Monday, August 27, 2012

Royal Enfield C5 bobber looks out of proportion

The Royal Enfield Bullet Classic C5 does not make a good bobber.
I've just written passionately about how much I like the Pup, a Royal Enfield bobber designed by Old Empire Motorcycles.

So it's not that I don't like bobbers.

Instead of looking sleek, this motorcycle just looks abbreviated.
But there is something ghastly about the technically very proficient bob job done on this Royal Enfield C5 Bullet, for sale on CraigsList in Westbend, Wis.

The problem, I think, is that the C5 is an upright motorcycle and its front wheel is small. Removing the tinware destroys the proportions, leaving the remaining motorcycle looming over its wheels.

I don't mean to insult the seller: to each his own. Others may find it attractive. They must be blind.

Bob job spoils the C5's classic looks.

2 comments:

  1. Anonymous9/19/2012

    The job looks like it was done by someone with the right intentions but a poor sense of proportion, and a lack of desire or ability to really change the stance of the bike. Same for the white Classic "bobber" also for sale now.

    The rear fender itself isn't terrible, but the way the seat sits in relation to it is. Seat should flow downward from the tank and then back up to the fender in a neat curve, not the plank-like setup it's got now.

    The fork shrouds without the fender make the bike look like it is recoiling in horror. (Perhaps at its own reflection?) I have an older Bullet with a standard-style tripleclamp arrangement and no fork shrouds; without a fender it looks amazing, whether with fork gaiters or just the little rubber caps on the seals. (Not like I'd ride it without a fender, but it does look great just sitting still.) A marginally fatter front tire may help, too. And as you point out, the 18" wheel is a major contributor to the awkward look.

    And what's with the handlebar position? Reminds me of a road bicycle with the drops flipped upside down.

    I believe in "go" over "show," but if you're making something to show, just unbolting or cutting a select few parts isn't the way to do it. Oddly they left all the stuff that likely would come off a true bobber...toolboxes, side cover, maybe the casquette and fork shrouds too.

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  2. Anonymous9/19/2012

    You might be able to assist the seat/fender lines by using a shorter rear shock. Relaxing the front might benefit as well and relieve some of the top-heavy look.

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