Full HD was a project conjured-up in the initial lockdown, a brainchild of my good friend Aled and me. The ambitious plan involved taking a 1992 Harley-Davidson Sportster, transforming it into a rally bike, and then racing it. For those of you closely following the journey, you probably noticed it turned into a bit of a chaotic rollercoaster. We secured numerous sponsors, kicked off the bike-building process, released loads of content, but when things took an unexpected turn, the content disappeared, and it all went quiet for a while. So, what happened? Here’s my take…

The Full HD build was always an ambitious undertaking, but it’s fair to say that we underestimated its enormity. Being a groundbreaking project, no one had attempted something similar before, and there were numerous unknowns that only became apparent during the bike assembly. The logistical challenges added to the complexity, particularly given the Harley-Davidson origins, which meant sourcing parts from across the pond, often leading to week-long delays. With a year until race day, such delays are manageable, but when faced with only a couple of days to go… yeah, it’s pretty stressful.

Ultimately, we fell short – the bike wasn’t completed, and we didn’t make it to Hellas. There are countless reasons behind this, some revealed in the series, while others remain undisclosed. Essentially, the bike wasn’t in a safe condition to be slung along a dirt track at max chat with a spirited Welsh idiot ringing its neck. While we did contemplate participating in a UK event, the magnitude of the project made us feel that the bike deserved its debut in a high-profile arena.

Let me be honest: after the intense final months where both of us poured relentless effort into trying to get the project finished, we felt the need for a break. So, why did the content disappear? Two reasons mainly: Aled decided to quit his job and explore new ventures in America, not in response to the project, just coincidental timing. Meanwhile, I struggled to find the motivation to conclude the series. I chose to hide it on YouTube because many people were inquiring about its progress, and it looked messy half-done. Removing it gave me some breathing space. The strategy worked, and I’ve managed to complete Part 1 of the series, which is now back on the internet for your viewing pleasure!

This project is far from finished (fingers crossed); our sponsors continue to show unwavering support, the bike is making rounds with Harley-Davidson, and my determination to see it through remains strong. Let’s not overlook the positives either: the bike does function, though not at a race-ready level currently. Both of us take immense pride in what we did achieve. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed in any way too. Whether sponsoring, assisting with the build, offering banter when it was going to s***, or donating when COVID disrupted our plans. You’re all legends. Big love. I genuinely mean that.

We gave it our best shot, encountered setbacks, but the war is far from over! I sincerely hope we get the chance to race it one day. That’s an itch I must scratch.

Ciao for now! Ollie.