Kev Nemo said:Sure, clip-ons and drag bars were used back in the day for drag racing, but I wouldn't say it was the norm on street bikes. I'm not an old timer, obviously, but I've done tons of research on custom bikes...
I’m not sure that “custom bike” means that we must build within the exact confines of the label given to each style of bike. To me “custom bike” means just that. Its custom.
To me the lines are made to be blurred to a certain extent and that helps define the term “custom bike“.
To me chops can have what ever bars a builder chooses to put on them. This way the owner can make it more custom to his liking.This is just my opinion. I think we are each entitled to our own.
Life times have been spent debating what defines certain labels given to motorcycles. I for one hate labels. For me they are mere starting points used to describe a certain style of motorcycle. After that it is all about “customizing”
I think your original post was about bars found on “brat style”
To me the label “brat style” can have flat seat rails or konged rails. The seats are two up or single and shocks and swing arm are pretty much a give in. I’m not convinced that the bars define brat style. Builders are putting pretty much what ever bars they want on “brat style’ bikes. I think this label falls under the definition of “custom” bike and I think that leaves a little wiggle room for creativity. Not much but a little.