To me a rat bike evolves over many miles and many years, they can't be built. A rat bike is usually very well maintained mechanically, just ignored cosmetically. As long as a dent or injury doesn't affect handling or the mechanics, it just adds character.
I think I'm with you all. The rat idea is about function over form, and focusing on getting the job done. It's less about neglect and trying to be cool. The more effort that's put into the bike's appearance (even if the effort is to make it look ratty), the less ratty it truly is.
I would say a rat is a bike with not so good paint and chrome. It is basically a runner, with little to no regard for cosmetic accessories. It has to be authentic, not a new bike "reliced" to look like a rat
Wouldn't call either of them rats more nuevo steampunked...........
No..HonDog is legit...he's an old coot that's been around New England for many many years, always at Laconia. He's a real deal old school old timer that's got SERIOUS miles under his butt.
You can google him, prolly find some interviews on youboob.