This 1987 Honda TR200 Fat Cat recently sold on eBay epitomizes the 1980s “decade of excess,” when bigger and bolder meant better.
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More is More
The 1980s were a fascinating period filled with bold, flashy, and loud products that equated brand choice with individual status, personality, and lifestyle. The decade’s designers adopted a “more-is-more” approach to products. They often used flashy neon colors and big, bold logos. It was an era of oversized wraparound sunglasses, massive boombox radios, and motorcycles like Honda’s TR200 Fat Cat.
The concept of a fat-tire motorcycle fitted with balloon tires goes back to the 1963 Rokon Trailbreaker. - opens in new window or tab. Suzuki brought out the RV90 - opens in new window or tab., or Van Van, in the early 1970s. Yamaha introduced the BW200 Big Wheel - opens in new window or tab. in 1985. The first TR200 Fat Cat was introduced a year later, most likely a direct response to the BW200. Honda made the Fat Cat for only two years, which makes 1987 models like this one a rare find.
User Friendly
The TR200 Fat Cat’s user-friendly low seat height, low-pressure ATV tires - opens in new window or tab., and automatic transmission make it an ideal choice for beginners, weekend warriors, and grocery running for RV camping trips. The TR’s fat-tire design inspires confidence in loose soil conditions like sand, mud, and hardpack trails with rocks and tree roots.
The low-pressure balloon tires (Rear: 23.5x8.00-11 Front: 24.5x8.00-11) act as an extra layer of suspension. They soak up bumps and other trail debris and complement the bike’s long-travel front forks and rear shock. Honda installed oversized front and rear fenders to keep debris in check.
One of Honda’s notoriously bulletproof 199-cc, four-stroke engines powers the TR200. Honda paired a centrifugal clutch with an automatic transmission and electric start to make the bike as easy to ride as possible.
Resto Project
The Fat Cat in this listing showcased the original 1980s styling and Honda’s factory blue and white color scheme. The bike is not show quality. It has been ridden. With a new set of tires and a recent tune-up, this Fat Cat would still be raring to go despite rolling off of Honda’s assembly line 38 years ago.
New plastics, new Fat Cat tank graphics - opens in new window or tab., and a can of motorcycle polish - opens in new window or tab. would make this Fat Cat fresh. It could be a solid starting point for collectors looking for their next restoration project.
The 1980s remain one of the most culturally significant and influential periods in modern history. The decade continues to inspire product design and advertising today.
With an easy-to-ride and elegant design, the Fat Cat is a rare find for enthusiasts, fans, and collectors of retro Honda motorcycles. It’s an example of a period when bold and unapologetic designs and creative experimentation defined the products and culture.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.