Building my dream

by Didier
(Pensacola)

sportster chopper

sportster chopper

Hi All,


Since I am a teenager, I always dreamed of building a harley custom bike from the ground up. Never did it for all kind of reasons, time, money, other priorities and so on.

Last year, I have been diagnosed with Kidney cancer and had to have my kidney removed. The night before the surgery, I decide that I would "build my dream" if I would survive the surgery.

I bought a wrecked Sportster 1200 1993 as a donor bike and put the engine on a new frame, wheels, front end and so on.

The name of the bike is "Joie de vivre" which means joy of life in French. Very appropriate.

I still have some work to do on it but the bike is complete about 90%.

The picture above is my first ride on the bike.

It is far from being a professional built bike as it is my first build.

Let me know what you think!

Didier

Comments for Building my dream

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Sep 11, 2011
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Awesome
by: FOFO

Dude that thing is AWESOME.Way to put a PICTURE of the mind & make it BREATHE Dr. Frankenstein.

Nov 07, 2010
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5 Stars
by: Anonymous

Very nice job on the bike. 5 Stars man

Oct 21, 2010
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congrats.
by: Bernard

I too was diagnosed with Kidney Cancer in Nov. 09. Had my left Kidney n Ureter removed.In remission now, so we both have God to Thank for our second chance at Life.Good looking bike, what all did u do to it? I just finished re-doing my 03 Duece but not to happy with the results, so have to save more money to re-do rear fender. God Bless...

e-mail add. bernardoigarcia@yahoo.com

Jan 02, 2010
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good show son!
by: Doc.

Yeah,it is a stout scoot and I like the tire combo.I don't like the skinnies as well as the fat look.Good choices on the build and it works well on the eyes.

Sep 23, 2009
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good on you
by: joe evans

nice one mate good for you nice bike ride safe and have a good life

Sep 23, 2009
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good on you
by: joe evans

nice one mate good for you nice bike ride safe and have a good life

Sep 12, 2009
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CELEBRATE UR NEW LIFE VIA EASYRIDE
by: HARDSTILL

AS MY TITLE SAY, CELEBRATE YOUR NEW LIFE RIDING EASY. I WISH I COULD DO THE SAME. LIKE YOU, I'VE ALWAYS DREAM OF BUILDING MY 1ST BIKE BUT FOR SAME REASONS I JUST CAN'T START IT. YOU INSPIRE ME. HOPEFULLY, MY NEXT BLOG WILL BE MY WITH MY OWN 1ST BUILT.

Jul 16, 2009
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Didier!
by: Denny in West Palm Beach, FL, USA

Hope I spelled it right. RIDE THAT BIAAACHHH!!! Listen to it, smell it, feel it, talk to it. Wear the rubber off of it and wear it out. Replace the worn out bolts and stuff and go do it again. When you get back, take a minute and go ahead and hug it... I promise we'll laugh but we'll all know what you are feeling in your chest at the moment. ALL of us at thebackalleygarage@hotmail.com denny

Jul 14, 2009
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WHat I think
by: jesse brown

I think its awesome bro keep up the good work I just about finished my ride still need some twiking Ride safe

Jul 04, 2009
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whats next?
by: Anonymous

Not bad next you should try building a car or a boat!

Jul 04, 2009
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Aewsome Build Dude !!!
by: Tarvin Durbin

I Really Dig the look of your bike !!! Nice Look !!!
For your first bike this is Excellent !!! Nice Detail. You should be Proud of yourself for going through with it. Now that you've built your dream...make sure that you ride the hell out of it and enjoy it to the fullest !!! Congrats!!!

Jul 04, 2009
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Filicitations
by: Caitans

Congratulations dude, long life riding your dream!!

Jul 04, 2009
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inspiring stuff
by: pete

After reading your piece and looking at the work you've done, i hope it'll be an inspiration to other young guys to get into the bike building scene.There are getting fewer people building there own bikes, especially in my country,and fewer willing to try.When i was a teenager we had no choice but to build our own, but there seems more and more nowadays that can't be bothered,you've proved there is the need to be bothered and should be commended,all the best pete (spanners) Bomber County Customs Lincoln UK

Jul 03, 2009
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To Kewl!
by: Anonymous

Didier,

Like many have stated Son, you're first attempt is an awesome result in what our culture is all about.

From looking at your submitted pic, it appears that you're a pro! First shot? Hummm......I hope that mine turns out as bitchin' as yours has when I'm done.

Coaster
(stroked `91 Fat Boy)

Jul 03, 2009
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Awesome
by: L J Corral

Hi Didier first of all let me tell you that it is
very good to know that you overcome cancer and thank God you are alive; now remember that if you are still around it is for a purpose, and that helped you to get well, your project is great, you have done a great job so far with your
awesome bike, and I know you will do it great with your project of life as well so aime la vie !!!!

Jul 03, 2009
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Great Job
by: Anonymous

Nicely done. Enjoy the ride, look forward to seeing your next creation. Live life to the fullest.

Jul 03, 2009
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Well Done!
by: Jim Harvey

Very nice and I am glad to see that you are doing better. Now enjoy it and start planning on your next project. God Speed

Jul 03, 2009
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hell yes
by: Anonymous

hello didier, you did a great job on your scooter man. i love the old school bobber look. i hope your doing well physically,we can all see how well your doing with your bike building. take care man. cory burkey

Jul 03, 2009
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LOOKING GOOD!!!
by: BEAVER C.

NICE FONT END,PUT IT ON UTUBE WITH SOUND! I couldn't take the hard-tail though!

Jul 03, 2009
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Great job Didier
by: www.spah24.com

Dear Didier,
Your bike is sick!
Well designed & well realized....
I am sure that now you are really
ENJOYING LIFE!!

Keep riding bro..

Jul 03, 2009
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Inspiring
by: Silverhorse347

Pretty good bike kid, I am inspired to finish my Triumph. I have another bike to ride and have not had the need to break my old back on a hardtail again, so I have been putting off the "rebuild" I started when you where probably in 3rd grade. I love to see a new generation find their own styles. Keep it up and we will see in the Chopper Rags one of these days.

"Live long hard and go rough"
Peace
D

Jun 19, 2009
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Sweet
by: Anonymous

you've got talent kid, live the dream keep on building! D.C.Peery builder of the lowdown & blue bike.

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