Bagger to Bobber

December 19, 2006 by David.

A word about that first Harley, the Springer.  It is a 1995 limited edition Bad Boy.  What’s that all mean?  “Springer” refers to the front forks which are a throwback to over 50 years ago.  They have dual downtubes with a lever between the two to mount the front wheel, giving all of about 3″ of travel.  Other bikes have single slider tubes with twice or more travel.  As to “Bad Boy”, that just means that it has had “stuff” blacked out, primarily the forks.  I took the blacked out theme and ran with it, blacking out a lot of things.

It was a few months old and had 1200 miles on it when I got it.  It had a windshield and, yes, bags added.  That was all well and good when it was my only bike, but now that I’ve got a real bagger, what’s a guy to do with the old bike that shakes like hell?  As my friend Gary says, Harleys are like kids: you can’t ever get rid of one once you have it.  As my first Harley I really didn’t want to sell it and I admit it has languished in the garage after we got the Road Glide. 

I’ve finally settled on its future direction.  I’ll strip off the windshield and bags and turn it into a “Bobber.”  What’s a Bobber?  Back in the day, a Bobber was a bike that had been chopped and stripped down and one of the primary styles is a shortened rear fender.  I figure there is a lot I can do myself, but I’d like to fatten up the rear tire, put on flat bars, and of course hot rod the engine.  Did I mention power is good?

I’ve only seen one bike that is the style like I want to make and it confirmed that is what I want (picture above).  For more on the springer, go to www.BadBoyBobber.com.  Yes, I know the site name assumes I’m heading in in the direction of a Bobber even though it isn’t there yet… 

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