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The Brat Style Motorcycle Scene in LA

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brat style motorcycles la

Brat Style is the latest motorcycle design trend to hit Los Angeles despite the fact that the new style is hard to define. Every custom motorcycle shop in Southern California has a different take on Brat Style, but most will agree that the aesthetic is based on the pioneering work of a shop in Japan called Brat Style that mixed elements of Cafe Racers, Choppers and Dirt Trackers onto Japanese SOHC twins from the 70s and 80s.

Some of the more popular Brat donor bikes include the Yamaha XS650 and XT500/550 and the Honda CB350/360/550/750 series, but Triumphs, Harleys and BMW show up as well. Because Brat Style is based around bikes that are typically 30 or more years old it is important to work with a reputable shop that will provide a bike that runs, handles and stops, as goods as it looks.

Fortunately there are still a good number of dedicated craftsmen in Los Angeles, and the following is just a short list of custom motorcycle shops to contact.

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    Deus ex Machina

    'The Emporium of Postmodern Activities' is how this Australian brand describes its Venice shop. If you are new to the scene this is a great place to start. Order a cappuccino at the coffee bar and browse Japanese motorcycle magazines to get a feel for what you are looking for. If you are not into bikes, you can always look like it by purchasing something from the Deus clothing line that is available at the shop as well.

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    Garage Company

    Garage Company is kind of like a museum, but visitors can buy almost everything. Yoshi, the owner of Garage Co., has an inventory of rare parts and bikes of all types and an excellent service department. as well. A nationally recognized motorcycle racer, Yoshi is known for maximizing engine performance.

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    SeaWeed & Gravel

    The shop defines itself as "an extension of the collective conscious of non-conforming-never-grow-up-weirdos." What no one will argue is that this shop builds bikes that the crew is deeply passionate about. Every bike is treated as an object of art that demands as much attention sitting still as it does on the road.

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    Gasser Customs

    Adam "Gasser" created his shop to specialize in custom vintage motorcycles. It also offers an assortment of parts and fabrications. Jay Leno is a well-known customer.

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    Moto ChopShop

    Done right, a custom Brat Style bike does not need to break the bank. Moto ChopShop has a great reputation for building mild to wild custom bikes, as well as servicing metric bikes.

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    Chappell Customs

    Chappell Customs is run by two brothers that work in the advertising industry that build bikes for friends and a select group of clients.

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    Justins Cycles

    With over 25 years experience building and servicing custom motorcycles, Justin's is a natural choice for a Brat Style bike. With a list of positive reviews a mile long, you can probably count on them to be around to service your bike for at least another 25 years.

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    Brat Style

    Go Takamine of Brat Style has recently set up shop in Long Beach, and every bike he turns out is sure to become a collectors piece. If you want to build a bike on your own, swing by the shop and check out some of their custom parts that are for sale while peaking at the next creation in the back.

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    Atlantis Motor Corp

    Most Brat Style bikes are easily 30 or 40 years old, so if you ride one, make sure you have a good mechanic like Atlantis to help you out.

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