Riding a motorcycle is all about that sense of liberation, and biker tattoos reflect this feeling. These bold, striking, rebellious designs are a symbol of the open road, and of the segment of society that enjoys it the most. They are often designed to send a message or declare membership to an organization.
Once upon a time biker tattoos were associated with criminals and done with handmade equipment and improvised inks. But times have changed and riding a bike has gone mainstream: many weekend bikers hold down conventional jobs and get their tattoos from a legitimate tattoo parlor.
You know them when you see them, but what are the essential elements of biker tattoo designs? They all have the old-school, Sailor Jerry look and some customary themes:
- Skulls: the most popular choice is the skull or a skeleton, combined with flames, a snake, glowing eyes, etc.
- Eagles: these are the symbol of the United States and a common choice for bikers, who are usually very patriotic.
- A motorcycle or motorcycle parts (most frequently the engine).
- The American flag.
- Hearts: these are a common theme for the ladies, usually combined with bows or ribbons, barbed wire, etc.
Other "old school" tattoos are popular choices for bikers, like women, daggers, dragons and blazing tires. They're are usually placed on the shoulder because it's a good spot to show them off.
Many biker tattoos feature the Harley Davidson name or logo, sometimes on its own, and sometimes as part of an intricate design. Picture an eagle perched on top of a Harley Davidson banner or epithet like Ride Free. Obviously, a Harley Davidson tattoo is going to demonstrate a passion for Harley Davidson motorcycles. It also represents nonconformity and love for freedom.
Harley tattoos are usually combined with:
- Eagles or eagle wings: these are very American symbols and a part of the Harley Davidson logo.
- Bar and Shield logo: the traditional orange and black Harley motif.
Biker tattoos vary greatly with regard to how much skin they cover, but generally speaking they are not small. Most bikers have a tattoo on their arm because motorcycle gear usually covers everything else, but that doesnt mean they are limited to the arm of course.
In a sense, how many tattoos a biker has does indicate how committed he is to the lifestyle. Weekend bikers might have one or two, but a sleeve or body shirt reveals a more hard-core commitment.
Here's some more biker flash and pictures:
Travelling is my life
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