Top Harley Davidson Bobber Bike Options for Bobber Lovers

Are you fond of the appearance of a bare, raw bike? You want a pure motorcycle experience? Then you should be aware of the Harley-Davidson bobber. This style is not new. It is pretty old, cool, and one of the most loved motorcycle styles in the US and all over the world. A Harley-Davidson bobber bike takes away all the excess from the bike to make it look minimal. There are no huge fairings and no big motorcycle bags. There are only you, the motor, and the highway.

In this article, we shall consider the best options of the Harley-Davidson bobber motorcycle. We’ll list down the best Harley models that can serve as the best bobbers. We’ll be discussing both fresh H-D models and old Harley bikes. Continue to read this article if you desire a Harley bobber bike that can turn heads.

A Harley Davidson Bobber Motorbike is the one that has been stripped down to make it look minimal and reduce the overall weight. The term ‘Bobber’ comes from the ‘Bob-Job’. Previously, riders used to take stock bikes and strip them off by removing the fenders, taking off heavy chrome parts, and making the bike lightweight. The bike also becomes quick.

The Harley Davidson bobber appearance is quite popular nowadays. A bobber means having a solo rider seat, a small gas tank, fat tires, and a mean and tough look. Many riders love the bobber style. It displays the frame and the motor of the bike. It is not for touring. A bobber motorcycle is good for cruising in the town. It is perfect for short, quick rides.

The Sportster is a good foundation for a bobber. It is a small and lean bike compared to other Harleys that are usually fat and heavy. These bikes also feature a great V-Twin sound. There are numerous options in case you desire a Bobber Harley Davidson Sportster.

The Harley Iron 883 is one of the best beginner factory-made bobber bikes with a slim build and minimal look. The Iron 883 features:

• 883 cc V-Twin engine

• Solo rider seat

• Small gas tank

• Minimal fenders

• Blacked-out finish

It appears to be a custom bobber bike even in the stock form.

To make a Harley Iron 883 an ideal custom bobber bike, only a few things need to be done. Riders can change the stock solo seat to a spring one. Lift the tank a bit and chop the rear fender.

A Harley Iron 883 bobber is light and fast. It is great for the city and, above all, it handles well. A customized Harley Davidson Iron 883 Bobber is also a quite cheaper option compared to large V-Twins. It can be a great first custom bobber project to start with.

The Iron 883 is ideally known as the best beginner Harley out there. However, it has been discontinued. Still, it remains one of the most popular Harleys of all time. It is the top favorite Harley of many female beginner riders. The Iron 883 is also known as the girl bike, as it is highly popular among women riders. To those who think the 883 cc engine is big for a beginner, they must give it a try. It is relatively underpowered and suitable for beginners.

Harley Iron 883, without a doubt, makes a very good beginner Harley bobber. The bike is already slim, with a small gas tank, and there are no fancy parts, just pure metal.

Other than the Sportster Iron 883, there is the Harley Sportster 48. This bike is though discontinued, but still quite popular among custom builders. It was among the most ideal factory-made bobber bikes by Harley. The Sportster 48 is special, considering it features:

• A fat front tire.

• Tiny ‘Peanut-Shaped’ stock gas tank.

• A bulldog look.

• No extra bulk.

• No fancy parts.

• Minimal, chopped fenders.

• Fat tires.

• Solo rider seat.

The H-D Sportster 48 is virtually a bobber in the first place.

The side mirrors on the Sportster Forty-Eight hang low. The stance is wide. You do not need to do a lot to make it a pure custom bobber bike. You may be required to replace the stock exhaust pipes and add some cool grips.

The Harley Davidson Sportster bobber bikes, such as the Sportster 48, are extremely popular. The Forty Eight has a 1200 cc engine. This makes them stronger than the Iron 883. The Sportster 48 is also quite quick and entertaining.

While considering the best Harley Davidson Bobber bikes, we must not forget the Harley Sportster 1200 Custom.

• The Sportster 1200 Custom has chrome.

• It has a bigger fuel tank.

• It can be stripped down easily.

• It features a compact look.

• It has fat tires.

The H-D Sportster 1200 Custom pulls it hard, thanks to the big 1200 cc motor. You can put on drag bars, lower the rear, and make it a fine bobber ride for yourself. Unlike the Iron 883 and the Sportster 48, you will need to put in more effort to customize it into a perfect Harley Davidson bobber.

If you want to have a bigger and more powerful Harley Davidson bobber motorbikes, the H-D Softail or Dyna bobbers will do. These are big Harley bikes, possessing big V-Twin engines. A Haley Davidson Softail bobber is smooth. It resembles a hardtail frame bike of the old days, thanks to the hidden rear shock. Let’s talk about some of the best Harley Softail and Dyna bobbers.

The Harley Davidson Street Bob is among the most well-known factory bobbers. This bike features:

• Ape hangers bars.

• Small gas tank.

• Minimal parts.

• Lightweight, stripped-down build.

• Tuck-and-roll rider seat.

• Decently fat tires.

• Small, round-shaped headlight.

• Blacked-out finish.

• Bobber-style front and chopped-rear fenders.

Whether Harley Davidson Dyna Street Bob of the old times, or the Softail Street Bob, both are ideal bobber options, and both versions are great if you are looking for a Harley Davidson bobber bike.

The Dyna Street Bob has a raw feel, the engine shakes, and you feel the power. On the other hand, the Softail is smoother and handles better. However, they both have the same bobber vibe and style. Both the Dyna and Softail Street Bob are stripped down. They look tough.

If you check the Harley-Davidson Street Bob reviews, you will get to know that riders adore the torque. It is a bike that loves to go fast.

Harley Softail Slim is regarded as one of the best factory-made Harley-Davidson bobber motorcycles. It is not only due to its look alone, but the overall class and persona of the Softail Bobber has been observed by many reviewers and experts as the best Harley factory-made bobber-style cruiser bike.

The Softail Slim successfully translates the ideal Post-World War II era aesthetics and minimal design elements. In the discontinued Harley models, it is among the closest to a bobber bike. Let’s list down things that make the Softail Slim a true bobber:

• Low profile.

• Solo rider seat.

• Fat front and rear tires.

• Bobber-style front and rear fenders.

• Hardtail rear-end look.

• Blacked-out appearance.

• Wire-spoked wheels.

• Round-shaped headlamp.

• Comfortable riding position.

The Softail Slim doesn’t only have the bobber style to offer. This bike’s performance is also top-notch. The handling is perfect, thanks to the low center of gravity and low seat height. The chassis is also lightweight, ensuring better maneuverability.

The Harley Softail Slim is powered by a Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine in the latest models, providing enough power and torque for most rides. Whether experienced or comparatively newer riders, the Softail Slim suits all confident riders. It is also a highly comfortable bike.

The Harley Davidson Fat Boy is not a bobber bike in its stock form. It is a pure, heavyweight cruiser bike with a powerful 1868 cc (114 cubic-inch) Milwaukee Eight engine and the latest models, featuring a 117 cubic-inch M-8 Engine. 

However, can a Fat Boy be a bobber? An H-D Fat Boy can be modified into a Harley bobber bike. It will be an exclusive Harley bobber build. The Fat Boy features solid-disc wheels. It has a very wide stance, due to which it received the name ‘Fat Boy’.

When you strip a Harley Fat Boy down to make it a bobber, you will need to chop its fenders, remove the bulk, and replace the two-up seat with a solo rider seat.

If you are using the Harley Fat Boy as a base model to transform it into an H-D bobber, you will get a muscle bobber as a result. The Harley-Davidson Fat Boy bobber has a great street presence. People will likely stare at your bike. Above all, it is quite loud and bold.

The Harley Breakout has one of the biggest wheelbases. It is quite long and low with flat, wide bars and forward-mounted foot controls. It also features a wide rear tire. The front tire is large compared to the rear one. A Harley Breakout bobber would be good for riders who prefer a drag-style bike. 

Why can the Harley Breakout become a good Harley bobber? It is because:

• The overall bike is quite minimal.

• There are no extra add-ons or bulky, fancy parts.

• The front fender is a bobber-style small piece.

• The rear fender is chopped.

• The headlamp is also round, small, and basic.

Still, in order to bob the Harley Breakout, riders may need to:

• Cut the rear fender shorter.

• Remove the two-up seat and get a solo one.

You have the Harley Breakout bobber ready for you. The Harley Breakout is not a vintage-style bike. It is a modern bike with smooth and top-end power, thanks to the Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine.

The Harley Night Train is an ideal base bike for a bobber conversion. It is a powerful, Softail model with aesthetics that are already leaning towards the bobber category. The Night Train features drag bars and a low profile, ideal for stripping it down and removing the double seat for a pure bobber look.

The Night Train also has a skinny, tall front tire and a small rear wheel, ensuring a highly raked-out front end. It serves as an ideal starting point for a custom bike. The blacked-out motor appears mean. If you find a used Harley Night Train, grab it. It is a traditional Harley Davidson bike ideal for a custom bobber.

There are riders who like vintage-style bobbers, not the modern ones. They like having a piece of history and classic styling on a bobber motorbike.

Another ideal factory-made, custom-style Harley-Davidson bobber bike is the iconic Softail Cross Bones. It is among those Harley vintage bikes, produced from 2008 to 2011, that are ideally used by many custom bikers to build bobbers. The Cross Bones features:

• The iconic Springer front-end.

• On top, this Harley bike also featured a bobber-style, solo spring saddle.

• An old-school round headlamp.

• A bobber-style front fender.

• Small Fast tank.

• Mini-ape hanger handlebar.

• Being a Softail, the Cross Bone had a hardtail look.

The Harley Cross Bone was powered by an air-cooled 1584 cc Twin Cam engine. The motor delivered a good low-end torque. While not designed for agile or aggressive handling, the Cross Bones was ideal for straight-line performance. The riding position was also quite comfortable for highway cruising.

The Harley Shovelhead bobber is a genuine piece of art. It is a customized Harley bike, powered by the famed Shovelhead engine. These engines were made in the mid-1960s and mid-80s. They have a distinct shape and produce a unique sound, famously known as ‘potato-potato-potato’.

A kickstart is common in a Harley Shovel bobber. It has an open belt drive. It might be a hardtail and not have rear springs. This is not for weak riders, as it vibrates and leaks oil sometimes, too. However, it has a real soul. A Harley Shovelhead bobber attracts attention in exhibitions. It is a piece of art.

It is a fun process to build your own custom Harley bobber. It takes time, a lot of work, and effort. Below is a rough guide on how you can build your own custom Harley bobber:

• Seat: Get a solo rider seat. A spring seat looks best on a bobber bike. It gives that old school vibe.

• Fenders: If the base bike has large fenders, you will need to chop them off. The front fender can go. The fender in the back must be short, too, so that it shows off the tires.

• Handlebars: The choice of bars depends on the riding style you prefer. You can go with ape hangers that are high, comfortable, and cool-looking. Choose what fits you. The purpose of the bobber is to keep things light.

• Gas Tank: Lift the gas tank a bit. This put the engine head on the display. You can also go for a smaller peanut gas tank for your custom bobber.

• Lights: Small LEDs should be used. A small, round-shaped headlight is perfect on a bobber bike.

• Paint Job: Bobber often comes in black, matte black, Satin black, or raw metal. Make sure to keep it simple for a pure bobber look.

There are many different types of motorbikes available in the market. What is the reason to buy a Harley bobber? Below are some good reasons why bobber lovers find Harley bobbers very attractive:

• Sound: There is nothing that sounds like a Harley. The V-Twin rumble is a pure joy.

• Parts: The aftermarket parts availability is quite suitable for Harleys. You can easily find a custom part that you desire.

• Highly Customizable: Harleys are very customizable, and you can transform your Harley into an ideal custom bobber if you opt for a custom Harley bobber.

• Style: The bobber style on certain Harley models is never going to go out of style. Harley will always keep the iconic bobber style alive.

• Value: Harley motorbikes are well valued. A good price can be made out of a nice Harley Davidson custom bobber later.

• Best Starter Harley Bobber: Harley Sportster Iron 883 Bobber (Cheap, fun, and looks great).

• Best Style: Harley Sportster 48 (Fat Tires, small tank, bare bones, classic, and cool).

• Best Factory-Made Harley Davidson Bobber: Harley Street Bob (Big V-Twin power, simple, highly customizable, and comes with ape hanger bars).

• Best Vintage Harley Bobber: Harley Shovelhead Bobber (Old soul with real feel).

• Best Custom Base: Harley Softail Slim (Clean frame with hardtail look).