Harley, Indian or Triumph: Which Bobber is Best?

If you are a true motorcycling fan, you must know the term “Bobbers.” Bobbers are among the most well-known retro-style motorcycle types. The term was first coined in the 1920s. It wasn’t something that came out of the factory. Bobber came out as a result of motorcycle customization.

In the 1920s, motorcyclists started experimenting with motorcycles for performance gains. Besides increasing the engine displacement size, bikers started removing non-essential motorcycle parts to reduce the extra weight. This gave birth to the “Bobber” motorcycle.

The bobber trend became quite popular in the motorcycling world. Riders started customizing their bikes to make them bobber. Apart from performance benefits, these bikes look cool if you prefer retro-styling. Later, motorcycle manufacturers also started producing factory-made bobbers.

Those motorcycle manufacturers that promote heritage and retro-styling still produce bobbers. On top of the list, we have American motorcycle brands, including Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycle. Both these brands have one of the longest motorcycling histories of more than a century.

Similarly, another globally well-known brand, famous for its classic heritage, also produces factory-made modern bobbers. Triumph Motorcycles, the British marque, has one of the richest histories.

In this article, we will compare the best bobber motorcycles produced by each motorcycle brand. These include:

• Harley-Davidson Street Bob

• Indian Scout Bobber

• Triumph Bonneville Bobber

These bikes are among the best modern bobbers currently produced by the top motorcycle manufacturers. Let’s find out which of these bobbers is the best in terms of performance and value for the money.

The Harley-Davidson Street Bob is among the lightest Harley motorcycles with a slim silhouette. It is a premium and more powerful version of the 2024 H-D Softail Standard. Both these bikes are almost similar. Both have the same frames and construction. However, the 2024 Street Bob has a few more parts and a powerful engine.

The Street Bob is a true bobber motorcycle in every sense. It has a stripped-down, simple look with nothing bigger and fancy.

The biggest attraction of the 2024 H-D Street Bob is the Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine. It has a blacked-out finish, making it look modern and cool. The only chrome parts on this bike are the front forks and the headlight bezel. The blacked-out fork gaiters enhance the overall bobber look.

The other most notable part of the 2024 H-D Street Bob is its blacked-out tall ape hangers. The side mirrors and front turn signals are both connected to the handlebars.

The gas tank installed on the Street Bob is small and considerably slim, having a tank capacity of only 3.5 gals. However, it is still bigger than the other two bobbers we will discuss in this article.

Being a true bobber, the Street Bob has a tuck-and-roll stylish rider seat. The seat is well-padded for comfortable riding. A separate passenger seat is also installed on the rear fender.

Both front and rear fenders are lightweight and complement the bobber styling. The headlamp on this bike is also small and round in shape. The dual separate exhaust pipes are blacked-out and look very attractive.

Being a bobber, the frame rods and machinery are quite exposed. The rear mono-shock is hidden underneath the seat because it is a Softail model. The rear end gives a clean chopper-style look.

Undoubtedly, the Indian Scout Bobber is among the most premium-looking modern bobbers in the market. Like most modern Indian motorcycles, it also features a completely blacked-out theme.

Despite being a modern-looking bobber, the 2025 Indian Scout Bobber has a strong presence and character. This bike has a bold overall look. Starting from its front end is a large blacked-out headlight binnacle equipped with a round headlamp.

Being a bobber, the Scout Bobber has a simple, stripped-down look. However, the way it is built and the integrated parts make it look like a masterpiece. It is a perfect example of a true modern bobber.

On top of the trimmed-down and lightweight parts, the fat Pirelli MT60RS tires wrapped around 8-spoke cast aluminum blacked-out wheels enhance its presence on the road.

The front and rear fenders are also light and chopped rightfully for a more stripped-down aesthetic. There is no compromise on the design and finish of the stylish 3.4 gals gas tank. It has the same curves and edges as you would find on the other premium Indian cruisers.

The solo seat on this bike is quite small and less padded. The liquid-cooled 1,250 cc 60° V-Twin with a matte finish looks perfect on this bike. The stock blacked-out two-into-one long exhaust pipe makes the Scout Bobber look amazing.

What makes the 2025 Indian Scout Bobber look the most unique is its stylish blacked-out handlebars with chrome levers, and bar-end side mirrors pointing downwards for an edgy look.

Overall, the Indian Scout Bobber is a bold-looking modern bobber with an exceptional road presence.

Triumph has taken the conventional bobber styling too seriously. While designing the Bonneville Bobber, the company stuck to the original bobber linings and persona.

Out of all the three bobbers, the 2022 Triumph Bonneville Bobber is the closest to retro bobber heritage. This bike is the most stripped-down bobber ever produced in the present time. It features a floating aluminum solo rider seat to remind you of the 1920s bobber.

The Bonneville Bobber has a small fuel tank with only 3.2 gals of gas carrying capacity. It looks like the fenders and frame of this bike are taken from an original bobber of the past.

The designers and engineers at Triumph have taken a bold decision as this bike may not look practical to most riders. This bike is stripped down to bones. The rider can have a full view of the frame, rods, and machinery. Nothing on this bike is hidden or covered.

Being a bobber, the Triumph Scout Bobber also features fat tires. To keep the retro look, this bike features wire-spoked wheels.

Also, the single rear shock is installed horizontally below the seat to ensure a conventional hard-tail look.

The 2022 Triumph Bonneville Bobber is equipped with a 1,200 cc parallel-twin engine, which gives a single-cylinder look from the side view, making it look more retro.

The installation of a parallel-twin engine on this bike allowed designers to mount separate dual chrome exhaust pipes on both sides to ensure a balanced look.

Towards the front, there are beefier front forks with a blacked-out small, round-shaped LED headlight. For a more premium look, the front forks feature fork gaiters.

The 2024 Harley Street Bob, 2025 Indian Scout Bobber, and 2022 Triumph Bonneville Bobber are all bobber motorcycles. Despite belonging to the same category, all these bikes are different from each other.

It totally depends on your preferences and riding style. However, if you prefer pure and authentic bobber styling and heritage, the Bonneville Bobber is unmatched. You may not find a more stripped-down original bobber in modern-day motorcycles than this bike.

Every part of this bike looks like it has been taken from a traditional bobber. It is the simplest motorbike with no extra parts. The bike has been reduced to a minimum.

Most riders are seen buying cruiser motorcycles and going for customization to transform it into bobbers. If you don’t want to go through the detailed customization process, the 2022 Triumph Bonneville Bobber is for you. It is a factory-made, stripped-down bobber.

If you prefer a modern, bold-looking bobber with a blacked-out theme and edgy styling, go for the Scout Bobber. This bike looks like a bobber from the future.

If you don’t want to look and feel like an old rider with the old-school ride, try the Scout Bobber. It looks the coolest and most premium in its original shape.

The 2025 Indian Scout Bobber is also quite sporty, considering the rider has to sit in an aggressive posture. Except for the stripped-down basic design, nothing on this bike reminds you of a retro motorbike.

If you don’t like the idea of riding a massive H-D bagger and want to ride something slim and light, you must try the 2024 Street Bob 114. It is among the lightest Harley motorbikes, with a 114 cu-in engine.

It is not common for a Harley-Davidson motorbike to be this light and stripped down. However, the Street Bob still has many things to love about. It is a black canvas with a powerful Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine for most custom motorcycle builders. The design of this bike is focused more on comfort.

Considering the numbers alone, the 2024 Harley-Davidson Street Bob 114 is a clear winner. It has a substantially larger engine than the Indian Bobber and the Triumph Bobber, having a displacement size of 1,868 cc. The air/oil-cooled Milwaukee-Eight 114 V-Twin engine delivers an impressive torque of 119 lb-ft and a horsepower of 94 hp.

The Street Bob’s Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine is referred to as a more fun power plant, ensuring an exciting ride experience.

The performance of the large-capacity 114 cu-in M-8 engine is very impressive. It may not produce as much horsepower as you would expect from a large engine.

However, the torque it produces is top-notch. The 161.34 Nm of torque is no joke, especially on a lightweight bobber like the 2024 Street Bob 114. The torque is readily available as soon as you twist the throttle.

The engine is known for its impressive acceleration and low-end torque delivery. You can never stall this bike, even if you slow down at a corner.

On the other hand, we have the 2025 Indian Scout Bobber equipped with a 1,250 cc liquid-cooled V-Twin engine. Despite being a smaller displacement engine than the Street Bob 114, it produces more horsepower. The engine delivers 82 lb-ft of torque and 105 hp of horsepower.

According to most reviewers, the Scout Bobber’s 1,250 cc liquid-cooled V-Twin engine is regarded as one of the best cruiser engines.

This engine provides a perfect balance between horsepower and torque, making it a more versatile option.

The 2022 Triumph Bonneville Bobber has a 1,200 cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine, which produces 78.2 lb-ft of torque and a horsepower of 76.9 hp.

The Triumph Bonneville Bobber features a sporty engine despite having a classic bobber look. The sportiness comes from the parallel-twin engine, making it unique from the other two bobbers.

Comparing the engine displacement size, it has a slightly smaller engine than the Indian Scout Bobber. However, the 1,200 cc parallel-twin engine is no less when it comes to horsepower and torque. The engine doesn’t fail to produce the claimed horsepower and torque. You may not find any difference while riding this bobber.

The mid-range power delivery feels impressive, and the peak torque comes in at 4,000 rpm, making rides fun. The throttle response is also quite impressive. The Bonneville Bobber feels quite different from other Triumph Bonneville models. This is majorly because of its low-end power and torque delivery.

You can cruise comfortably at high speeds, which makes the bike work harder. The power delivery becomes noticeable in the 2nd gear, and when you shift up, it becomes incredible. At the fifth gear, you can open the full throttle. You may not be required to shift to the sixth gear.

Being lower to the ground, the 2022 Triumph Bobber has a low center of gravity. Most reviewers and owners who have ridden this bike are extremely happy with how this bike handles. It changes the direction smoothly.

Above all, it is also stable in the corners. The Bonneville Bobbers leans perfectly while turning corners. It is a kind of bike that will help you gain confidence while cornering.

However, the suspensions installed on this bike have small wheel travel, making it suitable for city traveling only. Hitting a pothole on this bike can make you very uncomfortable.

The 2024 Street Bob 114 may require a little practice to get used to handling this bike. Once you are familiar with this bike and its riding style, you can easily take it out for canyon carving.

It is a large motorcycle with a decent wheelbase. Also, it is not as lightweight as you would expect from a stripped-down bobber. However, it handles well due to the low seat height and center of gravity.

There is a chance that you may scrape the pegs while turning corners. Again, it will require you to get used to how much you should lean on this bike while taking a turn.

The 2025 Indian Scout Bobber is remarkable when it comes to stability. The rigid chassis and frame design helps keep the bike stable in most riding conditions.

The handling is also good. However, scraping the pegs as you take a corner is common due to low cornering clearance. You must not expect this bike to turn sharp corners at high speeds. You should slow down before reaching a corner on your Scout Bobber.

On the other hand, the suspension technology is comparatively brilliant. It effectively absorbs road imperfections and bumps, making rides smooth.

All three bobbers from Harley, Indian, and Triumph offer riders a completely unique riding style. Let’s talk about each of them one by one to know which is better when it comes to comfort level and ergonomics.

Note: Before we get into the review, it must be understood that riders are not always after comfort. Some riders prefer the sporty ergonomics of a motorcycle; some riders want a motorcycle for short-distance travel, while others may prefer comfort on longer rides.

The 2024 Street Bob 114 is designed to be comfortable. It may not be the ideal touring bike in the Harley lineup, but it is fairly comfortable. Considering the touring equipment, it may not be a suitable option for cruising or touring. However, for a bobber-style motorcycle like the Street Bob 114, it is quite comfortable.

The seat installed on the Street Bob 114 is more well-padded than the other bobbers. It is better and more comfortable if you want to ride for long hours.

The 2024 Street Bob 114 is the only one featuring a stock passenger seat out of all three bobbers.

The 2024 Street Bob features mid-mount foot controls. However, it still manages to offer decent legroom for comfortable rides. Considering the bike type, the mid-mount foot controls provide better bike control.

The H-D Street Bob 114 is the only bobber on the list, offering an upright riding stance. You can ride comfortably for a longer duration without getting your back hurt.

Initially, the mini-ape hangers may feel a bit taller. It offers an ideal riding stance as soon as you get used to it. It may be uncomfortable for your arms if you have shorter limbs. However, it helps you avoid sitting in a slouched riding position, which is better in the long run.

Overall, the H-D Street Bob 114 is a comfortable bike. Nonetheless, the ergonomics and rider triangle may take some time to get used to riding this bike. You feel like riding a custom bike while riding the 2024 Street Bob 114.

Choosing the more comfortable option between Scout Bobber and Bonneville Bobber is difficult. Some people find Scout Bobber comfortable, while some riders find the ergonomics and rider triangle of this bike uncomfortable.

According to most reviewers, the Scout Bobber is comfortable for taller riders. It is not as comfortable for shorter riders.

The seat on the Scout Bobber is more comfortable than the Bonneville Bobber. It is small, but it still keeps the rider comfortably in place.

The handlebars installed on the Scout bobber are low-mounted and have less bent, making riders lean forward. If you are a shorter rider, you will likely have to stretch your arms a great deal to grab the bras.

On the other hand, if you are a taller rider, such an arrangement will make you sit in a slouched riding position. It may look relaxed, but it is uncomfortable and painful if you continue to ride with a slouched back.

For shorter riders, the rider triangle can be uncomfortable and awkward. Since you will have to spread both your legs and arms, it can be painful and challenging for shorter riders.

On the other hand, if you are on the taller side and can avoid sitting in a slouched position, it is comfortable. You can ride for longer hours.

You could make this bike comfortable if you could replace the Scout Bobber’s handlebars with slightly taller and pulled-back handlebars. Overall, it is a comfortable bike, considering it a sporty-style bobber.

To sum up the Triumph Bonneville Bobber in one line, it is a fairly comfortable motorcycle. However, it depends on whether you want to go on a short or long-haul ride.

The Bonneville Bobber has a simple, flat, floating seat with less padding. The seat feels harder than the seats installed on the other two bobbers. However, the adjustability option allows you to adjust the ergonomics a bit.

The Bonneville Bobber is a bit more compact than the rest of the two bobbers. Similarly, the rider triangle is compact, especially for taller riders with longer limbs.

The 2022 Triumph Bobber’s foot controls are mounted somewhere between the forward and mid-mount positions. They are not too forward for riders to extend their legs a great deal.

The foot controls are at a perfect spot for riders to reach them comfortably without having their legs kinked up. The foot controls offer a perfect motorcycle riding position for riders who want to travel within the city and only seldom cruise on open roads and highways.

The drag bars installed on the Bonneville Bobber offer good control to the rider. These bars offer a slightly sportier stance to the rider. However, they have sufficient bends to prevent riders from extending their arms too much. The handlebar offers a perfect blend of sporty and comfortable stance.

Overall, the 2022 Triumph Bonneville Bobber is a sporty-style bobber thanks to the low-mounted, less sweptback drag bars. Riders may need to bend slightly forward depending on their size; however, this bike doesn’t make you feel cramped.

If you are looking for a bobber, you must know that they are not the most comfortable bikes, especially for long miles. A part of their comfort goes away during the transformation and stripping down extra weight.

The Street Bob offers better comfort than the other two bobbers. It is better suited for long miles with a more upright stance and roomy rider triangle. Not to forget, the 2024 Street Bob is a stripped-down cruiser with no wind protection and storage options. 

The 2025 Indian Scout Bobber is preferred out of the three bobbers. This bike features a well-padded, comfortable solo seat compared to the Bonneville Bobber. The ergonomics are also spacious for better long-distance riding.

The 2022 Triumph Bonneville Bobber is good for short-distance rides. It is not the ideal option between the three bobbers, considering it has a flat solo rider seat and compact rider triangle.

Moreover, The Bonneville Bobber is a bit sporty. It has a small fuel-carrying capacity, making long-distance riding a bit challenging.

Comparing all three bobbers, the 2024 H-D Street Bob 114 is the most expensive, with a base price of $16,999. Meanwhile, the 2025 Indian Scout Bobber is the least expensive, costing only $12,999.

All the three bobbers are unique and have their distinctive qualities. The Street Bob 114 has a substantially bigger engine and carries the Harley-Davidson logo. The Indian Scout Bobber has a unique modern persona and strong engine character.

Meanwhile, the 2022 Triumph Bonneville Bobber is a true classic bobber with modern engineering. It costs less than the 2024 Street Bob 114. You can buy the 2024 Bonneville Bobber at $13,995.

If you consider every performance expected, the Bonneville Bobber turns out to offer the best value for the money. If you are looking for a bobber, it looks like a genuine stripped-down bobber.

The Street Bob 114 offers nothing in the tech package. The only option the rider has is the optional ABS, which will cost $950 more than the base price.

On the other hand, Indian only offers a standard ABS in the Scout Bobber as a standard feature.

Triumph has taken a step further and offers a decent tech package. The 2024 Bonneville Bobber has standard ABS, traction control, ride-by-wire throttle, cruise control, slipper & assist clutch, and two ride modes (Road and Rain).

Choosing the best bobber between the Harley, Indian, and Triumph depends totally on riders’ preferences, tastes, riding style, and budget. However, after thoroughly reviewing every performance aspect, look, and value for the money, the 2022 Triumph Bonneville Bobber turns out to be the best bobber in the given options.

The Triumph Bonneville Bobber offers an impressive tech package, a sporty parallel-twin engine, great handling performance, and much more. This bike also fits the “Bobber” definition perfectly.

Meanwhile, the 2025 Indian Scout Bobber is also a good option if you prefer a more modern, sporty vibe on a bobber-style bike. It features a great-performing, fun V-Twin engine with an amazing motorcycle look.

Though the most expensive of all three options, the Street Bob 114 is also great for different purposes. It has a bigger engine with impressive torque delivery.