Harley Bobber: The 14 Greatest Harley Davidson Bobber Builds
The Harley Davidson Bobber has a rich history, starting in 1903 and growing into a global symbol of "American Motorcycles." With so many iconic bikes to choose from, it's a challenge to list the 14 greatest. But as Willie G. Davidson once said, “Enjoy the pleasures of motorcycling as I have, and ride free always.” Let’s explore some of the best Harley Davidson Bobber builds.
What Harley Bobber is the Best?
The Harley Bobber is one of the most popular custom conversions of Harley-Davidson models. Models like the Cross Bones and Forty-Eight already have great designs, but with custom modifications, they can become even more striking. Traditional bobbers feature small spoke wheels, large tires, swinging saddles, and are often stripped down to their essentials. But with Harley Bobbers, the possibilities for customization are endless, from rusty vintage styles to sleek, polished creations.
VRSCE2 2006
The VRSCE2 2006 stands out with its eye-catching appearance and remarkable performance. With a powerful engine and excellent handling, it became an instant head-turner. The bike features a unique color blend of electric orange, scarlet red pearl, and yellow and platinum pearl, complemented by a frame coated in matching colors and a variety of chrome and Screaming Eagle upgrades.
CVO Softail Convertible 2012
The CVO Softail Convertible is a versatile model that offers both touring and cruising capabilities. It is a part of Harley’s Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO), showcasing top-of-the-line features like a road tech Zumo GPS system, large 24.4-inch seat, and a lightweight design. Its innovative windscreen adds to the sleek aesthetics and functionality.
VRSCDX Night Rod Special 2007
This model is designed for street racing, offering an aggressive look and powerful performance. The Night Rod Special is one of the most sinister-looking bikes in the Harley-Davidson lineup, built for speed and precision on the road.
XR750 1970
Introduced in 1970, the XR750 became a dominating force in flat-track racing, winning countless races and holding a legacy as the most successful bike in AMA history. Despite numerous attempts by competitors, it continued to reign supreme in the racing world.
FXRS Sport 1985
The FXRS Sport from 1985 was a simple yet effective design with an upgraded suspension and an additional disc brake in the front. Harley listened to riders’ feedback, making the bike more comfortable and efficient compared to its predecessors.
FLSTF Fat Boy 1990
The Fat Boy combined elements from both the Softail Classic and Softail Custom, creating something uniquely different from previous Harley models. With its signature disc wheels and flared fenders, the Fat Boy became an iconic piece of Harley’s history.
VRXSE Destroyer 2007
Designed for drag racing enthusiasts, the VRXSE Destroyer stood out for its performance and racing pedigree. Built for speed, this bike was specifically crafted to meet the demands of professional drag racing.
FXD Dyna Super Glide 2009
The Dyna Super Glide offers excellent customization potential and a Big Twin engine that allows riders to create their perfect Harley. This model is perfect for those on a budget who still want the thrill of a high-performance motorcycle.
Harley FLHR Road King 2012
The FLHR Road King combines classic touring features with a modern, powerful engine. Its rubber-mounted Twin Cam 103 engine ensures smooth rides on long distances, and its fuel-injection system provides excellent performance.
Harley Davidson VRSCDA 2001
The VRSCDA, also known as the V-Rod, was Harley's first venture into high-performance sportbikes. With a retro aesthetic and modern internals, it quickly became a standout in the cruiser market, offering both style and speed.
XLCH 1958
The XLCH from 1958 was a powerful and fast sportster model that gave Harley-Davidson a competitive edge in the racing world. Originally created for California riders, it showcased Harley’s ability to create race-ready bikes that still offered street-ready reliability.
FLH 1969
The FLH model was based on police motorcycles, with a design that required riders to sit bolt-upright. It’s possible that this was the inspiration for the “Steel Horse” nickname associated with Harley bikes.
JDH 1928
The JDH was one of Harley's fastest models in the late 1920s, with a 1200cc engine that could reach speeds of 88-100 mph. It was a performance-oriented bike that showcased Harley’s engineering prowess during this era.
Model J 1969
Introduced in 1920, the Model J was a revolutionary racing bike that set a world record with a speed of 103 mph at Daytona. While it may not look impressive by today’s standards, it was an engineering marvel of its time.
Conclusion
These 14 bikes represent some of the greatest Harley-Davidson Bobbers ever made. Each model brings something unique, whether it’s history, performance, or design. Harley enthusiasts and collectors alike can appreciate the craftsmanship and passion that goes into each build.
The early Harley Bobbers were built in the 1940s and 50s, often using military surplus bikes, and later modified to be lighter, faster, and more individualistic. The Harley Bobber legacy lives on through these iconic models, showcasing the enduring spirit of custom American motorcycles.
