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Bobber vs. Cafe Racer vs. Scrambler Motorcycles: Learn the 12 Key Distinctions

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A cafe racer is a standard motorcycle that’s heavily modified to go faster and handle nimbly on paved urban roads on a crouched riding position, emphasizing sport bike performance with short bursts of acceleration, aggressive cornering ability, and capable braking.

In contrast, a scrambler is a modified standard motorcycle to go off-road with upgraded taller and stiffer suspension, dual-sport tires, and enduro/cross handlebars for an upright and versatile riding stance. A bobber motorcycle—characterized by its stripped-down cruiser design—is light and nimble for both on- and off-road with forward set footrests and controls for a dominating laid-back riding position.

Despite their distinct characteristics, all three types embody the essence of custom motorcycles, as articulated by Robert Hoekman Jr. in his authoritative eBookThe Build: How the Masters Design Custom Motorcycles.’

“The captivating world of cafe racers, bobbers, and scramblers’ custom motorcycle design, with its artistry and engineering, unites to create one-of-a-kind masterpieces that reflect individuality, passion, and the pursuit of perfection.”

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Now, how do cafe racer, bobber and scrambler, each emphasizing the epitome of custom motorcycles, compare?

Bobber vs. Cafe Racer vs. Scrambler – Which Custom Style Is Right for You?

CriteriaBobberCafe RacerScrambler
HistoryOriginated in the Post-War United States, 1945-1968Originated in 1950s LondonEarly 1900s in England
Original PurposeFaster and more nimble than the stock optionDrag RacingPractical go-anywhere motorcycle
Base ModelClassic heavyweight cruiser motorcycleClassic lightweight standard motorcycleClassic lightweight standard motorcycle
AppearanceEmphatic diagonal through steering joint, seat and rear hubDistinctive horizontal backbone line with rear tail hump with cowl and sportbike flareHorizontal backbone similar to cafe racers but without the hump or pronounced tank arch
Intended UseElaborate designs for great looks and moderate speedDesigned for speed and performance on paved roadsDesigned for on- and off-road riding
PrioritizationAppearanceQuick acceleration and high speedsTorque and low-end power for better off-road performance
Modification GoalsSimplicity, style, better handling, and lightnessSpeed and agilityHandling better on and off-road
Riding StanceMore or less vertical with mid or forward set footpegs for a dominant riding stanceLow, streamlined body with clip-on handlebars, crouching chin-to-tank positionHigher, more upright riding position with wide handlebars and ability to shift body position and stance as needed
Comfort for Long RidesUncomfortable due to stiff rear endUncomfortable due to tucked-in riding positionComfortable for all terrain and longer rides with plush seat and suspension
AestheticMinimalist aesthetic, with a focus on maintaining an authentic bobber lookFlashy sportbike vibe with menacing display of brutal speed and aggressivenessDesign elements that emphasize the bike’s adventurous nature, such as knobby tires and wire-spoke wheels
Best Base ModelsHarley-Davidson Fat Bob 114, Kawasaki Vulcan S, Honda Rebel 1100, Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse, Triumph Bonneville Bobber, Triumph Rocket 3 RRoyal Enfield Continental GT 650, Triumph Thruxton R, Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer, Moto Guzzi V7 III Racer, BMW R NineT Racer S, Honda Hawk 11, Norton Commando 961 CRIndian FTR1200 Rally, Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE, Husqvarna Svartpilen 401, Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled, Royal Enfield Scram 411, Yamaha XSR900

Granted, Cafe Racer vs. Scrambler vs. Bobber Motorcycles Have Four Similarities

The BMW R 18 cruiser, the largest engine capacity ever to come from the Bavarian maker, goes head to head with its bobber alter ego, showing just how much transformation is possible but simply swapping a few stock items for aftermarket options.
The BMW R 18 cruiser, the largest engine capacity ever to come from the Bavarian maker, goes head to head with its bobber alter ego, showing just how much transformation is possible but simply swapping a few stock items for aftermarket options.

Despite their diverse origin stories and evolution over the years, bobbers, cafe racers, and scramblers are heavily customizable for performance and style, and so, understandably, you take a deeper look, and the lines separating each type of build start to blur.

1. Made to Do More With Major Performance Upgrades

The stiff suspension of the R 18 aids in its stability and cornering at speed plus it’s not a light motorcycle build but also means trading off rider comfort despite the laid-back stance with the saddle barely 27.1 inches off the tarmac.
The stiff suspension of the R 18 aids in its stability and cornering at speed plus it’s not a light motorcycle build but also means trading off-rider comfort despite the laid-back stance with the saddle barely 27.1 inches off the tarmac.

Unlike today when we make them just to look cool, the original brainchild of these designs customized their bikes not for looks but because manufacturers were not churning out anything faster than ordinary back in the day.

Back to the future, we now have manufacturers supplying custom motorcycle builders with all manner of parts from air intakes to stiffer suspension and performance pipes, which barely meet ECE-R47 or the EPA Tier 1 Exhaust Emission Standards – and certain to wake the neighborhood with removal of the dB killer, which is ridiculously easy to lose.

2. Need to go Lean and Mean

The clutter free build of a custom not only reduces weight but also gives you the ample time to ride and enjoy the open road without constant distractions. With cafe racers, bobbers and scramblers, less is able to do more for the long haul.
The clutter-free build of a custom not only reduces weight but also gives you the ample time to ride and enjoy the open road without constant distractions. With cafe racers, bobbers, and scramblers, less is able to do more for the long haul.

Most of the modifications for cafe racers and scramblers in 1960s England involved chopping off some “excess baggage” to remain with the bare minimum and win actual races or shutter speed records. Similarly, “bobbing” was born when ex-soldiers retired from the battlefields of Europe and found Harleys cumbersome and needlessly bulky, as they had grown fond of nimbler and faster European makes. Fenders were a liability where speed and agility were concerned and had to go.

Even today, the less-is-more design concept guides bobber, cafe racer, and scrambler development teams. A great example is the fierce Triumph Scrambler 1200 rocking that formidable parallel double-puncher and premium Brembo brakes despite being significantly lighter than the base model, the Bonneville T1200. Even the latest Harley-Davidson Street Bob is not buried behind a heap of chrome appendages.

Of course, Honda still had a few leftover parts from the 1992 Honda NX650 Dominator and just had to come up with the latest Honda Dominator Scrambler. And did the Kawasaki W1 go to the gym? Because the new 2023 Kawasaki W800 sure looks familiar!

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3. Altered Frame Geometries

The R 18 embodies the triangular frame of a bobber motorcycle with an emphatic diagonal from the steering down the backbone and through the rear hub. Cafe racers and scramblers have a horizontal backbone and equal sized wheels so telling them apart is not easy for non-bikers.
The R 18 embodies the triangular frame of a bobber motorcycle with an emphatic diagonal from the steering down the backbone and through the rear hub. Cafe racers and scramblers have a horizontal backbone and equal-sized wheels so telling them apart is not easy for non-bikers.

If you think about it, the chassis makes the foundation of the motorcycle or vehicle, for that matter. It affects the wheelbase and trail, suspension attachment points and orientation, engine mounting and servicing options, weight distribution, rigidity, and flexibility, the riding stance, rider feedback, and comfort. All the above define the form and function of the motorcycle, and when the goal is to go faster, then they surely matter.

Yet, there’s more to it. The motorcycle’s final profile significantly contributes to its aesthetics, and the selection of various motorcycle frame styles—such as trellis, perimeter, backbone, and twin-spar frames, or the choice between hidden and exposed frames—bestows each modification with its unique visual characteristics.

A bobbed version of the BMW R 18 base, which is the largest production boxer twin ever made. Even without much work done to the engine and transmission, this motorcycle has shed significant weight compared to the stock option and is lighter and nimbler for it.
A bobbed version of the BMW R 18 base, which is the largest production boxer twin ever made. Even without much work done to the engine and transmission, this motorcycle has shed significant weight compared to the stock option and is lighter and nimbler for it.

Cafe racers and scramblers are meant to be sportier and share a silhouette with horizontal backbone. You can draw an imaginary line through the headlight, steering head, through the tank, and over the rear seat forming a backbone of sorts. They even have similar sized tires for front and back; hence, most non-bikers cannot tell them apart easily.

Bobbers, just like cafe racers, receive frame customization, including stiffer suspension and often hardtail rear ends for authenticity and pronounced rake for aesthetics and stability. The seat is often solo, just as is the case with the first two, and the frame may be exposed purely for aesthetics.

4. All Can Be Made Street Legal

Tail lights, turn signals, license plates and rear view mirrors are a must have for your custom builds to pass DMV inspections and to stay out of trouble with law enforcements.
Motorcycle tail lights, turn signals, license plates, and rear view mirrors are a must have for your custom builds to pass DMV inspections and to stay out of trouble with law enforcement.

You may be wondering whether a bobber, cafe racer, or scrambler motorcycle build can be road-legal, and the answer is yes. To make your custom motorcycle road legal, you need to obtain its title as proof of ownership and register with local DMV or equivalent bodies to get a new VIN or verify your existing one when heavy customization is involved.

Then, you need to ensure compliance with regulations on mirrors, lights, and turn signals, brakes, horns in order to pass the safety inspection with the relevant authorities. A VIN inspection may be needed depending on where you live, but either way, ensure that your custom bike has one, usually retained on the original motorcycle frame.

Need I say that locally bought scramblers, cafe racers, and bobbers are almost guaranteed to be street-legal in your state? Of course, it’s your responsibility to find out what is allowable and comply.

Let’s Explore Scrambler vs. Bobber vs. Cafe Racer Differences in Detail

DetailCafe RacerBobberScrambler
HandlebarsDrooping clip-on handlebarsApe hanger handlebarsEnduro/cross handlebars
Footpegs & ControlsRear-set footpegsMid or forward-set footpegs and controlsMid-set footpegs and controls
SeatNarrow, bench-like with thin padding and a humpSpring mounted solo seatBench type, horizontal, more room, softer padding
Gas TankRelatively larger, swooping arc upwardsBalanced size, style, and function sitting high on backboneSmaller, less pronounced curvature
TiresThick street tires of the same diameterKnobby dual-sport tires, similar dimensionsDual-sport tires with knobby tread patterns
SuspensionUpgraded to stiff shocks for sharp handlingRigid suspension for stability and styleSoft suspension with ample travel for softer landings
ExhaustLow-mounted exhausts for performanceRetains stock exhaust, uses slip-on mufflers or straight pipes.Dual-sport exhaust, high mounting for clearance
Riding StanceChin-to-tank, aggressiveVersatile, mid-forward set, dominantRelaxed, mid-forward set, versatile
Ride ComfortLess comfortable over long distancesMore comfortable, suitable for longer ridesRelaxed riding stance, plush seat, suitable for long rides
Frame HeightShorter, stable for accelerationTriangular, taller front and shorter backTaller seat height, dirt bike stance for terrain
CustomizationStreet bike base, minimalist accessoriesCruiser base, customized for styleStandard motorcycle base, adapted for off-road
PurposeStreet performance, drag racingComfortable faster cruisesBalanced on- and off-road performance

Bobbers are unique, born from cruiser-type frames with minimal modifications, while cafe racers and scramblers often start as standard or sport bikes. They’re mainly standard motorcycles and select sport bikes. Here goes the 8 key differences:

1. The Differences Start With the Origin Story of Each Style

Cafe racers emerged from the 1950s and 60s in London and were primarily British mods with a minimalist style and a sport bike flair, blending style and speed for street racing. Scramblers came into being around the same time and for very similar reasons: to go faster, yet they were capable of crossing rough terrain and rivers to complete informal enduro races.

As for bobbers, they were in no particular hurry, but their owners still felt that the US-made Harleys of the day needed a tweak to reduce weight, make them faster, and improve handling.

2. The Rise And Sweep of the Handlebars Determine Handling

Lane splitters with slight pullback and interesting cable feed-in direction. Notice the clean handlebars with no cluster of instruments to distract you from the road.
Lane splitters with slight pullback and interesting cable feed-in direction

Cafe racers sport clip-on handlebars with a low mounting position and great pullback put you in a crouching position, akin to their sport bike idols, while scramblers come with compact lane splitter drag bars for a more relaxed riding position, just like on a dirt bike, so you can see further down the trail. Bobbers may use a variant of compact lane splitter handlebars or ape hanger bars for a dominant laid-back riding stance.

3. Footpegs and Controls Dictate the Stance and Rider Comfort

The ease of access to controls is one reason to customize motorcycles, especially bobbers, which necessitate a relaxed stance to cruise. And this ergonomic clutch lever with unconventional but efficient design is testament to the fact.
The ease of access to controls is one reason to customize motorcycles, especially bobbers, which necessitate a relaxed stance to cruise. And this ergonomic clutch lever with unconventional but efficient design is testament to the fact.

Footpegs on cafe racers are rear-set in order to anchor the rider on the bike when they are pulling away at speed. They also aid with the tucked-in riding position. The controls are also considerably far back just like on a sport bike. For scramblers, we see mainly mid-set footpegs and controls, allowing for that upright riding position and even occasionally standing up or assuming the attack position.

And lastly, bobbers have mid-to-forward set footpegs that allow you to sit back and still dominate the motorcycle as you cruise.

4. Seats Make All the Difference for Longer Riders

Thick, solo seat with raised rear hump to support the rider’s back under acceleration. The cruiser emphasizes this dominating stance when riding. And this plus cushioned seat is supposed to make up for the stiff rear suspension.
Thick, solo seat with raised rear hump to support the rider’s back under acceleration. The cruiser emphasizes this dominating stance when riding. And this plus-cushioned seat is supposed to make up for the stiff rear suspension.

Scramblers have a long bench-like seat, which allows you to shift your weight on the motorcycle by literally sitting further back or closer to the tank as required to retain traction, which is scarce off-road. The narrower seat and tank combo also allows you to extend your leg forward to counterbalance, leaning through corners in true motocross fashion.

Bobbers and cafe racers, on the other hand, tend to always strap a solo seat, which is usually thinly padded and mostly uncomfortable for longer rides. For the cafes, the seat has a unique back rest at the rear hump called a bum stop to keep the rider on the bike when under intense acceleration, while bobber seats may be spring mounted to compensate for the stiffness of the rear suspension or complete lack in authentic 1930s bobber fashion.

5. The Right Tires Keep You Shiny Side Up

The Battlecruise H50 Bridgestone tires as they are fitted stock on the R 18 cruiser. Light treads provide good feedback on paved surfaces but may not fare so well off-road. Tires are important as they are the final port for power, leaving the bike to the asphalt.
The Battlecruise H50 Bridgestone tires as they are fitted stock on the R 18 cruiser. Light treads provide good feedback on paved surfaces but may not fare so well off-road. Tires are important as they are the final port for power, leaving the bike to the asphalt.

Cafe racers come with wide street or track tires for aggressive riding on the street and sticking to the pavement. Bobbers and scramblers rock the same kind of tires for on-and-off road performance.

For instance, the MT60RS dual sport tires, developed with Pirelli’s extensive knowledge of racing tires, come stock on both the Indian Scout Bobber and the Ducati Scrambler lineup. If you are going to be riding exclusively on the pavement, you may consider changing to Michelin Road 3’s, which feel firmly adhered to the pavement, allowing you to lean and brake with confidence.

6. Suspension

Bobbers have stiffer shocks and often are hard-tailed, lacking any suspension in the rear to remain authentic. Well, cafe racers receive upgrades to stiffer suspension kits for different reasons; stability when cornering, leaning, and braking aggressively on the track, just like with sport bikes.

In contrast, scramblers have soft plush suspension with long travel to absorb bumps and jumps off-road. It helps if the damping on the springs is adjustable so that you can prepare your bike for how much air you are going to be grabbing.

7. Gas Tanks for Purely for Style

The cafe racer’s large gas tank is stylistic rather than functional given that the modification is meant for short-distance races. The classic cafe look emphasizes dynamic lines with a larger imaginary arc that swoops over the gas tank and down the hump in the rear. Scramblers have a less curved tank in comparison, and the size depends on the bike in question made to match the other components of the bike. Bobber tanks are simple, sleek, and often “Frisco Style” or “Sportster Style” with shallow tunnels to let the tank seat higher on the backbone.

8. Exhausts Help the Engine Exhale

The stock exhaust on the R18 has quite the bark and is welcome to stay in the bobbed version despite the significant weight reduction that can be achieved with a titanium aftermarket replacement. Changing the stock exhaust can result in power loss if the intake is not adjusted accordingly.
The stock exhaust on the R18 has quite the bark and is welcome to stay in the bobbed version despite the significant weight reduction that can be achieved with a titanium aftermarket replacement. Changing the stock exhaust can result in power loss if the intake is not adjusted accordingly.

One clear distinction between the cafe racer and scrambler mod styles is the characteristic cafe racer tail cowl, which is not present on the latter. The scrambler style features a higher-mounted upswept dual-sport exhaust, whereas the cafe racer typically has a low-mounted performance exhaust. In the case of bobbers, they retain their stock exhaust, although some builders opt for aftermarket mufflers or straight pipes to enhance both the ‘bark’ and performance.

Michael’s Summary and Conclusion

Bobber vs. cafe racer vs. scrambler: Both bobbers and cafe racers represent unique facets of custom motorcycle culture, each with its distinct characteristics and origins. While they share some similarities, they also possess key differences.

Bobbers originated in the United States during the 1930s and 40s, while cafe racers found their roots in the United Kingdom and France during the 1950s and 60s. Bobbers typically sport a stripped-down, shorter appearance. In contrast, cafe racers lean more towards a racing-oriented style, resembling street versions of Grand Prix bikes. They feature a crouched riding position, clip-on handlebars, and rear sets for a sportier feel.

While there’s significant overlap between cafe racers and bobbers in terms of style, scramblers stand out due to their off-road capabilities, or at least their cosmetic appearance suggesting off-road readiness.

In my personal opinion, bobbers primarily prioritize aesthetics as artistic expressions of cultural form. While they can be ridden on the road, their main focus is on visual style rather than everyday functionality.

Cafe racers, on the other hand, offer a broader spectrum. They can be creative works of art like bobbers, but they also have the potential to be more practical and versatile for everyday riding. This diversity allows cafe racers to encompass a wider range of styles and functionalities compared to most bobbers.

Scramblers are designed to evoke the classic enduro racers of the 1960s and 70s. They incorporate elements suitable for both street and off-road riding. This includes high-mounted exhaust pipes, longer-travel suspension for off-road use, and tires that can handle both on and off-road terrain. The seating position on scramblers is typically more upright compared to cafe racers or bobbers. This practicality and versatility arise from their riding position, ground clearance, and a design that prioritizes functionality over pure aesthetics.

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I've diligently categorized my motorcycle gear recommendations into all available categories, with the aim of providing you with a comprehensive analysis that showcases the absolute best options for all your needs. These items are the culmination of in-depth research, extensive testing, and personal use throughout my vast experience of 50+ years in the world of motorcycling. Besides being a passionate rider, I've held leadership positions and offered consultancy services to reputable companies in over 25 countries. To See Top Picks and the Best Prices & Places to Buy: Click Here!

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Picture of About the Author:

About the Author:

Michael Parrotte started his career in the motorcycle industry by importing AGV Helmets into the North American market. He was then appointed the Vice President of AGV Helmets America. In total, he worked with AGV Helmets for 25 years. He has also served as a consultant for KBC Helmets, Vemar Helmets, Suomy Helmets, Marushin Helmets, KYT Helmets, and Sparx Helmets.

In 1985, he founded AGV Sports Group, Inc. with AGV Helmets in Valenza, Italy. For over 38 years now, the company has quietly delivered some of the best protective gear for motorcyclists in the world.

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