Bikers are synonymous with the number 13, but why? What does 13 mean to the motorcycle community, and why do you see it on so many bikes?
13 equals M
You'll often see it described as some alphanumeric code. If 1 equals A, and 2 equals B, then 13 would equal M. What does M stand for in this context? There are a few answers to this. Some say it simply means 'motorcycle', which is a little unimaginative and probably not what most people wear the number 13 to indicate. Others will say is stands for marijuana. Bikers in the 60s and 70s would wear the number 13 to indicate that they were open to drug use. Maybe some people wear it for that reason, but again it lacks the imagination that you often see in bikers.
Judge and jury
This idea is more in keeping with the spirit of a biker, and works with the old school outlaw image of a motorcycle rider. There are 12 members of a jury, so by wearing the number 13, you're saying that you are your own judge and jury. You're above what the 12 members of a jury think of you.
Anti-luck
As a general rule, bikers will go against the grain. They like to do things differently. Perhaps that's part of the original outlaw spirit. It shouldn't be a surprise then than 13 is often associated with good luck among motorcyclists. They've taken what others see as a symbol of bad luck, and use it to bring them good luck. We spoke in a previous blog post about the superstitions of motorcycle riders, and this is another one you'll come across often. The number 13 offers protection against what the road may throw at you.