The art of ‘bobbing’ started after World War II when returning soldiers, many of whom developed a mechanical interest, sought to enhance the performance of heavy American motorcycles. They achieved this by removing non-essential parts to lighten the bikes. One of the modifications involved cutting the fenders short, providing stiffness to the front forks and support for the rear seat pad.
Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber:
Guzzi has a long history of producing bikes tailored for the American market, with the California model being particularly popular among police forces, including the California Highway Patrol. The V9 Bobber continues this tradition, featuring a 853cc version of the traditional Guzzi transverse V-twin engine. Although it produces a moderate 64hp and 53lb-ft of torque and weighs 463lbs, it offers a touch of Italian flair. The Bobber Sport version provides additional upgrades like Öhlins suspension, sports exhaust, and two-tone paint.
Yamaha XV950R Bolt:
Hailing from Japan, the Yamaha XV950R Bolt boasts a 942cc air-cooled V-twin engine. Introduced in 2013 to rival the Harley-Davidson Sportster, it may lack some personality but makes up for it with stunning looks. The chassis offers a smooth ride, and the handling is impressive, providing a mix of relaxed bobber attitude and sporting ability. The belt final drive adds to its appeal.
Indian Scout Bobber Twenty:
Celebrating 100 years of the Indian Scout, the limited edition Scout Bobber Twenty exhibits individualistic style and uniqueness. With features like a ‘floating’ seat, black rimmed spoked wheels, ape hanger handlebars, and special paint, it stands out from the standard Scout Bobber. Although based on the Scout Bobber, it exudes its own charm and style.
Harley-Davidson Street Bob:
While modern bobbers are built from middleweight donor bikes that don’t necessarily require significant weight reduction, the Harley-Davidson Street Bob stands out as one of the best big-bore bobbers. It became a pioneer of the new generation of bobbers upon its release in 2006, utilizing the town-shock Dyna platform.
Indian Scout Bobber:
Arriving before the Scout Sixty Bobber, the Scout Bobber remains one of the best on the market. It features a lower stance and slightly different styling compared to the standard Scout. With a powerful 1133cc V-twin engine producing 94hp, great build quality, performance, and handling, it proudly represents the modern American spirit and offers an exclusive alternative to Harley-Davidson.
The art of bobbing, which gained popularity after World War II, continues to thrive with some of the best-looking bobbers available in the market today. Each of these bikes offers a unique blend of style, performance, and individuality, making them popular choices for motorcycle enthusiasts seeking a distinctive ride. Whether it’s the Italian flair of the Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber, the authentic bobber styling of the Yamaha XV950R Bolt, or the exclusive appeal of the limited edition Indian Scout Bobber Twenty, these bikes celebrate the spirit of bobbing and provide riders with an exhilarating experience on the road. So, if you’re looking for a bike that exudes character and style, one of these top ten bobbers might just be the perfect choice for you.
