When did skulls on motorcycles become popular?
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 486
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From: PA
When did skulls on motorcycles become popular?
I don't recall ever seeing skulls on bikes, shirts, jackets, tattoos, etc., and since being back riding the last 5 years I've never seen so many. Even my HD motorcycle - the Willie G. Davidson designed Crossbones - has the symbol on the oil tank, a little silly but I don't take it seriously. After visiting a local HD dealer I couldn't help but to notice how much leather, shirts, and various things had skulls on them.
I believe the historical crossbones was associated with pirates and later *****, as well as a symbol for poison. Obviously, the symbol was meant to instill fear in those who saw it. Have crossbones and skulls always been popular in motorcycles or are they a more recent thing? I have to believe this is just a marketing ploy to appeal to those who feel they need to be bad or in touch with their darkside. My girlfriend thinks skulls are cool and exciting, and when she's excited I am happy
I believe the historical crossbones was associated with pirates and later *****, as well as a symbol for poison. Obviously, the symbol was meant to instill fear in those who saw it. Have crossbones and skulls always been popular in motorcycles or are they a more recent thing? I have to believe this is just a marketing ploy to appeal to those who feel they need to be bad or in touch with their darkside. My girlfriend thinks skulls are cool and exciting, and when she's excited I am happy
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 659
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From: Rolla, MO.
When the Men came home from the war they had souvenirs. The SS had skulls on their hats and these guys had to show them just like now when you see an old Veteran with his hat on it has all kinds of pins in it.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 9,332
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From: Upstate New York
I'm only 62, so I haven't been around long enough to know exactly WHEN skulls became associated with motorcycling, but it goes back as long as I can remember.
I've always seen it as an acknowledgement of fearlessness in the face of one's own mortality.
I've always seen it as an acknowledgement of fearlessness in the face of one's own mortality.
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2009
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From: PA
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Joined: Aug 2013
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From: Post Falls, ID
Skulls imply you are an intimidating bad ***. Perfect for some posers.
But I must be a wimp, no skull accoutrements and regalia for me.
But I must be a wimp, no skull accoutrements and regalia for me.
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Joined: Feb 2012
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From: Oroville,Washington.
Skulls have been symbolically used to portray human beliefs since humans have been on the planet. This ain't news. Had ***** G's on all my Harleys for the last 48 years,shifter pegs,passenger pegs,axle nut covers. Reminds me of what's waiting,anytime I want to get stupid on two wheels.
