Well here's my story.....you all may not care but I am mad and frustrated.
Along with repainting my bike this year I wanted to add some more chrome goodies as I like chrome as most of us do. So after having the Flamed theme Arlen Ness parts on one of my previous bikes I thought I would purchase all of them yet once again for my Road Glide. Even though I am repainting my bike they will still work and look great with my new idea (secret don't ask...lol.) Here's where my problem starts......they don't make all the goodies that I would like with the Flame theme. So I kindly sent them an email asking if they planned to make or would make the itemsI required in the Flamed theme, I supplied them with all the descriptions and part numbers. I got an email back the next day telling me the parts were available in other designs and that's it! No explanation and no answer to my questions. So I emailed again telling the person I know the parts are available in other designs as that is where I got all the part numbers from so they would see the items I was talking about. Man....you would think I was stupid or something. In my second email I also asked politely if they would answer my questions as they did not in my first email. Well when the email came back here is the reply I got and I quote " We do not fill custom orders. I have checked with our R & D department and the flame design is not the near future." end of quote. Yes the spelling mistake is hers.

So all this leaves me a little bitter to say the least. I don't think I'm asking to much. After all they make the damn parts, just not with the Flame theme. I told them over and over that I don't think I would be the only one to buy them if they were available. I just think Arlen Ness has gotten so big that he couldcare lessabout the little guy anymore. If it was my business I would welcome any and all ideas to generate new product as new product also generates new money.

Here's the parts that are currently available in other designs that I would like in the Flame theme.
04-136 Fuel Door Cover for FLT
03-531 FLT Grooved Inspection Cover
03-520 Ness-Tech Saddlebag Latch Covers

So tell me, would anyone else buy these if they were available? Am I the only one?

Well I can tell you that I am second guessing even buying the items that are available now. Hell, why buy them....he doesn't need anymore money and it's obvious that the little guy who once kept him alive means absolutely nothing to him anymore. If anyone knows of another company that makes similar items or would maybe custom make the items please let me know, because I, unlike Arlen Ness, would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks for hearing out my complaint. Take care.

 

I feel your frustration and sympathize with you on custom parts. Maybe ask if they can sell/ship you raw casting and then take them to a machinist to have them set their cnc machine up to customize your parts before plating. That would do it but would add to the cost$. Love the bike!

 

here is my 2 cents.... if you want a custom piece go find someone who will make them for you.... Arlen Ness is getting to be just like a regular harley dealer. The have what they have and that is that. There is no money in it for them anymore in making one off pieces.

Find a local shop with a cnc machine. A guy who wants some good business. Show him the type of stuff/ designs and see if he can do it on some blanks. If you can find the right guy, you will probably be happier than with some piece from Ness because it will be one off and unique.

 

I go there often, as its right down the street from, me thier great guys always very helpful, did you really think they would drop everything to make you one off parts? i cant believe anyone would do that, I'm sure you can find a small custom shop that can fit your needs,

Mike

 

Uh....I didn't see where he suggested they do that.
I read that he just couldn't understand that they made all those parts in every other theme, why not with flames?

***, why not with flames? Everywhere you look these days stuff comes with flames.


CN

 

Thanks for the compliment! Here's the real kicker....I'm actally a machinist! I just don't do it anymore due to a back injury. I haven't done any machining in over 12 years now and did not get into any CNC machining. I actually do inside sales for one of the biggest Machine Shop Tooling Suppliers in the area I live in. And yes we sell all the machines as well.

 

I agree with mikes300 - They're some great people there @ Ness...
And I'm sure Kasper has no idea just how much $$$ and time is involved in changing a cast to produce a part...

 

I sure didn't expect them to DROP EVERYTING for me as you put it. I merelyasked that I would like a few items that are not available with Flames to become available with Flames. They already make the parts just without the Flames. They would obviously already have the basic Flame design loaded into a CNC machine so it would be very easy to manipulate the design onto the items I require. This would be new parts for them for the next biggest bike craze to take off......the Hot Rod Bagger. Like I said......"new parts brings new money"........ and I'm not the only guy that has some to spend I'm sure.

 

Actually your wrong! I do know all about it......I'm an ex machinist and second....the items are carved from billet stock....they are not cast unless he has also lowered his standards and is casting everything now. I have owned the full line of the Flamed theme Arlen Ness parts for a Softail. And in this age of computers and autocad programs things can be done in minutes....not hours and big $$$.

 

Thanks Comfortably Numb,

Your right...I did not suggest they drop everything for me. In fact I could even post my emails in thereentirety if the need arises. I have nothing to hide.