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Post by sixxfiftyboy on Nov 26, 2010 14:09:58 GMT -5
Call me stupid or ignorant but what constitutes a bike being called a ''bobber'' or ''chopper'' or ''brat style'' or ''custom'' etc. I have seen many bikes and I can not distinguish a difference. Seems to me everyone has their own style and way of building a cool sled so I couldnt see calling one bike a chopper and another bike a bobber but calling it ''your own''. It's like everyone called any bike that wasnt stock a ''chopper'' a few years ago when discovery channel put OCC up on a pedistal. Now all I hear is bobber and chopper is no where to be heard. If anyone knows about this stuff please let me know maybe I just dont know the meanings of these terms. I'm sure I'm not the only one.
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Post by grizld1 on Dec 9, 2010 10:08:50 GMT -5
Since you haven't gotten an answer to a reasonable question, I'll chime in--just don't interpret my response as approval.
In current usage, a "custom" motorcycle seems to mean one which has its suspension destroyed. To "chop" a motorcycle is to cut frame and alter the angle of the steering head to compensate for extended forks. To "bob" a motorcycle, traditionally, was to strip it of anything superfluous and shorten (bob) the fenders. A "fat bob" was a treatment for Harleys and Indians, in which the original "fat" tanks and tires were retained. In current terms, bobbing appears to involve reducing ground clearance to an unsafe level, with short shocks and reduced fork travel to lower the stance. Extended swingarms are often used, and for some reason eliminating the rear shocks entirely with hard tail rear sections seems to be widely favored. Handling is often further impaired by the addition of extremely wide wheels and tires. The "Brat" derives from "rat," as in "rat bike." The Brat is a species of bobber, in the traditional sense. What seems to distinguish the style is a rough, "distressed" appearance, and builders will work very carefully to get it--sort of like designers making jeans with a distressed look. The rear suspension is usually retained, but the machines are usually lowered enough front and rear to impede handling. Cafe touches like high-performance brakes and clip-ons are sometimes used, and to the other end of the spectrum, fat wheels and tires are sometimes installed.
Since we're talking about terms, the word "build" seems to be used a little strangely today. IMO to build a motorcycle is to start from the motor up with performance goals in mind, putting function first and working the cosmetics around it. To "style" a motorcycle is to start with fashion goals and pursue those goals with little or no concern for function. There are many stylists out there, and very few builders. I find it really odd that the stylists often refer to purpose-built machines with highly modified and enhanced suspensions and engines as "stockers," and to anyone who puts performance first as a "purist." Go figure.
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Post by sixxfiftyboy on Dec 10, 2010 19:34:15 GMT -5
Wow man that is quite an explaination, probably the best I have heard. Great job man and thanks for taking the time to explain this to me. It makes total sense.
Cheers
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pamcopete
Full Member
'78/E, '81/H, '82 XJ550, '74 CB750, '81 CB750, '73 CB450
Posts: 167
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Post by pamcopete on Dec 11, 2010 7:12:39 GMT -5
grizld1, Yeh...I especially like the term "build" as in "I'm going to do my first build" and then they proceed to destroy the frame and the entire electrical system.  It's like the term "get the cat fixed". Actually, the cat gets broken and he's never the same again. Like, the cat gets chopped...  ...or is it bobbed? Bob cat?...Huh?  (Definetly not a Tom anymore.....hangs around Cafes looking for a handout....Cafe Cat? Hard to tell....  ) |
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Post by sixxfiftyboy on Dec 11, 2010 13:00:57 GMT -5
or if you chop a cat does it end up in a smorgasboard? chop suey anyone?
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...or is it bobbed? Bob cat?...Huh? 
)