Motorcycle bobber. History of occurrence, features of the Bobber style

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

The history of bobber-style motorcycles goes back to the middle of the last century. During this time, the motorcycle has experienced many adventures and real metamorphoses. His image was supplemented, narrowed and expanded, transformed, while retaining its main original features and characteristics.

History of bobber style

This fashion was born in the USA after World War II. The soldiers who returned to civilian life, unaccustomed to quiet joys, quickly found a way to treat "adrenaline breakage". It was they who organized the first motorcycle clubs, began to arrange long-distance races, travel around the country, visiting former fellow soldiers, and, of course, the races did not remain without their attention.

Thanks to them, the bobber motorcycle was born. Many theorists believe that speed races were its main task, but this is not entirely true. You can’t call it narrow-profile - after all, first of all, the motorcycle was a means of transportation. Its owner drove it to work during the day, and only in the evening did the usual urban transport turn into an “iron friend” and “adventure companion”. bobbercould drive the owner in a column of the same daredevils to the neighboring town, could toss him to the beach on dirt or gravel, rush off with a whistle along the race track. In a word, it was a real wagon.

However, the general features of the style were outlined immediately. First of all, they concerned the maximum lightening of weight. Anything more for design than for necessity was ruthlessly rolled up and neatly stored in a corner of the garage. Reduced weight allowed not only to develop greater speed, but also significantly save fuel. And in those difficult times it was important.

Etymology

How to build a racing bike from a heavy Harley? Pick up a cutting object and "cut off" everything unnecessary. Without further ado, this is how the founders called the new unit - "shorn". After all, bob is translated from English as "cut".

Times change

Who would think of flying a bobber around a racing oval today? And why do it if the world's best motorcycle manufacturers have long ago invented a sportbike and created many models designed for high speeds? Is it worth dragging a bobber over rough terrain and maneuvering it among young pine trees and rare swampy puddles? It is unlikely, because for these purposes there is an enduro. The long-range bobber will certainly survive, but how can it compete on a long journey, for example, with a comfortable and hardy "Goldwing"?

Today the bobber motorcycle is the firststyle, prestige, a tribute to an unforgettable past and an indicator of respect for the philosophy of a biker. One more detail is important - initially this bike was designed to bear traces of manual labor and the investment of the soul. After all, the one who stood at the origins repaired, improved, built and remade the bobber motorcycle with his own hands. This bike has a custom soul. Seriality does not suit him. That is why this style attracts those who are accustomed to trust their own head, imagination, skill and skillful hands. By the way, Soviet technology is used as a basis, for example, the Dnepr. Bobber built from it looks no worse than a tuned "foreigner".

Recognizable appearance

The first thing to say is that the style is still a classic. They don’t build such motorcycles from superbikes, and that’s it. In general, a bobber is a motorcycle whose photos inevitably cause delight even among those who are very far from bike culture. And the approach of the roaring sparkling apparatus unbearably responds in the soul with the desire to ride at least on the back saddle. So, the distinctive features of the style: lightweight design, chrome, leather, a bunch of author's chips. Often, but not always, there is no front wing on the bobber. This is a tribute to the style and memory of the founders. After all, in those days, asph alt roads in the States were a rarity, and from long races on a dirt road, dirt accumulated under the wing. Often the design of the bobber does not provide for the presence of a rear saddle, and not only reverence for the origins, but also the belief that a real biker is always a lone wolf.

Important in the little things

Yes, it is they, the details, that do everything. Bobber-style motorcycles, of course, have common features and resemblance. Assembled by different people in all parts of the world, they carry the features of those first American race bikes.

Rama

As a rule, it is as light as possible. But this does not speak of fragility and insufficient strength. Today, in the arsenal of customizers, not only aluminum and steel, but also new alloys that allow you to reduce weight and size without compromising strength. The bobber, whose frame is made of a new alloy, is able to develop quite good speed, while remaining "survivable" in road adventures.

Wheels

A lot of enthusiastic words can be said about the wheels. They are given as much attention as the main power nodes. Most often on a bobber you can find knitted classics, and the more knitting needles, the more spectacular.

But some craftsmen go even further, turning wheels into real works of art. The intricately patterned alloy wheels add charm and personality to the bike.

Driver's seat

Ascetic saddle-cake, devoid of any hint of comfort, is a fairly common occurrence. But the fantasy of the masters knows no bounds! Remaining true to their discreet form, they decorate the seat with lacing, stitching, embroidery, and painting.

Steering wheel

Dissectingthe expanses of post-war America, the first motorcycles often had small, concise handlebars without any decorations. A little later, the fashion for curved tall "horns" came. However, it was not the customizers who started this fashion at all, but the serial manufacturer - Harley. Often it was in this form that the steering wheel remained on a tuned bike - the owner was simply sorry to part with this charismatic beauty.

Inheriting the bobber style, it's more honest to get not a curved arc, but an ascetic small "yoke". After all, light weight and lightness are one of the signs of the "breed".

Gas tank

The first bobber motorcycle could hardly boast that it would travel from Mexico to Canada on one gas station. There was simply no need for a huge tank. That is why the fathers of style tried to reduce the serial capacity. Today you can meet on custom bikes both very thin fuel tanks and standard ones. Some craftsmen come up with the idea to increase the tank. This is acceptable, but takes the bike out of style a bit.

But where the soul of a real artist can roam, it's in painting! Mythology, anatomy, mysticism are favorite topics for painting a gas tank.

In capable hands

Unfortunately, today in many countries of the world there are a huge number of restrictions on the conversion of motorcycles. But he who seeks will always find. Therefore, today you can often find motorcycles of this style, assembled even from domestic models. For example, a lot"Dnepr"-bobber enjoys popularity. "Ural" is also suitable as a source, and someone manages to experiment even with "Sunrise".

Fidelity to style to the end

The epitome of beauty and style - a bobber (motorcycle), whose photos make the heart skip a beat. The driver should evoke the same emotions. Gearing up in style is more important than ever! Therefore, those who decide to conquer the roads on a bobber should immediately get a solid biker jacket, bowler hat, pilot's glasses, quality jeans and high boots or boots.