New Bobber Owner, Initial Thoughts

Discussion in 'Bonneville' started by SeanR, May 3, 2025 at 10:09 AM.

  1. SeanR

    SeanR New Member

    Feb 23, 2025
    18
    3
    Manchester UK
    Only noticed these bikes around a month ago, kind of blown away by the looks. Yesterday picked up a 2018 Bobber Black and took it for its first spin. I also have a Street Triple 2016 and knew it would be weird jumping off that and on to the Bobber. The Bobber came with some extras, Riser bars that give and inch up and backwards and the Fox shock. I moved the seat forward as much as possible as im a short ass and it all seems a good position.

    First 20 minutes felt strange, the side stand felt a bit like it was in the way. Gearing felt clunky, reminded me of an old Aprilia i used to have. I thought this riding position would be good for the back but the strange thing is, an old lower back issue started to niggle after about 50mins, not bad, just knew it was there. Same thing again today. Im hoping its a case of me just getting used to the position.

    As for the bike, WOW, it looks beautiful and handles well for such an heavy bike. Feels very fast indeed, which i didn't expect for the BHP, i guess it is a 1200cc high torque engine!. The brakes, i wondered if it had any, they don't grab like they do on the Triple but one of the good things that becomes apparent, it makes coming to stops much more shall we say, more elegant. I find it a much more easy bike to ride than the Triple which at times seems like all or nothing twitchy in comparison.

    Heard plenty of folks online moaning about the seat. The previous owner packed it out with some sponge and put an old helmet bag over it, seems fine to me. He has given me a comfort seat, but not sure i need to try it.

    One thing i have noticed, even though the bike looks immaculate. Small rust spots developing around mudguard edges, but these are easily changed. The bad spot, that cross beam type plate under the radiator, the paint is totally gone in that area and surface rust has taken hold. Ive just hit it with some ACF 50

    Where there are "add ons", there are also tiny rust spots. Behind fasteners for a fly screen, velcro for a leather tool bag and where engine protection bars meet the bike. Not bad and will sort them out.

    Anyways, very small issues, i think the bike is fantastic.
     
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  2. Markus

    Markus Crème de la Crème
    Subscriber

    Oct 28, 2020
    3,875
    1,000
    AUSTRIA
    Hi there! Welcome to the forum! ;)
    Enjoy your great bike!
    We love photos!:)
     
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  3. joe mc donald

    Subscriber

    Dec 26, 2014
    14,706
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    @SeanR Welcome to the family. You know now we need a picture. So hit the upload a file button bottom right and show the bikes of.
     
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  4. SeanR

    SeanR New Member

    Feb 23, 2025
    18
    3
    Manchester UK
    Ok, here you go
    Ok. here you go, thanks
    ,

    IMG_1806.jpeg
     
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  5. SeanR

    SeanR New Member

    Feb 23, 2025
    18
    3
    Manchester UK
    One thing i forgot to mention, but its well known and hit me with some realism yesterday. You don't get far on a tank of fuel, but who cares, that's not what i bought it for.

    Hearing a "tut" from the Misses as i went out yet again for a short ride yesterday, realised the back issue wasn't as bad if i sat way back on the seat so as a fix i will move the seat back maybe half inch at a time until its perfect. The back feels fine today, perhaps also a case of just getting used to the position.

    Watched many videos and in some of them folks are saying its not a cruiser but it certainly feels like one to me.

    Again, feels like an easy bike to ride, especially setting off. Its like there is no chance of stalling it as it just wants to go. If your too eager on the Triple and get it wrong, it will cut out.

    Been a long time since i enjoyed riding a bike as much, as some have mentioned, it feels like the essence of motorcycling.

    I do like those short mudguards that i see for sale but unfortunately im not big on the side number plates that are required.

    Thanks for the replies.
     
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