Selecting the ideal canvas for your style.

A unique motorcycle can set you apart in a crowd. Merely owning a motorbike distinguishes you from the herd. But what if you want to further differentiate yourself from other motorcyclists by investing your time and hard-earned cash in eye-catching upgrades for your motorcycle?

Before rushing out to the garage and diving into your current bike or spending a lot of money ordering parts, you should carefully think and plan for the build — before the nuts and bolts start flying.

“Ask yourself a few questions,” said Chris Ranger of Ranger Cycles in Summerland, B.C. “Which motorcycle are you going to use? How do you want it to look? What paint scheme have you decided on? What does your money pit (budget) look like? But most importantly, do I have the mechanical, electrical, and some fabrication skills to pull it off? These are but a few questions that need to be pinned down.

PREPARE A REASONABLE PLAN

Throughout the history of motorcycling, a plethora of customization genres have emerged. From bobbers to café racers, from brats to rats to choppers, the goal of building a custom motorcycle is to take a stock bike and transform it into a one-of-a-kind creation that reflects the owner’s imagination.

“My favourite motorcycle engines are the Evolution engines from Harley-Davidson — although when running, they sound like ‘potato, potato, potato’ — coupled to an Indian five-speed transmission, and then tucked into a Trippoli wishbone frame,” said Ranger.

The world of motorcycle customization is vast and accessible. You can purchase virtually every part, whether used, new-old-stock, or reproduction. Tanks, seats, and custom parts are available globally, and they are pretty straightforward, mechanically and electrically. This accessibility should give first-time builders the confidence necessary for their custom build. As Ranger puts it, “The only limit is your imagination.”

Of all the various styles of customized motorcycles, the heritage of a bobber motorcycle provides an ideal canvas for your unique flair.

Let the gawking commence!

THE BOBBER’S ROOTS

A Bobber is a distinct and special type of motorcycle with a large following worldwide. Its quirky design elements and the riding experience it provides make it the ultimate classic bike for both the new generation and older bikers.

The bob-job evolved from an earlier type of American custom motorcycle, the “Cut Down,” which appeared in the late 1920s and was based on the Harley-Davidson J series V-twin. The cut-down was created to modernize its appearance and improve performance by removing the front fender and all excess accessories, significantly lightening the motorcycle. 

A modified frame also characterized the cut-down, with the seat tube lowered and the wheelbase shortened. This resulted in a lower, shorter machine with a sweeping diagonal line between the…