Bobber motorcycles have a special place in the hearts of motorcyclists, much like an old cowboy’s worn boots—they are stripped-down, no-nonsense machines built to deliver a pure riding experience. Traditionally, you couldn’t buy a bobber. You had to build it, but today you can get one from the factory.
Born from the post-WWII era when returning soldiers wanted to modify their war-time surplus bikes, bobbers have kept their minimalist charm while embracing modern engineering. These bikes aren’t for everyone. They’re for those who appreciate clean lines, low-slung frames, and the rumble of an engine that’s just as raw as the road beneath.
Let’s take a look at some of the best bobber motorcycles on the market today. These bikes are more than just showpieces—they’re soul-stirring machines that take you back to a time when all that mattered was the open road and a full tank of gas.
The Best Bobbers
Here are my top picks for the best bobber motorcycles out there on the market today.
1. Triumph Bonneville Bobber
The Triumph Bonneville Bobber feels like a machine built to capture the essence of a bygone era, yet it rides with modern finesse. Its 1200cc parallel-twin engine roars with the kind of authority that makes you forget everything but the road ahead. The hardtail look, with that floating seat, is an homage to the original bobbers that were all about taking off the unnecessary. It’s a paradox of design—a bike that looks old-school cool while delivering the kind of smooth power delivery and ride comfort only modern engineering can achieve.
The Bonneville Bobber’s low stance and wide handlebars make for a commanding position that suits leisurely cruising or opening up the throttle for a spirited ride. It’s a bike that gives you the perfect blend of heritage and heart-pounding performance without asking for more than a stretch of road to prove its worth.
Price: $14,795
Triumph Website
2. Indian Scout Bobber
If the Triumph Bonneville Bobber is a nod to British bike culture, the Indian Scout Bobber is its American counterpart, wrapped in pure, rebellious attitude. There’s something about the stance of this bike—the chopped fenders, low seat, and wide tires—that instantly gives off the vibe of a machine ready to rumble.
Powered by a liquid-cooled 1133cc V-twin engine, the Scout Bobber has plenty of muscle to match its aggressive aesthetic. The bike pulls hard off the line, and the engine note is a rich, throaty symphony that’ll keep you twisting the throttle just to hear it roar. The riding position is purposeful—leaning slightly forward with foot pegs positioned aggressively towards the front. This is not a bike for the faint of heart, but it’s an absolute thrill for those who embrace its tough-as-nails persona.
Price: $12,999
Indian’s Website
3. Harley-Davidson Street Bob
No list of bobbers would be complete without a Harley-Davidson, and the Street Bob fills the role perfectly. It’s a classic in every sense of the word—a no-frills, no-apologies machine built to deliver an authentic American riding experience. With its Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine, the Street Bob brings the power in spades, but it’s the attitude that really sells this bike.
With a stripped-back aesthetic, spoked wheels, and mini-ape handlebars, the Street Bob echoes the bare-bones, DIY spirit that birthed the bobber movement. The riding experience is quintessential Harley—the bike feels alive underneath you, with a vibration that serves as a constant reminder that you’re piloting a beast. The low-slung chassis and upright riding position give the Street Bob a swagger that only comes with a Harley badge on the tank.
Price: $16,999
Harley-Davidson’s Website
4. Yamaha Bolt R-Spec
In a world dominated by massive V-twins, the Yamaha Bolt R-Spec stands out as the minimalist’s bobber. Powered by a 942cc air-cooled V-twin engine, the Bolt is smaller in displacement compared to some of its counterparts, but it’s a testament to what happens when you strip away everything you don’t need and focus on the ride.
The Bolt R-Spec has a raw, bare-bones look that feels intentional. The solo seat, chopped rear fender, and blacked-out details all scream bobber, but Yamaha has engineered the bike to be more than just a styling exercise. It’s surprisingly agile for a cruiser, with tight handling and a smooth, steady power delivery. For riders looking for the bobber look without the heft of a full-sized machine, the Bolt R-Spec is a perfect option.
Price: $8,899
Yamaha’s Website
5. Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber
You can’t talk about bobbers without mentioning the Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber, a machine that exudes Italian style and engineering. While most bobbers focus on minimalism, the V9 Bobber takes it a step further by refining the ride in a way that feels unmistakably Guzzi.
The transverse V-twin engine is the centerpiece, with its iconic cylinder heads protruding from the sides, giving the bike a distinctive profile. The 853cc engine may not be the biggest here, but it’s more than enough to deliver a satisfying rumble and plenty of torque. What makes the V9 special is its balance—a comfortable ride with handling that’s sharper than you’d expect from a bobber. It’s a machine that effortlessly merges form with function, delivering a bobber experience that’s uniquely European.
Price: $10,490
Moto Guzzi’s Website
The Best Bobbers are Stripped Down to the Essence
Bobbers are more than motorcycles—they’re statements on two wheels, embodying a spirit of minimalism and rebellion.
They remind us that, at the end of the day, a motorcycle doesn’t need to be overly complicated to deliver a visceral, unforgettable experience.
Whether it’s the modern muscle of the Indian Scout Bobber or the heritage and refinement of the Triumph Bonneville Bobber, these machines strip away the unnecessary, leaving only the essentials—just you, the machine, and the road ahead.
