Holy Thread Revival, Batman!

I think it may be a regional thing about the name. I remember calling that type of bike "bobber" since the late '70's. I think most of the bikes that people call "bobbers" these days are really Frisco Choppers.

Here's an interesting article: http://motorcycleart.blogspot.com/20...er-part-1.html

A few pics of a nicely done bobber that a guy in my area did:




And a modern one:

 

Sixguns Bobber, in my sig and garage. no front fender, rear fender is a modified front fender, bike striped down from all but what is needed to ride. K model headlamp and bird catcher too.

 

I always liked the smoothness of "bobbers" better because the "choppers" scraping teeth hurt.....

 

Around here, if it ain't a tour bike....it's a bobber.

 

A bobber in the truest sense was just a motorcycle built from old parts for the lowest cost possible, which is the reason behind the minimalist appearance (no fenders, turn signals, etc.). It started with WWII vets back in the 40s and 50s.

Today, a bobber is just a style/look that is achieved through customization and/or by stripping a bike down. That's why if you ask 10 people what a bobber is you'll get 10 different answers; they're all defining the "bobbed" motorcycle by how it looks, rather than how it was made.

If you're the purist, the only true bobber would be the rusted piece of sh*t bike the 17 year old neighbor kid slapped together out of old parts bought at swap meets and off of Craigslist for a grand total of $1500.

 

Bringing this back to the top, I think it's an interesting topic.
Since I got my Slim I've been reading a lot about Bobbers.
Although I've been riding for almost 50 years, we never used the term bobber.
There were choppers in the late 60s-early 70s.
It seems to be in the last several years the term bobber has been popular, sort of like "rat rod", which used to be a traditional hot rod.
My take on a bobber, from what I've read, is a stock bike with most anything removed that isn't neccesary. Either a shortened or removed front fender and "bobbed" rear fender. Smaller seat and just a head and tail light. Just the basics.
Remember, when the boys came home from WWII they were stripping down bikes and cars, it was all about speed.
Now, it's a "look".
My Slim isn't a true bobber by any means. (I don't think the government would allow Harley to build a bike without turn signals!)
But it's built in the bobber style, and I'm fine with that.
I love looking at pics of a flathead or panhead bobber with a springer and crusty paint, makes me feel warm and fuzzy all over.
Whatever you're riding, make it your own and just enjoy the crap out of it!!!

 

My 56 is a Bobber

 

Yes sir, it sure is... and a beauty at that.