What exactly is a bobber, and how does it differ from choppers and cruisers you can store in your garage? In this article, we will provide the cost and benefits of a bobber, and we also list the four best bobber motorcycles for you to choose from.
Bobbers are the pinnacle of custom motorcycles because they are loud and unquestionably badass. The term “bobber” describes a bike that has been modified, typically by hand by the builder, to increase speed and performance. There are many options available on the market, including the storied Triumph Bobber, if you aren’t ready to construct your own.
Even so, there are some exceptions to the rule, and since the Bobber has a rich history, you might want to keep reading to learn more about its distinctiveness.
What is a Bobber Motorcycle?
There is no such thing as a bobber motorcycle. They’re a particular kind of bike modification.
The bobber motorcycle rose to its current popularity alongside the term “bob”. “Bobbing” a motorcycle meant that the rider would take away the bodywork they deemed unnecessary to make the core bike faster and lighter. This includes:
- Fenders
- Lights
- Mirrors
- Baggage
- Handlebars
- Seats
- Speedometers
- Shocks
Riders with a need for speed could push their bikes to the limit with this kind of stripped-down customization.
A Brief History of the Bobber
The 1920s cut-down, which was developed to modernize and enhance the performance of the J-series Harley-Davidson, gave way to the 1930s bob-job. By removing the front fender, shortening the rear, and “bobbing” all superfluous parts, the motorcycle was significantly lighter and faster.
Bobbers rose to popularity in the 1940s and 1950s thanks to mechanically inclined World War II veterans who were inspired by lighter and more maneuverable European motorcycles.
Up until the late 1990s, when the style experienced a resurgence in popularity, bob-jobs were largely home-built and reflected the aesthetic preferences of their owners.
You can achieve bobber bliss by shortening the fenders, swapping the stock seat for a custom bucket seat, upgrading the mufflers to something louder, adding custom lights, and changing the color of the bike.
The popularity of custom-built bobbers increased to the point where motorcycle producers are now producing their own factory bobbers, which is fantastic news if you don’t want to build your own.
How is a Bobber Different from a Chopper?
The main distinction between a bobber and a chopper is that the former is typically built around a standard frame, whereas the latter is frequently customized through cutting and welding. The stance, less rear end, and slanting chassis suspension of a bobber characterize its power and attitude.
Despite the fact that other cultures have embraced bob-jobs in search of a distinctive blend of attitude and power, the US is still the home of the bob-job.
The most daring class of motorcycles in the world, however, are choppers. They have a variety of peculiar features combined with a highly personalized design.
A bike must have undergone significant modifications near the steering and to the front end to allow space for the very long fork combined with the pulled-back handlebars and a smaller front wheel.
Is a Bobber a Cruiser?
Although there may be some overlap between bobbers and choppers, cruisers and bobbers are entirely different species. Why? Let’s break the two types of motorcycles down:
- Bobbers, again, are meant to be used for speed. They are typically designed with minimalism in mind and have a seat that is just wide enough for one person. Bobbers are designed to outperform high-end motorcycles even in the modern era, which is characterized by high-speed engines.
- Cruisers, comparatively, are ideal for motorcyclists who like to take long, winding trips around the country. The high-end accessories on these motorcycles include spacious, comfortable seats and light luggage. Cruisers frequently have more than one seat, making them ideal for long rides, whereas it’s difficult to find a real bobber with two seats. The design of cruisers prioritizes comfort and technological simplicity rather than stripping them of their detailed components.
How Much Do Bobber Motorcycles Typically Cost?
The process of bobbling a motorcycle is highly individualized, so the price of your bobber will vary depending on your personal preferences. Nevertheless, some producers, such as Indians, have recognized the bobber’s resurgence in popularity.
As a result, bobber-style motorcycles can be purchased for between $10,000 and $13,549 dollars.
A bobber kit is another option if you really want to embrace a bobber’s do-it-yourself style. The use of these kits allows riders new to bobbing to experiment with bike stripping and its advantages, though they frequently overlap with the world of chopper modification, a topic we’ll cover later.
Benefits of a Bobber
When a motorcycle is reduced to its bare frame, it ought to perform better. It will undoubtedly move more quickly. A bobber is simpler for novice riders to maneuver and control because it has a higher power-to-weight ratio.
Owning a bobber makes you one of the few, if not the only, owners and allows you to customize it however you please. With relaxed riding positions and low handlebars, bobbers have a great appearance and feel. Riding a bobber does not require a great deal of experience.
Bobbers will save you money in the long run because they need less maintenance. Cheaper than a new motorcycle, used bobbers are available.
Most Popular Bobbers
The most popular bobbers out there are:
Harley-Davidson Street Bob
The Street Bob motorcycle was a modified Dyna, which stands for America’s blue-collar workers. Everyone could tell that the Street Bob model was intended for Harley’s more outspoken clients thanks to its denim paint, solo seat, staggered exhausts, ape-hanger handlebar, and bobbed fenders.
Triumph Bobber
During World War 2, stripped-down motorcycles known as “bob-jobs” were allegedly built by soldiers who had just returned from the conflict. Many customized bikes were based on Triumph Tigers and Speed Twins to avoid unnecessary details. Customizers added a small tank, a single seat with a rigid rear end, slash-cut exhausts, and fatter tires for dirt tracks.
Indian Scout Bobber
The most recent model of the Indian Scout Bobber has the same engine and tune as the standard Scout. With the exception of some changes to the subframe, the frame is unchanged.
One-third of the rear suspension travel, which was already minimal, has been removed, making the bike lower. A determined squeeze is necessary to get the best performance out of the front brake disk, which operates well.
About 100 horsepower and 98 Newton meters of torque can be produced by the engine. Leather seats aren’t very well padded, but shorter mudguards or fenders look fancy.
Yamaha Bolt Bobber
The closest available Japanese bobber, in terms of authenticity, is the Yamaha Bolt. It combines authentic bobber styling with the manners of Japanese motorcycles. The Bolt has a lot more bobbing potential, which is one of its appealing qualities.
FAQs
Is Bobber Good Beginner Bike?
Are Bobbers Good Beginner Bikes? A Bobber is a great choice for a beginner rider due to its low seat height and center of gravity. In addition, bobbers aren’t as fast as some other motorcycle designs because they are built with an emphasis on appearance rather than performance.
Why Do They Call It Bobber?
Frames for choppers are frequently shaped by cutting and welding. A bobber is a motorcycle that has had extraneous parts removed for simplicity and weight reduction, hence the name “bobber.”
Are Bobber Bikes Uncomfortable?
Although you can’t escape the air resistance on a Bobber, it does wear you out after a while. It quickly becomes uncomfortable and exhausting to be riding into a headwind. Long motorway trips at 70 mph in a Bobber are not my idea of fun travel.
Conclusion: Buy a Bobber for Yourself Now
You finally have a detailed and more elaborate answer to the question, “A bobber motorcycle: what is it?” You required this information because it had been difficult for you to comprehend the idea of a minimalist motorcycle as opposed to a Café Racer. Additionally, you can tell a bob-job from a chopper bike, which is often very confusing for novice riders.
You should leave a bobber behind if you plan to ride a bike across the nation. The minimalist design, on the other hand, is the way to go if speed or the appearance of vintage bobbers is more important to you.
Bobbers are a thrilling addition to any garage, whether you want to celebrate the past of the bobber or test the speed of some of today’s cutting-edge, bare-bones bikes. If you use them properly and with the appropriate safety equipment, you’ll see why these bikes have maintained their appeal for so long.
