In any community united by some attribute – in our case, this is a type of transport – various signs, superstitions, and traditions inevitably arise. Curious about the Motorcycle Bell Meaning? Find out all the answers in our article!
A motorcycle is a means of transportation of increased danger. Sitting on it, a person inextricably connects his life with risk, adrenaline, an aura of adventure, and romance.
Such an environment is a favorable ground for the appearance of various superstitions and signs.
Where did the tradition of hanging a bell on a motorcycle come from? What does a biker need it for, and who do motorcyclists around the world fear? Read on in this article. Today we will talk about one of the most common of them – the bell of a motorcyclist.
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What Are Motorcycle Bells?
Bell may symbolize an amulet from the dark forces protecting the biker. Or as a good luck charm.
Motorcyclists are a superstitious bunch. Many believe the bell on their motorcycle will ward off evil spirits. Some even go so far as to say that it is a lucky charm that will keep them safe on the road.
There are many stories about how the bell became a superstitious object for motorcyclists. One story says that a group of motorcycle riders was once saved from a severe accident by a bell that they had attached to their bikes. Another story claims that a bell rang mysteriously when a rider was about to be hit by a car, warning him of the danger and saving his life.
Whether or not you believe in the power of the bell, there’s no denying that it’s become an important part of many riders’ superstitions. So, if you’re ever out on the open road and you hear a bell ringing, don’t be too surprised if you see a motorcyclist giving it a quick tap for good luck.
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The Story of the Guardian Bells
Of course, no one can say for sure. There are only theories, all of which have the right to exist:
- Religious. In the Catholic Church, from ancient times, bells were used to notify the faithful of important events and to drive away evil spirits.
- The pilot in the early years of airplanes. As soon as more or less long flights began, a bell was hung in the cockpit so that if the pilot lost consciousness or fell asleep and the plane went into a dive, the bell would ring and wake the pilot. Over time, technology improved, and the cockpit bell became a decorative souvenir. In fact, there is a theory that pilots brought this superstition from airplanes to the biker movement, and it took root there.
- Gremlins are small, mischievous creatures who know how to cause trouble. Gremlins are often associated with technology because they tend to wreak havoc with electronic devices and mechanisms.
And what could be worse for a motorcyclist than a motorcycle malfunctioning at speed? There is a belief in the biker community that gremlins inhabit the roads, and as soon as they see a motorcyclist, they make a mess of his motorcycle, and it can break down. And the bell acts as a deterrent for the gremlins.
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And the theory with gremlins is held by most bikers, even if it looks the most unrealistic of the three.
Motorcycle Gremlins
Of course, many are familiar with Gremlins from the movie of the same name, released in 1984. But not many people know that these mythical creatures originated much earlier and are described in many ancient books and represented in different cultures. They have different names, but their behavior is the same, they make people sick.
But science has not proved the existence of gremlins. They are more often characters of fairy tales and superstitions. But as bikers are superstitious people and try to protect themselves as much as possible, they use a bell to chase gremlins away from their iron horse.
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Why Do Bikers Put Bells on Their Bikes
By hanging a bell on their motorcycle, bikers are counting on the fact that, according to legend, gremlins can’t stand its ringing, and as soon as they hear it, they will immediately leave the motorcycle.
Some believe that it may warn just before danger by ringing and signaling the rider to pay attention.
Where to Hang Your Guardian Bell?
It is usually hung at the lowest point of the bike. It can be a frame or an exhaust pipe, it is not important as long as it is firmly attached to the bike.
Important Rules to Remember About Guardian Bells
As with any superstition, the guardian bell has a strict set of rules that must be adhered to.
1. Don’t Reuse Bells
If you bought a motorcycle and it had a bell that belonged to the previous owner, it is forbidden to use it on your bike. Since no one personally gave it to you. There are two options here as to the best way to proceed:
- Give the bell back to the previous owner, he can use it on the new bike.
- Or he can pass it to you (the main thing is that it was from the heart), in which case you still have to take it off and give it to the owner, and he will give it to you.
2. Remove Bells from Repurchased Bikes
If there is no longer any connection with the previous owner, simply remove the bell from the purchased bike. But don’t throw it away, it’s not just a souvenir. If there is no connection with the previous owner better take it to some club of bikers for storage. After all, it may not be a simple amulet bell and it hung in memory of a deceased friend. It is often practiced in biker clubs.
3. Do Not Reattach the Fallen Bell
If the bell has fallen off, it is a bad sign. It is believed that gremlins tear it, so the fallen bell loses its protective power. Therefore, when you first clasp it, fasten it more securely.
4. Don’t Sell the Bell
You can’t sell the bell. As it is a gesture of care and goodwill, it is a bad omen to sell it, it is believed that good luck will leave such a person.
And a person who will buy a bell from someone should know that such it will not have power. Only the bell that was given as a gift from the heart will protect.
5. Don’t Steal the Bell
Worse than selling/buying a guarding bell might be stealing it. If you do this, you will steal not only the bell but also all of that person’s bad luck.
6. Remove the Bell When Selling the Motorcycle
If you are going to sell your motorcycle, don’t forget to remove your bell, it won’t help anyone but you anyway, and you can attach it to your new motorcycle.
How To Give And Receive The Bell
It cannot be bought with money. It must be given by a friend or loved one as a gesture of care, only then will the protective properties of the rider bell be activated. As it was already written before, it cannot be found or stolen, only received as a gift from a person who cares about you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the answers to the most popular questions.
Are guardian bells only for Harleys?
No, absolutely any motorcyclist can attach an amulet bell to his bike. It’s just that there are a lot of Harley-bikers with gremlin bells for motorcycles, so there’s a perception that it’s only for them.
How many guardian bell motorcycles can you have?
You can have as many gremlin bells as you want. The main thing is that they should be given to you from the bottom of your heart by people close to you.
Are Guardian Bells expensive to buy?
It was not very expensive. It is expensive in another way, in that it is given with care, and that is more expensive than any price tag.
Conclusion
Usually, superstitions are believed by people who are directly or subconsciously afraid of something. The most superstitious people are pilots, the military, cosmonauts, etc. That is, people in dangerous professions, those professions where it is impossible to eliminate all dangerous factors, so you have to rely on some higher forces.
Riding a motorcycle is more dangerous than driving a car. Some superstitions are connected with this. But, at the same time, most of the risk factors that do not depend on the traffic situation can be prevented or minimized.
Many motorcyclists ride with a bell on a motorcycle. According to superstition, it protects them from gremlins on the roads. Legend has it that gremlins, with their harmful nature, try to damage the motorcycle, and the bell drives them away.
Bruce was born in Atlanta. He started riding motorcycles when he was 10 and has been passionate about them since. Bruce says he feels absolute freedom when he’s on two wheels. He prefers riding his bike slowly and smoothly along a country road and hardly ever enjoys wildly speedy rides. With a strong Ducati Multistrada 1200 in the current stable, Bruce enjoys his super powerful, comfortable and easy rides. Ducati Diavel is the beast he’s currently dreaming about…
