The perfect bobber platform...

[RoseyVelt]

If you could choose any bike to turn into a short squatty bob to rip around town, what would it be and why? Something with plenty of parts? Easy to work on? Lots of hardtail kit options?

Ideally I'm looking for something 750 or smaller. It's been a while since I've attempted any bike work, but I'm in a good position to now and I'd like to dive into the right one.

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[Maritime]

the one that comes to mind for me is the XS650, I think there is a ton of aftermarket for bobbing them and the motors are nice looking, good power and refased can be fast and smooth and made to sound sweet too.

 

[Rider52]

I agree the XS650 would be an excellent choice.

 

[Brodie]

Suzuki LS650 or S40 would be my choice.
There are a few bolt on parts you can get.
A decent amount of parts around and they are very close to a bobber from stock.

 

[pidjones]

Suzuki LS650 or S40 would be my choice.
There are a few bolt on parts you can get.
A decent amount of parts around and they are very close to a bobber from stock.

Yes! The S40 thumper would be great for that. Always wanted one for commuting (but retired before one came up).

 

[DesmoDog]

If you could choose any bike to turn into a short squatty bob to rip around town, what would it be and why? Something with plenty of parts? Easy to work on? Lots of hardtail kit options?

Ideally I'm looking for something 750 or smaller. It's been a while since I've attempted any bike work, but I'm in a good position to now and I'd like to dive into the right one.

Sportster.

Plenty of parts? Check
Easy to work on? Check
Lots of hardtail options? Check

750 or smaller? No, but an 883 is close enough IMHO.

 

[Maritime]

Sportster.

Plenty of parts? Check
Easy to work on? Check
Lots of hardtail options? Check

750 or smaller? No, but an 883 is close enough IMHO.

883 has half the power of a 750 Japanese bike so agreed there. That being said, Bolt on performance is available easy enough.

 

[Hurco550]

While I agree with all the above (xs650, s40, sportster) id also recommend adding a shadow 600 to the list. Stone axe reliability, softail style swingarm can have the hardtail look while still having a suspension, and if you watch you can get them so dirt cheap that its amazing.

 

[moto_mec]

I would have to agree with Hurco. I think the shadow with the hardtail look would be alot easier on your back and kidneys.

 

[gt alex]

I loved my xs650, I had owned some early vw's and If you can think of a mod some one makes it.
And that's what owning a xs650 is like.
It's the VW Beetle of the bike world.

 

[irk miller]

I love my XS650, and I love the CB750 choppers, as I'm building my second. However, the chopper I am most excited about building will be the one I put a DT250 engine in. The point is, choppers are supposed to be fun and the most personal bike you build. Make sure it's fun whatever base you build from.

 

[porcelanowy]

Hello
Suzuki 800 Marauder - because it is such a pretty bike when it is stripped from all of the factory cr...pp
And that USD fork - yummy

 

[ridesolo]

Perfect Bobber = Oxymoron

IMHO

 

[canyoncarver]

I'd like to do an old Triumph or Norton in an old school bobbed style.

 

[teazer]

Irk is spot on. Do what works for you.

A two stroke single would be light and fun and different. So would a Honda 50 step through bobber. Speed isn't an issue. Fun is.

For me, a T140 or even and old sixties T100/5t would work. As long as it's a unit construction twin. it's fine. If you start adding separate chaincases, things tend to get more drippy. Old British singles are fun but hard work starting and keeping them clean.
For reliability, any Japanese twin would work. What floats your boat?