Realistically, we can transform any motorcycle into bobber. It depends entirely on your budget And what you want to get from it.

But what exactly makes a good donor?

The closer the motorcycle in the minds of a bobber, the less the changes can be significant.

The more the philosophy of the basic motorcycle is far from the mind bobber, the more important the work will be.

Before reading this article, we recommend that you discover The origin of the bobber And the characteristics that differentiate it from others.

What type of motorcycle to turn to? 

We are going to focus on the big cubes, for the 125, we have devoted A complete file here.

Regarding the type of motorcycle used, “custom” models are the predestined models for preparations bobber.

Photo: Kawasaki VN 1500 Classic Source: Moto-Station

Indeed, the form of customs is close to that of bobber And many parts can be taken up in the preparation.

Another option of donor motorcycle option. Their simple construction makes them easy to modify.

Photo: Yamaha XS650, Source: Classic-motorbikees.net

The 7 best motorcycles to build a bobber

To which brand and models to turn? Here is an ideal selection of models to build a bobber.

For the 125, we also made A motorcycle selection here.

1. BSA 650

British motorcycles from the 60s and 70s made excellent donors. They have the right lines as standard, but unfortunately, they were fully restored. Or they are offered as they were found, straight out of the stable and going to look for ridiculous money.

Triumph and BSA Twins 500 and 650 motorcycles are reliable.

Norton Commandos with their insulated engine supports can complicate the framework of the frame.

Here is a 1970 BSA650: 

Source: British-classic- motorcycles.co.uk

And here is a preparation bobber on a BSA650:

Source: http://www.britbike.com

In this preparation, we have kept several original elements to capture the spirit of the Bobber style: a bare motorcycle to the extreme and really attractive.

2. Harley-Davidson Softail 

THE Harley are an obvious answer here too. It’s the essence of bobbers and choppers.

Source: Motorcyclespecs.co.za

A Harley-Davidson is the perfect base for a bobber, especially with its famous V-Twin and its incomparable noise.

And here it is modified: 

Source: Harleydavidsonbikepics.com

To stay at Harley without breaking the piggy bank, there is the famous Sportster, reliable for years.

After these English and American, we have Japanese motorcycles. And there are many and good bills in the 1970s, 80s and 90s.

3. Yamaha XS650

Source: Mikesxs

We have previously seen the original version, here is now a superb creation of Motoshop Tonouchi :

Source: BikeXt

There are also Yamaha Virago, Suzuki 250, Twin 400 and Kawasaki Ltd 550 and 750, all of good affordable bases.

4. Suzuki Savage

Source: Panzerriders

Equipped with a large monocylinder and having an attractive price, the Suzuki Savage is a model appreciated by preparers.

Source: Ryca Motors

The result here of a kit which was proposed by Ryca For this model. It's successful!

5. Honda Shadow

The famous Cruiser Honda Developed for the US market at the base, was a remarkable success. It is therefore quite natural that we find this one among amateur or professional preparers in the form of bobbers.

Source: Wikimedia

This model is popular with the customers of Remmotorcycle Because we offer different products for this model.

Here is a prepared version of one of Remmotorcycle customers.

He installed the peanut tank with 8 cm tunnel as well as The pipe kit and carburetor 2 in 1.

6. Yamaha Virago

The main competitor of Shadow is the Virago declined from 125 to 1100cc.

Here it is presented below in a 125cc version which is still very popular.

Source: Moto-Station

This one is found in abundance on the advertising site and at all prices.

This is a base often used in the project to carry out a bobber. Here is a complete transformation:

And here is a very successful preparation where the basic model becomes difficult to recognize. 

7. Royal Enfield Bullet 500

After seeing rather common and abundant motorcycles, let's come back to a rarer and more exclusive motorcycle: the Royal Enfield Bullet 500.

Source: Gaadiwaadi.com

Preparing this type of motorcycle is a sacrilege for some, an honor for others but the result attests to it. Preparing a rare motorcycle, making it unique makes it possible to transform this type of motorcycle into a work of art.

Source: YouTube

This motorcycle has a soul. A bobber preparation suits him so well.

There are also New or recent models that can make Superb Bobbers. 

Conclusion :

By selecting a custom or an old roadster you are on the right path to make a bobber.

We have offered you different models to inspire you. But don't forget that there are no rules in personalization, there are only your rules. 

For the rest, you can look at our articles dedicated to bobbers and ask us for advice.