Getting to know more about our members - Ramsden Micallef

Interviewer Oliver Cassar

When you meet Ramsden, it doesn’t take long to realize two things: his love for motorcycles runs deep, and his eye for detail extends far beyond the road. After years of riding solo, his journey recently took a new turn when he joined the La Valette Harley Owners Group, bringing his custom Harley-Davidson Fat Boy — and his camera — along for the ride.

Background & Beginnings

1. Ramsden, let’s start from the beginning — what first drew you to motorcycles, and how did your riding journey begin?

A: I think it all started back in primary school. We had an event where the police came with their dogs — and their motorcycles. I still remember being completely fascinated by the bikes. (I’ll share a photo later!) From that day, I knew I wanted one. Later on, I started taking photos along the Coast Road, where bikers would pass by, and that really deepened my interest. No one in my family rode, so convincing my parents wasn’t easy. I finally got their approval by promising it would be a custom build — and that’s how I ended up with my first bike, a DragStar 650.

2. Before joining La Valette H.O.G., you were riding an Indian. What was it about Indian bikes that appealed to you at the time?

A: The Indian Scout was actually quite affordable when I bought it, especially considering it made 100 horsepower. Despite being liquid-cooled, it had an amazing sound. I also loved that you could swap the rear wheel from a 150 to a 240 with no modifications — that was a huge plus. And to me, it simply looked better than any Harley in that price range.

The Switch to Harley-Davidson

3. What made you decide to make the switch from Indian to Harley, and specifically to the Fat Boy?

A: I’d always liked the Fat Boy, but it was never within my price range. Initially, I was planning to go for the Indian Scout 101 — a more performance-oriented version of the Scout. But when Indian released it with a completely new engine, it came with a few issues, and that turned me off.

By then, the Scout was already out of my mind, and the price of the new Indian pushed me to finally make the jump to Harley.

4. Was it a difficult choice, or did Harley feel like the natural next step for you?

A: It wasn’t an easy decision, but at the time, the Fat Boy was the only Harley I could see myself owning. Once I made the leap, it felt like the right move.

The Fat Boy Project

5. Your Fat Boy has gone through some impressive modifications. Could you walk us through the main changes you’ve done to transform it into a bagger?

A: The first thing I ordered was the headlight — even before the bike arrived. It’s the same style I had on my Indian, and I love the look of the running light. Then I started changing the overall look from chrome and aluminium to black. I completely disassembled the bike, except for the engine, since that would’ve taken much longer. After that, I had a custom 2-inch-thick handlebar made, along with a seat base, seat pan, and new fenders. Luckily, the exhaust had already been changed, though that’s something I’ll probably upgrade again in the future. The next big step will be modifying the swingarm and replacing the wheels.

6. What was the most challenging part of the project, and which upgrade are you most proud of?

A: Definitely finding someone who could build the handlebar exactly how I wanted it and ship it here. It had to be that one, nothing else. It took a while, but it was worth it — and I’d say that’s the upgrade I’m most proud of so far.

7. Do you see your bike as a reflection of your personality or your riding style?

A: I think so, yes. That’s one of the main reasons I like having custom bikes — I’m never really happy with a bike as it comes from the factory. I always feel the need to make it mine. Even something like the handlebar completely changes the dynamic and feel of the ride, which is why I tend to go for that particular style.

Passion for Photography

8. Wherever you go, your camera goes with you. How do motorcycles and photography come together for you?

A: The camera has been a part of me since I was about six years old. I’ve kept that hobby alive ever since, and now it’s become a way to capture moments tied to my other passion — motorcycles. It’s a way of documenting the journey, not just the destination.

9. Do you see your rides as opportunities to capture moments, or do you ride first and photograph second?

A: Most of the time, I ride first and photograph later. Unfortunately, Malta is quite limited when it comes to locations for that — but whenever the opportunity comes up, I make sure to take it.

The Calabria Trip

11. You joined La Valette in September and jumped right into the Calabria ride — quite the adventure! What was that experience like for you?

A: I’d always wanted to experience a ride outside of Malta, and Calabria was the perfect place to start. The whole trip was great — honestly, better than I expected. The roads, the scenery, everything along the route was amazing. If I had to change one thing, I’d say I would’ve enjoyed it even more at a steadier pace of around 100 km/h. Despite a few setbacks, the trip taught me a lot about what to expect and how to prepare when riding abroad. It definitely won’t be my last adventure.

La Valette Malta H.O.G. Experience

14. How has your experience been so far as a member of La Valette?

A: I’ve been used to riding solo for years, mainly because of my work hours — and I’ve always enjoyed the freedom that comes with it. But since getting my Harley, this is the first time I’ve joined a group, and I couldn’t have asked for a better one. Everyone was really welcoming, and the group rides have been a great experience — from the focus on safety, which is very important to me, down to the routes and the events.

15. What does being part of the group add to your riding life, compared to riding solo?

A: Riding solo gives you freedom, but riding in a group adds a completely different dimension — it’s about camaraderie, shared experiences, and the sense of belonging to something bigger. There’s also a lot to learn from each other when you ride together.

16. Any memorable moments with the group already that you’d like to share?

A: The most memorable moment has to be the Calabria trip, without a doubt. Malta is great, but it’s small and busy, so it’s hard to enjoy long rides the same way. On that trip, I really saw what it means to be part of a group — how great people can make the whole ride less stressful and a lot more fun.

Looking Ahead

17. Do you have any upcoming projects for your bike, or are you planning to keep modifying it?

A: The bike is definitely not finished! By the end of this year, I’ll be doing a subtle color change, and the last modification I have planned for now is a wheel upgrade — though that one won’t be straightforward. In the near future, I’d also like to build a bike completely from the ground up.

18. What destinations are on your list for future motorcycle travels?

A: Honestly, as long as it’s outside of Malta, I don’t mind — somewhere with good weather most of the year would be perfect.

19. If you could combine your passions — bikes, photography, and travel — into one dream trip, what would it look like?

A: I don’t really have one particular dream trip in mind — as long as it doesn’t involve too many long highway stretches, I’m happy. For me, it’s about the journey, the scenery, and the people along the way.

Ramsden’s story is one of creativity, passion, and the pursuit of freedom — both on the road and through the lens of his camera. His Fat Boy is more than just a motorcycle; it’s a personal canvas, shaped by patience, precision, and a deep respect for the ride. As he continues to explore new roads with La Valette H.O.G., one thing is certain: wherever Ramsden goes, his camera — and his unique vision — will always be close behind.