Any advice on what main componets (eng, trans, ect) when building a bobber?

 

S&S Pan Motor.

 

+1

I think the pan is the best overall looking motor HD produced, but when we are talking about a motor that is 50 or more years old you are going to have heartaches with it. The new S&S is a good compromise. Mate that up with a 6 speed and you have a hot ticket. Next questions, how old are your bones, how much and where are you going to ride it. Bar hopping, the highways of the southwest, then a rigid frame with a sprung seat is still doable. Midwest pothole city, heavy touring, go with a softtail frame.

For front ends I am partial to a springer, but they are a wicked mistress ( at least the old ones were ). Tubes are much easier to ride, a girder is very cool looking, but I have never ridden one myself.

Tanks, same question as above, how you going to use it dictates how big of a tank.

Look at lots of mags, both old and new and enjoy the planning stage!

 

agreed.

 

While I LOVE Pans (and have one), I'd opt for the new Knuckle motor. Better yet, I'd try to find an original that hasn't been molested too much. The Knuck is without a doubt the best looking motor HD ever built. There are still plenty HD ratchet lid trannys still showing up on fleabay and some go pretty cheap for the shape they're in. Frame? Look at Flyrite or Paughco. Both made in the USA and both quality frames. If you're really looking to build a bobber, go with a rigid frame, kick only trans, foot cluth/hand shift, etc. Skinny is in. Long, stretched and fat is out. Chop the rear fender and forget about a front fender. Apes are cool but a low slung drag bar is just as cool. Want to check out some cool bikes, hang out at the Jockey Journal forum...