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Some years ago, we started a contest to see who could collect the most tails. I had them going all the way around the bag rails on my Shovel. These weren't store bought finished ones...we'd actually stop, chop them off and tie them on.
Finally stopped doing it when my bike started to smell bad from all the rotting tails.
Does ANYONE know where the raccoon tail hanging from a sissy bar thing came from? My innate curiosity is killing me and I can't seem to find anything on it.
I think that the coon tail thing went out of fashion about the time that the pirate thing started but I could be wrong. Looking forward to the HD adventure thing to come along in 2020. All that adventure bike stuff is going to be great to see at dealers.
So there isnt like a backstory other than collect them if you see them, or they are gag related. Just couldnt figure out if they meant something. Hey thanks everyone, next to solve the mister of where a fox tail come from... keep it two wheels down!
Does ANYONE know where the raccoon tail hanging from a sissy bar thing came from? My innate curiosity is killing me and I can't seem to find anything on it.
-Jack
It comes from the same place that hanging fuzzy dice from a car mirror comes from, nothing more nothing less.
Don't know... but have a story about the tail. My wife rides a Sportster. Mostly stock, but she added cosmetics to make it hers. This includes a "raccoon tail" hanging off the sissy bar. Anyway, she asked me to ride it to our indy mechanic for servicing recently. Had just traveled a few miles from home when a city motor patrol officer lit me up. I pulled into a parking lot, and he blocked me in from behind. I had no clue why he pulled me over, and so after I removed my helmet I asked "what's up officer?". He pointed to the tail and told me the tail was blocking the view of the license plate. I guess it does partially block the view when the bike is stopped. As he is checking my documents he asks me if this is my bike. I tell him... "dude, it has leather frills on the handle bars, a stuffed bear and a raccon tail. Does this look like a bike that I would ride"! LOL Then a patrol officer pulled in and asked his buddy if everything was OK. Motor officer only points and tells him... "raccoon tail", like there was a city ordinance they all knew about. Kind of funny actually. Anyway, officer did not ticket me, but had me remove the tail as he watched. Must have been a slow day for them?
It's a sign to fellow drug dealers in the area that you are taking over their territory and the cops stopped you to see if you fit the profile. Raccoon tail means cocaine, coyote tail is for meth. Seal tail, oh, you dont even want to know... the teddy bear suggests something completely different altogether.
Joking, all joking. But, I would think it covering your plate only while stopped is pretty freaking weak to stop someone.
Never heard of or seen the tail before and I'm in the heart of the Hill Country and the streets are filled with bike every weekend.
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