Language Barrier

[BeerSlinger]

Hi,

I have been laying my head low for quite awhile because I’ve been trying to save for a bike. Most know that Harley’s don’t grow on trees so it’s going to take me some time and that’s why I have been very quiet. Truthfully, I only have a little over 2000 but I was told by the guy that’s going to build my bike that I should have at least 6000 – 10,000 to get the ball rolling. For me, it’s not a question of now knowing what I want, it’s a language barrier and telling him what I want.

So, when I go back in March, I would like to be able get over this language barrier and tell him exactly down to the letter. The problem is that I don’t know how to communicate this in an organized fashion so I was wondering if I could get some help. This is what I think I’m after:

FLSTNI

This is what I think all of that garbage means biased on my research:

F = Overhead 80 ci Evo
L = High Compression
S = Sport, without tour package
T = Touring
N = Fatboy/Heritage with Different Options (N, as in Nostalgia)
I = Fuel Injection

If I had to spill it out in a long diatribe (which I’m not fond of doing), what I’m after is:

Single seat, custom painted, Softail frame and fender, Buckhorn handlebar, whitewall tire, Fatboy disk rim, chrome cover kit, Evo Driven Bike with Billet controls/footpegs/Mirrors/handgrips/Pulleys, Cylindrical oil tank, skull key ignition and flush mounted license plate, 7 Gallon tanks (or largest available), Fender Rails/Lights/Extensions/Nameplates/Baggage Carrier, 1941-1947 or 1962-1967 Style Mechanical Speedometer, Saddle Bags, V-Rod Exhaust; with a Tachometer if available.

I have many other priorities but these are the big ones. Personally, I would like to make this a little simpler because if I had to say that to someone, I would be out of breath before the sentence was up.

Now, is there another way to say it other then FLSTNI? Frankly, I’m just trying to follow the rules that I have found when determining a model name because almost to me it would be a FLSTCFNI because not only do I want some of the Fatboy but the classic and a lot of extras…Because what I’m really after touches at least three bikes from at least one era or more…

But this all gets very convoluted…How would you guys say this?

[dieziege]

Maybe "softail deluxe"?

Your FLSTN translates to "softail deluxe".. the I says fuel injection...but you can't buy new Softail deluxes without fuel injection so it's kinda a waste of breath.

I'd suggest also telling them what color you want. If I was going to get that bike it would be in olive and black, but that's not for everyone.

Then, once they know what bike you are talking about, you can talk decals and other "custom" stuff. You are going to have to explain that stuff "longhand" (e.g. by saying "but I want a bigger fuel tank added on")....

[jmillheiser]

you just described the softtail deluxe.

[BeerSlinger]

Maybe "softail deluxe"?

Your FLSTN translates to "softail deluxe".. the I says fuel injection...but you can't buy new Softail deluxes without fuel injection so it's kinda a waste of breath.

I'd suggest also telling them what color you want. If I was going to get that bike it would be in olive and black, but that's not for everyone.

Then, once they know what bike you are talking about, you can talk decals and other "custom" stuff. You are going to have to explain that stuff "longhand" (e.g. by saying "but I want a bigger fuel tank added on")....

I thought FLSTN was the Nostalgia but could be……

You maybe right…….I already know that this project is going to be somewhat complex because there are going to be more then one trade craft involved.

I don’t know what I want to do with the paint but I know what I’m doing. I know that sounds a little convoluted but bear with me. I have two artists in mind and I don’t know which one I’m going to go with. There is one in Hawaii and one in my state of Michigan. Well, I know that I’m going to have some art done but I don’t know what specifically because I’m making a list of possibilities and then I want to consult the artist that wants to do the job. Also, I’m waiting to talk to them before I build the bike because that will determine the hardware.

When I say how custom its going to be is because I’m comparing what is on the open market with what can be a created because not only do I have a Mechanic and a possibility of an artist, but I also know a machinist that could possibly do some custom hardware for me as well. Not only is he a machinist but he also knows the fundamentals of acid engraving which I’m going to try to get him to teach me. The only thing that I don’t have is a Whitesmith. But I hope to remedy that in the next couple of years.

So I really should say that I’m out to make a two wheeled piece of rolling art with as much chrome on it as I can muster with a full body tattoo. I’ve got theme’s in mind but I don’t know what I’m doing yet…..I figured once I get six grand, it will be time to talk to someone….

[BeerSlinger]

you just described the softtail deluxe.

Someone just seconded the motion…..interesting……Do I have a third?