What is a Bobber Motorcycle?
You may have heard of Harley cruisers and Low Riders®, but what is a bobber motorcycle? A bobber-style motorcycle is a bike that has been stripped down for speed. That means that any bike can become a bobber-style motorcycle if you remove the elements that don’t contribute to its performance. This unique style stands out in Oshkosh and Neenah, and its retro vibe has undeniable appeal for Harley-Davidson fans. Looking for a bobber motorcycle for sale in Appleton? Read more with Appleton Harley-Davidson, and stop by our showroom to continue your research!
Bobber-Style Motorcycle Modifications
Now you know what a bobber motorcycle is, but why customize your bike at all? The point of the bobber-style motorcycle is to remove all unnecessary weight, which creates an ultra-speedy bike that flies through Green Bay streets. There are many ways to perform a “bob-job” on a bike, and our service team can help you determine the best route for you. Options include:
- Remove the front fender
- Shorten the rear fender
- Remove the mirrors
- Remove the headlights
- Shorten and alter the handlebars
- Replace the original seat with a smaller, lighter seat
- Remove chrome components
A Brief History of the Bobber
- 1920s – The motorcycle aesthetic moves from taller, longer bikes to shorter low-rider models. Many riders start customizing their motorcycles to reflect this shift, switching to smaller wheels and pulling off any unnecessary parts.
- 1930s – The bobber-style motorcycle trend spreads from the East Coast to the Midwest and to California. Riders become bolder with their customization, creating more eye-catching designs in the process.
- 1940s – Bobbers gain popularity with American servicemen since these bikes resemble the lighter and faster designs overseas.
- 1950s & 60s – Bobber-style bikes become the dominant style and set new market trends around the world.
- 1970s – Chopper motorcycles steal the limelight temporarily from the bobber-style motorcycle, but their reign is short-lived.
- 2000s – Traditional bikes begin to overtake the chopper bike, and once again, the bobber motorcycle is all the rage.
- Present – The bobber-style motorcycle proves that it’s here to stay, and every manufacturer offers at least one stripped-down “bobber-style” design – including the Street Bob.
Find a Bobber Motorcycle for Sale in Appleton
Are you ready to try out a bobber motorcycle in person? Find your bobber motorcycle for sale at Appleton Harley-Davidson, and see why this classic design has stood the test of time. Contact us to learn more or visit us in Appleton!