Bad Luck On Bikes: Motorcycle Superstitions That Could Get You Killed
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- čas přidán 4. 07. 2024
- Bad Luck On Bikes: Motorcycle Superstitions That Could Get You Killed
There are tons of superstitions out there in the biker community, and I have always been fascinated by them. I knew quite a few, but some were a total surprise. Don't ride with your rear pegs down? That was a new one!
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My wife did not buy me a bell, but she did purchase a large insurance policy on my life.
So it was all about her luck...
Nice.
It would be contradictory 😅
HA HA HA HA
She’ll just take you out and collect that insurance or just divorce you! 😂
I've always heard when riding solo and on a memorial ride, passenger pegs needed to be down so the spirits of departed brothers could ride along.
I ride a deadman’s bike every single day. My best friend passed away so I bought his bike from his widow, took some of his ashes, got them, mixed into the paint and painted the front fender. I feel him with me every time I ride it’s the best decision I ever made.
Amen and Amen 🤔🙌💞👊☮️
I have my father's ashes on my keychain. It was his old bike. Bike doesn't start without him
Dude that is one VERY CLASSY move!!!!
That's AWESOME!!!!! Respect and love.
Whoever started manufacturing them bells started an awful good hustle
Right?
AHAHAHA!!
Early bells were cowbells, or just small bells, the manufactured specifically for bike bells came later.
I've heard the opposite when it comes to a "Dead Man's Bike" they will watch over you and protect you on the road as a guardian angel because they love the bike and don't want it be damaged.
I've never heard the "don't buy or ride a dead man's bike" but the rule I've always heard was never ride a bike or put parts on your bike from a bike who's owner died RIDING it. Like if a guy wipes out on the freeway and dies, and I salvage the fender or something to use on my own. However I've also heard that that's not always a bad thing either, such as putting a brothers part on your bike in remembrance or honor of them, means it allows their spirit to ride with you to watch over you.
I like that last bit.
I believe if one buys a bike or parts off a “death” bike, pay homage to the deceased. Lay flowers on their grave or bring the bike to a memorial and honor the late owner.
I heard about the green bike thing before, but in the context of racing. It comes from the same mentality that gives us the expression "break a leg." You can't directly invoke luck, because that will jinx it. A green bike matches the green flag, which is like invoking luck. You're wishing for a win.
I also heard that, when Kawasaki was developing the Ninja, they were told the same thing. Kawi's response was, "Colors don't win races; motorcycles win races." They proceeded to paint their race Ninja not just green, but a bright, obnoxious FUCK YOU green, and went on to dominate the track. The Ninja is still a top seller today, and Kawasaki is known as "Team Green."
Only thing with that relation to green flag is that green flag has nothing to do with winning. Green flag is the same for the fastest and the slowest rider. It just means the track ahead is clear and accident free. So with green color you wouldn't be wishing for a win but for clear and accident free road.
Was also a thing with stock car racing, no green cars for years....
@@Qassu78
There are Five colors of Racing, and they're pretty much standard in any kind of Professional racing.
In which anybody that knows anything about racing should know them all.
The first three are even used at most four-way intersections on most Hiways and Cities.
Green is for GO (as fast you can, most youngster only have checkered flags in their eyes).
Amber is for Caution (Slow-down and don't pass).
Red is to Stop (means "Bloody Stop" somebody is Seriously Hurt or Dead and or the Roadway (Track) is Plugged-up).
White is for One Lap to Go (for the Win).
Black & White Checkered Flag is for the Winner (first one to cross the finish line, Win).
I kinda figure you know these colors, but there may be some out there that don't. (Believe it or not "Ripley").
Green means go I would think you don’t ride a checkered bike
I rode "Team Green" for years. The worst crash I had (and why I don't ride any more) was on a red bike. I guess I should have stayed green?
i was told the deadmans bike by my great grandfather as a kid, but it was a little different. his version was "never buy a bike someone died on" he was ww2 vet so id assume dont buy one somebody died on in the war, or dont try to fix up a bike someone died on in a wreck.
That's the version I always heard.
@@jasonlawson9311
Same here
My wife would send me to the hospital if I came home with the pegs down, watch your brother that are comedians, they will pull them down right before you go home, more updates after I get home from hospital😅
Yes.
It was a thing in Ireland to never buy a bike that someone was killed on and the green bike thing was supposed to be from dispatch riders in the war were always valuable targets and were often killed by snipers and boobie traps along roads.
Dead man's bike.... Dude purchased a bike from estate, for peanuts... Brought to us, spent thousands and died in freak accident weeks later...
Your theory on the horsemen and green bike makes a hell of a lot of sense. The gremlin bell lore I heard was the bell prevents them from jumping off the road and getting on your bike.
Where it comes from is ww11 where the pilots where given meth to work long hours. The bells in the planes would knock them out of day dream and remind they are flying a fuckin plane.
Works on a motorcycle when in lower speeds
@@noewolf4268Holy shit WW11,?!
Must've missed the first 9
/j
My mom of all the people in my life was the one who gave me my bell. She was very against my getting my first motorcycle. Like a loving mother who didn’t want harm to her baby said she was doing her best to protect me. RIP mom we miss you.❤
If I'm gone I'd want someone to enjoy my ride but respect it
Your WW2 theory is correct, according to my 84 year old neighbor that served end of WW2 and Korea ,basically exactly what you explained. Buying a deceased person's bike no problem,dog out and abuse it and now you got a problem.The trailer connecting is 120% correct. One of the superstitions I've heard is that the purchaser of the bell must install said bell, the rear peg thing is accurate, I mean when a guy leaves alone and then rolls into the driveway alone with both rear pegs down it's inviting the demon inside your ol lady to come climb on your back, face ,wherever they can hook the 6 in claws they grow when getting jealous. You and I both know the truth, and the truth is SHIT HAPPENS! You can have 30 bells given , and installed by loved ones, and when shit shows up, you get a shit show. 😂 Thanks for this video.
I was told by an old biker dude the meaning of the bell was a security system used by bikers that would spend the nights out in the wild with there bike, supposedly if someone tried to steal their bike the bell would let them know someone was trying to steal their bike.
WW2 I get, but there are no green horses ... not even in Ireland
That's what I heard also
@@pav688 I think that's the translation trick. In many languages green horse means rotten horse. Death rides rotten one I guess
I was told the bell theory by my father, but he added that the bell can only ward of so many gremlins. Eventually they will overwhelm it and knock it off the bike. So you should always check that the bell is still there when you clean the bike. Also he always said to keep a spare bell or two in the garage you can gift to friends who join the sport, or who lost their bell.
Interesting you mention that. I went on a poker run 2 weeks ago and my buddy lost his bell, and then his bike had starting issues. Somewhat surprised, I said, well I know what I can give to you now as a gift. He looked at me funny and said, oh yeah, I can't just go and buy my own... It was worth a chuckle, but we did get his bike running again, so you know, maybe there is some truth to that after all.
@@tjclarke4604Forces of nature work in funny ways.
@@tjclarke4604Stand up guy.
It's definitely bad luck if you get back from a ride with your passenger pegs down by themselves and you started the ride with your girl on the back 😂
Depends on the girl.😂
I was told if you have a gal you ride with pegs down to let the bar chick's know your taking.
I've heard that if you buy a "Dead Man's Bike," you should leave the passenger pegs down so they can ride with you when they want to.
Don't know if that's true, but I love the idea!
I've always heard pegs down on memorial ride in case the departed wants to ride.
I was always told Germany’s bikes were black or grey, and typically BMWs. Allied bikes were green and typically H-D and some Indians. So the Axis powers shot at the green bikes which were typically messengers.
I’ve also heard “Drop your helmet, drop your head.” It might be just a way to keep people taking care of their lids.
I’ve also heard to never wear the helmet, vest or jacket of a dead rider. It brings bad luck.
There is an exception to the bying of a dead man's bike. A fellow club brother can buy the bike from his estate to keep it in the family.
I was always told that the bell must be a gift and that person is supposed to be the one that puts it on your bike. Am I the only one that was picturing Mrs, Monkey standing there with a frying pan in her hands waiting when you were talking about the rear pegs being down if ya went out riding "alone" 🤔🤣🤣🤣
I hadn’t heard they have to put it on. I can’t imagine the beating I would receive… I think she might be able to take even you with her Latin anger powers…
I pictured her holding a large rolling pin.
@@ProfessionalMonkey "Latin Anger Powers" hahahaha
I own the bike from a friend who passed away in a crash 2 years ago. There ain't no way he would be upset by me having his bike.
Its not so.much the spirit of the departed. But the bike itself has a soul.and wants blood
Then the spirit of the bike should want to still be ridden. As long as you maintain it. It should keep the spirit of said bike happy. Just a theory.
Hahaha wow! So much I’ve never heard half of them, I started riding around 1969-1970 on dirt , went to street around 1974 and gremlin bells didn’t exist that I know of or any of these superstitions. I ride with the knowledge that if I go down and it’s my time then I’ll face my creator not asking about why my bell didn’t work!! To each his own !!
FYI - Gremlin Bells should always be mounted lowest RIGHT side (ditch side) on the bike. All other mounted locations are bogus!!
If you ride on the right hand side of the road. However if you ride on the correct side!!! For the many years I've had a ride-bell I've understood you need to mount it low as the gremlins live in the potholes.
On the green bike thing, I always heard that superstition comes from the possibility that you will blend into your environment and will be a lot less likely to be seen on the road. This is especially true to OD green bikes. But this could be true for many colors so idk. MLLH&R
This is what I was told as a young kid from old bikers. The idea was to be as visible as possible. This was growing up in Wisconsin where there is green far and wide
They say green helmets are the most visible followed by white.
I heard that green was the color of money, that's what it was going to cost you😂😂
Kawasaki sells green bikes.. that's their color
I just bought my first green bike. When I told an older biker friend, I was considering it. He instantly said not to buy a green one . Bad luck...
A very angry wife and a demon have a lot in common! 😂😂
As for the shovel head, you know far more about the guy than anyone normally would. You’re damn near buddies with the deceased owner now. I say bullshit, you’re all good.
Bought one of my current bikes from a dead guy's estate. It was sitting for 6 years. A mechanic couldn't fix it and I picked it up for a song, fixed it, rebuilt much of it. It is a damn nice bike and treats me well. I'm with you on I'd rather see my bike be on the road vs being crushed or whatever. Also, everyone dies, does that mean those bikes suddenly become unlucky somehow? I don't buy it.
The green bike is a bizarre one. As for the pegs being down...your buddy has probably already called you to complain. I ride my late father's bike, he would want the bike to be well maintained and ridden...not necessarily as fast as I ride it at times.
Great video. It’s like the new bike orientation 101 for new riders. I have heard all of this before some it in old biker magazines. One of my best friends looked me in the eye one day in the late 90’s when we were trying to afford our first Harleys, said Never buy a green bike it’s death. One friend had a green nightrain and I couldn’t look at it while we rode, I had to be well ahead of him I thought it was bad luck to be next to him. . I do feel that if you buy a bike from your terminal friend you do him great honor by riding the bejesus out of his wheel.
I know a lot of dudes with gremlin bells who had a lot of close calls, but got away unscathed.
I also know a few dudes who had gremlin bells, and aren't around anymore despite them.
Just wanted to say thanks for your previous advice regarding Sturgis. I went for the first time this year and had a blast riding the various routes you had mentioned.
We hear my bell ALL the time! I've lost 3 bells off of my RGS that is snake venom, and usually looks Green! The trailer hook up, I was raised the driver of the vehicle always hooks up the trailer, and if you switch drivers, the new driver checks the hookup. The "don't buy a dead man's bike" I have heard if the rider died on the bike don't rebuild that bike, the owner's spirit will be angry and stick with the bike, expect many issues with bike,
Love Snake Venom. My trike is Snake Venom.
It sort of sounds like the end result is pretty much the same if you come home with the passenger pegs down, doesn’t matter if it’s your wife or a demon (some would say there’s no difference here), your destruction is assured!
I always heard the post WW2 thing for green bikes was just the fact that the bikes had been used hard and had worn out parts that were prone to failure but not the that the bikes were unlucky because of the horror of combat. Personally I think the GIs came home just as damaged as the bikes so they were really there to fix each other.
Dad got home from the war and bought a surplus WL. First thing done was to strip it, paint the tank and fenders Ford tractor grey and the rest of the bike black. "I'd had enough Army Drab Green in the past three years to last my lifetime."
I heard the same thing about green bikes
Years ago, there was a beautiful green apple metallic late modal stock car that ran at Golden Gate speedway in Tampa. Don’t recall the driver’s real name, but they nick named him “the gentle giant” . I moved away, and few years later, I asked my dad how that green car (Averett’s Machine) is doing at the races. He told me the driver was killed in that car in a fiery crash. It wasn’t until after that wreck that I heard anything about green stock cars being bad luck.
I have always heard the green bike thing was because during the war a lot of the couriers rode bikes and they would be a first target for snipers. Thus the vets buying surplus bikes would repaint them so they wouldn't be targets. Also for me personally I always mount the bike from the left side and put my left glove on first. Don't know why but thats what I do
@jasonpeterson5209
I’m always afraid that my bike will tip over if I mount it from the right.
I also grab the front brake on the right so that the bike won’t roll forward on the kickstand and fall over as I’m getting on it!
I just had a new kickstand and kickstand spring put on my bike, but the original kickstand and spring always felt like it would collapse if the bike rolled forward just a little bit, so I always grab the front brake and mash it while I’m getting my leg over the seat(saddle)!
I was told the bell keeps the road gremlins from getting ON the bike.
The gremlins are little creatures that live on the road. As motorcycles ride by, the grab on to the bike and hitch a ride. While riding, they do crap to your bike to mess it up and create havoc. They can hear the bell on your bike coming down the road and because they hate the sound so much, the gremlins run out of the road to get away from the bell. Therefore, not being able to hitch a ride and create problems. And yes it has to be a gift.
I rode a dragonfly green ‘06 Deuce with no gremlin bell about 2400 miles on my Sturgis trip. Was really tempting fate on that ride. Agree about not letting anyone hitch up your trailer, only time I did it came off and got interesting.
I heard it was brown. Never ride a brown bike. Before I heard that, I tried to paint my bike brown, but the paint, I ordered out of a paint catalog, ended up being O.D. green pearl by the time it was done drying. Pretty ugly for many years but no crashes. I now own my brothers Road King I purchased from his widow. He was a Viet Nam veteran and it makes me miss him every day.
Keeping it in the family as it should be. You honor him by taking care of what was his.
I have a brown bike,only stupid shit I do causes dings lol
At 10:20, when you spoke of Kurt Russell and "Tombstone", I believe you were conflating that with Clint and "Pale Rider". Own both movies, and having seen both more times than I can count (and yes, I'm not one of the rabbits from "Watership Down", it's more than five), I'm pretty certain on this one. Always enjoy your videos, please keep them in production.
the only concern i had about a green motorcycle would be in a farm land area if was close in color of cornfields. i had a car pull out of me in a VW rabbit that was green and they didn’t see me because i blended in with the cornfield. or that was his excuse he used lol
Great channel and content,
As to owning a dead man’s bike is ridiculous because if he love the bike and you give them the same love he would be happy! He would not want to have his or hers bike neglected, sometimes people inherit things and let it go to waste,
I know I would want somebody to take care of my bike if I passed
Thanks
My first motorcycle was a new 1976 green KZ900, I loved that bike and it treated me fine. When you are responsible for driving, you are the one who secures the load.
Great video Tim!
I like listening to your tales.
I have read that the Bell thing originated with WW2 bomber pilots who after long hours would get a little punchy and see gremlins doing things to their planes. they hung bells to ward off these gremlins.
if i remember right, Green cars were also bad luck in NASCAR.
You got it Monkey - I think self respecting ghosts want to see their bikes babied and ridden with honor. But like you I'll haunt the sh!t out of anyone who trashes my ride. I say we update the superstition.
I had no idea about the bell. This makes why my First ever Motocycle I had for a year had so much problems.
You forgot the most important one, no matter how much they cry, no matter how much they beg, never ever ever feed them after midnight.
Back in the 70’s, when I started riding, I always heard that motorcycle racers that had green bikes were killed on those bikes while racing, so you never wanted a green motorcycle, because they were cursed and you will die if you ride one! That’s the story I heard anyway…who knows, but it sounds cool...
Monkey, I believe if I'm taking a corner faster than my skills can handle, I'm going to be in a world of hurt . Whether a bell is ringing the shit out of itself or not hahaha . Thanks for sharing . Pete
My dads a truck driver and when he was teaching me how to drive and back up he told me “get out and look, you look like a pro right up till you hit something”
I never heard the green bike thing. I might not have bought my 2021 Streetglide Special in Snake Venom had I heard that. But I love it
Foot pegs down in the back is a rookie mistake...and you are right about not giving Bill a ride. NO NUTS TO BUTTS. At a minimum Bill would have to ride facing backwards, you would really have to love Bill and Bill would owe you one for sure.😂 Your videos are good, I enjoy watching.
Would sidesaddle work ? 🙀
@@mikelgeren149If ol' Bill don't mind looking a lil fruity.
🛑🛑 I was told by some old bikers, that you never look too long at a bike accident on the road, or talk to much about a bike accident.
They told me, you are only inviting Bad HuDu onto your bike.
💯 🍀
Thats a new one, but makes sense!
I've heard of the "green" bike superstition and have followed it myself. However there is a brand out the named Kawasaki that had/has sold many green bikes.
Also on the don't buy a dead person's bike. We (the misses and I) believe that may be if the person died on, near, or in a situation related to that bike. Then, they would haunt you through the bike. Love your channel, hope to meet up with you guys some day. 👍🤘
New subscriber, 1st time watching 1st time commenting.
I don't own a bike just yet I'm still choosing, honestly might go with an Indian Bobber. But I love hearing this type of stuff. Awesome video thanks!. An I can agree with the trailer thing I have a thing where I rather just help them out an use my own trailer on my truck instead of lending it out out right, that's just me.
Great video. 👍🏼
It's bad luck to lay your cut across the front of your bike it says you no longer need your brothers to cover your back
I hadnt heard that one, I like it.
Green bikes - er every Kawasaki ever
Just found your videos. The bell, I totally agree. The rear pegs being down, I learned a different one, and may be specific to military, but would not be suprised if other do it. I was told by many military riders that you do ride with your rear pegs down, in respect for those we have lost. And as a Patriot Guard Rider, at all honor guards I have ever ridden, we always had our passenger pegs down if you were solo, in respect for the member who could not ride with you.
That was fun! Thanks!
There was one on my bike when I bought it but I’m not superstitious I cut that thing off seems like everybody I know that has one has crashed and I’d rather be covered in the blood of Jesus. Amen.
I believe that these superstitions rank right up there with black cats crossing your path, walking under ladders, etc..😂😂
I've, been taught that the only time you ride with pegs down, is during a last ride funeral ride.
I've heard the green bike superstition in relation to the war bikes being brought back. I always figured it tied into the "owning a dead man's bike" one. Like the new owner not knowing if this war bikes previous rider in the war died, ya know? Idk, just something I always thought
Of course if you ride with your passenger pegs/floorboards down, you're inviting a demon, cuz when you get back home, your spouse turns into said demon lol
My first bike, my riding buddy gifted me a bell. Later, my dad (also rides a motorcycle) bought my next one for my new bike. I will sometimes deploy my rear pegs solo, to have a perch to stretch my legs on a long ride. My dad had stage 4 cancer, and had gotten to where he couldn't ride anymore. He sold his bike to a fellow HOG member in need of a bike, knowing his bike would be ridden, and cared for.
I have currently had two bikes where I know the previous owner has passed on. Both were projects.
The first, a 1980 Suzuki GS550E that sat under a deck for 3 years because the previous owner died. I fixed it up, got it running, and I named a youtube channel I put my riding videos on for it (TheGSRider). The second, my current project, a 1977 BMW R100S, I got for free. A guy had it, it previously belonged to his brother-in-law's dad who passed, and it eventually got to him. He gave it to me because he wanted his garage space back. I've had it for 2 years, and am still working on it. I would have had it running last summer, but I got depressed and stopped messing with it. So I guess since I didn't buy it, I skirt that superstition on a technicality?
As for the "rear pegs down" thing, I heard there is one instance in which it is actually encouraged: when you ride in a biker funeral procession. You are inviting the spirit of the deceased to ride again.
The gremlin bell is wrong. You can buy a bell for yourself, but if it is a gift, the power is DOUBLE.
My thinking on the rear pegs down is, if your in an accident and the pegs are down first responders will be searching for a passenger. Just a thought.
My mom used to tell us you can’t have a green motorcycle because if you ride a green bike the old grey Edsel would run you down
Agree completely on the One that you don't let anyone else hitch up your rig. I was a truck driver and if you took off with a trailer and it came loose or something happened you were responsible. I have been told to go out there and take that truck. Its ready to go, and you had no say. Its already been hooked. I make absolutely, 100 percent, I look at it and am sure its hooked right.
I love your videos and was wondering if you could do a video about the first day being a hang around or a prospect because some people might be nervous about joining a MC
Last time I got lucky was with passenger boards down while crusing the red light district!
Dang bell didnt work either, she was a deffinite Gremlin...
I actually ate shit loading my bike into my new toy hauler when loading to head out to Sturgis about A month ago. Learned the hard way that once you hit the ramp, you just go; don’t pussyfoot around. Nothing hurt other than another scratch on my engine guard and a couple of new scratches on my left saddlebag. Had no issues loading when leaving the Chip.
Everyone does it once...
Don't worry about that demon on the back if you come home with those pegs down, hell they will be running too 😂😂😂😂😂
I always thought Green was Pestilence but his could have been yellow.... War always had the sweetest rig in my opinion depicted often as red with flaming mane breathing fire. Kinda makes me consider building a Springfield Dark Horse with a sick airbrush of that depiction on the tank and call it the War Horse. I prefer Harley but could be kinda cool.
I heard about the green bikes too. I was told it was because you would blend in with the green trees making it harder for cars to see you. But I live in PA and we have a lot of backwoods twisty roads.
I bought my first bike 2 years ago. Yamaha bolt R spec. 78kms on it. Not 78,000.... 78.
I asked how they had a bike with 78, that's more than a few test rides. They told me a guy bought it on a Friday and brought it back Monday. I asked why. "He found out he was terminally ill and had 3 months to live"
I called the bike Bad Juju
The bell came from ww2 pilots that were exhausted. The bell ringing would help keep them awake. Some stories would say they were so tired they would see gremlins on the plane and when they experienced malfunctions "it must have been the gremlins".
I have a friends bike in my garage that passed away two years ago from cancer. That bike has given me less trouble than the other three in the garage and it sits more, I may ride once a month, it isn't on a tender and starts every time. Sometime riding that bike I feel more confident and the feeling like something is looking out for me. I also have his bell still on the bike and have not replaced it. The green bike thing, I've heard the something about the war bikes being green, but I have also heard on being green with envy or the color is associated with the color of money and greed. I have a 2015 Street Glide in Radioactive Green. I have also have heard the same on both stories about passenger pegs being down.
Dead bike reminds me of never renaming a boat. Lots of superstitions on the seas as well.
I was always told that death rides a pale green horse… nuff said.
My lr passenger peg goes down on its own all the time. I put it back up because it annoys me. But runnin long trips, i use the rear pegs for alternate foot positions. On strapping down a bike to a trailer, if i tow someones bike, i strap it down. This way i can trust my riggin. Only other thing i have, my bike came with an extra wire tie on the wiring for the handle bars. After 20 yrs, its still there. I dont tempt fate.
As for Deadman bike....
I was raised and taught/told ,if a man dies ,wife or family can sale or inherent...BUT IF HE DIED ON BIKE ,we had bike buried or smashed...I was taught/told if he died on it it can never be sold or riden again
In professional drag racing you don't want a green car, and you always pack your own own parachute.
The bell started off as something different and naturally it turned into the "gremlin lore"
What it really was, was when someone's bike went down they would put a bell on so they could "always hear it in the pack" and know where the wrecked bike was at.
Aka the bell started off as a way for the old bikers to rib each other, fantastic things you find out when you spend time with old school bikers
Great vid. But I have always with the back pegs down to pay my respects to my lost brother(s).
I've been told to leave the back pegs or floor boards down when there's no passenger so your angel can ride there.
Hello from Illinois ! I too was told as a boy, about the green bike thing ! The old guys always said it came from the Springfield mile flat track race... A team with green bikes came to race ? Subsequently they were all killed ? This lore has been passed down, and I'm sure has changed throughout the years, so I cant speak to specifics. That's just been the story around here for at least 50 some odd years that I've known it.
Great Vid, ..... Might have been that the "Seers of Old" were seeing the "Olive-Drab" bikes against the background canopy of vegetation .....( Camo....), and that's why they were called " Pale" ... as they didn't stand out or contrast against the back ground..... But the record of the Pale horse . would mean One.... not many, as in a military sorte or maneuver ....Or a lone rider on such a bike....??
Stay Safe
Those grimlins date back to at least WW2. Military used to make public service announcements for soldiers about proper maintenance preventing grimlins, etc. When the grimlins fall off they leave pot holes on the road.
i followed ur fp3 video and programed my bike today thanks for that video
I can speak to two of those points: the green WLA's and such from what I understand wasn't a matter of luck, but of camouflage... when the bikes were green and the jackets were brown along grassy roads... people were even less likely to see you and it cost lives... supposedly... to the dead man's bike theory: was on a memorial ride for a brother we lost the day before last Thanksgiving. The new owner was on his bike on that ride and I can just imagine 90ish (said fallen brother) was happy it was being enjoyed. (He probably would've ridden it harder/ faster and done burnouts if he were still with us)
I remember the folklore about not owning green Harley. That goes way back.
I've had a few bikes over 40 years, I've never had a bell. The green superstition was with race cars until the last couple of decades.
Hello friends, Pastor Fred here in Rockwood TN. When I got my bike finished in 2013 (2005 HDRG with a Motor Trike Gladiator Kit and special paint job), I had 3 church friends each give me a bell, ergo why I named her Addabell.... Have lost 2 of them, but still have the main one on the front...
1: I heard the bells were to remind you about the loved one who gave it to you as a reminder to ride safe. Thats why it has to be given to you, it wouldn't mean anything if you didnt have someone to think about getting home to. I know when I get on the bike and hear the bells ring I think of my wife and my father that gave them to me.
2: I was told dont ride with your rear pegs down because its one more thing to catch your leg on in a stop or while walking the bike. But I 100% agree that your girl seeing you come home from a late night out with them down is much more dangerous.
3: I heard about not buying a dead mans bike, as in they DIED riding the bike. Parts are fine, but dont buy one to fix up and ride. Or one that someone else has fixed up.
4: The hitching a trailer and loading a bike remind me of cowboy rules for horses. You NEVER saddle another mans horse on a ranch unless you want to fight. I used to ride often in my younger days and you could bet if a man broke his arm, he was going to ride back home, take off the saddle, hitch, and brush that horse one handed before he went to the hospital. You always take care of your horse before yourself. The bond is incredible strong, by allowing someone else to do it you are letting them bond. Given how bikes are iron horses, I can see how the same rules apply. I also think its a right of passage, everyone is nervous loading their bike especially the very first time. You don't want to rob them of the confidence and experience of doing it on their own. And like you said, it can taint good friendships if something does go wrong.
You have to ride around the gas station 2 times and rev your engine so everyone knows you’ve arrived on a Harley, or else your MPG on your next tank is going drop😂
Uh Oh! I have regular Gremlin bell on the Street Glide that I bought myself. Going out to the garage right now to take it off!
As for the adage of "never let someone else hook up your trailer": in theory you're going to be the one most concerned about doing it right, because it's ultimately your gear and your ass on the line.
Very true