VN800 Bobber project

[CustomVN]

Well as stated else where in these forums I've just picked up an ultra low mileage near new VN800, which was purchased for the sole purpose of becoming a super cool stripped down looking Bobber.

I'm sure to some it seems a shame to mess with a bike that looks so great in standard trim, but I'm pretty sure all modifications will just about be bolt on changes, so nothing too irreversible.

I've been planning this project for a very long time so I know what I want to do, with a fair idea of how to achieve it. I also have my budget sorted and hopefully have enough money banked to cover the whole project, so hopefully there won't be any delays due to finance issues and we can wrap this up over the next few months (winter down here).

So stay tuned and hopefully with regular updates this project will interest and possibly help/inspire some others.

[CustomVN]

At this early stage I'm still sorting out which parts I want/need and am ordering bits from all over the place. I still need to secure a few new tools I'll need too before I get too far.

The UPS man made a delivery yesterday and dropped off my new 6" tall Choppers Inc Six Gun risers which look absolutely fantastic in the metal.

I have some white cycle handgrips on order along with some rubber fork gaiters, so when they arrive I'll start on the front end and handlebar work. I haven't made a decision on handle bars yet, but I'll be having a closer look at the Bonneville's at my local Triumph dealer I think for a start.

So probably a few weeks yet before we see any real progress...

[gpzrider]

Sounds like fun. I look forward to seeing it progress.

[ImpactG]

I will be following this thread closely. I'd love to do something similar!

[Spok]

i'll tune in as tho this is American Idol...

can't wait to see your finished product

[Tod]

Should be interesting. I love the Bobber look when it's done right.

[Tattoomarc]

can't wait to see the pic's

[D-Day]

Looking forward to it. Now, to take that cushy suspension off and turn it into a rigid too...heh, heh.

[Thullan]

So CustomVN have you made any progress? You can be sure that I will follow this project closely

By the way, you never considered starting with a Drifter? There are a few details that make that model even better suited for an old school bobber, see the attached image. The Drifter has a few fixings in the frame and swingarm which the Classic and A-model lacks. The battery box is also different and the older Drifter models has those really cool old school ribbed engine covers without the chrome.

Nevermind, those are just details and I am sure you have allready thought of some smart solutions

[CustomVN]

Ok so it's only my first weekend with the bike and I haven't got all the parts I need yet to actaully make any great inroads. So I took the opportunity to actually have a ride of it, as last weekend when I picked it up I rode home in a storm. Wow what a great bike to ride!! I might actually delay the start of work that takes the bike off the road for a few more weeks yet just so I can enjoy some time in the saddle first. We'll see..

Anyway, I did manage to find some handlebars that I really like. These are Flat Track bars to suit a Triumph Bonneville that I found at my local Triumph dealer for only $60. They have the perfect amount of rise, and only pull back 5" which is good. I've test fit them to the risers to ensure a good fit and I just love the look. I'll fit them to the bike when the rest of my front end parts arrive.



Saturday night after making good use of the saddle bags all day (which are very handy) I removed all the excess baggage off the bike. I can't believe how heavy the engine guard was!! I might consider using it as a nudge bar on my wife's car

[CustomVN]

I also had the opportunity this weekend to fit a new set of pipes.

I can't believe how easy that job is to do. It literally took less than 10 minutes to remove the pipes. I actually did it while I was preparing my lunch on Sunday, and had them off in less time than it took for a saucepan of water to boil!

I'd not seen a picture of one of these bikes without the pipes on, so here you go for curiosity sake



I was going to order pipes from the US for this project, but fellow forum member bikerdave kindly donated his own custom pipes off his bike for the project. I only paid about 1/4 of what new pipes would cost, and he even delivered them to my house and help fit them up. I can't say enough good things about this guy and look forward to helping him out on his VN800 Chopper project in future. You the man bikerdave, you the man!!



Bikerdave could better explain the pipes than I could, but they are custom made using the original front pipes and heat shields, mated to triple chrome plated 2-1/4" custom pipes fitted with removable baffles. Not that you'd need to remove them, they are so so loud and sound awesome! Can't wait to go on a decent ride with these on.

[CustomVN]

Oh and last but not least I debadged the bike on Sunday night to round out a relatively productive first weekend.

Removing those tank badges is a real PITA, and I spent about an hour on each one, but the end result is worth it. I mean they had to come off eventually for when I get the custom paint job done.

[CustomVN]

Originally Posted by Thullan

By the way, you never considered starting with a Drifter? There are a few details that make that model even better suited for an old school bobber, see the attached image.

Yeah those extra mounting tabs would be perfect for what I'm trying to do, but unfortunately the 800 Drifter was never sold down here in Australia, only the 1500.

[The Vol-can]

This is gonna be good! Who needs American Idol or Dance with the Stars when something this fun is happening?

[Wharfy]

Looking forward to seeing (and hearing) your bike on Saturday. Will watch the transformation with interest.

[G]

nice going , slowly but surely the bike is being transformed ..

[Tattoomarc]

looking good

[wattage]

All right!

Found this thread googling around for Vulcan Bobbers. I have an '00 that I am working on and an '05 that just gets pretty stuff on it (the wife's ride). Don't know if I can be a lot of help but comparing notes is always good no?

[CustomVN]

I like your handlebar setup, how tall are those risers?

[Thullan]

Wattage, welcome to the forum! Nice black paint on those fork legs, fender struts etc. Could have been taken for a H-D Night Train if it wasn't for the Classic fender and 16' front wheel!

Is it a rattle can paint job or did you let a profesional painter do it for you? Thinking of doing it myself with a few parts, especially the rims. Either in black or some creamy old school color. I think that will be a project for the next winter though.