Which bike makes the best bobber? The 4 best motorcycles to build a bobber.

Realistically, you can turn any motorcycle into a bobber. It depends entirely on your budget and what you want to get out of it. For this article, I will focus on the type of motorcycle and the model you will find in the classified ads. But what exactly makes a good donor?

The base you will choose will impact the modifications to be made and the parts to be changed.

The closer the motorcycle is in the mind of a bobber, the less important the modifications can be.

The further the philosophy of the basic motorcycle is from the bobber, the more important the work will be.

WHAT TYPE OF MOTORCYCLE TO TURN TO?

Concerning the type of motorcycle used, the "custom" models are the models predestined for bobber preparations.

Photo: KAWASAKI VN 1500 CLASSIC 

Indeed, the shape of the customs is close to that of the bobber and many parts can be used in the preparation.

The second type of donor motorcycle that can be used are the roadsters of the 70's, 80's because the manufacturing is simple and they can be modified quite simply.

Photo: Yamaha XS650

We forget about sport bikes for this kind of realization because they are of the same essence or will produce very original bobbers.


It is the same with enduro motorcycles, the work and modifications are important before reaching a correct result.

THE 7 BEST MOTORCYCLES TO BUILD A BOBBER

Which brand and models to turn to? Here is a selection of ideal models to build a bobber.

1. BSA 650

British motorcycles from the 60s and 70s make excellent donors. They have the right lines as standard, but unfortunately they have been completely restored. Or they are offered as they were found, straight out of the barn and going for ridiculous money. The Triumph Twins and BSA 500 and 650 are always a good bet, but the Norton Commandos have insulated engine mounts that could potentially make frame modifications more complicated.

Here is a 1970 BSA650:

And here is a bobber on a BSA650:

On this preparation, many original parts have been preserved and this base breathes the bobber identity, a motorcycle reduced to simplicity and terribly attractive.

2. HARLEY-DAVIDSON SOFTAIL

Harley are an obvious answer here as well. It is the essence of bobbers and choppers.

A Harley is the basis for a bobber and this is largely due to its famous V-Twin and its inimitable sound.

And here it is modified:

To stay with Harley but on a more affordable budget, there is the Sportster that has proven itself over the years.



Which, in reality, only leaves us with Japanese motorcycles. And there are many of them and good bills in the 70s, 80s and 90s.


As for which brand and model to choose, it's purely a matter of personal taste. Remember that single-cylinder and twin-cylinder motorcycles like the Yamaha XS650, Honda CB450, Suzuki 650 Savage and Yamaha SR500 are classics in their own right. You'll need a lot of luck to find one that's a little expensive.

3. YAMAHA XS650

We saw previously the original version, and here is a upgrade version. 

Parts available at https://speedmotoco.com/.

CONCLUSION:

By selecting a cruiser or an old roadster you are on the right way to make a bobber. As for what makes a good donor. Take a step back from the bike and stare at it. If you focus on the fuel tank and admire its vanishing lines, chances are you've found it. We've provided you with different models to inspire you. But remember, there are no rules in customization, only your rules.