What is a bobber motorcycle?

January 30, 2021

What is a bobber motorcycle?

Many motorcycle enthusiasts want to customize a bobber motorcycle. This is the model that really meets the motorcycle owner's requirement since all modifications to the motorcycle must come primarily from the owner's innovative ideas. Therefore, this model is ideal for custom motorcycle enthusiasts.

Bobber motorcycle, what is it exactly?

Literally and basically, bobbed means cut in English. A bobber is a motorcycle that aims to gain speed and performance by eliminating all parts that prevent this. This model was made popular in the 40's and 50's when American soldiers in World War II noticed the motorcycles during "The Europeans riding". 

(source ). 

 

 

Also, a bobber is a motorcycle from which all unnecessary components are removed. You don't necessarily need professional diagnostics to know which parts are unnecessary since the owner has every right to remove the parts he wants to remove.

However, it is still advisable to call a professional before doing the customization. Indeed, improper handling and improper assembly could affect the stability of the motorcycle and cause a serious accident.

Above all, it is recommended to keep all vital parts of the vehicle. Moreover, nowadays, a bobber motorcycle is mainly used for riding rather than racing.

What may be the reasons for this change?

There are many reasons why a motorcycle owner would want to turn his motorcycle into a bobber

 

The first essential factor: the look

The vast majority of bobber owners have taken the initiative to customize their bikes in relation to the look. As mentioned above, the look of the bobber depends greatly on the owner's opinion and taste. All this to say that the bobber motorcycles are very likely to be the only model on the market. 

 

The second factor: power

As noted above, the principle of a bobber is to be lightened of all bulky parts, which are harmful to the performance of the motorcycle. A bobber is therefore a particularly powerful motorcycle, whose performance can be adjusted according to the owner's wishes. This is why it is necessary to call upon professionals to advise you.

Nowadays, power is no longer sought after to have fun in a bobber motorcycle.

 

The finance and maintenance

A bobber also stands out from other categories of motorcycles by its ability to save its owner money. Since the motorcycle is equipped with only essential parts, you won't have to spend a fortune on replacing damaged parts. Also, the owner will save time and money on maintenance. He will only have to take care of the parts that are fundamental to the operation of the motorcycle; and this by removing only a few screws. Since these parts are more accessible, the owner will no longer need sophisticated equipment to perform maintenance without the assistance of an expert in the field.


Are there any rules to follow when assembling a bobber?

Theoretically no, but technically yes. There is no rule that forces the owner to do the customization in a certain order. The basis is to bring out his own style. What we notice however, is that most bobbers all offer this vintage style. And since the bobber saw its source in the 50's, it's only natural that these bikes adopt this vintage style. It's also important to know how to change parts according to protocols that we will develop in the next lines.

And we would like to note and emphasize that it is STRONGLY advised to seek advice from a motorcycle expert. A modification that is considered minimal may have serious repercussions in the pursuit of customization.

On the other hand, the expert you have chosen should not impose his ideas since the bobber is a customized motorcycle. It's your bike and you need to bring out your own style. It is also important to know how to choose the appropriate parts, to make a small reflection before removing an element. 

The best way to assemble a bobber motorcycle is to use a standard motorcycle, ready to receive all types of modifications. Of course, almost any motorcycle in the world can be modified into a bobber, but this will make the job much easier and help you save money.

The ideal is to have a classic model, adopting an original vintage design.

We invite you to read our article on the choice of the basic model. These motorcycles are also excellent for beginners as they often adopt a standard engine structure that is easy to disassemble.

So if you want to have a cheap motorcycle, you should opt for a classic used motorcycle, simple, but which can accommodate many modifications. You can always visit your local store or check the classified ads. Once you get it, you can start your customization.

 

How to choose the parts to be used?

It is certainly fundamental to know how to carefully select the parts to be used or exchanged. To do this, you must contact a store specialized in the sale of motorcycle parts . If you are looking for materials, equipment, accessories, spare parts necessary for the transformation of your motorcycle, you have come to the right place. Stores such as Remmotorcycle.co are there to help you with all the modification procedures. You'll be assisted by experts who are passionate about giving your motorcycle an exclusive look.

When you're thinking about buying a part for your motorcycle, always start by doing some research on the subject to find out which brands you can trust.

 

Step by step, how to transform a motorcycle into a bobber?

In this section, we will explain the different modifications to be made to obtain a typical bobber. And never forget that your bike must reflect your personality, your taste. Therefore, add all the personal touches you can to make your motorcycle a reference among the bobber motorcycles models on the market. 

The frame

One of the peculiarities of a bobber motorcycle is to have a rigid frame. Indeed, in a search for simplification and optimization of the use of the motorcycle, the preparers opt for a rigid frame. In addition, it plays an important role in the look of the motorcycle. 

cadre bobber remmotorcycle

Depending on the basic motorcycle, it is possible to cut and modify the frame. It must be taken into account that this has an impact on the comfort of the motorcycle.

Indeed, this modification of the frame removes the rear shock absorbers and the swingarm.

In the picture above, in red we see the difference between a classic motorcycle and a motorcycle with a rigid frame. The frame goes down to the wheel.

 

The seat

The seat is a key point to bring out the style of motorcycle the owner wants to display. In the past, bobber seats all looked the same. They have the same look as the Board Track seats of the 1900s. 

selle bobber haute qualité

The basic model of the bobber seat is a solo sprung seat.

The bobber seat is the same model as the one used on the first motorcycles. The springs compensate for the absence of shock absorbers and thus guarantee a minimum of comfort for the rider.

It is recommended to have a seat made on an aluminum / steel base in order to guarantee the good rigidity of the seat.

Concerning the springs, several models exist. For the hardness, it is necessary to find the good compromise between comfort and a minimum of rigidity to enter well held on it in the turns.

 

Exhaust

Shortening the tubes and changing the mufflers is one of the basics of customizing the exhaust system for a bobber motorcycle.

échappement bobber

Bobber 600 shadow: Next bobber proposed by Remmotorcycle. 

 

Be careful however not to release the exhaust too much, you wouldn't want to have problems with the neighborhood either. Also, it is important to be aware that modifying your exhaust can affect the engine's behavior. It is advisable to call a professional in the field if you want the modification to go smoothly and not harm the health of the engine. 

 

Handlebar

The handlebar is also a very important part in the customization of your motorcycle since there are so many styles and designs available.

guidon bobber

Photo: a flipped handlebar gives a lower position on a bobber.

If you are thinking of replacing your handlebar with a new one, please check the dimensions of the different accessories that will have to accompany your handlebar. You will also have to consider the different electrical installations of your motorcycle, connected to your handlebars. The same goes for the various cables, including the brake, clutch and gas pedal cables. Before considering the look and design of your handlebars, you should always focus on compatibility. A flat handlebar always looks good on a bobber. 

In order to stay in a minimalist look, components such as commodos can be integrated into the handlebar to make the handlebar "free". 

 

The lights

Customized lighting is within everyone's reach. Many stores offer this service: physical stores and online stores. However, the owner should keep an eye on the technical side by limiting the number of bulbs and lights to be installed on your motorcycle to avoid overvoltage that can cause battery problems. The best option is LED lighting. This technology offers optimal lighting and does not consume much energy. 

For an old-fashioned bobber motorcycle, we recommend a halogen or build headlamp to provide the necessary lighting in an aesthetically pleasing product. 

 

The fuel tank

The tank is one of the main parts of the bobber. Indeed, it is one of the only parts with fenders that can benefit from a paint job and give a visual identity to the bike. 

réservoir bobber

For a bobber, the peanuts tanks are very appreciated are different shapes from the most rounded to the most square.

The position of the tank depends on the preference of the preparer, it can be suspended above the frame beam or follow the line of the motorcycle by being more integrated.


Conclusion

Once again, a bobber is a custom motorcycle. You don't have to follow the rules since you will create your own rules. Contact real professionals like remmotorcycle.com to assist you in your customization. Remmotorcycle.co offers all the fundamental parts for the success of your project. We can also offer you a complete bobber kit to customize. You will only have to arrange it according to your taste. Now it's up to you!

 

 

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