Triumph bobber goes full-on ’80s: JvB kit conjures ‘modern minimalist’ look

This cut-down, minimalist, modernised Triumph Bonneville Bobber is the latest from German customiser JvB Moto – who’ll soon be offering replica parts for you to make your own.

It’s called the Bobber B-Type and is the latest project from Cologne-based custom wizard Jens vom Brauck who’s been building special bikes and parts since 2001.

It’s based on the original 2017 version of the Triumph Bobber, with a 19in front wheel and features all-new front and rear ends, seat, bars, mudguards, Vance and Hines exhaust, carbon fibre rear wheel cover, number plate holder, chain guard, very 1980s square headlight and much more – all due to be available through JvB to enable you to build a replica.

“I like the Bobber for its minimalism, not really its retro elements,” Jens told MCN. “Few current bikes are so modern and well engineered – yet so minimalist and clean. I wanted it for that rather than the retro details.

“So, I tried to make the Triumph look less retro and more ‘modern minimalist’ – understated, but with some badass vibes,” he continued. “A completely new tail section and a new comfortable seat were made, inspired by classic bobbers and choppers but with a certain sporty feel about it – and of course I wanted it to look like a properly designed motorcycle, not a tinker job.”

The result looks more 1980s than the original ’50s style and, according to Jens, who took it to Wheels and Waves in Biarritz before riding through the Pyrenees, at just 225kg it goes quicker than you might expect, too.