Thunderbike Thankful • Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Umbau

Gratitude in its most striking form

Some custom bikes are born from an idea. Others from a story. The “Thankful” combines both.

After Tobias had already found his personal dream bike in his first Thunderbike Fat Boy “Halfhundred”, he began to long for a second motorcycle with a completely different character – not as a replacement, but as the perfect complement.

While the Halfhundred impresses with its blue paint job, bully look, and consistent black trim concept, this project was intentionally designed to be even more eye-catching. Lots of chrome, an extraordinary paint scheme, and countless details make Thankful a bike that turns heads from every angle.

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Two Fat Boys. Two completely different characters.

It was clear right from the planning stage: Even though they were based on the same model, each bike was to have its own unique character.

Although both custom builds are based on the Harley-Davidson Fat Boy and share numerous Thunderbike components, Thankful takes a completely different approach. The high Atlas handlebars significantly change the riding experience and, together with the forward-mounted footpegs, create a completely new ergonomic setup.

That’s how Thankful perfectly complements the Halfhundred. Sometimes classic and understated, sometimes eye-catching and bold – depending on what Tobias want at the moment.

Paintwork down to the finest detail

Even at first glance, it’s clear that this bike stands out above all for its extraordinary color scheme. Chiko is the one responsible for this; with his custom paint job, delicate pinstriping, and great attention to detail, he gives the bike its unmistakable character.

The combination of rich metallic purple, bold candy effects, silver leaf, and precise pinstripes runs consistently throughout the entire custom bike. From the tank to the front end to even the smallest components, every element has been integrated into the paint scheme and coordinated with the others.

What is particularly impressive is the precision of the craftsmanship. All components were painted individually and only then assembled. Nevertheless, the painted surfaces, pinstriping, and silver leaf run seamlessly across all joints, giving the motorcycle the appearance of having been cast from a single mold.

Depending on how the light hits it, the finish changes its character, continually revealing new facets of the intricate design.

Clean pinstriping lines and shiny silver leaf accents.

The sun perfectly highlights the fine details of the handcrafted paint job.

The single-sided swingarm provides an unobstructed view of the intricate rim design and our 21-inch GT rear wheel.

GT Wheels with Painted Bi-Color-Cut

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A real highlight are the large Thunderbike GT wheels – 23 inches in the front and 21 inches in the rear – with striking chrome rims.

From the very beginning, Tobias was certain that the wheels should have the distinctive Bi-Color look. To achieve this, the rims, which were initially painted entirely in the car’s body color – were meticulously refinished by Chiko by hand. The Bi-Color effect, created by precisely exposing individual spokes, lends the wheels a certain depth.

The contrasts between the paint, the exposed surfaces, and the polished chrome trim are particularly striking in sunlight.

Harley-Davidson Thankful

Model: Fat Boy | FLFBS | Harley-Davidson ● Engine: Milwaukee-Eight

Thunderbike GT Wheel
Thunderbike Pulley Vegas Single Side
Thunderbike Brake Caliper Adapter 300->340mm left polished
Thunderbike Brake Disc Vegas Floated 340mm
Thunderbike Single-Side Swingarm Kit 21′′ Alu
Thunderbike Belt 1′′ heavy duty
Thunderbike License Plate Frame Inside Plate
Thunderbike License Plate Lighting
Thunderbike Reflector Inside Plate
Thunderbike Rear Fender Steel 260 mm
Thunderbike Seat Plate
Thunderbike Seat Foam for TB Seat Plate
Harley-Davidson Security Siren Kit
Thunderbike Airbox Cover Oval Torque
Thunderbike Derby Cover Torque Logo
Thunderbike Forward Control Kit Phantom long
Thunderbike Mounting Kit Forward Controls
Thunderbike Rider Footpegs Base Alu Design
Thunderbike Shiftpeg & Brakepeg Alu
Thunderbike Front Fender 23′′ Fiberglass
Thunderbike Hydraulic clutch Conversion Kit chrome
Thunderbike Turn Signals Stripe LED with Housing
Thunderbike Riser Kit Atlas 32mm black
Thunderbike Handlebar Atlas Wide 35cm black
Thunderbike Grips Base Alu
Thunderbike Toppers Base
Thunderbike Chin Fairing GP Style Long
Motogadget mo.view Classic 150 Mirror black
Thunderbike Timer Cover Torque

More comfort, more character

A key component of the conversion is the Atlas handlebar, 35 cm high. Since the Thunderbike Atlas handlebar is available exclusively in black, Tobias could only consider one solution that would be completely cohesive: the handlebar must also be painted.

Either chrome or the bike’s color – because black would have disrupted the overall look. That’s why the handlebars and fork were fully integrated into the paint scheme and seamlessly match the bike’s colors.

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Together with the forward-mounted footrests, this creates a relaxed, stretched-out riding position that noticeably changes the riding experience. At the same time, the attention to detail is evident here as well: even the smallest components, such as the footrest end caps and handles, have been designed to match the paint scheme and blend harmoniously into the overall look.

This results in a customization where the design extends across the entire motorcycle.

Chrome meets color

The Thankful thrives on contrast.

Large chrome surfaces on the exhaust, engine, and wheel wells contrast with intense shades of purple, creating exactly the effect the owner wanted: a striking presence without appearing garish.

The combination of deep chrome and bold color accents gives the Fat Boy its striking and unmistakable presence.

The word Thankful is engraved on the air filter and riser.

The exhaust, engine, and wheel wells feature chrome accents.

Parts

The purple accents in the crocodile-patterned leather echo the Thankful’s paint job and make the seat a real eye-catcher, especially in the sun.

The abbreviation “TP” stands for Tobias and his son Philipp, supplemented by the π symbol for infinity.

Custom craftsmanship right down to the seat

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The seat was also custom-made for this motorcycle.

In collaboration with Jimmy from Spirit Leather, we have created a completely custom leather saddle featuring colored stitching and intricately dyed crocodile leather.

Since the fuel tank and rear section were perfectly matched, the seat could be precisely tailored to the motorcycle and blends seamlessly into its lines. The initials “TP,” standing for Tobias and his son Philipp, were also incorporated.

The fuel tank, rear section, and seat form a single unit. The distinctive leather texture echoes the bike’s lines and colors, completing the look.

The name THANKFUL stands for much more than just the motorcycle's appearance.

For Tobias, the bike symbolizes gratitude – gratitude for his family, for the opportunities life has given him, and for being able to fulfill a dream like this.

Even small details reflect this personal story. For example, the plaque on the seat bears the initials “TP” for Tobias and his son Philipp, along with the mathematical symbol π for infinity – a symbol with special meaning for both of them. Tobias himself describes the idea behind it as follows:

“The pi symbol is my son’s favorite symbol, and it also partly represents infinity, so I wanted to include it: Tobias and Phillip for infinity.”

Bike Gallery

Ride Out

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Of course, the two bikes then had to show what they were made of on a ride out together. Tobias and Julian were clearly having fun on the roads and enjoyed every minute of it.

It’s all the more wonderful to see that these two custom builds not only look great, but also perform exceptionally well exactly where they belong – on the road.

Thanks for this awesome project. We wish you many special moments with the “Thankful,” safe travels, and plenty of unforgettable kilometers on your next ride-outs, dear Tobias!