Biker Tattoos: Expression and Symbolism
Just as most bikers consider their motorcycles to be a work of art, many also consider their bodies to be an empty canvas that provides an opportunity for individual expression.
As such, it is common to find biker’s with bodies adorned with tattoos. In addition to being a means for individual expression, however, biker tattoos also may have symbolic meaning or may be a means for proclaiming allegiance to a specific motorcycle gang or other organization.
A Sense of Style and Individuality
Biker tattoos can be simply a means of expression. In this case, the sky is the limit when it comes to designs a biker may select from. Nonetheless, there are a few images and designs that are most commonly requested by bikers.
Perhaps the most popular image of choice for biker tattoos is the skull. This design has a number of possible variations, including the addition of flames, red eyes, barbed wire, or the use of snakes within the picture. The skull may also contain a banner beneath it, above it, or even passing through it that contains a person’s name or the name of a specific type of bike.
Since riding a motorcycle has much to do with achieving a sense of freedom, it should come as no surprise that another common image used in biker tattoos is an eagle. In the United States, the eagle has long stood as a symbol of freedom and independence. On a biker, a tattoo of this regal bird is often meant to convey the same message.
Of course, an actual picture of a motorcycle is another popular choice for biker tattoos. This tattoo may be a simple picture of a motorcycle or may contain flames, wings, or other decorations to create a more menacing or symbolic appearance. Tribal designs in the shape of a motorcycle also make for excellent biker tattoos.
Sending a Message with Biker Tattoos
Biker tattoos may also be worn to send a specific message or declare membership to certain biker organizations. When it comes to biker tattoos, Harley Davidson is probably the motorcycle that comes to most people’s minds. There are literally dozens of Harley Davidson biker tattoos that are commonly found and marketed by the company, ranging from temporary to permanent tattoos.
Regardless of the design for the Harley tattoo, the name of the motorcycle company is typically incorporated into the design in some way. In addition, many Harley tattoos also include the phrase “Live to Ride.”
Motorcycle gangs, such as the Hell’s Angels, Bandidos, and Pagan, also commonly sport biker tattoos, though these tattoos are often meant to claim membership and allegiance to the gang. They may also be used to display the rank of the individual within the gang.
Members of the Hell’s Angels are commonly found with a tattoo of a patch with a skull wearing an aviator’s cap. This image is then placed inside a set of wings.
One common tattoo found on members of the Bandidos is 1%. This is derived from the fact that the members of the group consider themselves to be “one percenters.” This term was derived from a statement once made by the American Motorcycle Association, which proclaimed that 99% of motorcyclists are good people and only 1% are outlaws. Those wearing the 1% tattoo are proudly declaring that they are a part of this 1%, which goes along perfectly with the Bandido’s motto of “We are the people our parents warned us about.”
The Pagans commonly wear tattoos including the colors red, white, and blue. They also frequently incorporate an image of Surt, who is a Norse fire-giant, in their tattoos.
Biker tattoos are becoming increasingly popular as the popularity of motorcycle riding also increases. Nonetheless, there is no faster way to offend a true biker than to wear one of these tattoos without being an actual rider. Therefore, care should be taken when selecting biker tattoos to make sure they truly represent the wearer’s lifestyle.