The Qatari custom Sportster making waves on the international stage

Ali Al-Masseh, a civil engineer from Qatar, has garnered awards on the global custom bike scene for his vision brought to life with the heart of a 2004 Sportster^® and a twisted soul

Words and photographs by Polina Krasnova/Bikers Insider

For some, motorcycles are merely machines; for others, they’re an extension of their creativity and passion. Ali Al-Masseh proudly counts himself among the latter category. While his professional life revolves around road safety and infrastructure, his true calling lies in custom motorcycle building and his latest creation, Whirled, is a masterpiece that blends engineering precision with artistic vision.

Ali’s journey into motorcycles began at a young age, riding ATVs and motocross bikes in the dunes of Qatar. By 18, he made the switch to Harley-Davidson^® motorcycles when he bought his first bike, a 2004 Sportster^®. Watching custom shows on YouTube in the early 2000s fuelled his passion for customisation, and Ali soon felt the need to push boundaries and create something truly unique with his own hands, leading to his first build, a bobber based on the stock frame of his Sportster.

Inspired by legendary American builder Indian Larry, Ali set out to craft a chopper that would honour the legacy of “Wild Child”, the bike Larry built for a 2004 build-off against Billy Lane. The twisted frame design became the defining feature of Whirled, symbolising both the bike’s aesthetics and Ali’s whirlwind journey into custom building.

The build started with a 2004 Sportster engine, which he beefed up from 883cc to 1200cc to give the bike the power it deserved. Ali handled some of the fabrication work himself, including welding and cutting, refining his fabrication skills through practice in his home garage and by watching countless hours of online tutorials. Alongside his own handiwork, Ali ensured he brought in the skills of true craftsmen to ensure the intricate detailing required was executed perfectly. Enter Joshua Boggs of Steel City Blacksmithing, who worked on the main fabrication, ensuring Ali’s ideas were brought to life in all their twisted glory.

The paintwork, completed by Sand Toyz Garage in Qatar, features a deep blue base with golden details that complement the abundance of chrome and intricate engravings across the bike. The twisted frame gives Whirled its distinctive personality, and the bike also has a split gas tank and a classic springer front end, blending old-school craftsmanship with modern custom artistry.

Once the build was complete, Ali set his sights on the international stage. Having already won multiple shows in the Gulf region, he decided to enter Whirled in the 2023 MBE Eternal City Show in Rome, winning Best of Show. Encouraged by this success, he took it to the Big Twin Show in the Netherlands, where Whirled secured third place in the chopper category. Ali is now the first and only Qatari custom bike builder to win an international title outside the Gulf, a milestone that marks his growing influence on the global custom bike scene. Through relentless dedication and an eye for design, he has turned a childhood dream into a reality, hand-crafting a motorcycle that is as much a work of art as it is a functional machine.

Spotlight on…

The Gulf region is a hotbed for custom bike builds – meet three more owners who have realised their custom Harley^® dreams

1. Ali Al-Safar, a 40-year-old banker from Qatar, has found a unique balance between his demanding career and a lifelong passion for motorcycles. Raised in a family where motorcycling was a shared passion, his first custom bike build was a 2005 Softail^® Deuce, marking the beginning of his journey into the world of motorcycle customisation.

His latest project is a stunning custom chopper that beautifully showcases his skills and passion for the craft. From the clean, classic lines to the paint job done by the talented Italian artist Cisko, Ali had always intended this bike to be a daily rider, effortlessly combining style and functionality.

2. Abdulaziz Alkuwari, a 30-year-old motorcycle enthusiast from Qatar, has always had a deep connection to Harley-Davidson, owning 12 in total. Abdulaziz ventured into the world of custom bike builds with Wild Child in 2019, gradually upgrading it year by year, with the final touches completed in 2025 – including paint from Loka in Indonesia, a Heman Fab frame sourced directly from the US, and welding support from friend and fellow builder Mahmoud Alhashemi.

Abdulaziz then built The Wild Pan motorcycle at his home during the 2020 pandemic. This custom chopper was built around a S&S Cycle P93 engine and Baker 6-into-4 transmission, providing it with plenty of punch. The frame and Paughco front suspension were completely modified to enhance the bike’s performance, while most of the other parts were custom made by Abdulaziz. He handled nearly every aspect of the fabrication process, from welding to painting. However, he had the support of several renowned builders, including Pat Leahy, Ryan McQuiston, Ruby G and André Leal.

3. In the heart of Abha City, Saudi Arabia, Abdul Majeed Al Muhaisen has brought his dream to life, crafting a one-of-a-kind custom motorcycle that stands as a testament to his own individuality and passion. This Chicano-style Softail, complete with its striking blue paint job with metal flake, is meant to evoke sea waves shimmering brilliantly under the sunlight. The work on Abdul’s motorcycle lasted one year and four months – a labour of love that tested patience and skill but ultimately resulted in a machine that is as personal as it is powerful.

---

Tags: