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You've seen them, with their shorty fenders, solo saddles, and fat tires. More of them are being produced every week, converted from 2nd hand cruisers and standards, and now increasingly being offered straight from the factory, as manufacturers jump on board this trend.
One story has it, that this was something that started after WWII, as vets returned to the US, and wanted to make their surplus Harley war wagons perform more like the lighter British and Italian machines they had ridden over in Europe. Another tradition says that "bobbing", probably named after the popular short women's hair style of the day, was a standard flat track racing bike preparation process, removing all excess items for the lightest weight. The american bikes of those days had rigid rear frames, and so the customs that emulate them today, also have this feature, actual hardtails on customs, and rigid appearing "softtails" on factory bikes. Pictures of bobbed bikes can be found dating back practically to the beginning of motorcycles. Regardless of when, or how this bobber motorcycle practice started, it is IMMENSELY popular today.
Some elements of a bobbed bike are:
And here's an article discussing some of the current factory made bobbers: Top 7 Bobbers Of 2018 @ Top Speed
I'd like to add a couple more to the list, two machines that although they are much smaller and less expensive than the bikes on the list above, capture the Bobber look and feel
The Jawa Perak: New Jawa Perak Bobber Review (First Look): The Factory Custom Jawa, Everyone Wants
The Cleveland Motorwerks Heist is the only machine that I know of which has a factory hardtail: https://clevelandcyclewerks.com/heist-details
Why are these Bobbers so popular?
I think it's about fun. With their shortened wheelbase, lighter weight, and often shorter gearing, they are quick, responsive rides. With their "bad boy" retro image, bobbers are a big dollar, very popular trend.
One story has it, that this was something that started after WWII, as vets returned to the US, and wanted to make their surplus Harley war wagons perform more like the lighter British and Italian machines they had ridden over in Europe. Another tradition says that "bobbing", probably named after the popular short women's hair style of the day, was a standard flat track racing bike preparation process, removing all excess items for the lightest weight. The american bikes of those days had rigid rear frames, and so the customs that emulate them today, also have this feature, actual hardtails on customs, and rigid appearing "softtails" on factory bikes. Pictures of bobbed bikes can be found dating back practically to the beginning of motorcycles. Regardless of when, or how this bobber motorcycle practice started, it is IMMENSELY popular today.
Some elements of a bobbed bike are:
- Front and rear fenders shortened
- Seat replaced or modified
- Rigid rear frame, "hardtail"
- Mufflers replaced or removed
- Handlebars replaced
- Custom lights fitted
- Smaller diameter but wider tires fitted
And here's an article discussing some of the current factory made bobbers: Top 7 Bobbers Of 2018 @ Top Speed
I'd like to add a couple more to the list, two machines that although they are much smaller and less expensive than the bikes on the list above, capture the Bobber look and feel
The Jawa Perak: New Jawa Perak Bobber Review (First Look): The Factory Custom Jawa, Everyone Wants
The Cleveland Motorwerks Heist is the only machine that I know of which has a factory hardtail: https://clevelandcyclewerks.com/heist-details
Why are these Bobbers so popular?
I think it's about fun. With their shortened wheelbase, lighter weight, and often shorter gearing, they are quick, responsive rides. With their "bad boy" retro image, bobbers are a big dollar, very popular trend.