Lime Green Goodness - Yamaha XS650 Bobber

The other day I got in touch with Josh Scott from Old School Helmets to hook me up with a one-off, custom pinstriped and gold leaf Biltwell open faced lid (Sweeeeet!). During our emails back and forth Josh happened to send me through a couple of pics of his 1978 Yamaha XS650 which he has transformed in to a stunning lime green Bobber.

Josh works at G&L Choppers in Colorado Springs, USA where he and his friend/owner of G&L Choppers, Rich Ford constructed the bike.

Here's what Josh told me about the bike...

"I rolled the rear fender on the english wheel, made the round electric box and end caps and the battery box. Also made the mid controls and spun the pegs out of brass. Mounted everything on the bike, wired it from scratch and painted it. HOK Lime Gold Candy over a black base. My buddy Steve Havens pinstriped it for me."

I love the wine red shifter knob and the paintwork on the fuax oil tank (housing the electrics) and battery box, details like these are the difference between a nice looking bike and a show piece.

While it's not a Triumph it's certainly a great example of a Bobber. I am currently building a 1979 Yamaha XS650 Cafe Racer which I considered converting in to a Bobber before I began. The XS650 makes a great project bike for anyone wanting to attempt their own project bike. Big thanks to Josh for sharing info and pics of his bike.

See more awesome Bobbers at G&L Choppers.

Get your own customised Biltwell lid from Josh at Old School Helmets

Triumph Bobber Parts - Lowbrow Customs

As with any custom project finding replacementparts, unique parts or custom one offs is a challenge. So here's the first of many posts I will be doing about around custom motorcycle workshops that sell their parts online. Hopefully you will find something for your very own Triumph Bobber build.

First off the rank is Lowbrow Customs out of Mid West USA (Hinckley, Ohio).



Lowbrow Customs is the family run business of brothers Tyler and Kyle who are avid Triumph fans/builders. Specialising in parts for your Unit and Pre-unit Triumph Bobber or Chopper LBC know their shit. Custom made parts are top quality and on sold items are hand picked by the guys so you'll only find products they are happy to back and they're also an approved dealer of Biltwell. Here's what they have to say about themselves...

"We strive to gather the best in hard-to-find motorcycle parts, helmets, apparel, DVDs and magazines in one place for the home-built motorcycle, hot rod and van enthusiast. Our specialties include parts for your Sportster or Triumph bobber or chopper. Our aim is to run a business like we think all businesses should be run: do the right thing, take care of customers and sell only quality products we can stand behind. Enjoy!"

The Lowbrow Customs website is broken up in to categories and all products have good photography and write ups to help avoid any surprises. Product categories you will find on the site are as follows:

New Products : Pretty self explanatory
Apparel : T-shirts, Long sleeve shirts, work shirts, work jackets (Dickies) and hats.
Parts, Tools & Frames : Everything you need to put together your own Bobber including seat spring mounts, bungs, fiined engine parts, carbs, custom wiring and hoses, chain tensioners, pegs, fender struts, ignition systems, battery boxes, lighting, license plate brackets...the list goes on.

Most importantly though are the David Bird bolt on and weld on hardtails they stock. Super Crouton used the Pre Unit Bolt-on hardtails on his Angry Monkey and Low Tide Larry Triumph Bobbers which look simply stunning.

Helmets & Goggles : Full range of Biltwell lids (including the latest Mega Flake colours) and Halcyon goggles.

Bubble Shields : Awesome vintage Bubble shields that snap on to your open face lid to keep the bugs out of your teeth.
Patches & Pins : Flair up your jacket with some patches and pins.

Decals / Stickers : Make a statement on your bike, truck or helmet with some attitude packed decals. You'll also find some very nice pinstripe decals for those who don't have the talent or resources to get the real deal done.
Magazines, Books & DVDs : Grab the latest issue of Dice, Greasy Kulture or Sideburn magazine, buy a hardcover motorcycle book for your coffee table or fill your movie library with motorcycle focused flicks. You will also find the English 101 and Triumph 650 rebuild DVD's that Lowbrow produced in conjunction with Wes White from Four Aces Cycles. These 2 DVD's are great for any Unit or Pre-unit Triumph owner looking to rebuild or maintain their motorcycle themselves. Check out the trailers below...






Metal Signs : Hand cut metal signs for the walls of your workshop or den.
Gift Certificates : The ultimate gift this Mothers Day.
Clearance : Sale items! Save $$$ and feel good about yourself.

The guys run a tight business and give the service we all hope to get when buying goods online. Lowbrow Customs also have a mailing list which is worth signing up to if you want to get the latest in Bobber goodies and a "Do it yourself" section that is slowing becoming an awesome resource for tips and guides on all aspects of building your own Bobber.