Building a Bobber

[dili]

Hi

Has anyone had any experience in building a bobber style bike at all?
I'm keen to kick off a project and build one myself.

Firstly need a frame to start with so wanting to get some ideas or opinions.

[PeteJ]

You could do a lot worse than starting with a Custom Chrome kit and going from there - see on their website eg Pimp Daddy. They sell frames and full rolling chassis, too.

Note that if you arte starting from scratch, you will need to specify NZ compliant lights, instruments, brakes etc.

Cheers

[selectedgrub]

What style do you call a bobber, The term is being beat to death and some people don't know what a bobber should look like.

[Paul in NZ]

Well - I guess it's like 'chopper', 'Street fighter' or Cafe' racer... all emotive terms for a style of bike whos origins are pretty well forgotten. The reality is we had these discussions in the 70's when we were tacking long forks onto rigid triumphs or mutilating army indians etc.... The difference was (I suppose) you had to make or adapt nearly everything yourself... There was no internet or any way you could import a part from overseas so you scrounged... bloody good fun!

[surfer]

Hi

Has anyone had any experience in building a bobber style bike at all?
I'm keen to kick off a project and build one myself.

Firstly need a frame to start with so wanting to get some ideas or opinions.

My opinion is go for it. :rockon: And how ever long you think it will take multipy that by at least four. Start with ideas and then get costings so you know what you are getting into.

I got a good frame made by Orb at Hogg Farm, Bombay Hills. More old school style though, not really a bobber. Take along some ideas and pictures and get a quote. Transferred most of the donor bike into the new frame.

There is a lot to look at for inspiration on the intertweeb. Also I'm pretty sure there is a dude who builds frames and is a member of KB. Plus there are more than a few chop riders on this site as well who have modified/built their bikes. Just a case of getting them to come out and share their experiences I guess.:sunny:

[doc]

Hi

Has anyone had any experience in building a bobber style bike at all?
I'm keen to kick off a project and build one myself.

Firstly need a frame to start with so wanting to get some ideas or opinions.
Get a basket case evo 5 speed sporty. Bound to be some out there.

[selectedgrub]

Deleted post,

[El Dopa]

Best of luck. From what I can gather, you're probably best off buying the whole donor bike as there will always be parts you've overlooked and can scavenge off the donor. Time and money-wise, double your worst-case scenarios. Then double them again. Now you've got an estimate that's half what you'll actually spend.


I got a good frame made by Orb at Hogg Farm, Bombay Hills. More old school style though, not really a bobber. Take along some ideas and pictures and get a quote. Transferred most of the donor bike into the new frame.


Just out of interest, how much? Ballpark figure. Hardtail or soft?

I'm interested in doing something similar one day, and I'm trying to work out a rough figure ([donor bike + frame + misc] x 10 - should be about right).

[Conquiztador]

Look at pics, magazines and try to get an idea what you want it to be like. You can go the "bolt on" bits way. But whats the fun in that? Build the bits your self or have a mate to do them to your spec to get an really individual look.

Only two bits of advise I would give (from own experience):
- Don't use your current bike, as you go crazy waiting for a ride. Needs to be a project bike that can take the time she needs.
- If she is your first one, don't go too technical or tricky. Go for simple solutions. You can always change bits later.

All The Best!

[dili]

thanks, yeah im pretty new to it all so wanting to build something relatively simple.

As for the frame i was looking at a 1980 Honda CB900F frame, would this be a good starting point as far as frames go or should i look at a custom built (a lot more expensive) frame?

I am only looking for a 650cc motor at this stage as i want to look at riding everyday and want something light and easy to ride in traffic.

[Conquiztador]

Non-jap, but you might get an idea what looks good. I got No1 and have just got No2 ordered. A5 format, but worth the $$'s IMHO.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Parts-accessories/Manuals-magazines/auction-106290877.htm

[PeteJ]

Picking up on some of the comments here, I would have thought that a "bobber" has to be something in the style of the bobbed US bikes of the 1950s, but maybe I am waaaay wrong. If I am right, it's a 4-stroke twin, probably girder forks (and not extended), bobbed mudguards, small gas tank, special paint job, minimal instruments and controls, no forward foot controls...

Bobbers were the 50s US version of the UK cafe racer ie everything stripped down - and not at all like the elaborate longbikes that evolved later.

If you're going to use a CB-F frame, are you aiming to use the Comstar wheels? And a 4-cyl Japper motor? And extended forks? If so, not a bobber.

If I were you, budget being an issue, I would start with an XS650.

[surfer]

Just out of interest, how much? Ballpark figure. Hardtail or soft?

I'm interested in doing something similar one day, and I'm trying to work out a rough figure ([donor bike + frame + misc] x 10 - should be about right).

This is my experience. I am sure others will have had a different one.

XS650 was the donor bike, picked it up for $1700. It was running rough and needed a few minor things to get it registered and a WOF. Add $400 here. Rode it around for a while and it was hard to let it go and be in a state of building.

New hardtail frame and engine mounts, $2500. Then there was the electrics box, battery box, and rear mud gaurd (not sure of costs here). Tank was $400 and then this was modified to sit on top frame tube, can't remember cost of modification. Front fork tubes from the States $700 (I think), these slotted straight into the donor bike bottom forks. Extended cables for clutch ($50 I think), throttle ($50 I think), and front brakes ($250ish as needed two cables for either side). Made a wiring loom and used electrics off donor bike (lots of wire, $200 probably more with fuses, connectors, solder wire and solder iron). New speedo clock and rev clock ($100 roughly). Seat made up and covered ($200). Exhaust pipes $500. Headlight $60, indicators $60, rear light $40. Probably other stuff I've forgotten about.

Plus the Lvvta process, this depends on where you go and how qualified the person is doing this work. There are two parts to it and some certifiers are only qualified for one part of the job so they hire in someone else and pass this cost on. If they do not really understand what they are doing they will go the whole hog and start xraying the frame and shit like this. I learnt from this one, expensive for me. Add $400, should have been much less.

I did sell the tank, frame, seat, lights, and other assorted bits off the donor bike to claw back some of the costs.

In total this project took me a couple of years. I learnt a lot. I did extra work to pay for it all so it wouldn't hit my pocket too hard. I still have to paint the frame and metal work, and get chrome for the exhaust and battery box.

Would I do this again? Hell yes, and it would be cheaper as I learnt stuff.

So I reckon a budget of $4000 to $5000 on top of your donor bike, unless you can weld and make/modify some of the stuff yourself in which case it will be less. The amount of money sunk into the bike will never come back as essentially it is still a twenty year old XS650.

Then when it is made you will want to change it...ha ha...because you can.

Another way to consider is to buy someone elses half or nearly finished project and sort that out to your specs.

[surfer]

What about a donor bike and an axle grinder? And then carve off the surplus metal work; like half the mud gaurds and get the bobber look that way.

Alternatively get a factory custom bike and hardtail this, or get the frame modified. My first hardtail was a factory custom that I took along to Desperate Dan's in Luton back in the 80's and had a hardtail welded onto the back end. It looked good because the front end already had the custom look; the front end was also goose necked as well to make it a longer lower ride.

Good luck with it all:sunny:

[dili]

thanks for the replies. the way i see it is that i can go for the 900F frame which is going really cheap and then modify it to hell to get the hardtail look and structually sorted and then look for a donor bike OR

Buy an already made hardtail frame and look for a donor bike for all parts (or alternatively use my VN250 as the donor minus enginer)

Decisions Decisions........

[El Dopa]

Useful linky

http://64.172.168.34/neatstuff/

[James Deuce]

A chopper is about as far from a bobber as you could get.

A chopper is the personification of the "look at me" approach to customisation.

Bobbing USED to be about removing everything you didn't need from your whale of a bike. Guards, mirrors, indicators, license plate, chain guard, front brake, instruments and the headlight replaced by a small Vegemite jar with a glowworm in it.

Hey CFWB! Speaking of bobbers, when is the HD Nightster coming to NZ?

[peasea]

Hi

Has anyone had any experience in building a bobber style bike at all?
I'm keen to kick off a project and build one myself.

Firstly need a frame to start with so wanting to get some ideas or opinions.

You could talk to the boys at the Hogfarm, it doesn't get any more old school than those guys. Also Dave at HD Cycles has built some good stuff, or try Jeff Klein at Rocket Speed eqipment in Hamilton.

Here are three examples of what's out there to whet your appetite.

[James Deuce]

Nice! That first one is fantastic.

[peasea]

Nice! That first one is fantastic.

Yeah, pretty nifty, I like 'em all for different reasons. That first one is from Jeff at Rocket in Hamilton, they do some pretty cool hot rod shit too. Ironhead Sporty motors seem to be all the rage at the mo but the 883/1200 motor is a bit more reliable. I guess it depends on how much of a tinkerer the builder is.

With all the bikes I see I have taken loads of detail shots and have a file for later perusal, pick the eyes out of the best. Know what I mean?

Like trad' hot rods trad bikes are built from bits you find at swap meets, through mates or make for yourself. However, I can still appreciate bling bikes, it takes all sorts.

[El Dopa]

[LEFT]A chopper is about as far from a bobber as you could get.

A chopper is the personification of the "look at me" approach to customisation.

Bobbing USED to be about removing everything you didn't need from your whale of a bike. Guards, mirrors, indicators, license plate, chain guard, front brake, instruments and the headlight replaced by a small Vegemite jar with a glowworm in it.



Yeah, the way the words are used has changed a bit.

I reckon you could still build something definitely modern - 'new school' - with more than a nod to the styling and ethos of the '50's and '60's 'old school' bobs and chops. Build it from the ground up and keep it absolutely minimalist - no chrome, no flashy paint jobs, no frills of any sort.

Start with a modern air-cooled lump, off a Ducati or a Buell or something similar (assuming you wanted to stay V-twin). Design the frame around it, get a front end (triples, forks, wheel, etc) 2nd hand off a suitable bike. Rear wheel, oil reservoir, electrics, drive train....dunno really? Make it up as you go along.

Several pints of blood, sweat, tears and swearing later, et voila!

[peasea]

Yeah, the way the words are used has changed a bit.

I reckon you could still build something definitely modern - 'new school' - with more than a nod to the styling and ethos of the '50's and '60's 'old school' bobs and chops. Build it from the ground up and keep it absolutely minimalist - no chrome, no flashy paint jobs, no frills of any sort.

Start with a modern air-cooled lump, off a Ducati or a Buell or something similar (assuming you wanted to stay V-twin). Design the frame around it, get a front end (triples, forks, wheel, etc) 2nd hand off a suitable bike. Rear wheel, oil reservoir, electrics, drive train....dunno really? Make it up as you go along.

Several pints of blood, sweat, tears and swearing later, et voila!

Modern machinery does have some advantages. Electronic ignition, better charging, hydraulic lifters, alloy components etc. How hard core do you want to go? We have a plan for a bobber but a move south means that the plan is way off, maybe a year before we can start. The profile is as follows and if anyone who is starting a project can glean anything from this then fine;

It has to be rideable. We don't want to spend time/money on something we can't ride. Single saddle is right up there. trimmed rear fender, minimal front but it needs to be well placed. Possibly have two front fenders; one for the WOF, one for touring. Softail frame, get the looks without the buggered kidneys. Prefer big block Evo but see what's available at the time. Minimal electrics, early Evo with kicker would look cool. Not a long front end, prefer early (WLA-type) springer, could go for late but it would have to be black. Telescopics don't cut it. Minimal chrome. Bottom-mount headlight a must, prefer tri-bar. Maltese cross or tombstone tail light a must. Miniscule indicators, just big enough for WOF. LED's can look cool and are bright-as. Mid-mount controls, if billet, must be home made or home made mild steel, chrome or black. We hate peanut tanks so a custom unit would chew a large chunk of cash. Flames? Maybe, scallops, maybe, flat black probably. Not into skulls or bullet holes. Clean and simple is best. One mirror, small and useless, god gave you a universal in your spine. Loud pipes, fuck the law. HPC black finish on the pipes, it lasts and doesn't go blue. Simple grips, prefer rubber. Bar's not too high or wide, prefer short bars with dog bones. Good brakes but not over-braked. Spoked wheels.

Do we have a picture yet?

[El Dopa]

Modern machinery does have some advantages. Electronic ignition, better charging, hydraulic lifters, alloy components etc.

Precisely. I try not to make life more difficult for myself than it already is. By all means go old school purist if that's ya bag, but it isn't necessarily mine.



Do we have a picture yet?

Yup. Not quite my style, but sounds good.

How's this for a picture (attached)?

Style-wise, almost my ideal cruiser-type bike (almost). Was originally a Buell X1.

[peasea]

Precisely. I try not to make life more difficult for myself than it already is. By all means go old school purist if that's ya bag, but it isn't necessarily mine.




Yup. Not quite my style, but sounds good.

How's this for a picture (attached)?

Style-wise, almost my ideal cruiser-type bike (almost). Was originally a Buell X1.

Where was that pic taken?

[imdying]

svrider.com is down at the moment, but a fella there named sarge built his own modern interpretation of a bobber from an sv650. I'll post it up when they're back online.

[El Dopa]

Where was that pic taken?

No idea (it isn't me in the pic..... :) ).

Stumbled across it on the interwebnet while doing 'research'. Typed 'buell+bobber' into google.

Main link below, with some other useful stuff linked through:

http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2006/04/02/buell-custom-bobber/

[El Dopa]

svrider.com is down at the moment, but a fella there named sarge built his own modern interpretation of a bobber from an sv650. I'll post it up when they're back online.

Yeah, I've seen an SV1000 chopper that looked pretty good.

The SV was my first choice when I stated thinking about a build project, because it's a good motor, and spares and expertise are everywhere.

However, I've gone off it, mainly because:

1) it's water-cooled (you need to stick the radiator somewhere), and;

2) you need to think about what to do with the air inlets - do you replace the airbox or not? Replacing the airbox with pod filters on, say, the Ducati DS1000 motor doesn't seem to be hugely detrimental, from what I've read. Several Duc owners seem to have gone down that route. Same on the Buell - just stick a forcewinder pod setup on the side.

But the SV.....? Not a lot of info out there on replacing the box.....

[Conan the Dreamer]

What about a harley donor bike, like a sportster maybe. I'm keen on building a bobber too and was wondering if many people used harley frames from a wrecked bike??

[El Dopa]

What about a harley donor bike, like a sportster maybe. I'm keen on building a bobber too and was wondering if many people used harley frames from a wrecked bike??

I would guess it depends on how badly damaged the frame is, how close it is to your final design and how many changes are going to be needed, how good you are at welding and fabbing, whether you want to keep the geometry the same (rake/trail), etc, etc.......

[Geordie]

Mmmmmmmmmmmm BOB,,,,,,funny name for a girl................

[Virago]

Hi

Has anyone had any experience in building a bobber...?

Yes - ask Bob the Builder.




(Yes he can...)

[peasea]

Yes - ask Bob the Builder.




(Yes he can...)


Don't you mean the bobber builder? Coz he'd build anything for a bob, giving you a bob a job.....

(Bobber-job? Oh forget it.......)

[tnarg]

My brother just bought a hard tail triumph that we are going to turn into an old school bobber. Lots of work to go but will put pics up as we go.

[Virago]

My brother just bought a hard tail triumph that we are going to turn into an old school bobber. Lots of work to go but will put pics up as we go.

Cool - looking forward to seeing the progress.

[whenu]

Yello, some thing I through together 20 or so years ago.
Am in the process of doing some more mods

[peasea]

Yello, some thing I through together 20 or so years ago.
Am in the process of doing some more mods


Don't modify anything, just put a seat on it and ride the wheels off it.
Brill!
:niceone:

[Bat out of Hell]

Bobbers are very cool and popular at the moment. Have you thought about buying a purpose built Bobber Style Frame and starting the build from scratch. We have a lot of different options available. One of my favourites is our Rockabilly Rod - a retro styled Knuckelhead Bobber . Check out http://www.batoutofhell.co.nz for details or give me a call anytime.

[Bat out of Hell]

This is a typical Old School Bobber - Is this the type of thing you are thinking of?

[surfer]

My brother just bought a hard tail triumph that we are going to turn into an old school bobber. Lots of work to go but will put pics up as we go.

Nice one dude, good luck with it and am looking forward to the pics.

[tri boy]

Yo, PC, post some more pics.
I think I felt a groin twitch.:drool:

[peasea]

Yo, PC, post some more pics.
I think I felt a groin twitch.:drool:

Do you have any idea how many CD's of bikes and cool shit that I have here?

Grr. But for you, old bean, I present the following; all taken by my good self and all owned by neat people.

[peasea]

and a couple more..........

The B&W wasn't my shot.

[tri boy]

Thank you.:msn-wink:
Pic 3 of the original post closely followed by the Injuns does it for me.

[peasea]

.........and just for luck............

[tri boy]

:not::not::not::not::not::not:................

[peasea]

Thank you.:msn-wink:
Pic 3 of the original post closely followed by the Injuns does it for me.

The guy that built that is currently putting this together. Triumph powered, foot clutch and jockey shift, looking good. Love the oil tank!

Get along to the City of Cycles show, it'll be there, October 26-28. W/e after Labour w/e.

[peasea]

:not::not::not::not::not::not:................

Maaate! That's a bit OTT but I'll take it in good heart.

How's that pack horse shaping up?

[tri boy]

I just let some rein out, and it finds the hidden trails.
Never knew the Waikato/King Country/Ruapehu districts very well until I steered onto the gravel. Theres some amazing country out there.

[peasea]

I just let some rein out, and it finds the hidden trails.
Never knew the Waikato/King Country/Ruapehu districts very well until I steered onto the gravel. Theres some amazing country out there.

I actually envy you. That bike looks like the good cross-over between road and trail, and you'd get all the views we hard-surface riders don't. Hope you take your camera wherever you go......

[chaos3373]

My opinion is go for it. :rockon: And how ever long you think it will take multipy that by at least four. Start with ideas and then get costings so you know what you are getting into.

I got a good frame made by Orb at Hogg Farm, Bombay Hills. More old school style though, not really a bobber. Take along some ideas and pictures and get a quote. Transferred most of the donor bike into the new frame.

There is a lot to look at for inspiration on the intertweeb. Also I'm pretty sure there is a dude who builds frames and is a member of KB. Plus there are more than a few chop riders on this site as well who have modified/built their bikes. Just a case of getting them to come out and share their experiences I guess.:sunny:

any1 know how to get a hold of orb at hoggfarm

[doc]

Orbin Morbey
09 2360196

[usa-vtwin]

http://www.rattlers.co.nz/ Auckland group of bobber builders

[usa-vtwin]

:headbang:

[Brian d marge]

http://www.rattlers.co.nz/ Auckland group of bobber builders


Thanks for that , I never knew there were like minded silly people in Auckland ..... trrouble is they tend to have the " tude " which i could do without !


might get in contact ,,,,

I started building another one , I am thinking that a MX front end in Bluel tripple trees , just the rear wheel, and tank i ve got to think about

Love building bikes !!!

with cad I can see what it looks like before I chop any thing ! that really handy !


Stephen

link to my other thread

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=104855

[BIG DOUG]

I am building a shovel "bobber" at the moment,brought a kraftech frame of ebay owe's me $2200.00 landed here,you should be handy with a welder + lathe as this helps and just keep plugging away I just got back from sturgis still have to download the 1400 pics I took so will try and post some of the best pics in the next few days plenty of nice bikes at the horse mag show and broken spoke.

[brett7777]

http://www.rattlers.co.nz/ Auckland group of bobber builders

The Rattlers forum no longer exists now. Some of the people who were congregating there are now here at the Custom Bikes NZ forum http://custombikesnz.forumotion.co.nz/