Thinking of starting my 1st bobber project

IrishLuck

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CA2FD9E6-4FEE-477C-B89F-C235F1B30763.jpeg E77C8640-7A74-4EF0-9F33-412D27F4AE5E.jpeg Hey everyone, I’m new here been poking around for a while.
Been missing riding, I had to sell my bike because of a divorce last summer.
I’ve seen some cool older bobbers that have caught my eye and possibly given me some hope I can afford an older bike and ride again.

I found a XS400J local that runs great, I could possibly get it for around $800.

I have some experience working on bikes but mostly dirt bikes. I can’t weld. So my question is how much expertise (novice, expert) work, time and most of all...money is involved in converting one of these?
Does the frame need to be lowered and lengthened?

I’ll attach a photo of the bike I’m looking at, and what I’d like it to look like when I’m done.
Thanks!
 
I think those can be bobbed with minimal mods.
Cutting off the back end of the frame, putting a solo seat on,painting the monoshock black to make it disapear so as to get that hardtail look...
 
I am doing the same as you (xs400 bobber) and I cant weld. That said I'm now taking an intro to welding night class to solve that!
I thougt the same until I priced local classes. I have a fellow in town that would do loads of work for me before I balanced out. Want to learn for sure...might need to teach myself!
 
I myself, wouldnt weld the frame because I am not a professional welder. On top of that, I do not posses the high quality tools need to take on a structure weld..

I have seen some bikes where people just replace the shocks with a length of pipe/metal so you loose the shock absorption and gain the hard tail aspect.

I welded my seat hoop myself with a little 120v lincoln welder Ive had since I was around 10 years old. I practiced for a few minutes on some scrap and the welds on my frame came out better than i expected.. Keep in mind, the part of the frame I welded has no load on it so its not too important.
 
I myself, wouldnt weld the frame because I am not a professional welder. On top of that, I do not posses the high quality tools need to take on a structure weld..

I have seen some bikes where people just replace the shocks with a length of pipe/metal so you loose the shock absorption and gain the hard tail aspect.

I welded my seat hoop myself with a little 120v lincoln welder Ive had since I was around 10 years old. I practiced for a few minutes on some scrap and the welds on my frame came out better than i expected.. Keep in mind, the part of the frame I welded has no load on it so its not too important.
I would have no qualms with a hoop or brace but nothing else.....yet!
 
One thing to remember and yes I am a welder ;) have been doing it for 30 years..........the weld can look like a bunch of boogers but as long as it has penetration its good..........grinders were made for a reason :laugh2:
 
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