So maybe a dumb question, but I'm 3 months into my first Harley and can't quite understand what makes a Bobber a Bobber?

You look at the Street Bob with a rounded rear fender, then you hear I bobbed my fender (cut it), and then you look at a FXDF and the fender is like a a "**** Swoop"? Correct me if I'm wrong on any of these descriptions, but which is it and more importantly what is it?

Thanks!
Dave

 

Both bobbers and choppers are cycle styles where the bikes look like they were modified by their owners away from the stock appearance. Bobbers, unlike choppers, keep the bike frames stock and remove what is not considered necessary. The desired look is a minimalistic style without a lot of chrome. Often the front and rear fenders have been removed or shortened to give them a "bobbed" look. The seats are small and there is not a lot of chrome. Choppers, on the other hand, started out also where their owners started to remove or chop away at what was not need. But over time, they began to get some signiture features such as the extended fork, modifed frame and very uncomforatable seat. Harley, along with other manufacturers, have come out with models that have tried to copy the "bobbed" look or at least take some styling hints from the bobber originals. Can a true bobbed cycle come off the assembly line? I don't really know. Are Big Dog cycles really choppers?

 

differnt part of the country are a little diff on what they are.

 

Originally bobbing a fender was simply removing the hinged portion of the fender. A more finished look was welding the hinge and cutting a similar amount off the front of the fender. This left you with (approximately) the look of a FXST rear.

These days bob, bobbed and bobber have become generic like "Hi-Fi" was in the '60s and really means whatever you want it to. Welcome to the forum.

 

Thanks. Good info put out in those posts.

 

I looked it up again and found its the girl,, maybe she bob's..????????

 

I was bobbing my bikes before I ever knew they were called Bobbers,all for the sake of speed.Only once tried running without front fender,not for this cat ate too much dirt,and riding in the rain sucked.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bobber_(motorcycle)


I AGREE WITH STREET GLIDER 57

 

The closest thing HD has to a true "Bobber" direct from the factory is the new "48"

 

If she is, Bob did real good.