There are plenty of traditions and superstitions that surround the world of motorcycling. From guardian bells to riding with the rear pegs up, there are lots of things riders do, often without knowing the origin of their actions. Here are just a few of our favourite motorcycle traditions and superstitions.
Guardian Bells
Sometimes called spirit bells or gremlin bells, these are a small protection charm that you'll see on all types of motorcycles. They're usually quite small, perhaps just an inch tall, but once you start to notice them you'll see them everywhere. Gremlins are mischievous creatures that cause problems. Using the word 'gremlins' to describe mechanical problems originated among aviation engineers in World War II, and this quickly entered the vernacular of all mechanics. Having a bell is a way to ward off these gremlins, as well as warding off bad luck in general. Don't rush out to buy one though, as this is said to not work. A bell must be gifted to you in order for its protective qualities to work their magic.
Keep The Rear Pegs Up
Do you instinctively put the rear footpegs of your bike up when you're riding alone? You're by no means the only one. This is often done for general tidiness, but there is a deeper meaning behind it. Riding solo with the rear pegs down is considered to be an invitation to unwanted passengers. Some might say you're inviting the devil to ride along with you, and some might refer to those pesky gremlins again. Either way, riding with the rear pegs down is asking for trouble. There is however a hard exception to this rule. If you're riding in a funeral procession for a fellow biker, you've got to keep the rear pegs down. This way your departed friend can tag along for one last ride.
Green Bikes Are Bad Luck
Green motorcycle are said to be bad luck, and this also has it's origins in World War II, where large numbers of green Harley Davidson and Indian motorcycles were used. Being a motorcycle scout was a risky task, and many brave souls sadly did not return from their scouting missions. The speed, agility, and small package of motorcycles made them the ideal tool for forging ahead to see what was happening closer to enemy lines, but this was extremely risky for the rider. The high casualty rate of motorcycle riders has led to the idea that green bikes are bad luck. Somebody please tell Kawasaki!
You Don't Ride a Dead Man's Bike
This one is said to have similar origins to the idea that green bike are bad luck. A huge amount of military surplus motorcycles made their way into civilian hands after World War II, and these were sometimes considered to be bad luck due to the unfortunate fate of their former riders on the battlefield. It's also said that if the ghost of a former rider sees you on their beloved bike, they'll knock you right off.
The Nod
Or a wave, or a flash of the headlight, or even sticking your leg out. It's a universal language understood by all of us who ride. It's a small gesture that is often overlooked, often done without thinking. It's a greeting, an acknowledgment, a sign of respect, and so much more. It transcends language, nationality, and culture. If you see someone else out on the road, the nod serves as a way to mark your shared passion for motorcycles. There are so many origin stories for this one, so lets keep it simple. Why do we nod? Because we can.
Don't Drop Your Helmet
This one is based in fact, but there's a layer of superstition to it as well. From a purely practical point of view, dropping your helmets can damage it. Motorcycle helmets are tough, but quite brittle. They're designed to protect your head against 1 hard impact. After that, they need replacing. If you've already compromised the integrity by dropping it off your kitchen counter, you may not receive the full benefits of the impact protection it was designed to give. The superstation around this says that if you drop your helmet, your head will soon follow.