Brat Style Motorcycles: A Distinct Custom Genre with Japanese Roots

Brat style motorcycles have carved out their own niche within the custom motorcycle world, standing alongside well-known styles like choppers, café racers, bobbers, and trackers. Though the term is often used broadly to describe certain custom motorcycles, its origin can be traced back to a single custom garage in Tokyo, Japan—Brat Style, founded by the legendary builder Go Takamine. Over the years, this style has evolved from a brand into a globally recognized design language that has influenced motorcycle builders worldwide.

The Origins of Brat Style

The story of Brat Style began in 1998 when Go Takamine established his workshop in Kita, Tokyo. He developed a distinctive aesthetic in his builds. They were characterized by a low stance, vintage-inspired tires, and a stripped-down yet functional design. As his motorcycles gained attention, other builders started to emulate his approach. Hence, the term “Brat Style” evolved from a brand name into a genre-defining term.

Takamine’s reputation as a custom bike builder grew, leading to high-profile collaborations with manufacturers like Yamaha and BMW. His ability to blend classic aesthetics with modern performance earned him widespread recognition. Eventually, he expanded his operations to the United States, opening Brat Style USA in Long Beach, California, in 2014. Since then, he has continued to craft motorcycles that stay true to the style he pioneered, influencing custom builders across continents.

“Be first, be cool“

_{Go Takamine}

What Defines a Brat Style Motorcycle?

Brat style motorcycles are characterized by their minimalist, vintage-inspired aesthetic, which emphasizes both form and function. Some key features that define the genre include:

• Stock Frames with Swingarms. Unlike choppers or bobbers, which often feature rigid or dramatically altered frames, brat-style bikes usually retain their original swingarm-equipped frames.
• Flat Bench Seats or Solo Seats. A hallmark of brat-style bikes is the use of a long, flat seat or a low-profile solo seat. This design element contributes to the bike’s signature silhouette and often replaces the stock seat for a more streamlined look.
• Minimalist Approach: Brat-style motorcycles are stripped down to the essentials. Large turn signals, mirrors, reflectors, and other non-essential parts are typically removed to maintain a clean, uncluttered aesthetic.
• Simple, Functional Handlebars. Riders commonly opt for mid-mounted foot controls and handlebars like flat bars, MX-style bars, or superbike handlebars, prioritizing comfort and control.
• Understated Finishes. Unlike flashy choppers or heavily chromed cruisers, brat-style bikes favor a more subdued look. Engines are usually blacked out or left in bare metal. And exhaust pipes often feature heat wraps or ceramic coatings rather than polished chrome.
• Vintage-Style Tires. Many brat-style builds incorporate larger vintage replica tires, such as Firestone Deluxe Champions, to enhance the retro appeal.

The Evolution of Brat Style

While brat style remains rooted in its original aesthetic, it has also influenced other genres. The most popular being hybrid builds such as the “brat café racer.” These motorcycles combine elements of classic café racers—such as low clip-on or clubman handlebars and rear-set foot controls—with a signature brat-style flat seat rather than the traditional “bum stop” solo seat. These hybrid builds allow for greater customization and accessibility for garage builders, who often fabricate seat pans from repurposed materials like sheet metal or even skateboards.

Go Takamine’s philosophy emphasizes individuality and self-expression in motorcycle customization. His famous mantra, “Be first, be cool,” encourages builders to innovate and make their motorcycles uniquely their own.

A Lasting Legacy

Brat style has grown from a niche custom workshop in Tokyo into an internationally recognized design language within the motorcycle community. Takamine’s ability to craft bikes with an effortlessly cool aesthetic has made a lasting impact, inspiring countless builders across the globe. While we use the term “brat style” to broadly apply to various motorcycles that share similar traits, one must acknowledge and appreciate the original vision and craftsmanship that Go Takamine brought to the scene.

Whether in Tokyo, Long Beach, or anywhere else in the world, brat-style motorcycles continue to resonate with riders who appreciate their fusion of vintage charm, minimalist design, and everyday practicality. As long as custom motorcycle culture thrives, the influence of Brat Style will undoubtedly endure.