Harley Davidson: How to Clone a Sons of Anarchy Bike
What does it takes to become a member of the most famous, most beloved fictional motorcycle gang of modern times? Do you have what it takes? Read on to find out.
This articles applies to Harley Davidson bikes in general.
I really don't know what it takes to become a member of the Sons of Anarchy. Quite frankly, I've never read the club's charter or bylaws (I don't even know if they have one) and they really don't discuss it in too much detail on the show. Maybe they aren't even accepting new members, or maybe you are born to it. To be honest, this article is all conjecture on my part, but what is pretty certain is how to get the preferred look of the outlaw club's bikes from the show
There are many different bikes on the show, but they are all Harley Davidson big twins for sure, and most of them are the Dyna models
#1 Start with a Harley, Preferably a Dyna
Need we say more? For most bike clubs like the Sons of Anarchy, there just is no other option but Harley. You can tell from any picture of the bikes on the show that most of them are the Dyna chassis from the stripped down look and the twin shock rear suspension. This makes sense, because everyone knows the Dyna is the lightest, fastest, best handling of the traditional big twin bikes.
#2 Fancy, It Ain't
Look at any Sons of Anarchy ride and you notice immediately, they aren't fancy. It doesn't mean they're not powerful, gutsy, awesome and cool. They're not fancy because they don't have to be. That's not what they, or we, are looking for. What they are is tough, mean, fierce, take-no-prisoners motorcycles without a log of geegaws or accessories.
#3 A Distinct Lack of Chrome
Now this fact isn't true with every Sons of Anarchy bike, but as you look at the collection of S of A rides, most have an absence of chrome. I suspect that is due to #2 above, as well as most chrome and fancy accessories would detract from the image the Sons of Anarchy are trying to maintain.
A lack of chrome also makes it harder for a witness to describe the bike to police, but that's just my speculation.
#4 Black is Where It's At
Black bikes, black vests, black gloves, black boots, black pants, black shirts, black helmets, and dark glasses. Are we noticing a theme here? Suffice it to say, black doesn't just make you look thinner, it makes you look badder.
Basic black gear, and a blacked out bike is a basic requirement for membership in the Sons of Anarchy.
#5 T-Bars for Better Control
Again, like I mentioned above, this is not a standard feature of all Sons of Anarchy motorcycles. But you will find it on many of them.
T-bars are like a flat drag bar mounted to a set of risers, to make a literal T shaped handlebar. They come in many different heights and usually give you a good solid way to control the bike, unlike 15" tall ape hangers.
#6 Bikini Fairing
Perhaps one of the biggest differences that sets the S of A bikes apart from everything sitting on the floor at your local dealer is the small 1/4 fairing. This wasn't just a style choice on the part of a Hollywood art director, these small windscreens are very popular with riders who spend a lot of time at high speed on their bikes. Sure, a batwing or sharknose touring fairing provides even more protection, but they make the bike heavier and less maneuverable. The flatter style fairing is directly from the Motor Company, and is called simply the "detachable quarter fairing" (part #57070-97DH)
#7 Illuminated Mirrors
As mentioned above, fancy is not a requirement for S of A bikes. However, one of the features you'll notice in later episodes of the show are some pretty cool mirrors with turn signals built into the reverse of them.
It's a reminder that fancy is not a requirement, but "cool" is. And this is a small, slightly noticeable way to appear cool and unique in the larger group.
#8 Friends
Perhaps it's a small thing, but togetherness is important to the Sons. You will find them riding alone, it's true. But most often they ride in pairs, or in groups, or sometimes in a herd or a crowd.
It lends itself to the image and the creed of a motorcycle club, as well as teams providing protection and camaraderie for one another. Sons of Anarchy members are not loners—they are part of an awesome group. And they ride that way.
There's no question, you look the part. But I must warn you, that may not be enough. Can you pull it off? After all, Johnny Cash was dressed in black but he was no Son of Anarchy.
In other words, what I'm suggesting is, you just have to look badass, too. You may be that, you may not want to be that. But to be in the Sons of Anarchy, you better look it. Just a hint: being one may help you look like one, too.
So good luck. I hope you reach your goal and dream of being a member of the Sons of Anarchy. And if you get in, remember, "I appreciate you lookin' out for my boys... It means a lot to me."
