Bobber conversion, looking for tips! - Page 2

**cagie** · 07-30-2010, 04:53 PM

^ I understand what you are saying about bolt on stuff, and I prefer to make as much of my own as I can. However, in defense of those that don't have the skills or tools, the bolt on options are often all that they have if they want to go for a particular look/feel. Heck, If I had the means I would start fabricating stuff for other people that don't have the time or skills.

**flitecontrol** · 07-30-2010, 05:58 PM

And some folks get into chopping/doing things that they don't realize are down right dangerous. What's the "fun" or "pride" in riding a custom bike that you have done all the work on and "made it your own" when a major component fails at higway speed? The guy on the blue collar bobber "kit" bike will be riding safely by while they are loading the other guy in the ambulance or coroners wagon.

As I see it, there are three groups of choppers. One that knows how to chop or modify their bike safely, the ones who take a sawsall and welder to the bike with little understanding of how they may be changing frame geometry and integrity, and the folks who want a different look and know their best bet is to buy parts they know will work. My hat is off to the first and last groups because they know what they are doing.

I respect everyone's right to modify their bike, but I'm sure not going to tell anyone or any group that what they have done looks bad. If they like it, that's all that matters.

**Honzo** · 08-03-2010, 10:43 PM

A lot of good points! I will probably do a mix of my own modifications as well as some bolt-ons. Its one of those things where I know what I want and what I don't want, as well as I know what i'm capable and not capable of doing myself. The exhaust will probably be custom, but everything else will likely be bolt on. I may end up with a cut fender unless i can find one similar to the blue collar customs one that will support a passenger. I'm also probably going to go for a rat/streetfighter look

**Shadow Shack** · 08-04-2010, 01:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Honzo

First and foremost, I don't want to get rid of the possibility of having a passenger. I mean, what's the point of a motorcycle if you can't pick up chicks on it?

Most of the chicks I picked up on bikes turned out better off left behind

Quote:

So I want to retain enough rear fender for a buddy pad. i've seen a few bikes with a slight fender that hugs the rear tire, which looks really slick to me. I'd probably make mine a bit longer so a buddy pad can fit but my real question is this: would i have to replace the rear springs with solid tubes (like daPeach's bobber)? I'm guessing so or it would rub when you hit bumps?

Nixxing the suspension is not mandatory. You can replace the OEM fender and siderails with a swingarm mounted fender that "hugs" the tire, but if you want a buddy pad on such a set up that only adds unsprung weight...so that being the case rigid is better. Just make sure the fender and struts are durable enough to handle a passenger's weight...with that in mind the BCB fender is made of fiberglass so that's something to consider, I doubt Lance (BCB owner) will recommend adding a passenger's weight to it as it's designed as a cosmetic mod rather than an integrity mod.

On the other hand, you could cut your OEM fender back to the edge of the pillion and add a tall sissy bar, that was pretty hip back in the 70s and still looks just as good today.

Quote:

Also, for everyone that has done this, how is the ride on a hard tail with a sprung seat?

I've ridden hardtails with solid mount seats and sprung bikes with sprung seats (the latter is definitely a unique experience). I can see where a sprung seat benefits a hardtail, either way you have to adjust your riding to the lack of rear suspension. If you're the type who consistently tries to beat that left turn signal as it turns yellow, a hardtail may not be a good idea.

I will say one thing about tweaking frame geometry and suspension...please do yourself a favor and acquire some decent riding time/experience before messing with these things, especially when it comes to shelving shocks.

Quote:

And for anyone who has eliminated both fenders, how is that? have you ever ridden in the rain/wet conditions, if so is it much different? I'll probably keep the front one just for protection of the bike from road debris. I'm just a little worried that shortening the rear fender will cause s*** spray on my back if its wet out.

I've clipped the fenders on one of my bikes up to the axle points on both ends. Fortunately it doesn't rain much here or I'd have serious reservations about it. I did get caught in the rain once with the bike, and it left matching skunk stripes on both sides of my jacket...

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