"German" helmets
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Joined: Feb 2007
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"German" helmets
I had a non-riding friend ask me why some bikers wear the WWII German style helmet. She thought that perhaps it was some Neo **** statement. I told her I doubted that was true but I could'nt give her any answer. So why do some wear them?
I know in some of the older biker films some would wear them but they would also be covered in swastikas. I'd like to think that nowadays the people that do wear them do so for other reasons. Any thoughts?
I know in some of the older biker films some would wear them but they would also be covered in swastikas. I'd like to think that nowadays the people that do wear them do so for other reasons. Any thoughts?
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2006
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RE: "German" helmets
ORIGINAL: akenaten
I had a non-riding friend ask me why some bikers wear the WWII German style helmet. She thought that perhaps it was some Neo **** statement. I told her I doubted that was true but I could'nt give her any answer. So why do some wear them?
I know in some of the older biker films some would wear them but they would also be covered in swastikas. I'd like to think that nowadays the people that do wear them do so for other reasons. Any thoughts?
I had a non-riding friend ask me why some bikers wear the WWII German style helmet. She thought that perhaps it was some Neo **** statement. I told her I doubted that was true but I could'nt give her any answer. So why do some wear them?
I know in some of the older biker films some would wear them but they would also be covered in swastikas. I'd like to think that nowadays the people that do wear them do so for other reasons. Any thoughts?
Tourer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 327
Likes: 0
RE: "German" helmets
Alot of biker clubs were started by wwII VETS. They brought them back as souveniers and they made sense to wear on a bike. They had swastikas on them, and the vets loved the shock value too. People try to emulate the " hard biker clubs", and viola, patches, tattoos, wwII german helmets
. Bye the way, I love tattoos, patches, and yes, german helmets.
. Bye the way, I love tattoos, patches, and yes, german helmets.
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2006
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RE: "German" helmets
I think this goes back to the early 60s when many states started mandatory helmet laws. At that time you could put just about anything on your head and as long as it looked like a helmet the cops werent going to hastle you. WWII wasnt that far in the past and German helmets were readily available cheap from any army / navy surplus store.I remember seeing members of a local 1%er club wearing real german helmets. One guy even had a huge spike sticking up thru the center. Their club house had a huge red **** flag that took up one entire wall. Remember the 60s was a time of rebellion. Sex, drugs, rock n roll & bikes.To wear a **** helmet, or swastikaarm band was a statement to the rest of society to kiss your a$$...........BG
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RE: "German" helmets
ORIGINAL: DYNAMITE 1
Alot of biker clubs were started by wwII VETS. They brought them back as souveniers and they made sense to wear on a bike. They had swastikas on them, and the vets loved the shock value too. People try to emulate the " hard biker clubs", and viola, patches, tattoos, wwII german helmets. Bye the way, I love tattoos, patches, and yes, german helmets.
Alot of biker clubs were started by wwII VETS. They brought them back as souveniers and they made sense to wear on a bike. They had swastikas on them, and the vets loved the shock value too. People try to emulate the " hard biker clubs", and viola, patches, tattoos, wwII german helmets
. Bye the way, I love tattoos, patches, and yes, german helmets.
What was not in short supply for the returning servicemenwas surplus motorcycles! A vet could buy a surplus bike for $25 dollars and have immediate transportation as well as a nice thrill that helped them cope with the 'drop' from combat. Combined withthis verycheap transportation, the German helmets and GI issue leather bomber jackets, fatigues, military boots etc. made good sense.
Long story short.. that was the beginnings of theoutlaw biker clubs that grew into legend in later years.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,749
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From: Augusta, Ga.
RE: "German" helmets
Are we sure these "Swastikas" aren't a Maltese Cross?
I see the Maltese cross all the time.....I rarely see a Swastika.
They have very different symbolism although many mistake the two.
I see the Maltese cross all the time.....I rarely see a Swastika.
They have very different symbolism although many mistake the two.