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November 24, 2021
The modification of a motorbike into a bobber is a popular thing for customisation enthusiasts.
The bobber is the return to the basics of motorcycling, the transformation of a motorbike into a pure preparation.
The HONDA Shadow is one of the ideal motorbikes for a bobber. As we have seen, a custom bike is the best base for a bobber.
The Shadow is an attractively priced base bike with a puncture-proof Vtwin engine and a wide range of customisation options.
This article is dedicated to the 600cc model. The most common model with the most modification possibilities.
We show you everything you need to know about the SHADOW BOBBER 600.
It is important to know that there are several aesthetic modifications that make a motorbike a bobber. As we have seen, a bobber has technical characteristics that define it.
Let's see how to transform a custom Shadow into a bobber.
The vintage looking balloon tyres add a touch of style to the bobber.
Unfortunately, this will impact the handling of the bike. We do not recommend this type of tyre for those who ride their Shadow every day or often in the rain.
We know that it is difficult to find a vintage tyre in 170/80-15 for the original Shadow rear rim.
That's why we offer this vintage tyre which is now available for pre-order:
White sidewall tyres are also tasteful on a Shadow:
You can find them at most tyre dealers.
The fuel tank is an essential part of a bobber's preparation. There is a wide variety of tank types.
Here are some models designed for the Shadow 600:
The basic PEANUT model is the most popular tank for a Shadow to bobber conversion.
Here is the result mounted on the Shadow:
This tank is also available already painted in red or black.
The SPECIAL tank has a fuel gauge on the right side and a fuel outlet on the right side. This makes it ideal to combine with a remote carburettor. This reduces the distance between the tank and the carburettor and contributes to the look of the bike.
In a different style and with a higher capacity, here is a rather rounded 3.7 gallon model with marked sides. It has more character than the original model.
This allows for a different style, as most Shadow bobbers have a peanut.
This is a really original model, not many Shadow bobbers have a tank like this. It is really in the bobber theme and has the rounded style of the Wassell Peanut tanks.
Other than these models, there are the "Split Tank" "Banana Tank" "P-Nut Tank" "Frisco Tank" etc...
One of the preferred handlebars for bobber owners is the flat curved handlebar.
And here it is once mounted on a Shadow:
Z-bar handlebar:
Straight handlebar:
The solo seat is one of the most important parts of a bobber.
To install a solo saddle on a Shadow, it is possible to modify the original frame to install the saddle.
You can also use a saddle support of this type:
The solo saddle is to be chosen according to your taste. There is a wide choice of models available, with horizontal, vertical, checkered or seamless seams, in brown, black, white, red etc...
Here is a selection of models:
Remmotorcycle saddles are made by hand.
Remmotorcycle also offers custom-made saddles so that you can have the one that suits you.
Here's a differentiating element that enhances the bobber look of your Shadow: the 90° pipe and carburettor for Shadow.
Please note that this type of product requires adjustment. We advise you to have it installed by a professional.
To go with this carburettor, a vintage car type filter provides a perfect look:
Spoke rims are the rims to use on a bobber. This is already the case on a Shadow.
The rims used are usually 16 inches. On a Shadow, you can keep the 15" rear rim and put a smaller rim on the front.
For this, it is possible to adapt a rim from another model, use a new 16" rim and adapt it or the most appropriate solution is to re-spoke the original rim.
Remmotorcycle will soon offer a 16" rim for the front.
The next step is the modification of the softtail frame by a hardtail. That is, the modification of the original frame into a hardtail.
The Shadow specialist in the USA offers a 3-piece kit to upgrade your Shadow to a bobber:
The final touch to the bobber is the springer fork. Its retro style transforms the bike and creates a unique bobber.
It is available in an original size version. It is installed with the original rim without modification.
Remmotorcycle will soon offer a complete kit to build a really special Shadow 600 bobber.
TJ Brutal Customs : It is the American specialist of VTX and Shadow 600. Many unique parts specially designed for Shadow.
Remmotorcycle.com : has what unique parts for Shadow as well as a selection of universal parts to make a bobber.
HONDA SHADOW 600 & 400 - Blue Collar Bobbers : This is a specialist bobber parts shop offering a wide range of parts and kits for the Shadow 600.
Honda Custom Motos (chop-it.de) : Some interesting parts for Shadow such as the rear mudguard.
Honda Shadow VLX600 – BobberCycle : The rear mudguard kit is one of their standout pieces.
There are several preparers who specialise in Shadow productions.
Eric (@casacustoms) • Instagram
Honda shadow bobber (@vlx.bobber) • Instagram
DeathWish Bobbers (@deathwishbobbers) • Instagram
Davey Jones (@daveee_jones) • Instagram
Motorcycles (@lnspltblvd) • Instagram
The price will depend on the base model used, the modifications made, the parts installed and who does the preparation.
For example, a simple bobber can be made for $3000 if you buy a $2000 base model and install the parts and modifications yourself.
A complete model made by a professional tuner can cost up to $7000-$9000 (or even more, there is no limit to the amount of tuning that can be done).
The advantage of building your own bobber is that you have a bobber that you can call your own, that you have imagined and that you are proud to build.
The limits of this option are our mechanical skills, the time needed and the cost.
Buying a pre-made bobber can be a good option to save time and energy and can be cheaper than making it yourself.
The hardest part will be finding a bobber that suits your taste.
Here are some examples of prepared bobbers for sale:
Nice preparation sold for $4950.
Here is another wiser model:
Of course, even if you buy an already transformed Shadow, you can complete or modify the preparation.
To find ideas for your shadow bobber, there are special Intagram pages for bobbers on Shadow.
𝙷𝚘𝚗𝚍𝚊 𝚂𝚑𝚊𝚍𝚘𝚠 (@hondashadow_600) Instagram
HONDA bobbers, thats why!🇯🇵 (@shadowbobber) • Instagram
You will also find your happiness on Pinterest.
We invite you to follow ongoing preparations on Shadow to get motivated, tips and ideas as you prepare.
Here is Friedrick's Instagram page in the process of preparing a bobber: @thorsteinn_custom_
@vlx.bobber an American who has already prepared his first bobber and is in the process of building his second:
On YouTube, here is a complete preparation made by Do It With Dan:
Here is also a timelapse from the chopper / bobber specialists at LNSPLTBLVD:
You can also follow bobberpsycho a youtuber who owns a Shadow bobber.
The Facebook groups work well and you will find advice and answers to your questions.
Honda Shadow Riders | Facebook
Honda Shadow Parts (For Sale) | Facebook
Forums are also a good source of information:
Finally, we have put together a selection of our favourite shadow bobbers:
The Japanese style shadow bobber from LNSPLTBLVD :
Le Shadow bobber rat's :
We also like the sport bobbers from Voodoo Custom Cycles:
The classic style bobber:
Are you tempted to prepare a Shadow Bobber?
In which style do you want to prepare it?
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