Compression Ratio Explained

Posted on April 29, 2012 by larryke

Many aspects determine the performance of the bike’s motor but one of the most important certainly is the compression ratio of the head/cylinder/piston assembly. The greater the compression rate is, the greater bang or force for every cylinder, up to a point.

A reciprocating piston motor produces horsepower by combusting an air-gasoline mix to drive the piston in the cylinder. This straight line push is referred to as the power stroke. The linear movement of the binding rod-piston set up is moved to the flywheel, which turns the straight line movement to circular motion. This circular movement is then transferred to the transmission, and also on to the rear wheel, producing forward motion. Seems simple, but in reality might be more complex.

The pistons inside a H-D V-twin are designed to produce a precise compression ratio from a specified application for the best operating efficiency. Past experiences and history have taught Harley-Davidson designers the most beneficial compression ratios for bikes driven on the highway.

To streamline things why don’t we work with a single cylinder motor as one example. An average four-stroke single cylinder motor (one half of a twin cylinder motor) works in a number of specific cycles. That is why it is called a 4-cycle motor (or engine). During the intake stroke (1), air/fuel is drawn in by vacuum throughout the opened up intake valve while the piston moves down. Since the piston starts back up (2) the intake valve shuts and then the air and gasoline mix is compressed. As the piston reaches up to the top cycle the air/fuel fusion is shot by the spark plug then the piston is forced downward strongly via the combustion of gasoline and air mixture (3), producing the previously mentioned straight line movement that is turned via the flywheel to circular power. When the piston comes back up (4), it forces the burnt mix released (exhaust gases). which is known as the exhaust cycle.

lf the compression ratio is minimal, the bike’s motor creates minimal power. lf the compression rate is pretty high the bike’s motor can make a great deal more power for each cubic inch of displacement than an identical motor using a lower compression rate. Many things impact the chance to be able to handle a motor with high compression, not the least of which is the use of high octane gas. With no availability of high octane gasoline, a high compression motor could be afflicted by pre ignition (pinging), due to the gasoline air mix firing beforehand. Pre ignition can be very dangerous for a motor.

Compression ratio is defined simply as the volume above the piston at bottom-dead-center (BDC), divided with the volume on top of the piston at top-dead-center (TDC). The greater compressed the gasoline and air blend is when burned the bigger the bang. A bigger hit translates to more power, and also extra force on all the physical pieces included. High compression motors need the usage of high-octane gasoline to stop pre-ignition and/or detonation, which can produce pricey problems on pistons, valves, and piston rings or maybe even worse, not winning the race.

For typical street riding most qualified technicians advise a compression ratio between 8.5:1 and 9.5:1. Any higher and a higher octane fuel qualification is needed. With compression rates lower than 7:1 a bike’s motor just can’t work effectively. Hopefully at this point you realize what compression ratio means. Then again, this is simply static compression ratio. Cam lift and valve overlap as well as other aspects decide the particular or functional compression rate. Also, remember that increased compression rates while increasing power may also increase wear and tear on the bike’s motor. High compression motors are not good cruising bikes, just as lower compression motors aren’t excellent racing bikes
Until Next Time, Ride Hard & Live Free!

Larry

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Why Take Motorcycle Riding Classes Before Riding

Posted on March 25, 2012 by larryke

Riding a motorcycle is something that many people enjoy. Whether they like to feel the wind as they go down the road or simply observe the world around them, there is always something positive for a rider to point out. If you are attracted to motorcycles and want to try the activity yourself, consider taking a riding class first.

1. You Will Gain Confidence

Some people that are just entering the world of motorbikes feel unsure. They may not believe that they have the skills needed to keep the motorcycle steady, among other things. When you choose to partake in a riding class, you will gain the confidence you need to get you through. You will realize that you have the ability to take on new skills, raising your self-esteem a great degree.

2. Motorcycle Shops May Give You a Discount

Motorcycle shops like to do what they can to connect to current and potential customers. In some cases they may give discounts to people that have learned to ride properly. While the discount or other incentive given may not be large, it can still make all of the difference when you are looking for your first bike. If you are on a budget it can leave you with money to spend on other things. If the motorcycle shop does not advertise their discount for taking a riding class, make sure that you ask. Do not be afraid to take the chance.

3. Insurance Companies May Provide a Discount

If you cannot get a discount at your local Harley Davidson shops, chances are high that you can still cut back on your insurance costs. Many insurance companies will reward people that are safe drivers or have taken steps to become one. This is because, in the long run, the company will not have to pay money for frequent and damaging accidents. The better you are on the road the more you will be rewarded. Once you take the class, do not simply expect your insurance company to notice what you have done. Take it into your own hands and talk to a representative.

4. You Will Learn Important Skills

If you think taking a riding class would only help you when it comes to motorcycles, you would be wrong. In a riding class you can learn safety measures for the road in general. Whether you are riding a motorbike or driving a car, the skills that you receive can help you. You will be more aware of the people on the road, and you can plan around possibly dangerous weather. What you learn can change your life in some way, and you can spread your knowledge to loved ones. This is something to keep in mind, if nothing else.

Motorcycles have long proven themselves to be a popular pastime and hobby for people. However true this may be, not every rider is aware of the safety measures that they should take. People should not ride one until they know what to do and how to handle their bike responsibly. When they do so, they will learn important skills that can help them for years to come. They can also receive discounts from Harley Davidson shops and insurance companies. By keeping the above information in mind, you will understand why you should consider riding classes, no matter who you are.

Check this out!  http://www.harley-davidson.com/en_US/Content/Pages/learn-to-ride/learn-to-ride.html

Until Next Time, Ride Hard, Live Free!
Larry

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Daytona Bike Week – A Brief History

Posted on February 26, 2012 by larryke

If you are a motorcycle enthusiast in North America, you’ve no doubt heard about one of the biggest biker rallies and parties in the United States and the entire world. Daytona Bike Week is an amazing motorcycle event that brings together approximately a half million like minded bikers each and every year.

What started in 1937 as the Daytona 200, a motorcycle race ran over both sandy beaches and pavement, has turned into an unbelievable 10 day festival held in March of each year. For thousands of North American motorcycle enthusiasts who are bombarded by winter including the cold temperatures and snow that accompanies it, Daytona Bike Week arrives just in time to transition out of hibernation and into biker party mode.

The success of the popular 10 day motorcycle related event can partially be attributed to the beautiful location holding Daytona Bike Week. Volusia County is located on the east coast of Florida and is home to some of the nicest beach vacation destinations in Florida and the United States. During Daytona Bike Week, the population of this ocean side county can swell to twice its size, doubling it’s population for 10 days from 500,000 to 1 million.

As the popularity of the original Daytona 200 race grew, more and more motorcycle enthusiasts began flocking to Daytona Beach to watch and take in the excitement of the rally… and to enjoy the sunshine and beaches of Daytona Beach and Volusia County. Only for a few consecutive years during the second world war in the forties was the Daytona 200 cancelled as all resources and interest were focused on the allied forces defeating Germany in the European conflict.

Fast forwarding to present times, the small Daytona 200 race has evolved into something that can only be described as the biggest biker party/festival on the planet with local and corporate businesses sponsoring and holding so many events during the 10 days that it would be simply impossible to attend them all. From bike shows to beer gardens from poker runs to biker-themed concerts… Daytona Bike Week is to an adult what Disneyworld is to a young girl or boy. Nowhere else will you see this many leather clad, bad ass looking bikers having so much fun, each one seeming to have that wide eyed excitement with a hint of amazement and wonderment. All brought on by the sights, sounds and overall experience of the Daytona Bike Week.

To say that it should be on every bikers’ bucket list is so 2009, but I’m going to say it anyway. This year’s Daytona Bike Week will be held on March 9 – 18. So if you’re into motorcycles, having fun, lots of sunshine and great people to party and share this experience with, I strongly urge you to attend.

Until Next Time, Ride Hard, Live Free!
Larry

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Discount Motorcycle Gear – What You Must Know Before You Buy Online

Posted on February 5, 2012 by larryke

Buyers flock towards online shopping in ever increasing numbers as it offers better prices, wider choice and the convenience of shopping from home. Motorcyclists are no different, as more and more of them are buying helmets, jackets, pants and boots from online retailers. The one advantage the traditional bricks-and-mortar store has over the online retailer is sales staff that can provide answers to questions the buyer may have on the spot. Buying something at a great price is of little or no value if the item does not meet the buyers expectations. So how does the motorcyclist and online buyer establish what is the best motorcycle gear for them?

The first part of the purchase exercise is defining their requirements. The buyer needs to be reasonably clear in their own mind of the following three points.

1. Budget. If buying a number of items have a realistic idea as to how much is to be allocated to each item.

2. The style of riding they are primarily going to be doing. The three basic styles are touring, sports/track and off-road/ATV. Each riding style requires gear that has different levels of protection for the rider. Touring is more about adequate protection and comfort, while sports/track is high levels of protection.

3. The climate and range of weather conditions they are likely to be riding in.

Having established these basic parameters, the next step is to look at some online retailers to see the range of motorcycle gear that fits in with the three requirements above. This should provide a short-list of items that will more than likely meet the individual motorcyclists need. All reputable online motorcycle gear sellers will have their site structured in such a way so that a new buyer can easily find gear in a price range, riding style and what season the gear would be best suited to.

Following on from this part of the exercise is to do some basic independent research. Start with on-line research by typing into a search engine a phrase structured along the lines of “brand name/model code review(s)”. For example, if the buyer was researching dual purpose motorcycle helmets the following could be entered into the search engine – “Shoei DS Hornet review”. This will bring up a list of sites that have reviewed this product, and the buyer can get some knowledge of the fit, comfort, durability and value for money. One good location for getting actual buyer feedback is Amazon.com. There is nothing like real buyers giving their opinions and experiences on a product. Amazon sells just about everything, and they do offer a fairly wide range of discount motorcycle gear for sale, and their customers are encouraged to leave feedback on their purchase. Amazon now flag a review as a ‘Amazon Verified Purchase’, so the buyer can be sure this person actually owns the product. Also, great information can be found on motorcycle forums and membership sites. Like all things based on experiences and opinions, don’t take one review as pure truth. Look at the overall sentiment from a number of different reviews. Any one review is somewhat meaningless, but a trend in reviews is very meaningful.

Research also provides an insight into new technologies that are being incorporated into motorcycle gear to make it lighter, stronger and safer. For example, motorcycle jackets and pants are now incorporating viscoelastic materials that remain soft and pliable during normal use, but change at the molecular level on impact to a tough, impermeable layer of protection.

Once the buyer has got the shopping list sorted out, the next thing to do is to find an online seller that offers superior customer service. The things that a buyer must check out are:

1. Price and price guarantees. A number of reputable online sellers will not only offer lower prices, but will also offer to match a genuine price from another seller.

2. Returns policy. One of the big issues with buying personal motorcycle apparel or gear is what to do if it doesn’t fit. It is most important that the seller has a ‘no hassles’ return policy. Also, check there are no hidden fees such as ‘restocking fees’.

3. Shipping. Normally items over a certain amount will be shipped free of charge in the same country. It is unlikely to get free shipping on an international order, so make sure the savings in the catalog aren’t swallowed up in exorbitant shipping charges.

4. Customer Contact. What sort of customer service do they offer? Is there a generic email or does the buyer get to speak to a real human being if there is an issue with the order or the product.

Of course there are no guarantees, but if the buyer follows this straightforward process they will come away with a set of motorcycle gear that is fit for purpose and also at a great price. Well made gear allows the rider to get the most out of riding a motorcycle so the experience is both an enjoyable one and a safe one. That’s why it is worthwhile taking the time to research both the product and the seller.

Until next time, Ride Hard, Live Free!

Larry

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Motorcycle Accessories – Tips You Cannot Afford to Let Go

Posted on January 25, 2012 by larryke

The world has changed and along with it, people’s perspective over things, their lifestyles, and their preferences and choices. Today, most people prefer wearing and using customized and personalized stuff, so that they appear unique and different. Are you one of them? If yes, and you are a motorcyclist with the passion to customize your motorcycle using motorcycle accessories, and you replace the motorcycle parts of your new bike with the ones of your own choice, then you have hit the right article. In this article, we will discuss some of the most important tips that you need to bear in mind while buying motorcycle accessories. Only by using a few cheap accessories, you will be able to take your motorcycle to the next level. This will not only enhance your style, but will also add to the value of your bike.

There are two types of motorcycle accessories that are used; ones that add to the safety of the ride and the other that add to the smoothness and functionality of the ride. In this article, our focus is on a range of hardware bike accessories, the ones that are added for the functionality of the ride.

The first accessory that we are discussing in this article is ‘motorcycle exhausts’. Usually, your motorcycle engine may malfunction because of the constriction of airflow through stock pipes. This problem can be solved by buying exhaust pipes. The exhaust pipes will increase the efficiency of the engine. Many, who are the fans of customization, remove the motorcycle parts of their new bikes and replace them with those that go with their taste of style or their use of the bike. Factory fitted pipes constrict the airflow, for environmental purposes. However, you can enhance their efficiency by replacing them and at the same time considering the environmental issues. But it might not end there. Today a number of manufacturers are using some type of fuel injection system. Even Harley-Davidson. Now when putting on a freer flowing exhaust also generally requires more air in.  In addition to that, now your ECM, (Electronic Control Module), which controls the air/fuel mixture is confused, it can not make proper adjustments. So be advised that even though your exhaust sounds great, it may get in your pocket a lot deeper. Some fuel management systems can range from $280-$1200 depending on brand and tuning requirements.

One of the other important accessories is the grips and pegs. The best way to get your hands on the best grips and pegs is that you must look for those that have rough surface over them. This will increase grip and help you control the motorcycle easily. This accessory is a very vital one. This also increases your comfort level by controlling the transfer of vibration into your body.

Many riders also like to change the company stock seats that are notorious for being uncomfortable and less useful, with their own bought seats that they feel comfortable with. This is one of the cheapest motorcycle accessories that you may find in the market. Try buying seats that have room for a passenger. Most seats are so small that they do not have any place for the passenger to sit. This minimizes the use of your motorcycle. Go for mustang or a Corbin – these are very comfortable for longer rides.

Other than the above mentioned motorcycle accessories, also try buying other essential and cheap motorcycle accessories such as a carburetor and air cleaner and other motorcycle parts like windshields. Air cleaner serves like lungs for motorcycles, if motorcycles are unable to breathe, they would suffocate and not function properly. Thus, air cleaners are important motorcycle accessories that need to be checked and replaced. The power and quickness of your motorcycle depends upon the efficiency of its carburetor. Therefore, this motorcycle accessory also needs to be changed quite often. Windshields protect the riders from the pressures of the wind coming on to the face and also make the ride more smooth by making the bike aerodynamic. Also very important motorcycle accessories that would perhaps most matter to the real riders would be the motorcycle tires. Good tires would add to the handling and smoothness of the bike ride.

You can choose the motorcycle tires, motorcycle seats and pads and motorcycle windshields according to your own use and style and make yourself more comfortable and confident with your bike and ride.

Thank you for stopping by! We appreciate your interest and really would like to hear from you.

Vtwinbrothers.com

Until next time, Ride Safe!

Ride Hard, Live Free!

Larry

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Harley Spruces Tired Twins

Posted on January 15, 2012 by larryke

Harley Spruces Tired Twins

By , About.com Guide   January 15, 2012

Harley Davidson 

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Got a run-down Hog that needs a new mill?

Harley-Davidson’s engine remanufacturing service– which already accepts 1984-current Evolution 1340, Twin Cam 88, Twin Cam 88B, and Twin Cam 95 lumps– has been expanded to include the Twin Cam 96, Twin Cam 103, and 2003-2006 CVO Twin Cam 103 engines. All 1999 and later engines can also be equipped with a street legal Screamin’ Eagle Big Bore Stage 1 EFI kit.

The program works like magic: drop your bike off at an authorized Harley dealership, and techs will remove the motor and ship it to H-D HQs, where it’s disassembled, inspected, and remanufactured or replaced “if parts are worn beyond their service limits.” The engine gets repainted or refinished in black, silver polish, silver and chrome, or black and chrome according to customer wishes, and the EPA-approved updates retain the mill’s original VIN.

Expect a two week turnaround for your like-new engine, which will carry a 12-month limited warranty once it’s back in your eager hands.

Source: Harley-Davidson Reman

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Preparing Your Motorcycle for Spring Riding

Posted on January 15, 2012 by larryke



It’s a new year, and sooner than we know it spring will be upon us – which means motorcycle riding will resume! I personally do not have a bike, but I do know quite a few avid riders who are already excited for the snow to melt. Before heading out, checking out safety of your bike is most important. Although excitement is hard to suppress, be sure to take a look at the following gauges and gadgets before you take your first ride of 2012.

Check your oil. Whether driving a car, motorcycle or other motor vehicle, this should be the simplest procedure to remember to do. Oil running smoothly will help your engine run at its best and will help you get the best gas mileage. After sitting all winter long, it’s likely that you’ll need to perform a complete oil change; although some riders are able to get away with no oil change after the winter months if they gave their bike fresh oil just before winter. In this case, it’s up to the owner’s discretion – but I would change it just for precautionary measure.

Lubricate. Lubrication always helps stiff parts back on their feet. Giving your brakes and engine fresh lube protects the parts and provides you a smooth ride. This is also a great time to check brake pads and to replace them if necessary. If they don’t need replacing now but are looking quite scant, make a mental note or set a date on your calendar to take a second look in a month or two. A full service is advisable.

Adjust. Ensuring valves and plugs are in proper shape and tightened as they should be will result in a great ride. Don’t forget to gauge your tires as proper air pressure is the life of them. Adjusting your clutch , checking all switch functions and lights is a must for less chances of a breakdown on the roadside.

Charge your battery. After sitting all winter, it will be more than necessary to check your battery charge. A great way to avoid having to do this is to keep a slow trickle charge on the battery throughout the winter to help it stay alive and in good shape. Think about replacing it if it looks a little battered or the charge is low.

Fill up. Before you can take off, gas will be needed. Unless you used a fuel stabilizer, if you filled up before storage it was for naught. Over the cold winter months, fuel stored in your tank stratifies – or separates into layers – and can get thick and clumpy once it warms up. Replace with new gas.

These can be quick and easy ways to help prepare your motorcycle for its first ride after winter.

Visit the link for more great ideas and tips for motorcycles, ordering your new parts or

Vtwinbrothers.com

For more information, advise and more.

Ride Hard, Live Free!

’til next time, Ride Safe!

Larry

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Do Your Own Motorcycle Repair Without Voiding Your Warranty

Posted on January 10, 2012 by larryke

Can you do your own motorcycle repair without voiding your warranty?

ABSOLUTELY!

One of the biggest MYTHS perpetuated by automobile and motorcycle manufacturers is that you will void your warranty if you work on your own vehicle or add aftermarket parts. I am here to tell you that you can wrench on your car, do your own motorcycle repair or fix your own toaster, all without worrying about the manufacturer’s warranty.

In 1975, our government enacted the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. This statute governs warranties on consumer products, including everything from toaster and vacuums to cars, trucks and our personal favorite, motorcycles. We can thank Senator Warren G Magnuson, U.S. Representative John E. Moss and Senator Frank Moss for sponsoring the Act.

I know a lot of people who have purchased brand new motorcycles and the dealership has implied that the warranty would be voided if your use different parts or if they have it serviced at an independent shop.

This is illegal!

This violates the “Tie-In Sales” provisions in the Magnuson-Moss Act that basically says that a manufacturer cannot require a consumer to buy a part or service from a specific company to be eligible for warranty repair (ie In order for your Harley Davidson to run properly you must use Harley Davidson oil and filters), They can “recommend”, but not require.

If you’re still not sure you can read Auto Warranties, Routine Maintenance, and Repairs: Is Using the Dealer a Must? on the Federal Trade Commission website.

My Harley has never seen the dealership because I do all of my own motorcycle repair. I can hear all of my riding buddies laughing at this point and saying, “That’s why all the stuff is falling off your bike.” Kiss my fuzzy  butt, boys! I am probably the poster child for “you need to check fasteners more often”, but stuff happens. Doing Your Own Motorcycle Repair is Rewarding There are a few reasons I choose to do my own motorcycle repair like saving money and bonding with my scooter, but the biggest reason I think is the peace of mind of knowing that it was done to MY specifications. If you did the oil change yourself, you know the filter is tight, you know the drain plug is tight and you know ALL the fluids were changed. I’m not knocking the dealerships (sort of), but ask around and I’m sure you will find more than one person who has had an oil change and left the dealership, only to find their bike leaking like crazy from the drain plug or filter. The mechanics at a dealership make money by doing your service, as fast as possible, and getting on to the next one. Not the mechanics fault, it’s just the way it is.

The bottom line; Don’t be afraid to wrench on your own bike and take care of your own motorcycle repair. You’ll feel good about yourself knowing that you did it yourself and the next time you are chasing your buddies through the twisties, you won’t be wondering, if the mechanic who worked on your bike last, tightened all of the bolts on your front end!

It’s no secret that Larry loves Harley-Davidson motorcycles! He has been riding almost as long as he has been able to walk and has been around motorcycles his entire life. Larry grew up in a rural farm town in the middle of nowhere and,  out of necessity, has been doing his own motorcycle repair for as long as he can remember.

We hope you love motorcycles just as much and will stophttp://vtwinbrothers.com/ to see other information and stories that he has written.

LET’S RIDE!
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Advantages of Riding a Motorcycle

Posted on December 18, 2011 by larryke

Have you ever wondered what entices a motorcycle enthusiast? Have you ever been driving down the road on that cool fall afternoon only to see bike after bike out on the roads? I am sure you have asked yourself what makes these folks bundle up and brave the elements. The truth is, riding a motorcycle has some unique advantages. Today I will share some of them with you.

Fuel- When you pull your SUV up to the pump these days a fill up is equal to the value of a nice steak dinner for two. Well, actually add a few drinks to that and you will have a more accurate comparison, but you get the point. At the national average of $3.368 for a gallon of regular unleaded, the average fill up will cost you around $75. Sure, that is better than the $100 average of recent past, but you get many more miles out of two pair of Levi’s for that same price. On the other hand, when I pull up to the pump on my motorcycle I can top off for less than $15. Additionally, I can travel over 200 miles per fill up. Even without putting the pencil to it, you can see the cost savings is substantial.

Maintenance- The cost of maintaining a motorcycle is a fraction of the cost of maintenance on a car or SUV. There are several reasons for this. One of them being that many of the routine maintenance items can be preformed on your own. How many of you have a new car that you can still work on? I rest my case. Very few vehicles can be worked on in the confines of your own garage these days. Even if you have the knowledge, you better have a pile of tools to apply that knowledge. It isn’t as simple as a wrench and a socket set anymore. But, in most cases it is that simple with a bike. And, when it is time to replace the tires, you only have two to buy. The reality is there is much less to maintain or replace on a motorcycle.

Parking- How many times have you circled the parking lot looking for that spot that will allow you to pull in and not have to worry about returning to a new door ding? Then, on your second lap a motorcycle pulls in and takes one of the two spots that you felt were just a little too tight. But as he or she crawls off their bike they have two to three feet on each side. Yes its true, the flexibility of parking a motorcycle is quite nice. Some places even have reserved motorcycle parking up near the front of their establishments.

Excitement- There is nothing that compares to the feel of the wind in your face. We all get this to some degree when we experience things like snow skiing, water skiing, or boating. But nothing compares to exploring Gods great creation on two wheels. There is no comparison to hearing the roar of the pipes, the feel of your hair or beard blowing in the wind, or that crisp cool breeze on your cheeks. And when you couple these things with the beauty of the land, there is no denying the excitement that rushes over us. Cruising up the Atlantic coast from Daytona to St Augustine, or slipping through Spearfish Canyon in South Dakota, it doesn’t get much better than that.

Today we have addressed many of the advantages of riding a motorcycle. Some of them are economical, some are convenience, and others are therapeutic. So the next time you are traveling down the road and see that rider, hopefully you will understand some of the reasons they have decided to saddle up. You will know as they travel across Interstate 90 on the way to Sturgis, or down Interstate 75 or 95 through Georgia on his or her way to Dayton Beach, it is costing them a fraction of what it would to drive their truck. Maybe you will realize the sense of pleasure that comes from exploring the great outdoors on a steel horse. I speak from experience when I tell you, there is nothing like it!

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Bobber Parts

Posted on November 16, 2011 by larryke

Building a bobber can be a real blast! It can also be frustrating at times not being able to get the parts you want for your build. Although bobber and chopper building has been around since the motorcycle was invented, only a handful of companies cater to this select group of builders and riders. Where you get your parts is almost as important as what parts you get. Make sure you’re getting the best quality parts available. You don’t want it falling apart after you’ve built it. Choosing a parts supplier to work with is important. Good service, fair prices and fast shipping. This will make all your future builds a snap. Find parts guys to start with can be a little daunting but once you weed through the imposters and find a good parts guy your golden!

Bobber have been around since forever it seems. Most motorcycles from the early day where bobbers from the get go and we all try to imitate them to some degree. A Bobber is by far the easiest cycle to start out riding and luckily they’re super cool!!

I like to use the “Hardtails” and the “Sotails” but a Bobber can be built out of anything you choose and that’s one of the greatest things about them, they can e whatever you want. Have a Honda laying around? Build it! Have a Yamaha in the back yard just collecting dust and rust? Build it! Even the wiring gets simplified so if you’re afraid of wiring it and getting it running don’t be it’s actually very simple. Headlight, Tail light, Plate Light and the motor harness – you’re ready to go.

A real popular bike to build a bobber out of is the old “Hardtail”. This make a real clean bobber and you have a ton of part choices when it comes to building one. Keep in mind that unless you plan on building your bike and your parts you need to pick a bike that others have pioneered on and the aftermarket supports. Pick a more challenging bike to build later on down the road. The “Hardtail” bobber is easy to build with plenty of aftermarket parts to get your build done the way you like. The simpler, the better>

The most popular bike to build, and my favorite is the Harley-Davidson”. The Harley-Davidson is a great “Value build” when you build a Harley bobber or even a BSA bobber you have something when you’re done. Not that a Yamaha isn’t a nice bike to make a bobber out of, it’s just when you done with it you have just that a Yamaha bobber, No vintage appeal or value to it(YET). Where as a Harley-Davidson,  Triumph or a BSA build is something vintage and cool! Not only will you see value in your artistic design you see rarity and collector value when your finished. If you’re building just to build a bar hopper then anything you choose is great. If you’re building to impress, then a Harley-Davidson is the way to go and it has been for years and will be for years to come.

 

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