Categories
BikeExif bobber Custom Motorcycles Harley bobber Harley Flathead Harley-Davidson Jamesville Other Motorcycle Blogs Restomod

Going out with a bang: Jamesville’s last custom Harley

Going out with a bang: the last custom Harley from Jamesville, a WLA bobber.
I’ve always had a soft spot for the machines built by James Roper-Caldbeck. Back in 2009, when Bike EXIF was only a few months old and still a casual side project, we started featuring Jamesville bikes—which were a breath of fresh air compared to the blinged-out choppers that still dominated the western Harley scene at the time.

James and I have kept in touch over the years. So I had mixed feelings when he dropped me a line the other day to say he was closing the custom side of his business, and was going to focus on restorations and traditional bob-jobs only.

Going out with a bang: the last custom Harley from Jamesville, a WLA bobber.
Fortunately, the Denmark-based Englishman has built one last custom to sign off with, and he’s going out with a bang.

“This ’42 flathead came to me as an engine and transmission stuffed into a frame, rolling around on an old wooden dolly,” James says. “It was followed by ten boxes full of crappy old parts. I guess it was some kind of chopper back in the day.”

Going out with a bang: the last custom Harley from Jamesville, a WLA bobber.
James’ client wanted something very different—a custom bobber. “He was in love with the first bike I built under the Jamesville name, a 1942 WLC flathead.”

James is coming up to his tenth anniversary in the motorcycle business, and this would be his 25th complete build. So he figured it would be fitting if he built a WLA flathead using the first Jamesville creation as a muse.

Going out with a bang: the last custom Harley from Jamesville, a WLA bobber.
“Out of the ten boxes, I gave nine of them back to the client,” he says. “All I’ve used from the original basket case are the frame, forks, engine, transmission, wheel hubs and primary cover.”

Those components have all been completely rebuilt, and everything else is new.

Going out with a bang: the last custom Harley from Jamesville, a WLA bobber.
“The client wanted a bike with a Harley WR feel,” James reveals. “Light, sporty and slim. It was important to him that there was no battery box, which is not needed on a WR because they use a magneto.”

But James won’t use a magneto on a customer’s bike—they’re way too trying for someone with little mechanical knowledge.

Going out with a bang: the last custom Harley from Jamesville, a WLA bobber.
Instead, he found a small Antigravity battery. “WR-style gas tanks leave a perfect space in the frame between the tanks for the battery. The tanks are built in Poland I believe, which I am very happy about—as I don’t have to make them any more!”

James has finished the split tanks with a custom aluminum strip, which also houses an oil pressure light sat on a small piece of sculpted brass.

Going out with a bang: the last custom Harley from Jamesville, a WLA bobber.
The handlebars are Speedster bars with six inches chopped out of the width, two from the rise and an inch from ends. Like many other parts on this flathead, they’ve been Parkerized—treated with a phosphate coating, similar to the process used on firearms.

The rear fender was made by Cooper Smithing Co., and James has welded the fender strut directly onto it—so there’s no need for fussy nuts and bolts. “I have to say his fenders are the best in the business. Just a beautiful piece of metalwork.”

Going out with a bang: the last custom Harley from Jamesville, a WLA bobber.
James has kept the original hubs, but laced them to new 18’’ rims with Parkerized spokes. They’re wrapped in Shinko 270 Super Classic tires, with a vintage-style sawtooth tread pattern to match the looks of the WLA.

“Other than that, and the chopped down seat and the custom exhaust—which sounds awesome—the WLA is pretty much stock,” says James.

Going out with a bang: the last custom Harley from Jamesville, a WLA bobber.
And that’s the way the Harley business is going right now in Europe. “People want to keep their bikes original,” James notes.

“So this is as much a restoration as it is a custom build. ‘Investment’ is a word often used in the Harley world today.”

Going out with a bang: the last custom Harley from Jamesville, a WLA bobber.
The striking paint is most definitely not stock though, and we love it. “For the anniversary bike I wanted something that said POW! but still had class,” says James.

“Unfortunately the client was not crazy about the red, and said it looked too retro. So the bike is now hidden somewhere in Copenhagen, waiting until the lawyers have sorted out their shit.”

Going out with a bang: the last custom Harley from Jamesville, a WLA bobber.
“Building custom bikes is always fun. It’s like playing Russian Roulette: you never know if you’re going to get the pay, or the bullet.”

We’re sad to see James leave the custom business, but glad to hear he’s going to carry old restoring old Milwaukee metal. If you live in northern Europe and have a barn find gathering dust in your garage, Mr Roper-Caldbeck is your man.

Jamesville Motorcycles | Facebook | Instagram
Going out with a bang: the last custom Harley from Jamesville, a WLA bobber.

Categories
BikeExif bobber Custom Bikes of the Week Custom Motorcycles Indian motorcycles Indian Scout motorcycles Other Motorcycle Blogs

Custom Bikes Of The Week: 27 May, 2018

The best cafe racers, scramblers and bobbers of the week
A subtle but strikingly effective makeover for the Indian Scout Bobber, an astounding Honda CB900F restomod from Canada, a drag bike with Multistrada power, and a peek at BMW’s latest concept, revealed at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. And all guaranteed to be free of pipewrap and Firestones.

Custom Honda CB900F restomod
Honda CB900F restomod by Darren Begg When it comes to restomods, few can hold lit wax to Ottawa’s Darren Begg. His attention to detail and excellence of execution is truly second to none. And he’s always looking to improve, too. Which is why this CB985F Evolution, a tribute to the first custom he ever created, is so damned sweet.

If you want to skip the reading and see one thing that sums up Darren’s expertise, focus your peepers on that front fender mount. I mean, come on! Not convinced? Could you spot that the CB900F frame was tweaked a touch out back to make room for a Gixxer 600 swingarm? Or how about the fact that Darren has shaved some 85 pounds from the CB’s original tally? And that those weight savings aren’t just lump-sum, but have been proportioned to hit 51% front, 49% rear?

Custom Honda CB900F restomod
And then there’s the motor. A Wiseco 985 big bore kit has been installed, the head has been ported, and it runs degreed cams spun by racing chains. Race-spec Yoshimura TMR-MJN (Downdraft/Multiple Jet Nozzle) carbs feed this beast, and a 4-into-2-into-1 exhaust finishes things off. Braking and suspension all top-notch stuff as well, and the paintwork is just that—all paint. There wasn’t a single decal or stretch of vinyl applied here. [More]

Custom Indian Scout Bobber by Rogue Motorcycles
Indian Scout Bobber by Rogue Motorcycles When it was launched last year, the Indian Scout Bobber was welcomed as a styling homerun. But it wasn’t a large departure from the standard Scout that it shares showroom floors with. Most of the cosmetic changes could be easily achieved with an accessories catalog and a set of spanners.

If you’d like a little more substance with your style, check out Aussie workshop Rogue Motorcycles’ version of a bobbed Scout. After putting just 92 kilometers on the odometer, owner Josh Reed enlisted Billy Kuyken at Rogue to help make the bike his own. It started by stripping the paint clean off of the tank and laying down a healthy layer of clear coat. (Josh dug the shape Indian had chosen but wanted something a little rawer.)

Custom Indian Scout Bobber by Rogue Motorcycles
From there the risers went under the grinder and lost about 90% of their metal. The results deliver a more traditional set up, with the clocks moved forward and integrated into the top clamp. Those risers now hold drag bars and feature billet levers and Motogadget m.blaze blinkers.

Most of the major changes happened in the rear, where the Scout’s beefy fender and mounting bracket were axed in favor of the custom style bobber unit Billy had created. The Scout’s forward controls were then tinkered with so they could be mounted mid-ship while permitting the new exhaust to keep Josh’s right ankle warm on a chilly Sunday morning ride. Much like Indian’s Bobber, the changes here are subtle but impactful and Josh clearly chose the right seat for his. [More]

BMW R1100GS Megamoto tribute
BMW R1100GS Megamoto tribute The BMW HP2 Megamoto has always held a high place on my lust list. Essentially a laser-focused Boxer taken to the nth degree for performance, it was designed as a monstrous motard response to Ducati and KTM. But it was never really a looker. Toro Moto’s Ultramoto, on the other hand, is much more palatable take on a big SuMo.

Based on a 1994 R1100GS, builder Ricardo Micheli wanted to pay homage to the Megamoto but with a healthy sprinkling of retro. The new subframe delivers a more stilted stance and also shifts the riding position forward a touch, to shift weight and help muscle this beast around.

BMW R1100GS Megamoto tribute
The tank is a custom job that’s had a Motogadget touchscreen unit frenched in place, and just ahead is a new number plate and a very 90s rectangular headlight. Under the bike’s beefy ‘beak’ are even beefier twin 320mm discs.

The suspension has been reworked by Wilbers, and the oil/airhead motor has been rejigged too. A set of high-lift cams has been installed, as well as high compression pistons, and the Ultramoto barks through a completely handmade custom exhaust. The ECU now boasts three selectable riding modes and the final drive has been shortened to celebrate #wheeliewednesday everyday of the week. [More]

Ducati Multistrada-powered drag racer by KD Motorcycles
Ducati Multistrada-powered drag racer The Sultans of Sprint races have delivered some exquisite steeds, all prepped to tear ass for the 200m run. And this build, from Belgium’s KD Motorcycles may be one of the prettiest to date. Powered by the L-Twin from a Ducati 1000DS, Il Veloce definitely has the grunt to compete. But the stunning paint by Luigi Morgese means I’d be happy to stare at it sitting still for hours.

The custom hardtail frame has been stretched to help maximize traction but even with the hunched drag-racer’s stance, she’s a beauty to behold. Near everything fabricated or installed has been done with the precision and detail that typically takes home best in show awards, not race wins.

Ducati Multistrada-powered drag racer by KD Motorcycles
The saddle hugs the custom frame’s tubing expertly with an extra touch of plush to keep the rider from flying off and the vintage touches at the clip-ons and controls are a delight.

The engine has received its fair share of attention too. BG-Garage plied some of their race tricks to exert some extra oomph from the Duc. Those monstrous velocity stacks flanking the tiny, sculpted tank are their work, as is that incredibly well sorted exhaust. [More]

BMW Concept 9cento motorcycle
BMW Concept 9cento BMW has a solid history at the swanky Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este show. Last year, we saw the cool Concept Link scooter. In 2016, we had the incredible R5 Hommage. And the year before that, the Concept 101—the design study that led to the K1600B bagger.

This year, BMW pulled the wraps off the Concept 9cento (pronounced nove cento) sports touring bike. It’s a glimpse into BMW’s styling future, a slim and sharp-edged all-rounder that amplifies some of the visual cues already seen on BMW’s dual sports.

BMW Concept 9cento motorcycle
No specs are given, but motive power almost certainly comes from BMW’s new 800cc two-banger. Aside from the hunched-forward design, the aspect that caught our eyes is the back end, because it’s something that could be adapted for custom builds.

On the Concept 9cento, clip-on cases offer storage space and extend the seating area for a passenger. In BMW’s case, an electromagnet secures the luggage/seat extension to the back end of the frame, but we reckon a couple of sturdy bolts would do the trick just as well.

BMW Concept 9cento motorcycle
A lack of tandem seating or luggage capability is a common hurdle for many custom fans. And simply extending a flat seat doesn’t suit the lines of most one-off builds. Maybe BMW has hit on a solution here. [More]

BMW Concept 9cento motorcycle

Categories
BikeExif bobber Custom Motorcycles Krugger Other Motorcycle Blogs Triumph Bobber

Krugger hardtails the Triumph Bonneville Bobber

A custom Triumph Bobber hardtail by Krugger
Fred ‘Krugger’ Bertrand has a specialty: winning world championships. He’s taken home the Big One from the AMD show twice so far, and picked up multiple other awards too. The Belgian wizard is the master of the grand slam, pull-out-all-the-stops build, without resorting to peanut tanks or 30” front wheels.

But what happens when Krugger turns his hand to a manufacturer commission—with strict orders not to apply the grinder to the frame, or loosen the engine bolts? This hardtail Bobber is the answer, built for Triumph Benelux and infused with a touch of drag bike style.

A custom Triumph Bobber hardtail by Krugger
The story behind ‘Bobber Basse-Bodeux’ started at the end of 2017, when Triumph sent the fastest-selling motorcycle in the company’s history to Krugger’s rural hideaway.

There was just one catch: the bike had to be finished before the 2018 motorcycle show season, which is starting right now. But despite this tight schedule, Krugger has managed to pack the Bobber with intricate details and factory-level custom finishing.

A custom Triumph Bobber hardtail by Krugger
To get the low-slung stance right, he’s shortened the fork tubes by just over an inch. He’s also lowered the fuel tank by 40mm, subtly redesigning it to sit closer to the engine block. The fuel cap has been centered and ‘frenched’ in too. They sound like simple mods, but it meant creating an additional tank to house the fuel pump.

This one has been located under the seat, and is neatly hidden. Total fuel capacity has been increased from 9.1 to a most useful 16 liters and there’s a lovely touch with the logos on the main tank—they’ve been carved from Neoprene by the creative engraving studio Atelier 8185.

A custom Triumph Bobber hardtail by Krugger
The biggest change is to the wheelbase. It’s lengthened by 75mm, thanks to a custom-designed rigid hardtail setup. The rear end of the standard Bobber looks pretty clean, but this is even more minimal—because the cantilevered shock is gone.

To get the seat to fit snugly against the frame, Krugger has reversed the support arm—a relatively simple solution that works brilliantly. The standard seat base has been recovered in a stunning black hide by Wildhog.

A custom Triumph Bobber hardtail by Krugger
Krugger has removed the air intake box, and installed beautifully machined velocity stacks for the ‘carburetors.’ The intakes are mostly for visual effect, but they’ve also allowed Krugger to push the side panels back by 50mm.

The Bobber is famous for its straight-line speed: indeed, the centerpiece of the launch event in London was an indoor drag race. Still, Krugger has freed up a little extra power via a custom INOX exhaust system, with 53mm diameter pipes and megaphone mufflers.

A custom Triumph Bobber hardtail by Krugger
Dyno tests have shown that even just replacing the cat with an X-pipe on the Triumph 1200 engine is good for a +5% increase in horsepower straight away. Krugger’s bike has been remapped, so we’re betting on an extra 10% (or more) power hitting the back wheel on this one.

The wheels are 18-inch Arlen Ness alloys—3.5 at the front, and 5.5 at the rear, with matching Arlen Ness brake discs. The tires are Dunlop’s super-sticky Sportmax pattern, with special ‘scarving’ and even the Krugger logo discreetly embossed—a trick we haven’t seen before.

A custom Triumph Bobber hardtail by Krugger
The new fenders are a snug fit, and were crafted in-house by Krugger himself. Like the tank, they’re finished in one of the most unusual colors offered by Skoda, a grey called ‘Seda Steel.’

The rest of the Bobber is sprinkled with Triumph’s own accessory parts, from the grips to the LED headlamp with aluminum bezel—and even less noticeable hard parts like the oil plug, front brake cylinder cap and clutch cable brackets. The bars are standard, but have been inverted to accentuate the low-slung vibe.

A custom Triumph Bobber hardtail by Krugger
Once again Krugger has pulled it off. He’s proved that he can do more than wild show bikes, and can turn his hand to a streetable custom that looks like a million Euros but with relatively minimal mods—and without resorting to the grinder.

Krugger Motorcycles | Triumph Belgium | Images © Thierry Dricot 2017.

Krugger would like to thank Triumph Motorcycles B.V., Dunlop, Qwart, Wildhog, Atelier 8185 , SBV Tools, Arlen Ness and Carrosserie Counotte.

A custom Triumph Bobber hardtail by Krugger

Categories
BAAK Motocyclettes BikeExif BMW motorcycles BMW R nineT bobber Custom Motorcycles Other Motorcycle Blogs

(Some) Assembly Required: BAAK’s easy-build BMW R nineT

A bobber-tinged kit for the BMW R nineT by BAAK Motocyclettes
There are a handful of modern motorcycles that really lend themselves to customization. And if you pick the right one, you might not even have to get your hands that dirty.

And that’s fair enough. Although we all swoon at the fabrication skills of rock star bike builders, not everyone has the ability or desire to create a ‘stack of dimes’ weld.

A bobber-tinged kit for the BMW R nineT by BAAK Motocyclettes
Owners of bikes like the Harley-Davidson Sportster and Triumph Bonneville have always been spoilt for choice when it comes to bolt-on modifications. Whether it’s a few detail changes or a complete transformation, ‘custom’ can be nothing more than a credit card swipe and a couple of hours in the garage.

The BMW R nineT is now on that list. Although it’s only been on sale for four years, the list of suppliers making plug-n-play goodies is growing fast. And now the French custom shop BAAK has thrown its hat into the ring, building an R nineT kit with a subtle bobber vibe.

A bobber-tinged kit for the BMW R nineT by BAAK Motocyclettes
On the surface, it looks like an extremely neat and well-proportioned custom boxer. But it’s not a one-off; most of the parts you see here will be for sale soon, and nineT owners will be able to replicate all or part of this look without grabbing a Sawzall® or welder.

The Lyon-based workshop picked the most basic nineT model for their test bed—the R nineT Pure. It’s the cheapest in the range, and comes standard with 17” alloy wheels, right-side-up forks (sans adjustability), and a steel fuel tank. Without the fancy trim of its siblings, it was the perfect bike to develop new parts on.

A bobber-tinged kit for the BMW R nineT by BAAK Motocyclettes
BAAK’s goal was to take the already timeless Beemer and give it an even more classic spin, with a design that would date well without bowing to trends. “To give soul back to the motorcycle,” as the guys put it.

“We focused on the purity of the riding feel, so it provides a stronger sensation for the rider. This motorcycle isn’t rational; we did our best to make it feel like it’s doing 160 mph while remaining within the legal speed limit.”

A bobber-tinged kit for the BMW R nineT by BAAK Motocyclettes
“On the other hand, this build takes advantages of modern motorcycle features: it brakes hard, the engine has great flexibility and torque at throughout the rev range, it handles well, and it’s reliable.”

In their Lyon workshop, the BAAK crew kicked off the project by sketching how they’d like the nineT to look, and then developing each individual part. The process for most of the parts involved designing them with 3D software, creating 3D printed prototypes, and then test fitting those to the donor bike. Once each part was fine tuned to perfection, the final product could be manufactured using the desired materials and finish.

A bobber-tinged kit for the BMW R nineT by BAAK Motocyclettes
“It’s the usual process,” the guys tell us. “Assemble the raw parts on the bike, spend hours looking at it, take it apart to start the design again, and once you reach a satisfying result, give each part the finish level it deserves.”

We’ve included a full parts list below, but highlights include a pair of 16” wheels in BAAK’s typical style, redesigned cylinder head covers, and a sharp new tail section. We’re loving the tightly routed exhaust too, and the side-mounted rear shock that harks back to the original BMW R 80 mono-shock design.

A bobber-tinged kit for the BMW R nineT by BAAK Motocyclettes
The finishes are top shelf. The seat leather is double tanned, using a bespoke system that combines both natural and chrome tanning. This will help it to hold its color over time, while still developing character as it wears.

The mudguards are stainless steel, with a brushed finish. Parts like the cylinder heads and triple clamps are machined aluminum, finished with a satin black powder coat. And the intake manifold cover and seat cowl were shaped in-house, by hand.

A bobber-tinged kit for the BMW R nineT by BAAK Motocyclettes
Getting these details right was paramount—more so than a need to build something ‘over the top.’ “This build isn’t extravagant,” the BAAK guys explain. “You can enjoy trying to spot every detail that contrasts with the original configuration.”

“Sobriety was one of our guidelines for this project. This is the result of the work of a team of six craftsmen based in a small French workshop and we’re proud that it looks right when riding.”

A bobber-tinged kit for the BMW R nineT by BAAK Motocyclettes
BAAK’s R nineT hits the sweet spot for us as a package. But we can also picture the individual parts doing well alongside other mods on any given R nineT.

And anything that helps riders personalize their bikes is all right by us.

BAAK Motocyclettes | Facebook | Instagram

A bobber-tinged kit for the BMW R nineT by BAAK Motocyclettes

Parts list
Leather seat with handcrafted aluminum seat cowl
Aluminum rear wheel arch with integrated taillight
Rear shock relocated to side position with new mountings, designed in collaboration with Shock Factory
Low position license plate holder made out of aluminum, with license plate light
16” aluminum rims laced to BMW hubs with stainless steel spokes
Continental K112 tires
BAAK Bobber exhaust system, with stainless steel manifolds and aluminum mufflers
Cylinder heads covers in machined aluminum
Intake manifold cover handcrafted out of aluminum
Frame side covers in machined aluminum
Öhlins Black Edition fork, with custom caliper brackets and front mudguard brackets
Removed airbox, replaced with air filters
Stainless steel front fender
Genuine leather fork gaiters (water repellent, and manufactured over a wooden mould using a century-old method)
Classic headlight with brushed trim ring and Lucas P700 optics
Aluminum headlight brackets
Wide fatbar handlebar with increased rise and sweep
Beringer handlebar controls
Mini LED turn signals with turn signal covers
Classic round mirror
Cream and Black custom gas tank paint
Cast aluminum gas tank badges

Categories
BikeExif bobber Custom Motorcycles Other Motorcycle Blogs Royal Enfield

Should Royal Enfield Build a Classic 500 Bobber?

This new build from KR Customs is proof that Royal Enfield should build a Classic 500 Bobber
With the success of Triumph’s Bonneville Bobber, it’s a wonder more manufacturers aren’t pushing out factory bobbers. But the Royal Enfield Classic 500 is close to the mark, with a timeless, minimal design that’s a little on the utilitarian side.

This bob-job from KR Customs is a superb example of what could be done, if Royal Enfield were feeling daring. And KR Customs are even based in the same city as Royal Enfield’s HQ—Chennai, India.

This new build from KR Customs is proof that Royal Enfield should build a Classic 500 Bobber
The shop opened its doors a few years ago, when founder Krish Rajan was relocated to Chennai by the IT company he worked for. A lifelong motorcycle enthusiast, he decided to build his first custom bike, but couldn’t find anyone to help him do it.

“For the most part, custom bike shops were still an esoteric notion in most parts of India,” he explains. “After scratching around for a year to build a custom bike, I finally decided to take the plunge and start my own shop.”

This new build from KR Customs is proof that Royal Enfield should build a Classic 500 Bobber
“I must say, somewhere the ‘bike gods’ were smiling, because a chance meeting led me to Suresh and his father. They are old time mechanics, who have spent over 35 years working with Royal Enfield bikes.”

Krish acquired a second hand lathe, a gas welder and a pipe bender, and KR Customs was born. And even though Krish still holds down his day job, this is already their fourth build.

This new build from KR Customs is proof that Royal Enfield should build a Classic 500 Bobber
The brief came via a casual phone conversation with their client, Vikas. He’s from Mysore, and was looking for custom shops in and around Bangalore when he stumbled upon KR’s website. The deal was cemented when Vikas and Krish discovered that they shared similar backgrounds and both had studied in North America before moving back to India.

“We decided to make a bobber/tracker,” says Krish. “Vikas provided some design cues: he wanted a vintage look, but with some modern touches. Like keeping the EFI pump, the original forks, and so on.”

This new build from KR Customs is proof that Royal Enfield should build a Classic 500 Bobber
It only took a few days to source a suitable donor—a three-year-old Royal Enfield Classic 500. The KR Customs crew stripped it right down to the frame and engine, then started the rebuild with the rear end.

KR have a ‘dual mono shock’ design that they’ve used in the past; a design that utilizes two shocks mounted right next to each other, with a custom three-point pivot system. For this build, they decided to tweak this to run as a true mono shock. Then they swapped the swing arm for a custom-built unit, made 4” longer to accommodate the new rear shock.

This new build from KR Customs is proof that Royal Enfield should build a Classic 500 Bobber
Needless to say, the Enfield’s subframe found its way into the trash, and a solo seat is now perched on a cantilevered leaf spring mount. The leaf spring is a 1950s replica part, but the actual seat was built in-house.

The Enfield’s original side boxes are gone too, replaced by a single battery box that houses an Anti-Gravity Lithium-ion battery.

This new build from KR Customs is proof that Royal Enfield should build a Classic 500 Bobber
Extra consideration went into the 500’s wheelset too. The guys laced up a 18” front and 16” rear, wrapping them in Firestone Deluxe Champions. But they wanted the wheels to have a seriously vintage vibe, so they rebuilt a pair of Enfield drum hubs from the 50s.

The front brake’s a true drum setup now, but there’s a disc brake out back. The vintage rear hub had to be put through the lathe to balance it, and modded to accept a disc and sprocket.

This new build from KR Customs is proof that Royal Enfield should build a Classic 500 Bobber
For the tank, Krish and his mechanics tried a few custom options, before settling on an OEM Triumph Street Twin unit. Krish found it on eBay while visiting the US, but the fitting was easier said than done: the guys had to cut and shut the bottom of the tank to accommodate the stock Enfield fuel pump.

“The tank is fairly shallow,” explains Krish, “so we had to place it about two inches higher on the back tube. That’s why the overall stance of the bike looks a bit more aggressive now.”

This new build from KR Customs is proof that Royal Enfield should build a Classic 500 Bobber
The cockpit’s been kept low and lean to match, with a set of drag bars adorned with a Biltwell Inc. throttle and grips. For switches, the team used a set of simple push buttons, mounted in custom-made billet aluminum housings. There’s also a Bates-style headlight and Posh turn signals. And the triple trees are off a Honda CX500—chosen because they have a small notch at the front that made tucking the speedo in a touch easier.

KR Customs kept paint simple with a subtle black and white scheme. The engine casings were blasted and polished, and the custom-made exhaust and fenders finished in black.

This new build from KR Customs is proof that Royal Enfield should build a Classic 500 Bobber
“On a breezy day we decided to take the bike out for a spin on the sea-facing east coast road,” says Krish. “It rode like a champ—far exceeding our expectation. And the two best aspects of the bike—its sound and ride quality—you can’t see in the pictures.”

Chennai, are you listening?

KR Customs Facebook | Instagram | Images by Reuben Jacob

This new build from KR Customs is proof that Royal Enfield should build a Classic 500 Bobber

Categories
BikeExif bobber Custom Motorcycles Other Motorcycle Blogs Triumph Bobber Triumph motorcycles

Red Hot: A Bobbed Bonneville Bobber hot rod from Paris

Custom Triumph Bonneville Bobber by Modification Motorcycles
The fastest-selling Triumph motorcycle in history has been in showrooms for around a year now. But we haven’t seen many custom jobs, because the Bonneville Bobber does everything very well—except carry passengers, for which we have the new Speedmaster.

But if you’ve got a Bobber and have an itch to modify it, let Modification Motorcycles of Paris be your guide. Raphael, Florian and Morgan have spent five months subtly tweaking a Triumph Bobber to give it an extra performance edge—and a not-so-subtle dash of style.

Custom Triumph Bonneville Bobber by Modification Motorcycles
Working with their client, Modification Motorcycles decided to take a ‘factory custom’ approach: what would Triumph themselves do if they were to build a one-off suitable for daily use? It turned out to be a rather more complex process than les gars originally anticipated.

The first job was to remove the tall and narrow front wheel. “We replaced the entire front end with a Thruxton R setup: the forks, 17-inch wheel, fender and clip-ons.”

Custom Triumph Bonneville Bobber by Modification Motorcycles
It was not a plug-and-play operation to make the high-performance front end fit the Bobber frame: a new set of triple tees was CNC machined up, with inserts to accommodate a Motogadget Motoscope mini speedo and idiot lights. It’s a functional yet minimalist dashboard.

The original headlight bowl remains, but it’s now filled with an LED lamp. The handlebars were a little harder to finish: they needed to keep the ride-by-wire cabling and module essential for the traction control, drive modes and on-board computer functions.

Custom Triumph Bonneville Bobber by Modification Motorcycles
The electrics have been upgraded with a full Motogadget set, from mini-buttons to mirrors and bar-end turn signals. “The braking had to be French though,” says Raphael.

“So we worked with Beringer to create a gorgeous race-level braking kit. It’s a masterpiece of efficiency and ‘feel,’ with devilish performance!”

Custom Triumph Bonneville Bobber by Modification Motorcycles
Next up on the list was a rewire. The panels under the seat are gone, giving the Bobber a much lighter look when viewed from the side.

“We removed the airbox and the side panels, and all the crazy wiring that was hidden behind them,” says Raphael. “And that was the trickiest part of the project: the entire loom has been reduced to the max, and is now hidden inside the original battery box, which sits on the lower left side of the bike.”

Custom Triumph Bonneville Bobber by Modification Motorcycles
The effort was worth it: the beautiful rear linkage arrangement is now on view, complete with a custom shock specifically developed for the build by Shock Factory. A slightly bobbed rear fender accentuates the look.

Close inspection reveals a belt drive conversion, which we’ve never seen before on the Bobber. “It’s an excellent kit produced by FreeSpirits that gives the bike a custom touch, and a very soft launch from standstill, even in low revs,” says Raphael.

Custom Triumph Bonneville Bobber by Modification Motorcycles
The Vance & Hines pipes are straight from the Triumph accessory parts list. They sound terrific, fit easily, and comply with noise regulations—perfect for the regular use this Bobber will see.

The paint is most definitely not from a catalog, though. Much of the existing metalwork on the Bobber has been blacked out, echoing Triumph’s own Bobber Black, and the paint gets its depth from three layers of black flake under the top coats. Depending on the light and angle, the shade changes from a deep cherry red to a dark orange.

Custom Triumph Bonneville Bobber by Modification Motorcycles
The seat is sure to polarize opinion. “Ah, the seat! It’s covered with red crocodile leather,” says Raphael. “Like it or not, the floating seat is the signature of the original Bobber, and the croc leather is the signature of our build.”

“Without it, the bike would be so plain and neat: it adds the extra madness that we needed.” It’s also added a bit of extra technology, because there’s a tiny LED strip running across the back of the seat.

Custom Triumph Bonneville Bobber by Modification Motorcycles
Modification Motorcycles’ Bobber is close to being a perfect ‘real-world’ custom: an already good platform given a boost in style and handling, without compromising usability.

“That was the purpose,” Raphael agrees. “The bike is very usable day-to-day, with a supple engine, comfortable seating, good handling and incredible braking.”

“There are even decent fenders if you cannot dodge the puddles!”

Modification Motorcycles | Facebook | Instagram | Images by Alex Bonnemaison

Custom Triumph Bonneville Bobber by Modification Motorcycles

Categories
BikeExif BMW motorcycles bobber Custom Motorcycles Kingston Custom Other Motorcycle Blogs

Taking It Slow: Kingston Custom’s BMW R75/5 Bobber

BMW R75/5 bobber by Kingston CustomToday’s motorcycles are loaded with a level of tech that would have been incomprehensible thirty years ago. And it’s had a knock-on effect on the custom scene: old bikes rebuilt with new suspension, brakes and electronics have become commonplace.

Dirk Oehlerking knows all about the technical side. Operating as Kingston Custom in Germany’s Rhine-Ruhr region, he’s done everything from customize a brand new Triumph Thruxton R, to turbocharging an old airhead.

BMW R75/5 bobber by Kingston Custom
But Dirk’s a staunch believer in the old school. So he also regularly builds classy, lo-fi BMW bobbers in what he calls his signature BMW Kingston style. This 1974 BMW R75/5 is his latest, and it’s an absolute gem.

“Riding classic bikes is pure motorcycling, as it should be,” says Dirk. “These are real motorcycles, as we remember them: robust technology, bad brakes, a bad chassis, and if the tour succeeds you are the king! Your butt is on fire, your gait is anything but lithe, but you’re a champion with that incredible feeling in your chest!”

BMW R75/5 bobber by Kingston Custom
“Classic motorcycles make you feel special because they are something special. They have style, charisma and an edgy character.”

“There is a need for values that counter the demands for perfectionism in everyday life. Everything has to work, run smoothly, be efficient and optimized—where can I slow down and live my individuality?”

BMW R75/5 bobber by Kingston Custom
Even though Dirk’s given this bobber bucket loads of retro charm and authenticity, he hasn’t skimped on quality one bit. The R75/5 was subjected to a full tear down of both the chassis and engine, before being rebuilt. The motor was blasted clean and left unpainted, and even managed to hang onto its air box.

The R75/5 originally came from the factory with a drum brake up front—but Dirk swapped the whole front wheel out for a far more attractive 18” Grimeca duplex unit. The stock BMW rear wheel’s still in the mix though, and both are wrapped in Metzeler ME77 tires.

BMW R75/5 bobber by Kingston Custom
As for the frame, Dirk ditched the entire subframe and built new shock mounts and a new seat support. He kept the stock swing arm, but hooked it up to the frame via rear shocks of his own design.

Resting up top is a new solo seat, wrapped in vintage leather. Just in front of it is a svelte new tank, the origin of which Dirk is keeping a secret. And at the back, you’ll find a stylish rear fender, held up by hand-made brackets with hidden fasteners.

BMW R75/5 bobber by Kingston Custom
The BMW’s passenger peg brackets were drilled and re-purposed to hold Tarozzi rear-sets. They also have a pair of Hattech silencers hanging off them—made by the German exhaust manufacturer to Dirk’s design.

A couple of truly interesting details reveal themselves upon closer inspection. The tail light’s encased in a repurposed exhaust flange, and the custom-made side stand ends in a section stolen from a ring spanner.

BMW R75/5 bobber by Kingston Custom
All the wiring’s been trimmed down and neatened up too, and the battery’s been relocated to a hand-made box hiding behind the transmission. There’s an off-the-shelf 5½-inch Bates-style headlight up front, and a tiny MMB analog speedo hiding in the fuel tank’s deep neck.

LSL grips, Hella bar-end turn signals and a single mirror finish off the cockpit. The ignition’s been relocated to the side of the air box, and there’s even a spare spark plug jammed into the steering nut…just in case.

BMW R75/5 bobber by Kingston Custom
It’s a neat build, for sure, but it’s that paint job that really pushes it over the top. Dirk exercised maximum restraint, wrapping both the bodywork and frame in a warm grey. That same hue’s repeated on the headlight and shocks, with a basic white pinstripe on the tank and rear fender adding just the right amount of contrast.

“Working with these classics,” explains Dirk, “giving them new life, changing their lineage, bringing things together that were never meant for each other, is an incredible challenge and deep satisfaction.”

BMW R75/5 bobber by Kingston Custom
With about 50 horses on offer from the 745 cc motor—and only four gears in the box—this R75/5 is not likely to break any land speed records or rack up speeding fines. “The engine chugs with a steady beat,” says Dirk. “As it increases in speed, it makes your hands tremble and also your heart, putting a childish grin on your face.”

Sounds very analog. And the perfect antidote to the manic pace of modern life.

Kingston Custom | Facebook | Images by Kayadaek

BMW R75/5 bobber by Kingston Custom

Categories
BikeExif bobber New Motorcycles Other Motorcycle Blogs Triumph Bobber Triumph Bonneville Triumph motorcycles

Review: The 2018 Triumph Bonneville Bobber Black

Review: The 2018 Triumph Bonneville Bobber Black
This time last year, I was in Madrid riding the then-new Triumph Bonneville Bobber. Fast forward twelve months, and I’ve just hopped off the follow-up Bobber Black, in Marbella on Spain’s Costa del Sol.

Madrid was a beautiful city, surrounded by incredible motorcycling country. But the riding between Marbella and Ronda is even better. In the same way, I loved the vanilla Bobber when I first rode it but the Bobber Black is just that little bit sweeter.

Review: The 2018 Triumph Bonneville Bobber Black
In basic terms, the Bobber Black is a murdered-out ‘standard’ Bobber with an upgraded front end. It gets a drop in front wheel size from 19” to 16”, beefier 47mm Showa forks (versus the original’s 41mm KYB units), and an extra brake disc with Brembo calipers.

Barring one or two other updates, it’s essentially the same bike. Same hardtail-look frame, same ‘high torque’ 1200cc motor, and the same solo rider setup. The price differs though; the Black costs a grand-and-a-quarter more than its sibling in the US.

Review: The 2018 Triumph Bonneville Bobber Black
The first-gen Bobber was a runaway success—selling twice as fast as Triumph expected. It’s actually the fastest selling model in the 115-year history of the British marque: Not bad for a single-seater that caused half the internet to throw toys out of the cot over the idea of a factory ‘bobber.’

While all this was going on, the Bobber Black was patiently waiting in the wings. It was developed alongside the original Bobber and the idea, according to Triumph’s head of brand management, Miles Perkins, was to offer up more than one kind of Bob.

Review: The 2018 Triumph Bonneville Bobber Black
There’s the original flavor, for those after a classic vibe, and now the Black, for riders wanting a more aggressive stance and a higher spec.

So do the upgrades really make the Black that much better? Or did I hop a plane from Cape Town to Spain—and get snowbound in Amsterdam along the way—for nothing?

Review: The 2018 Triumph Bonneville Bobber Black
Before I hit the road with the Bobber Black, I had some time to take in the details. I’ve gushed previously about the Bobber’s sublime finishes and old school looks, and the way Triumph has managed to hide the modern technology. And on the Black, all of that still rings true.

That gorgeous swing cage and hidden mono-shock: check. A catalytic convertor that you can’t see: check. Faux carbs that are so pretty I can’t hate them: check. Classy ribbed fenders and a period-correct rear fender bracket: check.

Review: The 2018 Triumph Bonneville Bobber Black
Except now, almost everything is—you guessed it—black. The engine covers, exhausts, handlebars, foot controls, levers, risers and wheels hubs have all been blacked-out. Heck, even the gearshift linkage and the aluminum seat pan have gone midnight.

A couple of parts have selectively been left alone, to add just the right amount of contrast. As for that cute 2.4-gallon tank and the fenders, you’ve got two choices: the base model jet black gloss (my favorite by far), or the slightly more costly matt jet black (below).

Review: The 2018 Triumph Bonneville Bobber Black
It’s the stance where the Bobber Black really differs visually from its fairer sibling, though. Even though the front rim is the same width on both bikes (2.5”), on the Black it’s smaller and wears wider rubber. Combine that with the chunkier forks, and you’ve got a bike that looks even more purposeful and muscular.

The rider ergonomics are also exactly the same as the Bobber’s, which caught me by surprise. I was convinced Triumph would add different handlebars or forward pegs, but they left the drag-style bars, mid-mounted pegs and solo seat exactly where they are. Which in retrospect makes a lot more sense, since the Bobber is actually a surprisingly comfortable ride.

Review: The 2018 Triumph Bonneville Bobber Black
You can still adjust the cantilevered solo seat between up-and-forward and down-and-back, and you can still adjust the angle of the speedo to suit you. And I still wouldn’t bother with either adjustment—especially since I previously found the Bobber’s down-and-back seat position a bit too stretched out for my liking.

A look at the cockpit reveals a couple of new additions. There’s now an LED headlight to match the rest of the bike’s LED lighting, complete with a pretty daytime running light. And the left switchgear now includes a cruise control button.

Review: The 2018 Triumph Bonneville Bobber Black
It’s a basic setup; hit the button to activate it, then hit it again to set your speed. Tap it once more—or grab the throttle or brake—and it’s off. The simplicity of it is great in theory, but I found that the button needed a really hard squeeze to work (my thick winter gloves probably didn’t help). I also missed the ability to adjust my speed while cruising that you’d find on most systems.

I’ve always loved the Bobber’s analog/digital combo speedo, and the amount of info that it packs in—including a fuel gauge, gear position indicator and consumption info. And the adjustable levers, slick bar-end mirrors and easy-to-use switches are all huge plusses—even if the switchgear housings are so darn big.

Review: The 2018 Triumph Bonneville Bobber Black
Our test units came fitted with optional heated grips, which worked a treat in the chilly Spanish hills. They also reveal how carefully Triumph has designed bolt-on parts: the button to toggle through different heating levels tucks up next to the existing switches like it belongs. And as you change modes, the speedo’s digital display feeds back the relevant info.

Firing up the Bobber Black reminded me of one of my favorite things about the Bobber—its engine. It’s the same liquid-cooled, 1200cc ‘high torque’ parallel twin found in the T120, with a 270 degree firing interval. But in the Bobber it has a unique intake and exhaust tune for even more gains.

Review: The 2018 Triumph Bonneville Bobber Black
That’s a lot of words, but what it translates to in numbers is 106 Nm at 4,000 rpm, and 77 hp at 6,100 rpm. 77 doesn’t sound like a lot, but I tend to ignore arguments over numbers these days, preferring to focus on how well—and where—torque is delivered. And the Bobber does this sublimely.

As you spool the motor up to 4,000 you can feel—and hear—that peak torque kick in. Even though I’d love to hear the Bobber with the optional Vance & Hines cans, the stock setup delivers an addictive growl. More importantly, unleashing that torque makes shooting off the line or firing the Bobber out of corners an absolute pleasure.

Review: The 2018 Triumph Bonneville Bobber Black
There is a lot of tech here for an ‘old-school’ bike, but I really can’t fault any of it. The ride-by-wire throttle is responsive, the torque-assist clutch is feather light and the ratios through the six-speed box are damn near perfect. (Oh yes, and it’s all Euro 4 compliant, with nary a sensor or box in sight.)

The rider aids also do little to detract from the Bobber’s retro feel. You don’t notice the traction control until you switch it off (which can only be done when stationary) and really abuse the throttle.

You can also flick between ‘Road’ and ‘Rain’ modes, which are both full power: ‘Rain’ just smooths out the delivery. ABS is standard, and behaved well during a couple of hard brake checks.

Review: The 2018 Triumph Bonneville Bobber Black
Our test route included countless hills and corners—and the new front end passed the test. The original Bobber is already a far better corner carver than it should be, thanks to Triumph’s exceptional chassis and suspension engineers.

The Black has exactly the same chassis, suspension travel and geometry as the base Bobber. But with that chubby front wheel and burlier forks, the Black really digs corners. It turns in quick and holds its line well, although it suffers from the same ground clearance woes as before. Kiss your pegs goodbye.

Review: The 2018 Triumph Bonneville Bobber Black
The Avon Cobra tires are grippy and predictable, and the 47mm Showa forks feel planted and precise. The overall suspension setup feels pretty stiff, which is great for hustling the bike through corners. But it did punish my back a bit on one particularly gnarly stretch of bad tarmac.

The twin Brembo brake setup is a massive improvement. I longed for more bite from the first Bobber’s single disc, and Triumph has now delivered. But it’s not just the raw stopping power on the Black that’s impressive: it’s the way I could shave speed off quickly with just a subtle squeeze of the lever. That upgrade alone is worth the price of admission.

Review: The 2018 Triumph Bonneville Bobber Black
Our pace on the day was relaxed rather than rushed. But when things did get brisk, the Bobber Black was capable of more than we were throwing at it. And I marveled once again at how I could spend all day riding a bike with drag bars and a single seat. It might not be a tourer, but that seat hugs your butt well. So well, I could see myself tackling a few 200-mile days in a row, with nothing but a backpack.

Back in town, the Bobber Black transformed from back road blaster to urban runabout, with zero complaints. At 524 pounds (237 kilos) dry, it weighs 21 pounds more than the regular Bobber—but it’s content shuffling along at town pace.

Review: The 2018 Triumph Bonneville Bobber Black
Last year, I signed off my review of the first-gen Bobber by saying you shouldn’t over-think it. And you shouldn’t over-think the Bobber Black either.

Like the original, it’s cool and it’s extremely well engineered. And although it’s single-minded it’s also remarkably versatile. But most importantly, it’s even more of a blast to ride.

And yes, I struggled to give the keys back.

The Bobber Black starts at $13,150 for jet black, and $13,400 for matt jet black in the USA. In the UK, those prices are £11,650 and £11,775.

Triumph Motorcycles | Facebook | Instagram | Images by Kingdom Creative

Wes’ gear
Rough Crafts Revolator helmet
100% Barstow goggles
Holy Freedom fleece neck tube
REV’IT! Stealth Hoody
Saint Unbreakable gloves
Saint Unbreakable Stretch jeans
Icon 1000 Truant 2 boots

Review: The 2018 Triumph Bonneville Bobber Black

Categories
BikeExif BMW motorcycles bobber Classic Motorcycles Kontrast Kreations Other Motorcycle Blogs Restomod

Old Timer: This Swiss BMW Restomod is just Perfekt

Vintage BMW R51/2 restomod motorcycle
It’s tough to get a restomod right. An authentic nuts-and-bolts restoration is more work, but at least you have a blueprint to follow. Knowing how much ‘mod’ to add to the mix—without treading on the spirit of the original—is an art.

Some BMW historians might baulk at the sight of a vintage boxer with even a single mod. But we’re giving Ramon Seiler of Kontrast Kreations ten out of ten for this delightful petrol-blue bobber. Especially since it started out as a pick-n-mix basket case.

Vintage BMW R51/2 restomod motorcycle
Photographer Marc Schneider tells us how bad it was: “This bike started life as a barn find BMW R51/2 with parts from a variety of vintage BMW motorcycles. The tank was from a R50, the gearbox from a R51/3, the ignition case cover was broken, and fins were missing from both cylinders.”

“It was clear to Ramon that the bike needed a full rebuild.”

Vintage BMW R51/2 restomod motorcycle
The bike’s new owner wasn’t keen on returning it to stock, so Ramon had some freedom to reimagine the vintage Beemer. But first, he had some repairing to do.

Luckily, he’s no stranger to old vehicles. The last build we featured from him was a custom BMW, but he spends most of his time restoring classic cars and motorcycles from a workshop in the village of Bonstetten, near Zürich in Switzerland.

Vintage BMW R51/2 restomod motorcycle
He took apart the engine and gearbox, and rebuilt them with new seals. Then he painstakingly soldered and filed the broken case and missing fins, until it was impossible to tell that they’d ever been damaged.

The cylinders got a fresh coat of paint, but the engine cases were left alone—to keep them looking their age. “Ramon wanted a custom rebuild and not a ‘like-factory-new’ restoration,” Marc tells us. “The pedigree of that vintage BMW had to be maintained in every aspect.”

Vintage BMW R51/2 restomod motorcycle
The R51/2 was only produced in 1950 and 1951, so there aren’t many around. And as you’d expect, parts are hard to come by. But since this one was already a mash up of various BMW bits, Ramon had no qualms continuing the theme.

So he sourced some parts from the R51/2’s successor—the R51/3. These included a fuel tank, valve covers and a set of spoked wheels. The bike came with a pair of rare Phono exhausts, so those stayed.

Vintage BMW R51/2 restomod motorcycle
Just about everything on the old boxer needed welding, straightening or general wizardry to get it up to par. The wheels were relaced with new spokes, and repainted in semi-gloss black. A new wiring harness was made up, running close to the frame with neat hose clamps keeping it in check.

Ramon also ditched all the worn-out rubber bits, like the seat and knee pads. He fabbed up a new seat pan to sit on the stock mounts, then made a pair of aluminum pieces for the tank.

Vintage BMW R51/2 restomod motorcycle
Everything was then sent to a local upholsterer to be wrapped in brown leather. The effect is mimicked up top with a pair of Brooks bicycle grips; the throttle and grips both had to be modified to work together.

During the build, Ramon realized that the R51/2’s frame looked neat without the rear fender and the complex set of brackets that holds it. Running the bike fenderless wasn’t an option, so he found a solution that would work with the Beemer’s plunger rear suspension.

Vintage BMW R51/2 restomod motorcycle
A problem arose: the original fender was fixed to the frame, but the new design had to hug the rear tire and travel with it.

Ramon shaped a new fender from aluminum, then attached it to the final drive via a custom-made mount at the back, and to the frame via a steel hinge at the front. Between the hinge and the natural flex of the aluminum, the fender now syncs with the travel of the wheel, without any hassle.

Vintage BMW R51/2 restomod motorcycle
There’s also a custom-made license plate bracket out back, and a Bates-style tail light mounted up top. The tail light came kitted with LEDs out the box, but Ramon was dead set on keeping everything as vintage as possible, so he retro-fitted a 6V bulb.

He’s kept the same philosophy up front. Rather than upgrade the entire cockpit with modern components, the headlight (and the speedo embedded in it) are still original.

Vintage BMW R51/2 restomod motorcycle
“You still advance your ignition timing by hand,” says Marc, “and the speedo needs some love from time to time!”

One thing Ramon did want to change though, was the BMW’s iconic black-with-white-striping paint job. Petrol blue turned out to be the perfect substitute: it’s the least subtle change on the entire build, but it hasn’t dampened the vintage appeal.

Vintage BMW R51/2 restomod motorcycle
“It’s not about making riding or maintenance easier, or getting that ‘factory look’ after hours of sandblasting,” says Marc. “It’s about preserving a vintage pedigree, the story of the bike, and the ingenuity that made BMW motorcycles so special back in the day.”

“It might be a mix of two different BMWs, in a bobber-like package with hipster exhaust wrap. But it still is (and always will be) a barn find—a 1950s vintage bike, with a story yet to tell.”

Kontrast Kreations | Instagram | Images by Marc Schneider | Instagram

Vintage BMW R51/2 restomod motorcycle

Categories
BAAK Motocyclettes BikeExif bobber Custom Motorcycles Other Motorcycle Blogs Triumph Bobber Triumph Bonneville Triumph motorcycles

Black Art: A different way to build a Triumph Bobber

Custom Triumph Bonneville T120 bobber
The factory Bonneville Bobber has been a staggering success. In the first month of its launch, it became the fastest-selling motorcycle in the 115-year history of the marque.

But there’s more than one way to bob a Triumph. This compact, chunky machine comes from BAAK Motocyclettes of Lyon in France, and it’s based on the current model Bonneville T120 Black.

Custom Triumph Bonneville T120 bobber
So why design a new Bonneville bobber when Triumph already sells one? According to BAAK’s main man Julien Demaugé-Bost, they wanted to approach a bobber build from a different direction—and show what could be done with the T120 Black.

“The Triumph Bobber already has a strong personality,” he points out, “so we decided not to use that base.”

Custom Triumph Bonneville T120 bobber
Baak wowed us a year ago with their immaculate Bonneville sidecar conversion, which was chock-a-block with fine detailing and engineering. And this new build matches those high standards.

“We wanted to make the bike look as simple as possible, true to the bobber ethos,” says Julien. “Bobbers usually match an image of the ‘rebel rider.’ So we also did our best to avoid the stereotype, by reinterpreting the bobber in a ‘gentleman’s way’.”

Custom Triumph Bonneville T120 bobber
As with all BAAK projects, the crew started with the wheels and tires. The T120 leaves the factory with an 18-inch front rim and a 17-inch at the back, but now rolls on matching 16-inch aluminum rims laced to the stock hubs.

The tires are a Continental pattern that we don’t often see: the K112, which has a 70s-style tread matched to a modern-day rubber compound.

Custom Triumph Bonneville T120 bobber
The next big step was to make the bike look more compact, by building a shorter seat. It’s similar to an existing BAAK unit designed for the previous version of the Bonneville, and sits on a new aluminum subframe.

The custom seat pan is made from high-density polyethylene—the same material used for hard hats—and the foam is covered with leather in a classic rib pattern. It shortens the tail by just over five inches (14 cm).

Custom Triumph Bonneville T120 bobber
The bike is sits almost an inch lower than stock, thanks to new machined aluminum triple trees and shorter shock absorbers created in collaboration with Shock Factory.

To protect the engine, BAAK have installed an aluminum sump guard that sits between the stainless steel header pipes of their own proprietary bobber-style exhaust. The sound, we’re told, is “deep and strong.”

Custom Triumph Bonneville T120 bobber
BAAK’s own wide and cross-braced ‘bars promote comfortable, upright ergonomics, with the rider sitting close to the tank. “You still can share the bike with a pillion, despite the reduced seat length,” says Julien. “And the torque of the engine is your best ally during duo rides!”

With a solid 105 Nm on tap, the T120 parallel twin has ample grunt for two-up touring around tree-lined country lanes. (Aside from the exhaust system, the only drivetrain changes are pancake-style air filters, to visually lighten the back end.) And BAAK’s bobber is usefully lighter than the 490-pound avoirdupois of the showroom bike too.

Custom Triumph Bonneville T120 bobber
Many parts have been relocated to increase the vintage vibe, like the turn signals, the regulator, the ignition control, and the mirror that sits low by the left-hand grip.

“The timeless result we were trying to create meant we had to mess with the complex electronic systems of the bike,” says Julien. “We did away with the stock speedometer and handlebar controls; the controls shown on this bike are 3D printed prototypes. They will be aluminum cast in the future.”

Custom Triumph Bonneville T120 bobber
The master cylinder and clutch lever are by KustomTech, and there’s a tiny Motogadget speedo integrated into the Bates-style headlight bowl. It keeps almost all the features of the stock instrument—except the option for heated grips and engine modes.

“We’re currently working on a ‘Plug & Play’ solution, so anyone can use this part on a new Triumph motorcycle,” says Julien.

Custom Triumph Bonneville T120 bobber
That’s the practical stuff covered. But it wouldn’t be a BAAK bike without beautiful detailing, and this T120 doesn’t disappoint. We especially love the use of leather—from the fork gaiters to the straps on the handlebars and headlight, and those handy side pouches under the seat.

“Most of the parts on the bobber will be available in our shop in the coming weeks,” says Julien. “You’ll then be able to buy a bolt-on kit to turn your own Bonneville T120 into a bobber.”

Custom Triumph Bonneville T120 bobber
If you’re in Europe and you have the latest generation Bonneville in your garage, you’ve now got a good excuse for a trip to Paris: the BAAK bobber will be unveiled at the Midnight Garage Festival this weekend.

BAAK Motocyclettes | Facebook | Instagram

Custom Triumph Bonneville T120 bobber