luck that the flight got canceled, my shipment will be delayed for another 4 days @#$!!

180/65/16 White Wall Tire

With the introduction of the new 2009 Harley Touring, I feel i got a raw deal. Off course no one could predict that HD will be releasing  a 180/65/16 WWT. I wanted to mount a wider tire on the Blitz Bomber, however I was limited to the market offering  in terms of White Wall Sizes. Well I will ride this year on a 150, and change it to 180 next year. Which will cost additional $ in terms of a new fender and outer rim.

Harley 2009 Models

Nothing new in the line up, for the exception of the VROD Muscle. Built more like a drag bike with a redesigned tank, dual exhaust and beefy bars. Gone is the ugly duck tail, replaced by a more aggressive looking fender. The styling reminds me of the of  Japanese bike.

On the Touring Range major revamp on the frame, inherited some CVO characteristics such as, Incorporating an all-new frame, swingarm, engine mounting system, wheels and tires, running 130/80-17 front - 180/65-16 in the back. It is about time that HD put some effort on the touring model, plagued with bad handling and serious high speed wobbles. The water cooled engine will have to wait till 2011.

The Dyna Street Bob gets a fresh dose of retro bobber attitude, with a newly chopped rear fender, blacked-out powertrain and an LED taillight from an old school custom.

Newly introduced is a motorcycle for those of us with a taste for comfort or a fear of falling. The Tri Glide Ultra has three wheels and a brand-new chassis design. It retails for $29,000.

One thing has changed is the price that has gone up on all models.

Challenges Ahead

For starters the paint job was great, notice how I mentioned was, until I scratched it with my nail! Yes with my nail, the coating was super mat to the extent that if you run your naila on it, marks will be left, which can not be lifted off  by washing. So back to Monaco Paint shop today. The guys where very understanding and apologized for missing this issue. They will repaint with a lesser level of flatness. On the other hand work in progress has slowed considerably due to 2 major items that did not land on time. My triple tree and my front axle, therefore the front end will have to wait till next week. I did manage however to lower the front and change the sliders.

Bikers Past & Present

Hilarious no need to comment on both pictures.

Blitz Bomber new console

One thing Harley Davidson has been able to maintain throughout the years, is its cross product compatibility. if we take the Softail range for the exception of the Deuce and the Rocker, with a little bit of ingenuity, you will be able to adapt most of the parts to older model. On Blitzy, there are a combination of 02 and 08 parts. the wheels are off an 08 Softail only difference are the bearings 1" vs 3/4 and the hub width easily cured by machining the pulley,changing the bearing and manufacturing new spacers. My new purchase is the infamous cat eye console introduced in the late 40s and remanufactured for the cross bones for that authentic bobber look. Total Price 180$.

Harley 2009 Rumor Mill!!!

After spending some time on various forums trying to find out what’s going to happen these are the top 7 rumors for the 2009 models.

1. 117ci liquid cooled in the baggers ( I heard 118 CI)
2. 100 anniversary of the v-twin motor (Expect Anniversary Editions) (Not Again!)
3. With the influx of NEW riders and soaring gas prices Harley Davidson is going to release a scooter. (HA!)
4. A touring version of the V-Rod.  (Options have been available for the past two years so this isn’t a stretch)
5. Decrease in production and an increase in MSRP  (true)
6. Night Rod will be discontinued in 2009?
7. DISCONTINUED COLORS:
   PACIFIC BLUE PEARL
   OLIVE PEARL
   SUNSET YELLOW PEARL
   OLIVE PEARL DENIM??? Similar to BlitzBomber
   CRIMSON RED DENIM
   CANDY RED SUNGLO

New Models will be available to view on the web July 22nd (Today)

Paint Job

The Guys at Monaco pulled it off, Mat Dull Nato Green, yeap the way I wanted it. Ali did a great job on mixing the color and the other Ali did another great job at painting. The color has the tendency to show different nuances of green based on the lighting conditions. Now I need to put the emblems and getting my helmet painted in the process. There is still some way ahead, but definitely I would say screw Toni, Lebanese rule.

Update Day 13

Been to the paint shop today, they got the right color, now its question of getting it to be  mat! On the other hand, my tank and my exhaust copper coating decided to change color, oxidization has taken place and the bike got suddenly 20 years old. My front light came giving the bike an authentic bobber look, still some stuff are still pending to finish the project, hopefully the last bits should be here within 14 days.

Paint matching challenges

I am really amazed that every time it boils down to flat (mat) colors, Kuwait can not deliver. I have been scanning Standox website and they show Matt NATO Green code as 385F (Flat). The Kuwaiti Dealer does not import this color, only color available is the 385. This is frustrating, that you cant get the color you need to apply on your build. In the meantime I am still working on finding an alternative, I am not keen on going candy colors or flat black.

Paint Job

The toughest part of any build is to find the right combination of colors, not this time, I guess I have mentioned the world green like a dozen times in this blog and yes the color is green. In Specific mat green, black is too gloomy and colors on a bobber is not really the style i am looking for. If I am lucky to get the right color combination it should look something like this.

 

Fat, Fatter, Fattest

The front tire was mounted as a mock up to simplify the drilling of the front fender. After some minor mods and cutting to show the fat 150 tire, here are the results. Still some machining to the spacers needs to made to achieve the transformation.

Closer to reality

I was browsing through the web and I found this bike, quite similar to what I am building today. I must admit it looks good.

Progress Report

Well although I spent 3 hours working on the bike today, the main issue has been resolved. The rear wheel is finally spinning freely, this was due to a 2mm spacer that had to be was slotted behind the bearing ,which insured the proper free play. The oil tank is in place and the exhaust was mounted to insure the style flow, the only downside is that the baffle is made of aluminum and can not be treated (Bummer). Some works still need to be done to the rear end, more parts to Copper coat, spacer to be manufactured and brakes to be fitted. Overall I am happy with the outcome. Tomorrow if time permits I will start working on the front end.

Oil Tank

After retrieving my Oil tank today, I spent 3 hours installing it. Oil was drained, exhaust taken off, removed old tank, installed new tank. Although it sounds easy, it was not. However the outcome of the effort was worthwhile. On the other hand, I am still facing some problems with the rear wheel fitment, it will be sorted by tomorrow.

Copper Mania

Today I got my new Bobber Oil Tank copper coated, looks pretty nostalgic, time will tell how tuff it is to clean.

It is Alive!

I like to say this after every engine build, it reminds me of the resurrection of  Frankenstein. When Dr. Henri Frankenstein applies the right dosage of current to Boris Karloff aka (The Beast)

So in a nutshell, yesterday I bolted the Mikuni and the pipes and with the help of a small funnel feeding gasoline into the carb, we cranked the beast, sounds sweet running a bit rough, as some adjustment  needs to be made to the jetting.

Notification of a Completed Refund‏

My PayPal case has been reviewed and I got the following response.

You've Got Cash!
Dear Hellraiser,
This email confirms that the Pending Refund you received for $380.00 USD from xxxxx@verizon.net has cleared. The funds are now reflected in your PayPal balance.

Very efficient process although lengthy at times. I have had 4 cases with PayPal all of which with favorable outcomes.

The thing is such issues delays you project, when you are working on a budget.

My other project

I have been juggling between 2 projects lately, as promised earlier these are the pictures I wanted to share with you of the final product. This retro looking Harley, started off as a Softail Heritage 2006. it has gone through an extensive list of modifications:

• Lowered front and rear suspension
• Powder-coated rims
• 203 Cams
• Mini beach bars
• Custom HD tank Set
• Fishtail Exhaust
• Deluxe Seat
• and a long list of other goodies enjoy

Engine the final cut

I did manage top finish the engine today with the help of doctor Shuwaish, who took an hour to of his quality time to land a hand. Everything has been buttoned up although I should have taken the latest pics of the final product, I will post them on Saturday.

Super Hectic Day

Today marks the third day of work on the Bomber.

14:30: Went down to to Salmeen garage in Shuwaikh, finished the rear end mounted the  Limp Dick taillight and fender.

15:30 - headed to South Surra in 48 degrees to work on the engine, although i had to wait for an hour for the engine to cool down

16:30 - Stripped bike, tank exhaust, drained the oil from the engine.

17:00 - Stripped engine - Cams came off, Rocker Heads, Cylinder Heads, Cylinder and Pistons and not to forget the carburetor

19:30 - Rebuild cams - Pistons Bearings.

22:30 - Recess for tomorrow

Tomorrow should be done with the rebuild including, exhaust and new carb and start the bike.

Operation Bobbing T-0

I have not updated the site for a couple of days now, I have taken this week off due to several tasks I needed to finalize. First my buddies bike had to be finalized, I will post pictures tomorrow. My car needed new front discs and tires so spend half the day running in Shuwaikh. Afterall the running, I did manage to work on the Blitz, however not many pictures taken. I would to thank Hussein Salmeen for his help and insight. Salmeen has a small shop in Shuwaikh 'Kuwait Choppers" that oozes with creativity, if you need anything custom done Hussein is your go to guy.

• Fitted Rear Tire
• Flat fender ordered was 7.5" looked ugly, had to shrink it by 1", this means cutting, grinding and welding although the fender in 6 inch is worth 9KD, the wait would have been over 10 days.
• Heads were send to dealership for performance springs.
• Tomorrow should move from mock up to bolt-on.

Operation Blitz Bomber D-Day

If all goes according to plan , tomorrow should be the first day for me to start working on the bike. The plan is to start by bobbing the rear end, this entails the following:

 

 

• Strip the rear end
• Fender, Struts etc
• Mount new tire and rear rims
• Mount Disc brake
• Change Rear brake pads
• Change rear pulley
• Cut Struts
• Mount new fender
• Mount new springer seat

Expected time for execution 3-4 days, given any additional delays for part manufacturing.

Paypal Prevails

I  gotta say the system works and so does some exhaustive research. Although my case did not get reviewed by Paypal, I build enough evidence against the seller until he conceded. Below is a sample of what took place. I also would like to thanks the support of the Harley Tech Talk Community, who did an excellent job in giving me a lot of facts. See Link

This Morning Paypal Wrote

Dear
fatboyfishing  has issued you a full or partial refund for your payment. This refund will remain pending until the funds have cleared from the sender's account. You will receive an email notification once the funds have become available in your PayPal account. See Refund Details below for more information.
Message from merchant:
----------------------------------------------------------------
Original Payment Details
----------------------------------------------------------------
Date Payment Sent: Jun. 17, 2008
Amount: $380.00 USD

Dear Hellraiser
You are right and im wrong!in 02 harley usd their stock heads with a 95ci big bore jugs and pistons.with your acceptance ill refund you 380.00 and you keep the heads for resale,no sense sending them back across the ocean again.
SORRY!

- fatboyfishing

Seller Wrote

OK, I tire of this.You have received-02 screaming eagle roadking heads,if im not mistaken they have SE forged in them.they came off a 02 screaming eagle roadking.I did not list them as after market heads I gave out part numbers on request.You can take it to paypal if you like, my listing is correct you (WILL) lose!You have already started this off wrong! I have a feedback of 100%.Here is what I will do for you-Send the heads back undameged I will relist them for you and when they sell,I will refund your $350.00 purchess price.I hope this is agreeable as its your only option where Im concerend
Roger

Hellraiser Wrote

Dear Let me clarify what I have received. In the package I have 2 silver heads front and rear with the respective part numbers.

Rear: 16725-99

Front: 16723-99

I have contacted the dealer, both of these numbers are OEM heads non Screaming Eagle. The correct part number for the screaming eagle heads is 16953-99B. The logo on the heads should read screaming eagle for authenticity purposes. Your Ad read as follows "Harley Davidson,Twin-Cam 99/05 screaming eagle 95ci silver heads,low miles-great condition!" irrespective which bike and model it came from it should have the SE emblem on the side, as Harley never manufactured these heads without a logo. As for the posted pictures you are referring to, it shows the opposite side of where the logo is. I will be more than happy to supply you with a letter from my local dealer attesting those claims. I hope we can come towards a mutual understanding to resolve this issue

Seller wrote "

Dear  Your dealer is mistaken,I have emailed you a picture of an 02/screaming eagle roadking-as you can plainly see there are no logos on the heads.As for the box,forgetit! THE LISTING IS 100% Correct. Im sorry if you thought there would be a logo on them, if there where I would have taken pics of them plus! they would have been more than 350.00.If you dont want the heads sell them you will prob get more than you paid for them anyway.They would sell fast

.
Roger

TT Bars Bad Finish

It has been a series of disasters one after the other first the heads now the handlebars that I received in a separate shipment. I ordered the TT Mantel bars, the finish was lousy more like orange peel from the Gloss powder coat, I have to ship it back to the US and get a new ones. All these issues are bogging down the progress of the project.

What a load of crap

I have been an eBay member since 2004 and never had a lousy transaction, except for yesterday .  I received my long awaited heads, the seller claimed that he was selling a pair of used like new Screaming Eagle Heads.

Upon receipt of my package. I was shocked to discover he send OEM heads, claiming these were SE heads. I went to PayPal resolution center and logged a complaint, upon which the seller still maintained these were SE heads. Now the issue has been escalated to a case. The outcome would be obvious, to send me to my local HD Dealer to authenticate my claim and send them a copy. This would require for me to ship the heads back to Florida, in order to receive my refund what a drag.

Tank Emblems

After several days searching high and low on eBay, I found this  pair of authentic 15th anniversary emblems. They will give the Bomber a retro look, keeping it simple yet classy. Price $75.

Got Heads

I received a call from my buddy yesterday telling me he has a package for me, so I am guessing , its my heads from Florida, could be my Fender from Ohio. Either way, I will not know till tomorrow. Damn, I should rename this project to Snaily Bomber, not much Blitz in USPS and Aramex.

A quick description of my Heads. Harley claims that the SE heads innovative port shapes from the Evolution® 1340 cylinder heads with the Twin Cam 88® engine “bathtub” combustion chamber to create a cylinder head that really performs. Valve spring can accommodate up to .575" valve lift camshaft kits and up to 6500 RPM. Bottom line number talks, I am not expecting more than a 10 HP increase between 5000-6500 RPM.

Below is a Dyno chart, similar to my setup, I have opted to black out the cam, no need to reveal the magic ingredients.

Death from Above

I was browsing through some WWII memorabilia, and I found this German poster, it's a warning for the German population to dim the light to prevent allies bombardment hitting civilians

Very interesting combination of Skull, Bombs and Plane. Unfortunately its too cluttered to use as graphics on the tank when the base color is green. Oh Well!Can't have it all. Maybe a medallion replica from WWII might do the trick.

German Stormtrooper badge of WWI. These units were developed as the spearhead troops during late WWI and would develop into the Blitzkreig units of WWII.  I guess this might be a bit too Nazi oriented for my liking.