Hi - the FXSTB is coming along nicely, has plenty of bolt on aftermarket accessories and looks the goods.
But I've been itching for a custom rigid bobber with a springer front end...because I want to keep the Night Train I need to keep this project on a budget.
Leaning toward a rigid Sporty as I believe (stand corrected) that they are cheaper to find donar engines etc.

Can those who have modified bikes before suggest an option (largely influenced on costs):

1.) Buy a rolling frame, motor and build up slowly

2.) Buy a complete registered Sporty, strip, sell off parts not wanted, weld or replace frame for a rigid? 
     What are the rego/engineering requirements on this? If I have an fabricator weld a section in or replace the frame for a rigid?
 

This is where I have started, sure the idea will change and evolve a few more times yet.

Cheers
 

First you need to learn what a bobber is.

Bobber.



Bobber.



Not a bobber.

Ha ha, what Neo Dutch is refering to is the fact you want a bike that looks like a "Bobber" or is what the unthinking majority perceive to be a "Bobber", but in reality you basically want to build a short rigid Chopper.

The first thing you need to investigate and learn about is ICV's as that's where you're heading, if you want to keep it all legal and above board, then forget you ever thought about this part - "project on a budget"

 No this is a Bobber

]

 All jokes aside, I can help you with anything you need to Build a Custom Bike in Aust, including info and on getting it Engineered once you have finished building it,,, Ian VPW 03 8405 9212

Cheers fellas, Ian I'll drop you a call in the future.
I assume that a Sporty converted to a rigid will still need an engineers report? Any idea on cost in Vic?

I use 2 different Engineers in Vic, both charge about $1500, We stock all the correct items that are ADR Appoved

Thanks Ian - great information.

Maphew 

suggest you do some reading on xlforum.net where I copied this for you

This is courtsey of HrdlyDangrs

The main features of a 'Bobber' are: 

1) Cut down or 'Bobbed' rear fender. Actually on the Harleys of this vintage all you did was to remove the rear hinged section of the rear fender.

2) Cut down or total removal of the front fender would be in order.
WHO THE HELL NEEDS A FRONT FENDER ANYWAY!

3) Original Wide-Style Springer front ends or the later Wide-Glide fork sliders.

The Springer gets my vote as the all-time best 'Bobber' front end.

4) A set of mid-rise handlebars on short 'dogbone' risers. The ones shown are the Flanders offset type. The use of the dogbones was mainly due to the nomenclature of the 'Springer' front end.

IMO the use of mid-rise bars in the 6"-8" height, mounted either stand alone or with short risers of 6" or less, are an essential element for a 'Bobber'

5) A SOLO-SEAT with or without a P-PAD is a must.....PERIOD!

In the case of this 'Knucklehead' it uses the original sprung seat post to carry the solo seat. Other versions especially in the case of the Brit bikes of the period, would run a solo with a pair of small springs or no springs at all.

6) FAT-BOB TANKS are probably the best example of 'Bobbing' on Harley and Indians motorcycles. 

Remember 'Bobbers' were being built prior to the intro of the K-Model 'Sporties' of the early 50's, so the Sporty tank was at least 5 years down the road.

The Brit Triumph's and BSA's were sporting the 'Peanut' style tanks. These adapted easily to the Harleys and looked 'Cool' and definitely went on to become a 'Chopper' staple of the Sixties.

6) The HARDTAIL FRAME is without doubt the most significant part of any 'Bobber' project. Swing arms look good no doubt....but the old style..UNCUT...Hardtail frame is 'THE' frame for a 'Bobber'.

UNCUT FRAME....cause 'Bobbers' use a Stock Rake....your not building a Chopper.

7) TIRE AND RIMS can make or break any 'Bobber' project. 

IMO if your going original Period style like the 'Knucklehead shown here.... then 16" front or rear rims are the way to go. 

If the later 'Bobber' look of the sixties is your thing then a narrow 21" front rim with an Avon 'Speedmaster' is the only way to go....and best used with the Wide Glide front end. They look especially 'COOL' when used with a Wide-Glide Springer.

YOU HAVE TO USE 'OLD SCHOOL' tires on your 'Old Skool' BOBBER. That means the early 'NARROW and TALL SIDEWALL' Goodyears or Avon types of the period. The Avon 'Speedmaster' are still being produced, but the original Goodyears are hard to find, although you can get reproductions from Coker Tires.

This may piss some people off, but...WHITEWALLS ARE FOR HOT RODS....as in CARS......BLACK WALL TIRES ARE ESSENTIAL for motorcycles......IN MY OPINION.

8) SISSY BARS....If I were building a 40's/50/s style 'Bobber' I would not use them. I would the stock style fender stay or a home-made fender stay that mounts cleanly under the fender like the 'Knucklehead' photo.

If I were building a Sixties Style 'Bobber' I would go with either a short or tall round bar Sissy bar. These look relly cool when paired up with a Stock wide style Springer front end and the 21" narrow fron wheel. ALMOST...getting into the 'Chopper' style look.

9) PAINT....For me One or two color paint jobs featuring SCALLOPS or EARLY FLAMES or SIMPLE PINSTRIPING or even STOCK Period Harley decals fit the look of an early 'Bobber'. Use of heavy graphics, gold/silver leaf work and heavy pinstriping go along with Choppers and Modifieds and to some extent on the later Sixties Style 'Bobbers'. 

 

original post at http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/showthread.php?t=11697&page=14

 

Hope this gets you started

 

Cheers

Thank you for all the input, appreciate the info.
I'm in the idea and informaton gathering phase at the moment. I'll take a look around the XL Forum cheers 45WL.

 Here is some Sportsters that I have had some involment with

The 1st and 4th ones get my vote for cool

They're all cool choppers.

 All very cool bikes in their own unique way Ian. I like them all. By the way, how's your latest project going?

Iv'e put the brakes on it a bit, It's been a very cold winter and it's freezing in the shed at night, I will be back out there soon,

very nice bikes love the sportys

Yeah, Sporty's can look sweet customed or Chopped.
All styles there, Rat, Indian Larry, Jap scene, very nice.