Posted this in the cl***ifieds section earlier, but thought it may be suitable here...I am thinking about putting a bobber together as the Model A project comes to an end(should be done in time for Billetproof.) Can anyone set me in the right direction for books, info, cl***ifieds pertaining to this? I am inquiring right now about a 1942 BSA m20, already has a sweet stance with it's full fenders and rack on back(it was a military issue bike.) I can only imagine what it would look like with the seat pleated and beaded and seat frame chromed, the correct fender treatment, the wheels in black, front springer and bars chrome, cool exhaust work, etc. I have seen some of your bikes and was very impressed, these things are so simple and beautiful...the hot rod of the bike world. Thanks for any help. Adam
Just what some good starting points would be...what to look for. My knowledge of motorcycles is limited. Also, if anyone has anything for sale...any knowledge or info would be useful. Good websites with bobber photos and info, links, any good books pertaining to bobbers in the 40's and 50's, anything. Thanks a lot... Adam
First...decide how much you can spend and how long you can wait until the bike is finished.....give us a clue and then we can advise you better. For now, just google search the terms...bobber...chopper...etc. www.chopperunderground.com has different forums for all types of bikes. Here's a yamaha I just finished as a "tokyo Triumph" type bobber....about as cheap as you can get for a starter bike.
I guess my budget would be around $5000, would like to find an American or British hardtail with a strong motor and stylize from there. I have a strong liking for the 40's bikes, long and tough looking. It all seems pretty cut and dry, basic...but there is always something to be learned. Hatch, that bike looks real nice...very good work. Also, thanks for the link, I'll check it out.
sounds like your mechanical skills are kinda limited so obviously most of your budget will be taken up in the purchase price of a running, mechanicly sound bike. i'd suggest either a 50s or 60s triumph or bsa if you want traditional british or any year/model harley if your pockets are deep enough. you can "bob" anything, including scooters. i always buy my stuff in a jillion pieces and multiple boxes. right now i'm helping a buddy build a harley 45 bobber with heavy flat tracker influences.
You hit it right on the head. I am so busy with my work, it's hard to learn about all the mechanical stuff. I enjoy body work and can cut and weld...and I think I have a pretty good design sense. I travel a lot so my time is also limited. I need to get a good solid basis and go from there. I really like the bike below, wish the guy would get back to me. It was on eBay but I didn't get back in town in time to bid. That's the style stuff I am into. Thanks a lot for the suggestions.
Hatch...I looked at that link, good stuff. Seems like everyone there is pretty knowledgible. I'll see if I can annoy some of them and pick their brains!
Check out Jason Jessee's website automodown.com Mostly skate stuff but you'll find some motorcycle stuff. Also, flyritechoppers.com for ideas and network54.com/Forum/146844 Hope that helps...
that bike is a museum piece (plus it probably has all of about 16 hp). stick with something a little more mainstream so you have a fighting chance of finding parts for it.
actually,the M20 BSA has literally tons of spare parts available,as it was the main dispatch riders bike for the Brits in WWII. i wouldn't bob one,i'd install a sidehack
[ QUOTE ] actually,the M20 BSA has literally tons of spare parts available,as it was the main dispatch riders bike for the Brits in WWII. i wouldn't bob one,i'd install a sidehack [/ QUOTE ] who carries the parts ? the war surplus harley parts dried up years ago.
Try chopperdaves.com. He has alot of pictures of british choppers and bobbers. Also links to other good sites with lots of info.
Rumor has it this site has some cool pic.'s of bobbers: http://bobbertown.com Hell, let me make this even easier for you. -Get rid of rear fender and **** -Put front fender in its place -Use a natural leather colored Brooks bicycle saddle -Move said saddle back and down toward your fender There's your bobber, exactly as it would have been built back when. Do anything else to it and I'll hunt you down and kill you. Seriously, remember that "traditional" bobbers were about hacking **** off, not bolting **** on. Those cats didn't have the parts available for much hot rodding, so they made em' lighter and quicker. It's all about minimalism man. Good luck. It's a sweet start.
Thanks for all the help and suggestions. I am still waiting to hear from the guy with that BSA. I am also looking at a '47 that is pretty nice. Haha, Tony Bones...you took the words outta my mouth! That's what I would do to that bike, and I did my research and there are still a few resources that have m20 parts. The other one I am looking at is a 1947 BSA Sunbeam Standard S7. It already has a deeper sump pan installed, as well as a couple other goodies. Does $4000 sound reasonable to you? Thanks again, this board rules. I hope to have something to offer the board someday...tattoos, maybe? Adam
at the risk of offending the "cut the ****er up and piss on it for patina" crowd, please don't cut up a restored vintage bike. i have seen too many rare complete vehicles mangled by guys in the name of "customizing". it's like cutting down a redwood to build a dog house.
[ QUOTE ] at the risk of offending the "cut the ****er up and piss on it for patina" crowd, please don't cut up a restored vintage bike. i have seen too many rare complete vehicles mangled by guys in the name of "customizing". [/ QUOTE ] Rare & Vintage aren't the same thing though - I'd hardly cl***ify an M20 as rare & would probably not hesitate to cut one up - even if restored to a high standard. A Brough Superior, Vincent, or Crocker - probably another case. In all reality, I'd probably sell a very well restored bike to finance a good project, but I really have no qualms about cutting vintage tin...
If it's an extremely well restored piece, I think $3500-4000 is reasonable. Regarding hacking it up and such: There in lies the beauty of the bobber. One needs to hack very little, if at all. Take all of those nice, original pieces and set them in a corner somewhere. The only hacking I would think to be necessary for "the look" on this bike is a bob on the front fender that'll be on the rear. The cool part is that you could easily find another to bob and keep your original. Bobbers rule! [ QUOTE ] Thanks for all the help and suggestions. I am still waiting to hear from the guy with that BSA. I am also looking at a '47 that is pretty nice. Haha, Tony Bones...you took the words outta my mouth! That's what I would do to that bike, and I did my research and there are still a few resources that have m20 parts. The other one I am looking at is a 1947 BSA Sunbeam Standard S7. It already has a deeper sump pan installed, as well as a couple other goodies. Does $4000 sound reasonable to you? Thanks again, this board rules. I hope to have something to offer the board someday...tattoos, maybe? Adam [/ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ] Posted this in the cl***ifieds section earlier, but thought it may be suitable here...I am thinking about putting a bobber together as the Model A project comes to an end(should be done in time for Billetproof.) Can anyone set me in the right direction for books, info, cl***ifieds pertaining to this? I am inquiring right now about a 1942 BSA m20, already has a sweet stance with it's full fenders and rack on back(it was a military issue bike.) I can only imagine what it would look like with the seat pleated and beaded and seat frame chromed, the correct fender treatment, the wheels in black, front springer and bars chrome, cool exhaust work, etc. I have seen some of your bikes and was very impressed, these things are so simple and beautiful...the hot rod of the bike world. Thanks for any help. Adam [/ QUOTE ] Seriously, I would look for something other than an M42 to bobber. That is a piece of history right there and would be a shame to cut up. Now if you were going to stray away from doing anything irrepairable, I'd say it would a great usual thing to have. Save all the oriignal equipment in a box, ride it as a bobber. And restore it after you had your fun.
I think what I may do is get that 1947 BSA Sunbeam S7...remove the windshield, rear seat and fender, move the seat down and back a little, and move the front fender to the back. Then I can bob around and still have the option of going back to OG. Thanks a lot for the recommendations, you guys rule. Will post pics when I get something started. Adam
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