Classic Rider Takes Street Bob To the Next Level

Thunderbike turns a Street Bob into a chopper with just a few changes.

By Brett Foote - June 4, 2021
Classic Rider Takes Street Bob To the Next Level
Classic Rider Takes Street Bob To the Next Level
Classic Rider Takes Street Bob To the Next Level
Classic Rider Takes Street Bob To the Next Level
Classic Rider Takes Street Bob To the Next Level
Classic Rider Takes Street Bob To the Next Level

Born Chopper

Thunderbike is no stranger to pretty much every Harley-Davidson model in the motorcycle maker's portfolio, having customized quite a few of them over the years. The latest is this Street Bob, which the German customer bike builder calls the most suitable of the Softail range for the basis of a classic chopper. In fact, they say the look can be completed with just a few carefully selected changes, and this bike - dubbed Classic Rider, is proof of that.

Photos: Thunderbike

Classic Style

First, the original 16- and 19-inch wheels were ditched in favor of larger, 18- and 21-inch classic spoked wheels, which gives the bike a timeless look. Next, Thunderbike added its own high handlebars, forward-mounted footpegs, and a straight-piped Vance & Hines exhaust, all of which mesh perfectly with the Street Bob's style.

Photos: Thunderbike

>>Join the conversation about this custom Street Bob right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum.

Fatter Rubber

To keep the overall look of the bike low and lean, Thunderbike added its own lowering kit in the front and rear, then slapped beefy staggered tires on the staggered wheels - 130mm up front (to replace the original 100mm unit) and a 200mm piece of rubber out back (in place of the stock 150mm tire). 

Photos: Thunderbike

>>Join the conversation about this custom Street Bob right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum.

Keep It Clean

Thunderbike then covered that large rear tire with its own steel rear fender with integrated lighting for a clean and simple appearance, which works well with the relocated license plate, which now resides on the left side of the bike. 

Photos: Thunderbike

>>Join the conversation about this custom Street Bob right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum.

And Simple

The rest of this build is equally simple and devoid of any sort of crazy colors or other visual treatments - nothing but black and chrome here for a truly classic look. Little touches like a flush-mounted gas cap, Defiance headlight trim ring, upper fork cover, and axle covers, and chrome sprocket cover keep the overall look theme of clean and simple intact.

Photos: Thunderbike

>>Join the conversation about this custom Street Bob right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum.

Easily Replicated

There aren't any major modifications here or some crazy expensive custom paint job to point out - just a pure, simple chopper built from a brand new bike. And that's truly the beauty of Classic Rider - anyone can replicate it with the right bolt-on parts, without having to empty their bank account.

Photos: Thunderbike

>>Join the conversation about this custom Street Bob right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum.

For help with your Harley maintenance and repair projects, please visit our how-to section in the forum.

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