WHAT MAKES A BOBBER AND NOT A CHOPPER

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Permalink Reply by Jerry on July 28, 2009 at 5:25am

Hi Steve,
The whole terminology surrounding custom bikes has been seriously bandied around in recent years, however (in my understanding) the distinction between bobber and chopper is 'reasonably' simple. A bobber was an earlier form of custom bike whereby unnecessary parts were taken off / cut down on a stock bike - more often to increase its performance - generally applied to early (post war) Harley dressers and Indians. Choppers came later where the stripped down look and performance of the bobber was retained but stylistic modifications were made to the frame - increased rake, goosenecks, hard tails, etc. Grey areas do exist were some early 'choppers' only had extended forks (sometimes drastically increasing rake without altering overall frame geometry - not a recipe for good handling in the twisties!) and in the provision of aftermarket frames. But generally speaking: stock bike with parts mods - bobber; parts and frame mods - chopper. To me your build (technically) falls under chopper, but picturing the overall look of your finished bike, the modern terminology may be 'bobber style' (which is incorrect). (Conversely I consider my own bike a bobber, but its done in more of a 'chopper style'!!... modern interpretation of old terminology.)
Interesting discussion though, and some of the old timers may wish to correct me. At the end of the day how you perceive your bike is your own business and probably best not get into this discussion with fans of the off-the-peg and 'factory customs'.
Good luck with the build.
Cheers, Jerry

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Permalink Reply by steve the tritonman on July 28, 2009 at 8:59am

thanks for your reply jerry you have raised some vey interesting points as im sure some of our old school compatriots would like to chew some fat over and help with a dyed in the wool facts of what goes and what dosent but you have certainly highlighted some good things in your reply muchappreciated jerry and many thanks again

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Permalink Reply by TheTwistedGypsy on July 28, 2009 at 9:31am

I thought a "Bobber" was a very friendly girl sitting in the front seat with you when you are parked..... and a "Chopper" was one that stopped being a "Bobber" before she was done.....hehehehehehehe

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Permalink Reply by steve the tritonman on July 28, 2009 at 11:52am

lol but do u get a 4 inch stretched rear end and can u get a 5 x 16 in the rear

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Permalink Reply by Sailor on August 14, 2009 at 11:47am

llI think Jerry is right here. However, I think the deffinition is, whatever happens to be "hip " at the time. I am building a what I like to call an outlaw bike out of my Hinkley Bonnie. Initally it was going to be a Bobber, but frankly I got sick of the term being thrown around with the commonality of something along the lines of "dysfunctional," or "Whack" as in"that shit is whack." The guidlines I'm following is that of a stripped down, no frills aka chrome, functional bike that scares children and old people, a motorcycle for a two-fisted bad man that's done wicked acts. As for what you want to label it, Call it Nancy all you want, just not around me. I'm not extended the rake, I'm going to increase the engine output give it some real balls, cut the back half of the frame off and mount the fender to the swingarm, and install my Biltwell solo, there may be some mini apes or risers added as well to lift my arms a wee bit for my comfort, but apart from that, its all coolio.

I would actually label your Triumph more of a bobber too Steve. It looks like it has all the conventions of a traditional bobber, but through a modern vision. Don't get me wrong I dig it, it'll be very cool. Your project is much more detailed than my own. Cheers motorhard.

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Permalink Reply by steve the tritonman on August 15, 2009 at 5:07am

thanks for your comments sailor much appreciated,i think im gonna go with you outlaw bike has all the combinations and needs to make exactly what you want from your bikeim with you thanx

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