So, you’ve noticed a tiny bell hanging beneath a lecherous bike? Did you ever find this contrary to hanging an old-school bell attached under an automobile marvel? Oh yeah, that’s why you’re here! Let’s investigate what does a bell on a motorcycle means?
Those catchy attachments under the hood are more than just a bell that makes funky noise. It’s a decades-old tradition that originates from those golden days of early bike riding. Riders believe that the bell traps evil spirits that target their bikes as prey. This bell traps those impish spirits inside its hollow and later throws them out.
No, not everyone rejected this long-practiced tradition or moved on. Especially, in the Harley community, it’s something beyond a ritual. Riders treat it as a means of expressing love ‘n care for fellow riders. These days, bells are kept ringing under sports bikes or ADVs regardless of their identity.
What Do They Do?
By now, you may be thinking, “Okay, it’s just a weird tradition among bikers.” Hold a second, pal. It’s far beyond that. This bell may not have any visible use, it serves as a purpose of expressing endearment.
Goblins | the Villains
Among the many prevalent beliefs, one is chanted the most. According to that, evil spirits (goblins, as per they’re treated) await on an isolated road to capture passing bikers. These spirits possess an unquenchable thirst to hop on those bikes and create unusual problems. These glitches are so annoying that you don’t want to mess with them.
Guardian Bell as the Savior
Here comes the savior in action. The sole thing in this world the goblins fear are these guardian bells. Goblins prefer to rest on the pavement and patch up with the bike parts. But the bells work as barriers in this nasty relation.
Guardian bells trap the goblins into the pit and ring continuously to bang them up. The mischievous goblins get confused and soon lose all of the evil power and are later thrown away on the road. These bells thus act as the sole weapon to ward these evils. Some riders adorably call these ‘safety bells’.
The Background Story
There’s a popular story behind this bell that’s noted as the curtain-raiser. This story begins when an aged rider with a long grey beard was on his way after a road trip. It was dark at night and the rider was cruising along the remote desert. He didn’t even think, after a while, he would be thankful for his luck in that shivering cold.
As there was nobody long in the vicinity, that old guy was sole prey of the goblins who were lying on the dusty pavement. They grab the rider along with his bike. Being walloped by all these filthy creatures, the old guy somehow falls flat on the road and frighteningly saw a gang of nasty creatures is approaching.
Not losing control over his mind, the rider initiated a quick search in his bag. He was rushing to an orphanage to present some lovely gifts to some unfortunate children, by the way. That’s why his saddle was full of small presents which he used as weapons in that captive situation.
Soon all of the gifts were thrown directly towards the pack but no change! Nasty goblins were still coming and soon formed a barrier between the rider and his beloved bike. However, at that very last moment the old found a tiny bell in the saddle and began to ring it continuously.
This time, with the smiling touch of good luck, those goblins showed signs to be confused. They were so disturbed by the sound that they jammed. In the meantime, two other bikers who decided a layover in a camp not very far from that area heard the continuous ringing of the bell.
They rushed towards the sound and found the old rider with the filthy goblins. They fought against those and ward them. When they went back to the old rider, they found him overwhelmed with joy and appreciation. When they bade a goodbye, the grey bread guy presented them that bell.
He remarkably tied that bell instead of presenting it directly. He grabbed some leather strips from his saddle and tied the bell with it. Later, he placed that set up at the lowest part of the bike of those two fellow riders. And thus all these traditions began.
Motorcycle Guardian Bell Rules
Guardian bells serve as a symbol of attention and care. They’re part of community culture. That’s why you can’t just order one and use it. Some sort of defined ‘guardian bell etiquettes’ must be followed. Let’s have a quick look!
1. One can’t buy it for himself. Rather it must be presented with a good wish for the fellow rider.
2. This bell must be attached at the lowest part of the frame to effectively trap road-lying goblins.
3. If someone steals the bell, the bell at once loses its mojo power.
4. If the bike is sold, the seller should present the bell to the buyer by hand instead of letting it behang with the frame.
Variety of Gremlin Motorcycle Bells
Over the years, these bells are serving a great purpose of spreading brotherhood among the riders. Thus it upholds the solidarity and unity of the bikers. That’s why these bells possess a great chuck in the market of fancy gift items.
You can find a skull guardian bell that has a full or half skull carved on the body. Besides, you may encounter some funky designs on these bells.
Conclusion
Now when you find a bell hanging from the undercarriage of a bike, mark this as a symbol of care that someone has for that rider. What do you thin isn’t it a prominent way to build a community? Or as a rider how do you feel about this care that your fellas show?
Also read – What Kind of Paint To Use On Motorcycle Helmet?
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