Bobster- Sportster Bobber
Who said that Sportster models are only something for little girls? The 48 is already a cool bike when it comes out of the factory, and when Rick’s team makes a Bobber out of it, then it is certainly a bike also big men like to be seen with. A custom bike from Rick’s isn’t only good for posing in front of the ice cream parlour but convinces with many small detail solutions carried out by Rick’s in perfect manner.
So, what makes a Bobber out of a normal bike? The most important features are a solo seat and a swinging rear fender. But why are there so few Sportster conversions which fulfil these criteria? Because on the Sporty it is especially difficult to construct a swinging rear. Rick’s has taken up this challenge and now offers a complete set consisting of fender and frame cover, made in Baden-Baden in small series. For mounting, not even welding work on the frame or swingarm is necessary. Only two threads were cut into the stock swingarm, which means it has neither to be taken out, nor newly covered or painted. The seat base is prepared so that many aftermarket seats will fit.
Another cover was developed by Rick’s especially for the Sportster models, which is the belt cover made from stainless steel. A further part that was discarded is the air filter and instead a new Rick’s design part was added.
Rick’s foot controls are as well on offer for the Sportster and can also be found on the Bobster. The same applies to the adjustable levers, which offer the possibility to adjust the brake and clutch levers in many ways, longer or shorter and for large or small hands, with more or less distance to the grip, for thick or thin hands, with or without gloves. If necessary, the distance can be adjusted in between at the next traffic lights.
A further, last detail are the indicators. The Kellermann ‘Atto’ is no doubt one of the smallest of its kind with an ECE test certificate. But how to attach these small lights on the bike? At the rear the 3 into 1 version with brake and rear light plus indicator can be mounted in a housing on the new struts. At the front it is more difficult to find a mounting point, for which reason an adapter was developed, which is simply fixed with the mirror screw below the handlebar and attaches the ‘Atto’ almost invisibly.
And that’s it…the Bobber is ready! With little effort the stock Sportster became a smart Bobber, with which even big guys should have fun!
Text & photos: Peter Schulz
Contact Custom Parts
Philippe Camboni
fon: +49 7221 3939 117
email: p.camboni@hd-badenbaden.de
Marcos Maier
fon: +49 7221 3939 217
email: m.maier@hd-badenbaden.de
Contact new & used vehicles
Benjamin Walter
fon: +49 7221 3939 222
email: b.walter@hd-badenbaden.de
Ralph Scherrer
fon: +49 7221 3939 223
email: r.scherrer@hd-badenbaden.de
