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Operation Bobcat
Ever get that yearning for a style of bike? It invades your consciousness at an early age and just will not go away. That happened to me when I was 8 yrs old and saw my first “Bobber” on an old 60’s American movie.
OK so technically this isn’t a true “Bobber” as it isn’t American, but it is my interpretation on the theme. My Bobber had to be quintessentially British and you can’t get more British than a Panther.
I purchased what was to become Bobcat as a rolling chassis and the rest in a box, she was thrown together with whatever I had on hand and run like this for a couple of years. She was basically standard but fitted with 2” over Bonnie forks, AMC tank, Sportster seat and a 5/16 rear wheel, she was great fun but not really what I wanted. So the quest began for an original rigid rear frame, it had to be standard as all good bobbers are based around standard frames. It isn’t just the style I like but the whole “early day’s” ethos of build with what ever you have to hand. With this in mind I raided the parts shelf in my lean-to workshop, mates sheds and I also stole parts from other projects I had going. The only thing purchased new on this bike is the seat and that was off e-bay for $25.00 including postage, which is so much of a bargain to almost be obscene. The front end is standard Panther but fitted with another 5/16 wheel and tyre, I swapped the tank with a mate and the handle bars are £1 autojumble treasure and are off some obscure Italian scooter.
All in all this bike owes me around £1100.00 all in, but gives me smiles that almost make me loose my head, she isn’t perfect and really needs a good clean but to me she just looks so right and I can’t think of anything I can do to improve her.
Panthershaun |