Motorcycle Flagpoles: Roots, DIY, Installation, and Legality Explained!

■What exactly is a "hatabou" (flag pole)? What's the point of attaching one?

These days, you don't see many people with flags flying from their motorcycles, so you might not even know what a "hatabou" is. Many might not even recognize the term.

A hatabou is a pole attached to a motorcycle, originally installed to display a flag. Since it's a pole for displaying a flag, one might think a flag is part of the custom, but currently, attaching only the hatabou is the mainstream custom. This is because, unlike its original use and considering road traffic laws, this customization is primarily for aesthetic purposes.

Product page: https://bikeman.jp/

As shown in the picture above, attaching a pole is a "hatabou" custom. While a hatabou is literally a pole for a flag, in the 80s, Bōsōzoku, commonly known as "Kaminari-zoku," favored this type of customization, sometimes displaying the Rising Sun flag. Today, people who prefer "zokusha"-style motorcycles, often referred to as "kyuusha-kai" (classic car clubs), attach hatabou to their bikes.

Rather than serving its original purpose of displaying a flag while riding, it is often used for Kaminari-zoku-style customization. The main reason for attaching a hatabou is almost always for appearance, rather than for function or utility.
Furthermore, riding with a large flag on a motorcycle often violates road traffic laws, and the pole itself can also be subject to violations depending on its size and length, so this is a customization that requires caution.

Hatabou are not only used on motorcycles but also on cars. Large trucks and small delivery trucks sometimes attach hatabou to display small promotional flags for their companies.

■What is the root of the hatabou?

The origin of the hatabou dates back to the 1970s. In the 1970s, convenient features like email and mobile phones didn't exist, and the internet wasn't widespread. Therefore, journalists from newspapers and other media used motorcycle couriers to quickly deliver or receive manuscripts and photographic film. These people, who handled the transportation, were called "press riders." In modern terms, they were motorcycle courier riders exclusively for newspaper companies.

These press riders would display small company flags on their motorcycles for publicity. And these riders were said to possess incredible techniques. At the time, road traffic laws were not as strict, and in the time-sensitive work of journalism, their mission was to deliver requested items to reporters as quickly as possible.

It was the youth of the time who came to admire these riders. The hatabou originated when they started attaching poles to their motorcycles and flags to imitate the press riders who rode颯爽 (sasso, stylishly/dashingly) with flags fluttering. It is also said that the Kaminari-zoku favored the Rising Sun flag because some newspaper companies' corporate flags were the Rising Sun flag. For the youth of that era, press riders who sped by with astonishing speed and incredible technique were objects of admiration, and they tried to get even a step closer by imitating them.

Furthermore, the "shibori" (narrowed) handlebars, a symbol of "zokusha," were also a customization done by press riders to make it easier to weave through traffic. Like the hatabou, this custom's origin lies in the youth of that time imitating them. Both were essential customizations for the 80s Kaminari-zoku.

■Is there a way to make your own hatabou?

Making your own hatabou is difficult, and some of the tools required are hard to find in a typical household, so the difficulty level will be high. However, with some ingenuity, it is possible to make one from simple materials, so if you are confident in your skills, please give it a try.

However, nowadays, some shops sell hatabou online, so considering the cost of making one versus buying one, it's likely cheaper to buy. If you can't find exactly what you're looking for or if you simply want to try making one, you can create it using the materials and steps below, so please refer to them.

The necessary materials and tools for making your own hatabou are as follows:
・Iron rod (or stainless steel rod)
・Iron plate, or stainless steel stay
・Burner
・Drill press (or drill chuck for impact driver)
・Semi-automatic welding machine or MIG welder (if not available, brazing is possible, though more difficult)

It is possible to make one yourself with the above tools and materials. Some of these tools are difficult to use in a typical household, which makes processing a bit harder, but substitutes can be used.

First, cut the stainless steel rod to the desired length of the flag pole you want to create. Road traffic laws also specify length regulations, so be sure to abide by them. Once the rod is cut, you will proceed to the step of bending the rod at a determined angle. Heat the rod with a burner and bend it. The key here is to heat the rod until it turns red. When bending, secure the rod and use heat-resistant gloves or pliers to grip one end of the rod and bend it.

Once you have bent it to the appropriate angle, you will then attach the stay for securing it. At this time, measure the mounting position and temporarily attach it to assess interference with the vehicle body and mounting strength before proceeding to the final attachment.

Finally, attach the stay using a welding machine or by brazing. If you don't have a welding machine, you can also fix the stay by brazing. When welding or brazing, there are inherent dangers, so be sure to wear proper protective equipment while working.

Once the stay is attached, drill holes for mounting with a drill press. Again, be careful not to make the holes too large. If the mounting holes are too large, there will be play during installation, which could lead to dangers such as the flag pole falling off while driving. Once all steps are complete, attach the flag pole and you are done.

Since this involves metalworking, if you are concerned about burrs, use sandpaper or a metal file to smooth them out. This is how to make your own flag pole. The structure is quite simple, so with a little ingenuity, you might even be able to make a flag pole superior to commercially available ones.

■How to attach a flag pole?

When attaching a flag pole to a motorcycle, you must be careful not to violate any laws. Of course, even motorcycles without shaken (vehicle inspection) must comply with road traffic laws, otherwise they will be subject to violations, so be careful when attaching one.

◇Is it a violation? Will it pass inspection?

Regarding vehicle inspection and violations for flag poles, they are generally considered "external protrusions," similar to mirrors and handlebars. Therefore, as long as they are within the specified limits, they will not be considered a violation, and there will be no issues with vehicle inspection. External protrusions are regulated as follows:

・Must be installed at least 280mm outward from the center of the motorcycle
・Must not protrude more than 250mm beyond the width of the motorcycle
・Must not protrude less than 300mm above the height of the motorcycle

The regulations are as stated above. Sharp protrusions can affect others, so if the tip is pointed, it may be considered a violation. Be careful when choosing a flag pole.

To install it on a motorcycle, refer to the values in the motorcycle's vehicle inspection certificate or manufacturer's catalog. It must be within 30cm of the vehicle height, within 25cm of the vehicle width, and within 28cm of the center of the motorcycle. When attaching to the front or rear of the motorcycle, it must be within the overall length of the motorcycle.

If these regulations are met, vehicle inspection will not be an issue. However, regulations may vary by prefecture, so if you are unsure, please contact your local vehicle registration and inspection office.

◇Is there a standard length?

As explained above regarding the mounting position, there are also regulations for length. If mounting to the upper part of the vehicle body, the length must be shortened due to height restrictions, so it cannot be made long in consideration of vehicle height.

There is no particular standard for length, but flag poles exceeding 1 meter in length may not meet vehicle inspection standards or legal regulations depending on the mounting position. Therefore, please consider the length of the flag pole based on the regulations mentioned above, catalog values, and the mounting position.

■Motorcycle flag pole custom image collection!

Now, let's introduce motorcycle flag pole customization with images. However, please be aware that some customizations may not be compliant with vehicle inspection regulations, so exercise caution if you plan to implement similar modifications.

No.1 "Mini Flag Pole Custom with Hex Wrench"

Source:
https://twitter.com/SKG_channel/status/953895163159392256/photo/2
This is a custom example where a very small flag pole has been attached. It's an example of a flag pole made by attaching a stay to a hex wrench sold at a hardware store. Also, a nut has been used to cover the tip to prevent it from being sharp.
In most cases, a size like this won't be a violation, so it seems like an easy custom to implement.

No.2 "Classic Flag Pole Custom"

Source:
https://twitter.com/3232Go/status/1272877311969222658/photo/1
This is a classic custom example with a flag pole installed on the front. It has a very retro and cool vibe. This custom incorporates clip-on handlebars to create an even more stylish look. Recommended clip-on handlebar products are as follows:

Pilot Handlebar Clip-on Handlebar Separate Handle Titanium Color MID. 53φ

Source:
https://bikeman.jp/

Even vehicles that originally had bar handlebars can be converted to clip-on handlebars using products like the one above. Why not consider customizing with a hatabou and clip-ons as a set?

No.3 "Kaminari-zoku style custom"

Source:
https://twitter.com/Banbou_Brian/status/1110792046652977152/photo/3
This is a Kaminari-zoku style custom reminiscent of the 80s. The overall image, including the screen and seat, matches the flag pole very well. The following product for screens would likely pair perfectly with a flag pole:

Blue Windshield Clear Molding Green Cloth Tassel

Source:
https://bikeman.jp/

By combining them, the flag pole custom can be further enhanced. If you are considering installing a flag pole, why not consider these together?

■Summary

What did you think? We introduced flag pole customization. We hope you can use the knowledge and ideas about flag poles, including custom examples and historical roots, to customize your motorcycle in a cool way.