Brat Honda CX500

Brat Style are a small Japanese custom motorcycle business. They began building custom motorcycles in a very definite style. Whether they created the style or merely formalised it is hard to establish if you are not fluent in Japanese or have a Japanese translator package which actually understands Japanese. Nevertheless, they were definitely the guys who introduced the world to the “brat style” bobber. Labelling is limiting but seeing as the style is currently so popular, I will attempt to define what a brat style bobber is. It is essentially a bobber created from a Japanese motorcycle, usually but not always with a single or twin cylinder engine. Engine capacity may be anything from 125cc up to a usual maximum of 650cc. What sets these bobbers apart from their original American and British cousins is that the rear suspension is retained, although very much lowered. Similarly the front suspension is also lowered although the rake is not changed. I have heard that the rear suspension is retained because Japanese legislation does not allow modifying motorcycles to be rigid – this is unverified but does sound like Japanese sensibility. Old school balloon tyres are fitted front and rear to complete the look. Other modifications are similar to all bobbers with bobbed or removed fenders, small lights and the general elimination of all unnecessary items. This is a very low and compact bobber with a short wheelbase. Just to prove that definitions are dangerous and are never without exception, Brat Style have photos of some really nice Harley Sportster brat style bobbers on their website. Oh well I tried!