One way you keep your budget in check for a bobber build is by starting with a quality motorcycle to begin with. Getting a running, riding motorcycle will eliminate many potential expensive hassles during your build. The finished work, that is, polish, painting and plating, can often be a large part of the expense of building a bobber. If you are on a tight budget consider high temp painting or ceramic coating an exhaust instead of chrome plating it, learning to paint your tank and fenders yourself, and going with materials for handmade parts such as aluminum or stainless steel.