Build Your Own Bobber: Building Your Own Bobber Can be Fun And Easy if You Plan it Right!

Build Your Own Bobber

I know you’ve seen this before and you’ve probably seen it here but I show it again for those who haven’t:

Definition of a Bobber:

A bobber is a motorcycle that usually has had the front fender removed and the rear fender “bobbed” or made smaller. This style of custom motorcycle took shape in the 1950s and continues to be built today. Bobbers are related to choppers in that they both represent a minimalistic approach where everything is stripped from a bike that is not readily needed. This includes the characteristics of a stock frame and shortened rear fender.

History of the Bobber

The bobber motorcycle came before any other type of custom motorcycle that we see today. When servicemen started returning to the United States from overseas after World War II, they wanted bikes more like the European bikes they had seen. Also, the men had learned many mechanical skills that they wanted to start putting to use. The men started forming biker clubs and eventually started tearing into their bikes and removing the fenders to make them seem lighter like the European bikes. Before there were any such thing as a chopper or even a chopper bobber there was a simple bike, the bobber.

These bikes became very custom and said a lot about the owner of the bike because they were the one doing the work on the bike. Usually the backyard mechanic started by taking off the fenders. As we know today the first customization of the bobber came from the average person and the WW II vets. Today there are many companies that will do the work for you and create beautiful choppers. They will also cost you more money than doing the work yourself.

Now that that’s out of the way lets move on. The first things you’ll need or need to decide on is a frame. What do you start with? A custom frame or a factory frame to twist up and make cool. Both have there goods and bads. If you use a custom frame paper work is an issue for some in some states and insurance rates are higher. If you use a stock frame you’ll have title and paper work but you’ll spend a lot on both materials and your labor, it has to be worth something right!?

Once you’ve nailed down the frame it’s time to think motor! Stick the motor in the frame and build around it. The motor should be the majority of your budget and it should be “Worth something” make sure you “invest” in a good vintage motor. Now you’re riding money.

The rest is bolt on and can actually be found all over the place. It’s not so much where you look but how. Find smaller dealers and one off shops. Make your bike cool and worth something. You going to ride it forever? No you’re going to build more and we both know it, build it so you can sell it. Always!

Want to buy one already done? Bobbers for Sale

Do you like nitrous? Nitrous Kits