Topic: Definitions Please: Bobber vs. Cafe Style?

[Hawkster318]

Ok, what prompts this questions is this:

I am picking up a frame and motor for a few bucks. Frame is titled.

74 550









So, along with some other spare parts I have already gotten, my mind starts along other paths. What can I make, frankenstien-wise, ride wise?

I've been looking arond the net and like the sort of stripped down, bare bone bike.

So, I am looking for suggestions and idea from those in the know.

What have you seen/done and like? Pictures? Ideas, etc...

Bring it on, and thank you in advance.

[bill440cars]

       Well, you certainly have the basics. Don't know what else you have and you are going to get all kinds of opinions, but I'd be leaning towards the (as kghost puts it) "Frankenbike" route. And, if you don't already know, there are several different definitions here as far as the styles go. Looking forward to seeing what all you've  got AND what you decide to do with it.    

[754]

You can make it into anything..

 But start off with a bit of a plan. maybe sketch out a few different looks and see what you really want to be on it, it will be yours, not ours..

[bill440cars]

       754's right about it being YOUR bike alright! I might also suggest that you take a look at what our members have done, you never know when you'll run across an idea on another bike that you might want to use on your own. Here's a link to check out the winners of the Bike Of The Month, see if there's anything that strikes your fancy.

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=15381.0

            Also, spikeybike has a thread in the "Project Shop" forum, called "Inspirational Gallery" that has some pretty interesting bikes there also. Just look around, listen to what others offer and make an attempt to put together a plan for YOUR bike. I say "Make an attempt", because there are a great number of tough looking bikes with some really great features.

   http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=32693.0

                               Lots Of Luck, Bill

[Hawkster318]

Thanks all. The Inspiration post is sorta what I was thinking of. I'd never checked that section of the forums before.

[DammitDan]

Here's some examples of the two worlds that you suggested:

Cafe - the original "crotch rocket", more racing-styled with low clip-on or clubman handlebars, rearset footpegs and a "bump" solo seat.













Bobber - The original "cruiser" chopper, looking to cut as much weight off the bike as possible but maintain a "cruiser" or "rocker" feel.  Footpegs are more mid- or forward-set, handlebars are higher "ape hangers" or drag bars, seat is a classic solo tractor seat and the rear fender has been chopped down or "bobbed".  Front end can possibly be raked out further.













You've got more options than just cafe or bobber, though...  There is also a flat tracker, a scrambler, a rat bike, a frankenbike, dual sport, or just the good ole' resto job.

[pdxPope]

Bah, don't be such a conformist lemming. Try to make an airplane!

-JP

[cbass*gxc]

This was my project over the winter.  Kind of a mix between the both.  And I only have about $800 total in it.  It is pretty stripped down but all the electrical components still work.  ie horn, turn signals, hi/lo, electric start, etc.