The origins of the Bobber can be traced back to the 1920s when people began moving away from the high, often expensive aesthetic of the time to a more basic design. During this era, people started cutting off bits and bobs or “bobbing” their bikes, and the result of this was a shorter rear section, a removed or shortened front fender, and cut-down frame. By the 30s, the Bobber started becoming more popular.
This customization style was essentially a product of riders wanting to enhance the speed and performance of their motorcycles. Cutting weight ultimately made it faster and contributed to its minimalistic look. Although it’s not as comfortable as a standard motorcycle with its coil-spring seat, the performance aspects of a Bobber are what make it appealing to some riders. While they were overshadowed by Choppers in the ’60s, Bobbers started making an appearance again in the 90s.
Although there are no rules for how Bobbers should be built, certain features are commonly seen in this design. Typically, most Bobbers have a single saddle seat (no seat for the pillion) and a rather barebones handlebar setup. Traditionally, riders would also strip their Bobbers of mirrors and headlights, too. If you’re building a Bobber today, you can’t do away with these essentials due to legal and safety regulations, but you can make modifications to enhance the performance of the motorcycle. If you’re not keen on custom-building your own Bobber, consider purchasing one from a mainstream brand like Harley-Davidson or Triumph.
