This is probably a very stupid question, but I was at a local (fairly large) bike rally, where I saw several bikes with a leather braided strap or whip hanging from the front brake lever. Most of these were on Ape Hanger bars and hung down to just touch or above the ground. I have heard of a couple ideas about these, but I want to see what others my have heard these represent.

 

Get back whip. Do a search and you'll find all kinds of opinions and explanations.

 

http://www.chilhowee.net/whips.html

I have an all-black one I put on the bike sometimes.

 

get back whip, back off whip...lots of different names. Also illegal in a number of places, stupid in every place, IMO.
The prevailing "story" that I've heard is that they're used to "alert" cage drivers of traffic infractions or incursions into the riders personal space. Personally, I think a rider lashing out at a cage with a whip it is a pretty good bet that the cage is gonna make it his business to run said rider off the road...but what do I know??

 

About the dumbest accessory ever. Even more useless than wrapped pipes.

 

big discussion here:

https://www.hdforums.com/forum/gener...ack-whips.html

 

they are get back whips as previouslt stated, while they make an excellent fashion accesory for those so inclined, i personally feel that if i had a situation where i thought an aggresive tactic was warrented a quick boot to the door, mirror or light housing would be more usefull.

and given how the laws are written here in Canada possesion of anything with the intent to cause harm or damage falls under the charge " possesion weapon dangerous" wether its a chunk of leather or a ball point pen. and yes the police will charge you for that if you told them X item was for X purpose.