I first saw a hardtail frame bobber at 17. Years passed, commitments took over, image stayed. After I pensioned, I surfed the internet for a Vespa but when the Regal Raptor Bobber 350 popped up, I said I must have it. The special edition with fishtail exhaust pipes was bought the next day using a Golden Pension benefit. Malaysian versions use twin carburettors which I prefer over the EFI version because it is easier to service and am told by mechanics sounds better. The factory hardtail frame earned 1st prize for EURO 3 Certificate on Homologation so we can conclude it has a structurally strong frame. It only has a humble 350cc engine so I chose a colour concept where parts within the triangular frame remain black giving the impression the engine block is much bigger. Agreed, it is no Harley Davidson (HD) but this is basically what I always wanted ... a factory hardtail. Even HD, Indians nor Triumph not produce hardtail bobbers. Longer than a HD FXDC Dyna Super Glide by 1.4’’ and seat height lower than a HD Sportster by 1.6”, it has a hardtail dimension definitely beautiful to look at. Timeless and will still look good 20 years from now.
CUSTOMIZATION:
~ Factory mid-ape handlebars replaced stock handlebars .
~ Longer brake and clutch cables replaced shorter stock cables.
~ Zebra stripes designed by me, air brushed by expert.
~ Third party handlebar grips replaced worn softer handlebar grips.
~ Better 1.0mm ignition cables replaced 0.7mm ignition cables.
~ Grounding cable from (-) terminal and engine block improved headlight brightness.
~ Aluminium internal throttle replaced worn stock internal throttle.
~ Air-horn replaced unreliable electrical horn.
~ Custom brackets relocated sidelight indicators.
~ Custom license plate holder-cum-brake light replaced vandalized rear section.
~ Cracked rear section dismantled after 2 vandalism.
~ Chrome header covers replaced black version to add contrast.
REVIEW
~ It is long so doesn’t like corners and U-turns so handle it like a long trailer.
~ Hard shocks from the rear from can be felt all the way to the handlebars.
~ RON 95 in full tank goes 100 km before reserve petrol takes over.
~ I plan to change the stock 36T rear sprocket to 32T.
~ A friend who did that said it can travel 150km before reserve petrol takes over.
~ Minimalist design means need to reset the km. counter to zero after petrol is filled.
~ Budget components compromise reliability.
~ Stock tyres not so effective.
~ Bobbers are best for easy-riding, not so nice to ride after 100kph.
CONCLUSION
~ Poor quality wiring is key complaint, a complete rewiring project is recommended.
~ Budget drive chain quickly slacks. A heavy-duty version transfers power responsively
~ Electric horn cannot handle Malaysian thunderstorm. A air-horn is much better.
~ Soft internal throttle wears easily.
~ 0.7mm stock spark plug cable not responsive, needs at least 1.0mm version.
~ Classic hardtail frame looks different and attracts interest.
~ The zebra stripe paint work definitely grabs attention and primary school boys love it.
~ This zebra stripe bobber is unique.
~ Some people love to take photos beside it. Others hate and vandalize it.
