This motorcycle is a genuine one-of-a-kind example, created from scratch by renowned custom builder Tony Groom and is presented for auction from a private collection. It is listed on its V5 document as a 1973 250cc Honda as this is the model that the base engine came from, though it has since been replaced by a 500cc twin port single cylinder motor from a Honda XL.
The engine sits within a one-off frame designed and built by Groom, using a 37° front rake headstock with the front and rear suspension rear swinging arm taken from a modern Taiwanese Sym Wolf 125cc motorcycle.
The motorcycle is finished in a deliberate rat-look patina and was the subject of a four-page feature in Back Street Heroes magazine in the December 2019 issue, celebrating its ‘best New Skool’ award in the 2019 Bike Building Competition.
The bike is accompanied with very little paperwork. The V5, in the current owner’s name, states it is a 250cc Honda but it is accompanied by the December 2019 issue of Back Street Heroes, which details its build and the full technical specification.
The bike was deliberately built with a rat-look in mind and as a result, the ferrous finishes, such as the tubular steel frame, the brackets and welding has been allowed to develop surface corrosion before the frame was covered in clear coat to seal in the corrosion and prevent it from becoming a problem.
The engine had apparently been sat in storage for some time and following a rebuild, was installed in to the frame. The paintwork on the top cover and cases had been scuffed and worn over the years and this suited the rat-look perfectly and hence, was left untouched.
The fuel tank, originally from a Royal Enfield Model G and modified to fit, was pin-striped and the Rat Racer graphic painted on. The classic-style seat was recovered in hand-tooled leather and the top surface covered in a re-purposed Mexican blanket. An aluminium belly pan was fabricated and the front filled in with a discarded Costa Rica licence plate while a Costa Rican coin was set in cork and installed to the top of the headstock.
The Honda XL500 engine was stripped and found to have severe clearance problems and was rebuilt to improve its reliability and its reputation for being difficult to start. It was fitted with a pair of fabricated straight-through exhaust pipes each with an expansion chamber and a single carburettor with a one-off bell mouth featuring a brass gauze filter element.
The front suspension was taken from the Sym Wolf and installed into the fabricated headstock, using the Sym top and bottom yokes. The non-adjustable front forks are used as is the single brake disc and caliper and the original bike’s front wheel, fitted with an Avon Distanzia adventure-touring tyre, the large-block tread pattern suiting the bike’s rat look.
The rear of the bike uses the swingarm from the Sym Wolf but modified, to increase strength with tubing inserted though both sides. The original wheel sprocket was replaced with an aluminium version and a linkage fabricated to connect the rear-mounted footpegs from the Wolf to the frame. One of the footpegs has broken but the seller confirms he will replace it prior to the end of the auction.
The electrics are based on a simple six-cable wiring loom and are hidden away wherever possible. The headlight is a classic Raydot item and the handlebars are the originals from the Sym though stripped, burnished and clear-coated. The grips are wrapped in tape to complete the rat-look and feel.
This bike will appeal to anyone who has more than just a passing interest in motorcycles, whether modern or custom. The owner states that it is currently not MoT’d and is SORN and that it was never intended to be a genuine road-going motorcycle, more of a show bike.
However, the engine starts and idles nicely, with an obviously louder-than-standard exhaust note but a glorious sound. The owner confirms the gears, brakes and suspension all work as intended. He feels that should the new owner wish to use it on the road, then it would require only minor work to make it roadworthy and capable of gaining an MoT pass.
However, he also feels that, for the right buyer, it would provide a unique piece of automotive art that could simply be displayed and admired in its own right. He feels it would make a perfect addition to any ‘man-cave’ or workshop, office or retail outlet. As a showpiece it would form a superb taking point in a restaurant or a bar, for example. Or it might simply appeal to fans of custom motorcycles who want a genuinely unique motorcycle for their garage or workshop.
Whether a showpiece or a street bike, the opportunity to own a class-winning custom-built bike of this stature is rare and should not be missed.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the sellers discretion.
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Rat Racer custom motorcycle
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