How to Build a Bobber
Motorcycles

How to Build a Bobber: Learn This Intricate Process the Easy Way

Among all custom-made motorcycles, the Bobber is one of the most loved choices. This is the reason why many motorcycle enthusiasts dedicate a lot of their time and effort to accomplishing their dream of building a bike just by themselves. So, if you are curious about the intricate process of how to build a Bobber, you would not want to miss this article.

A Bobber bike has a vintage, minimal, and simpler look. To build a bobber, you may either choose between a sporty look or a vintage older type. Whatever you choose, here are the steps you need to follow to build a Bobber on your own.

  1. Find a customizable bike.
  2. Do some initial modifications.
  3. Change the fender.
  4. Modify the seat.
  5. Change the exhaust system and remove the muffler.
  6. Modify the lights.

In this post, we will be talking about how easy it is to build a Bobber. We have provided you with a list of all the necessary materials you are going to need, as well as step-by-step instructions for assembling a Bobber. Not only that, but we also have some tips for you, which is essential for beginners and experienced motorcycle devotees alike. Read on if you want to know more.


Things You Need to Follow This Tutorial

Making a Bobber just by yourself will be a very complex process at first. However, it helps a lot if your materials are ready beforehand. So, before we begin this tutorial, you must first gather all the materials you will need to build a bobber, which includes the following:

  • A motorcycle
  • Bobber bike kit

Step-By-Step Guide on How to Build a Bobber

Compared to a regular motorcycle, a Bobber bike has a vintage, minimal, and simpler look. You would also notice that its front wheel looks a lot thicker. You may either choose between a sporty look or a vintage older type. Whatever you may end up choosing, here are the instructions on how to build a Bobber on your own.


1. Find a Customizable Bike

You may start by looking for the perfect motorcycle that you would want to customize. While this can be very confusing because you can find several bike models that fit the criteria, you might want to consider choosing a typical retro bike. This type of motorcycle is more suitable for transformation, as its parts can easily be removed. Here are some of your options:

a. Bobber Rolling Chassis

Getting a rolling chassis is an advantage if you already have an experience in metalworking or other modifications. After all, customizing a Bobber will certainly require alterations. This process is vital for components to fit in nicely with the engine. However, you should be informed that some rolling chassis already come with mounts that can accommodate certain engine types.

If you do not feel comfortable with the welding part of the process, don’t shy away from getting professional help. The manufacturer will be able to do the modifications if you ask them. You should be aware of the cost it may entail, which is somewhere between $900 to $3000. It may also cost you a lot more, which is dependent on the final look you are aiming for.

b. Get a Frame

What’s great about assembling a Bobber is that piece-by-piece parts can easily be purchased. With this, you will be able to build it at your own pace and within the pace your budget allows. You might also notice that a lot of customizable bikes are in soft tails. You will need to convert it into a hardtail Bobber in the process.

c. Invest in a Project Bike

If you don’t want to buy a frame or a chassis, you also have the option of investing in a project bike instead. This type of bike can easily be customized into a Bobber. However, you should be informed that certain motorcycle is a lot easier to disassemble than others. It is also advisable that you choose a popular bike, as it will not be difficult to look for the components of that motorcycle.


2. Initial Modifications

Build a Bobber
Via : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GsYwU-kA6ws

Start by disassembling the unnecessary components, such as the seat, which can be substituted or modified to be shorter or a little lighter. You may also shorten the front fenders, as well as the rear fenders. In some bikes, the stock handlebars are often removed and replaced with smaller and more compact handlebars, which can improve the visual of the bike.


3. Change the Fender

In this step, each fender will be shortened. You can also have them completely removed. This step is essential, especially if you want to reduce the overall weight of the bike. While these are not at all necessary, they might still be in use during street rides or if the law requires them.


4. Modify the Seat

The seats can be changed into a compact or lighter seat, or they can be replaced with a new one. In case you didn’t know, the seat resembles the board track racing motorcycles back in the 90s. A lot of motorcycle enthusiasts change the seat to make it feel like a Bobber’s, but you can always find fitting seats for Bobber online.


5. Change the Exhaust System and Remove the Muffler

This step is probably the establishing feature of the Bobber and what will set it apart from other motorcycles. While enhancing the sound output is a primary feature of your Bobber, it’s not in compliance with most US states’ ordinances. One thing to take note of is that if you remove the mufflers, it might create some issues with the general running state of the engine.


6. Modify the Lights

You can buy modified lights from a variety of sites, and interestingly, they are generally supplied for Bobber modifications. To add, you can avail of the lights, which are specifically designed just for Bobbers. However, do not shy away from getting customized lights, as they could become a top-notch selection, especially for Bobbers.


Tips on Building a Bobber

Tips on Building a Bobber
Via: https://www.pinterest.com/

  • Customs parts such as gas tanks can be expensive. You may take your old one to a shop to get an idea if the replacement fits.
  • For rear fenders, you should know that a lot of riders do fat tire conversions. With this, you make sure that you check online for cast-offs. If you don’t prefer that, you may also check for cheap bare metal reproduced ones, as well.
  • It isn’t advisable that you get secondhand handlebars unless you trust the person selling them to you. There is no easy way to see bends and twists on the handlebar, so make sure that you do before you buy it.

Conclusion

As long as you have the budget for it, building your own Bobber is very easy. You just need to follow the step-by-step guide, as well as prepare all the necessary materials to get started. If you want to save more money, you might want to consider reading the tips provided for you. Just make sure that you take extra caution when buying secondhand parts.