Last time we were talking about Café Racers, today I would like to introduce someone who has been influencing the custom motorcycle community very heavily for last few years.
"Brat Style"
As you may or may not know, the term brat or brat style has its origins in one specific shop in Tokyo, Japan, run by Go Takamine: Brat Style. Basically, Takamine’s shop developed a distinct design language with their builds, and as their customs were imitated across the world, the proper name “Brat Style” became the generic, oft-hashtagged term bratstyle, sort of like Kleenex or Q-Tip or Xerox. This is probably one of the highest achievements you could hope for as a builder/designer–to have a style so well-known, it’s named after you.
The term took hold and has went on par with choppers, cafe racers, bobbers and trackers. It usually describes any Japanese bike with a lower stance and bigger vintage replica tires, like the Firestone Deluxe. Although the term is often used to describe a motorbike that is definitely influenced by "Brat Style," the origin of the word isn't necessarily common knowledge.
Back in 1998, well before the term took off, "Brat Style" was simply the name of a custom shop in Kita, Tokyo. From there, the man behind the style, Go Takamine, started turning out bike after bike— crafting each with his unique style.
The "Brat Style" brand grew over the years and propelled Go to the top of the custom world. He eventually achieved such a high level of respect and notoriety within the moto community at large that he was commissioned by major manufacturers like Yamaha and BMW to promote their new models with custom builds.
At the height of his success, Go made the decision to branch out and open up his next venture: Brat Style USA. He chose Long Beach as the home for his new shop in the West, and Go has been turning out the same great style from California that he perfected in Japan. Since opening up in Long Beach in 2014, he has been churning out custom bikes with the same great, unique style that's been his signature trademark.
Go is not only one of the world's best custom bike builders, but he's also a truly skilled rider.
He's been called the "Japanese Steve McQueen." He has an aesthetic, style and vibe that stays consistent through his professional and everyday life. Frankly, I think that's what makes "Brat Style" so great: years of a specific aesthetic built through building fine custom bikes and living them. The real proof of Go's achievement is the way it has spanned not only genres and brands, but now cultures and continents too.
Every bike he creates is different, but carries with it an untraceable consistency that just screams "Brat Style." Go Takamine has built something legendary. "Brat Style" may have taken on its largest life as a term to describe sometimes ambiguous stylistic elements, but it's important to remember and appreciate the very specific, truly original man whose work birthed it.
I hope in the future people can look back on articles like this and be able to find exactly where something came from. And I hope that, through articles like this and others, fans of the techniques pioneered by Go and his peers can attain a wider appreciation for not only the styles, but the masters behind them as well.
