What's a Bobber and what's a Chopper?

What is a Chopper motorcycle and what is a Bobber motorcycle?

When you say chopper, many people think of a Harley Davidson. When you say Harley Bobber you see a lot of people look at you in a questioning way.

Through the reality program American Chopper on Discovery Channel many people know the choppers. But what is the definition of a chopper and what is the definition of a bobber. And what is a bobber anyway? Before I describe the difference between a chopper motorcycle and a bobber motorcycle they also have a lot in common. Both are no stock motorcycles. No Stock means that they are no longer standard or original. The bikes have been changed on different levels by the owner.

Choppers

A chopper motorcycle is a modified motorcycle. The motorcycle is no longer original. The bike has a different wheelbase. This means that the frame has been adjusted and that the wheels are further apart. The length of the bike is longer then original. By changing the angle of the steering head and by using a longer fork, the wheelbase is longer. To make sure that the motorcycle continues to steer properly, it is usually necessary to place the steering head next to the angled position and higher. It is an accurate job to adjust the motorcycle frame, but this is an important condition for a chopper. By adjusting the frame, it is important that the steering characteristics remain good. Often a front fork stabilizer is fitted because the front fork can twist at this length.

In principle, all unnecessary parts are removed and many custom motorcycle parts, such as custom exhausts, custom fenders, custom oil tank and a custom fuel tank and custom forward controls are mounted on the custom bike. Of course the paintwork can be of different levels, but usually a chopper pays a lot of attention to this to make it as beautiful as possible. Also a lot of chromed custom motorcycle parts are used.

A chopper doesn't look much like the original factory bike anymore. Only the engine, transmission and primary are still original. Everyone knows the choppers from the movie Easy Rider. The chopper motorcycle of actor Peter Fonda was called Captain America:

Peter Fonda on the Captain America Chopper

Bobbers

The Harley bobber is a stripped stock motorcycle stripped of all superfluous parts. Often they don't have a front fender and a very short rear fender. A bobber doesn't have a longer front fork or a longer wheelbase, but it does have a lot in common with the chopper:

Harley Bobber Motorcycle by Kollies Parts

Because the Harley bobber, like the chopper has been stripped, the total weight of the motorcycle has been reduced, allowing the motorcycle to run a little faster. The origin of the bobbers comes from the period after the Second World War. In this period they started racing with the Harley Davidson bike that were used by the U.S. Army. These motorcycle were cheap to obtain and by removing all superfluous parts they could make more speed. The current bobbers are often stripped of all indicators and front fenders. Also a minimalist motorcycle seat is usually mounted. In general a bobber is a bare motorcycle without a lot of color or chrome. A bobber usually doesn't have a modified frame like a chopper and is therefore a bit easier to realize.

Check out our page with bobber motorcycle parts and chopper motorcycle parts!

• Don Branscom

  Posted on saturday 1 february 2020 18:31

  Who wrote this? Wow!