A bobber is a custom built motorcycle, typically bare bones and devoid of most non-essential embellishments. Bobber motorcycle kits are like a complete bike in a box, ready for a weekend mechanic to assemble, paint, add fluids, fire-up and ride away. Some bobber motorcycle kits are quite complete, allowing the builder to assemble an entire bike without any additional purchases. Other bobber motorcycle kits are known simply as rolling chassis, or a frame on wheels. These require a far more experienced custom bike builder who knows what they are doing and, just as important, where to get everything he or she will need.

Some of the most popular bobber motorcycle kits produce a Brando-esque Wild One-style bike with a nostalgic 1950s look. The Kikker 5150 Hardknock is one of these "old school" bobber motorcycle kits featuring a springer front suspension, forward controls, jockey shift (i.e. "suicide clutch"), electric start, solo seat, hydraulic disk brake, chrome plated chrome-moly frame, and a 4-speed 4-stroke engine. You can expect to pay $1500 on the low end for a good quality kit. On the high end,  there is no limit other than what you are willing to spend on the kit, accessories, upgrades, a professional paint job ... you name it.

Bobbers and bobber motorcycle kits are related to choppers in that they both take a minimalistic approach to custom bike building. This includes the characteristic rigid frame and shortened (i.e. "bobbed") rear fender. The main difference is that bobber motorcycle kits are typically built around unmodified stock frames, while a chopper frame is often cut and welded into shape. Bobber motorcycle kits usually also lack a chopper's more ostentatious asthetic, including tons of chrome, enlongated forks and other more decorative (but undeniably cool) flourishes. Bobber motorcycle kits are a good place to start for hobbyists new to bike building before moving up to a totally custom chopper.