Author Topic: street fighters / bobbers...whats the difference  (Read 3161 times)

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Offline gregwaits

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street fighters / bobbers...whats the difference
« on: August 26, 2007, 01:05:17 AM »
I suppose I am splitting hairs on this issue, but what is the essential differences between these 2 different motorcycle styles - the bobber and the street fighter (and by street fighter I don't mean these modern crotch rockets)

I have come across some web sites online that show tons of bobber pics, but none that show street fighters.
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Offline DarkRider

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Re: street fighters / bobbers...whats the difference
« Reply #1 on: August 26, 2007, 01:08:24 AM »
Well you basicly just answered your own question really...A streetfighter is typically a heavily modified crotch rocket..something like a modern interpetation of the Cafe racer based off a more modern bike. A bobber is typically more chopper like in appearance from what i have seen of them...

But a streetfighter can also be based off of an older bike like a CB or a GS...In fact im building a fighter out of my GS...

heres an example of a GS done as a fighter..

« Last Edit: August 26, 2007, 01:14:05 AM by OutlawZ24 »
'84 Chevy C10
'73 MGB Roadster
'69 Ford F250

Currently a rider without a bike

Quote from: heffay
so, you say just tie myself on with this... and steer w/ this?   ;D ;D  ok.  where's my goggles?   8)

Offline gregwaits

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Re: street fighters / bobbers...whats the difference
« Reply #2 on: August 26, 2007, 01:27:07 AM »
Then there is the term "street tracker". Where does this fit in the scheme of things?

btw, nice bike Wolf!
1978 CB750K8; 1970 CB450

Offline DarkRider

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Re: street fighters / bobbers...whats the difference
« Reply #3 on: August 26, 2007, 02:06:05 AM »
Heh..i wish i could say that was my bike...but its very simular to what im trying to achieve..difference between mine and that one is that i will be using some sort of rear fender...probably in the end i will be using a rear fender off an enduro bike or something...

and as for your street tracker...they are typically built from XS650s...but theres the odd non XS based tracker such as this H2...Once again another insperation in my Mach IV build..

 
'84 Chevy C10
'73 MGB Roadster
'69 Ford F250

Currently a rider without a bike

Quote from: heffay
so, you say just tie myself on with this... and steer w/ this?   ;D ;D  ok.  where's my goggles?   8)

Offline DarkRider

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Re: street fighters / bobbers...whats the difference
« Reply #4 on: August 26, 2007, 02:10:54 AM »
And heres another example of a fighter this time one based off a VF Interceptor...This one is mine..it is the 84 listed in my Sig i will also include a pic of what a VF shoud look like..using a pic of my 85..

this is the 84


and this is the 85
'84 Chevy C10
'73 MGB Roadster
'69 Ford F250

Currently a rider without a bike

Quote from: heffay
so, you say just tie myself on with this... and steer w/ this?   ;D ;D  ok.  where's my goggles?   8)

Offline Uncle Ernie

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Re: street fighters / bobbers...whats the difference
« Reply #5 on: August 26, 2007, 04:30:59 AM »
Street trackers are just dirt track-looking bikes made street legal.  Mostly they have smaller tanks and wide bars.

I think of street fighters as bikes that are parked outside. Made from dissimilar parts, perhaps even other brands.  They are made to be used and abused, but may be sleepers, too.  I get the impression that a vague notion of that concept has been elevated (just as many styles originate in the lowly city streets), made new, and merchandised.  My concept is one of utility with an overtone of "badboy" in the way that outlaws have always been romanticized.

I see bobbers as originally being modified for speed on a budget.  It's a post-war idea of throwing away easy weight- like fenders and covers.  Maybe a little engine work. Bobbers sort of became choppers and now bobbers (derived from the idea of "blunt -or even rudely- cut".  Many women wore a hairstyle called a bob that was just made to look as if it was just quickly cut).  I think "bobber" is an American term, whereas "cafe" is English. 

I think street fighters and cafes were more closely related because English guys were more willing to interchange parts- like putting different engines in a featherbed frame.  Americans have too much brand loyalty to do that kind of thing.

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Offline aptech77

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Re: street fighters / bobbers...whats the difference
« Reply #6 on: August 26, 2007, 08:59:10 AM »
Street fighters are more about aggressive function and performance. Not about looking pretty. Bobbers are more about a clean look and style.