Language, like life, does evolve. And often words we use today to describe a type of new-built motorcycle are not what they meant when originally used. Take the word Bobber, originally called a ‘Bob-Job’ from the 1930s through the 1980s. It was used to describe motorcycles typically built around unmodified frames (by opposition to a Chopper whose frame is either highly modified or custom-made frames) with an economical approach involving old, second-hand, recycled parts and hand-machined items before the mass-market motorcycle accessory industry had developed.
Roderick Braunius from the Netherlands got a 1947 Harley U-model, and with this legendary motor, had for objective to recreate a true Bobber. Not always being able to use period correct parts, but respecting the original spirit of this type of motorcycle: the very characteristic lines, the minimum bodywork, the absence of a front fender, a “bobbed” (as in bob-tail) rear fender, avoiding all superfluous parts to reduce weight and of course no extra chrome or decoration…and a plain distressed paint job.
Interested in building an “authentic” Bobber? First, research the style you like. Either imitating the 30’s AMA Class C racers, or with a distinctive “club bike” flair, or drag racing practice inspired. Or better your own because bob-job motorcycles always strongly reflected the aesthetic taste of their owners. So, how did Roderick build this one in his garage? The list below demonstrates his creative approach. And for information Roderick´s bobber just beat all the top pro-builders in a Custom Bike Show, during “Dé Noordelijke Motorbeurs” in Groningen, The Netherlands. (photography @ Onno Wieringa for Cyril Huze)
– 1947 H-D Type ‘U’ engine oem
– Two Vl and two UL cams, compression ratio and timing
– 1966 Tillotson Sportster oem carb, with self-made ‘pressed’ airhorn and part of S&S cover
– oem 18mm spark plugs, modified by putting the inner part of Evolution Sportster ones inside of them.
– Exhaust system made out of Evolution Fat Boy headers, modified, welded and ‘rusted’ (s,o after all, that makes the Evo good for something hahaha!]
– 1979 Gearbox housing with oem 1944 gears inside
– Clutch pedal is a WL item, modified for UL bracket, oem
– 1977 Shovelhead swingarm frame, modified to hardtail with parts (the plates where the rear Wheel mounts are ofa 2000 Softail.
– Handlebars are made of FLH handlebar and clamps, cut in half, by using the lower halfs and Panhead internal controls with CMS 1950 grips, and oem Shovel rocker shaft top nuts.
– 1934 I-beam front end, 30mm narrower than oem, and reinforced inside.
– Front Wheel is of an old moped tricycle, such as used by the icecream man
– Front tire is a Continental 1970 moped [nowhere to be found for sale in this condition!)
– Rear Wheel and brakes is 1943 Big Twin
– Rear tyre is an Avon MKII
– Rear fender bought from Joost in Zwartsluis, The Netherlands
– Seat made by Joke Buisman in Deventer, The Netherlands
– Home made oil tank with industrial fitting and Lines
– Gas tank is of unknown origin
– Fuel cap made out of 1 ¼ brass plug with an air pressure valve wheel pressed onto it, re-positioned fuel opening.
– Brass fuel petcock, bought at a flee market
– Headlight is of an old EMPO bicycle, housing and fitting modified, Halogen.
– Rear light is a 1955 oem Panhead running light
– Brake lever & bracket, brake rods and cross-over self made.
– One of a kind floorboards, cast aluminum with H-D logo o top. Brazil
– Paint: Brushed on Motip filler creme / Oldtimer Red, cheap Matt Black and Rambo wood-dye for the rusty look.
Love this bobber.
The type of “custom” beating the high end bikes in bike shows. Ha, ha.
very cool bike. just a bit confused. it’s on this blog but doesn’t have 500 lbs of billet and chrome and no 30″ wheel and no 360mm wide back tire…. what gives???
SmithnCustom. It’s a custom bike. Cyril publishes everything custom.
Not genuine model, but super cool.
Very cool. The real deal!
The definition of a true Bobber.
In a sea of cartoon baggers, it’s refreshing.
The carb looks like a Linkert DC.
i love this bike !! i hope we see more bikes likes this
That doesn’t look like a Tillotson carb that I remember, but that is one sweet, albeit bumpy ride for sure.
Bring the kidney belt. Old style of course. I love it!!
VERY nice! Additionally, this “old guy” learned a couple of things. The reference to “bob tail” I knew. The use of a stock frame “bob- job”, as opposed to a modified frame was one I was not aware of…
Great explanation by Cyril who knows quite a few things about motorcycle history.
Hey Roderick, you got it right!! I especially like the modified OEM sparkplugs?!?!
…………………… Domino Dave ………………………………..
I like it, very cohesive look.
Sweet. I’m usually not a big fan of the fake aged look, but this is pretty well done.
Very Classy interpretation !!!!
Great bike, great article. Nice job.
I’m amazed none these old school bikers even mentioned that the front end doesn’t
Have springs !!! This bike is the bitch!
And with a peanut tank. I haven’t seen a bike that has
Rattled my bones like this one in a long time
A lite more research shows it to be a triumph or a wassell tank
Certainly a Bob-Job if there ever was one.
An amalgam of affordable parts from a scrap pile, all appearing to be of the same era.
And massaged together to suit one individual’s taste.
It doesn’t get more “authentic” than that.
This is a scooter the builder can ride anywhere and be proud to claim as his own.
Way Cool…!!!
Good find Cyril… “Please sir, can i ha more???”
-nicker-
PS
Language, like Life degrades when a Society becomes lazy enough to allow their legacy to atrophy….
(just so, no more “Suicide shifts”)
Very cool bobber but you better be on a a nice smooth road with this scoot. No suspension at all.
The ultimate Bob job! Congrats to the builder on a beautiful piece of art. My old bones positively ache just thinking about riding this 100% rigid motorcycle. How far can it be ridden before the vibration puts your hands to sleep? Not putting it down, it is truly lovely just not very ride able.
? ..Z
There is a guy in Minneapolis who has written a great book on “how to build an old skool bobber”. His name is Kevin Bass. He is a H S school teacher. His students build a Bobber every year and enter it in shows frequently. You can google him to learn more about him and his book…it’s a very good read and guides you through the build process.
Motorcyclings version of the Rat Rod, I think it is brilliant and is bloody Cool.
The polar opposite of the billet queen and cartoon baggers the Fat old Coffin Dodgers like
I agree with smithncustom , it needs a 30″ front wheel and a sound system that you can hear a mile away ! end sarc………………….
Old school kool , nothing fancy , just what is needed . love it !
Not so much a bobber as a cut down. There are no springs because there is only the rear legs. I saw no mention of a suicide shift Nicker. Properly, it would be a suicide clutch which this bike does not use.
very nice bike for a change.