bobber build
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 990
Likes: 10
From: Redondo Beach, California
I am into Sportsters so, naturally, I am biased towards them and I do think that they make very cool looking Bobbers. I am going to build one next year using either a Sucker Punch Sally frame or a frame from Flyrite Choppers. I kind of like the look of the Scorcher Sportster frame at the moment and I have even considered a Mutant frame from Redneck Engineering as well. What you should really do is look at your finances and then decide about how much you want to spend on your project Bobber. That may very well help you decide what motor you end up with to use on your project bike. Take a look around to see what bikes are for sale and you may find a great deal that you can buy to get you started. There are also Rolling chassis Bobber kits that you can get in either Big Twin or Sportster models from a few Name frame builders. Take your time and have a PLAN that you can follow to help you get your project Bobber up and running. Check out local Swap meets where you can search for parts for your bike and there is always EBAY but BE CAREFULL! There are many, many complaints from people that have been burned using the internet to buy things. I wish you Good Luck with your project and post some pictures when you get going on it. I am going to do a kind of picture story from the first purchase of the frame to the finished product of assembled parts that I will be sharing online here. Take care and ride safe! 
I'd say start with a sportster. Fairly cheap to pick up. www.ledsledcustoms.com has some cool frames. BUT...if you aren't completely settled with Harley as the platform www.bluecollarbobbers.com makes it super simple.
Sorry if that offends anyone. Just putting it out there.
Sorry if that offends anyone. Just putting it out there.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 436
Likes: 1
From: Illinois
Here are a couple pictures of my buddy's bobber that originated as a sportster 1200, but is now mounted on a custom frame.
The first pic is of the bike pre-painted. Second one is how it sits now.
The first pic is of the bike pre-painted. Second one is how it sits now.
Last edited by UPSBROWN; May 2, 2009 at 02:58 AM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,228
Likes: 3
From: New Port Richey FL
i am also biased but i would have to say yes as well. you can pick up a decent sporty for under or around 2k if ya look for the right deal, i would throw out 2 options, if ya wanna go bad *** i would get a ironhead, they are just way retro and good lookin engines and they stay true to the sporty, some of the best bobs i have seen have been ironheads, there is just so much charictor in them.
2nd if the ironhead is a no go get a rigid mound engine, easier to find lots of different after market frames for them and easier to get to the tranny if need be in the future.
also when ya get yr donner bike, obviously make sure the drive train is solid but look at the care of the whole bike, this way you can sell all the parts you don't want (frame, gas tank, fenders, rims ext.) to help you fund for new parts. and personaly i would get an aftermarket frame, not a stock frame that has been hardtailed, they are about the same price and less bulkey looking and you can have them built to your specs at no extra cost most of the time.
good luck, my broke *** envys you
take lots a pics
2nd if the ironhead is a no go get a rigid mound engine, easier to find lots of different after market frames for them and easier to get to the tranny if need be in the future.
also when ya get yr donner bike, obviously make sure the drive train is solid but look at the care of the whole bike, this way you can sell all the parts you don't want (frame, gas tank, fenders, rims ext.) to help you fund for new parts. and personaly i would get an aftermarket frame, not a stock frame that has been hardtailed, they are about the same price and less bulkey looking and you can have them built to your specs at no extra cost most of the time.
good luck, my broke *** envys you
take lots a pics
6th Gear
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Ft polk, LA
I agree with Old School... If you can't get the Ironhead; go with a pre-rubber mount Sportster. 2003 or older...Cheaper parts and more to chose from... Ebay can be a good friend in finding parts and selling the old parts... And ask friends if they have crap lying around that you can use...
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6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 13
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Reading More Posting Less
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,658
Likes: 3
From: NorNev
Couple of Sporty builds from forum member lolife:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDftv...e=channel_page
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWGnn...eature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDftv...e=channel_page
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWGnn...eature=related
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 280
Likes: 1
From: Cape Girardeau, MO by way of Greensboro, NC
I've been toying with the bobber idea for some time now. One idea in my head has all ways been finding a wrecked buel and using the guts of that in my build.
Now if I could only win the lottery so I could buy a house and build a kick *** shop
Now if I could only win the lottery so I could buy a house and build a kick *** shop