I ride a deadman’s bike every single day. My best friend passed away so I bought his bike from his widow, took some of his ashes, got them, mixed into the paint and painted the front fender. I feel him with me every time I ride it’s the best decision I ever made.
I've heard the opposite when it comes to a "Dead Man's Bike" they will watch over you and protect you on the road as a guardian angel because they love the bike and don't want it be damaged.
I've never heard the "don't buy or ride a dead man's bike" but the rule I've always heard was never ride a bike or put parts on your bike from a bike who's owner died RIDING it. Like if a guy wipes out on the freeway and dies, and I salvage the fender or something to use on my own. However I've also heard that that's not always a bad thing either, such as putting a brothers part on your bike in remembrance or honor of them, means it allows their spirit to ride with you to watch over you.
I believe if one buys a bike or parts off a “death” bike, pay homage to the deceased. Lay flowers on their grave or bring the bike to a memorial and honor the late owner.
I heard about the green bike thing before, but in the context of racing. It comes from the same mentality that gives us the expression "break a leg." You can't directly invoke luck, because that will jinx it. A green bike matches the green flag, which is like invoking luck. You're wishing for a win. I also heard that, when Kawasaki was developing the Ninja, they were told the same thing. Kawi's response was, "Colors don't win races; motorcycles win races." They proceeded to paint their race Ninja not just green, but a bright, obnoxious FUCK YOU green, and went on to dominate the track. The Ninja is still a top seller today, and Kawasaki is known as "Team Green."
Only thing with that relation to green flag is that green flag has nothing to do with winning. Green flag is the same for the fastest and the slowest rider. It just means the track ahead is clear and accident free. So with green color you wouldn't be wishing for a win but for clear and accident free road.
@@Qassu78 There are Five colors of Racing, and they're pretty much standard in any kind of Professional racing. In which anybody that knows anything about racing should know them all. The first three are even used at most four-way intersections on most Hiways and Cities. Green is for GO (as fast you can, most youngster only have checkered flags in their eyes). Amber is for Caution (Slow-down and don't pass). Red is to Stop (means "Bloody Stop" somebody is Seriously Hurt or Dead and or the Roadway (Track) is Plugged-up). White is for One Lap to Go (for the Win). Black & White Checkered Flag is for the Winner (first one to cross the finish line, Win). I kinda figure you know these colors, but there may be some out there that don't. (Believe it or not "Ripley").
i was told the deadmans bike by my great grandfather as a kid, but it was a little different. his version was "never buy a bike someone died on" he was ww2 vet so id assume dont buy one somebody died on in the war, or dont try to fix up a bike someone died on in a wreck.
My wife would send me to the hospital if I came home with the pegs down, watch your brother that are comedians, they will pull them down right before you go home, more updates after I get home from hospital😅
Yes. It was a thing in Ireland to never buy a bike that someone was killed on and the green bike thing was supposed to be from dispatch riders in the war were always valuable targets and were often killed by snipers and boobie traps along roads.
My mom of all the people in my life was the one who gave me my bell. She was very against my getting my first motorcycle. Like a loving mother who didn’t want harm to her baby said she was doing her best to protect me. RIP mom we miss you.❤
Your WW2 theory is correct, according to my 84 year old neighbor that served end of WW2 and Korea ,basically exactly what you explained. Buying a deceased person's bike no problem,dog out and abuse it and now you got a problem.The trailer connecting is 120% correct. One of the superstitions I've heard is that the purchaser of the bell must install said bell, the rear peg thing is accurate, I mean when a guy leaves alone and then rolls into the driveway alone with both rear pegs down it's inviting the demon inside your ol lady to come climb on your back, face ,wherever they can hook the 6 in claws they grow when getting jealous. You and I both know the truth, and the truth is SHIT HAPPENS! You can have 30 bells given , and installed by loved ones, and when shit shows up, you get a shit show. 😂 Thanks for this video.
Your theory on the horsemen and green bike makes a hell of a lot of sense. The gremlin bell lore I heard was the bell prevents them from jumping off the road and getting on your bike.
I was told by an old biker dude the meaning of the bell was a security system used by bikers that would spend the nights out in the wild with there bike, supposedly if someone tried to steal their bike the bell would let them know someone was trying to steal their bike.
If you ride on the right hand side of the road. However if you ride on the correct side!!! For the many years I've had a ride-bell I've understood you need to mount it low as the gremlins live in the potholes.
I was told the bell theory by my father, but he added that the bell can only ward of so many gremlins. Eventually they will overwhelm it and knock it off the bike. So you should always check that the bell is still there when you clean the bike. Also he always said to keep a spare bell or two in the garage you can gift to friends who join the sport, or who lost their bell.
Interesting you mention that. I went on a poker run 2 weeks ago and my buddy lost his bell, and then his bike had starting issues. Somewhat surprised, I said, well I know what I can give to you now as a gift. He looked at me funny and said, oh yeah, I can't just go and buy my own... It was worth a chuckle, but we did get his bike running again, so you know, maybe there is some truth to that after all.
I was always told that the bell must be a gift and that person is supposed to be the one that puts it on your bike. Am I the only one that was picturing Mrs, Monkey standing there with a frying pan in her hands waiting when you were talking about the rear pegs being down if ya went out riding "alone" 🤔🤣🤣🤣
I hadn’t heard they have to put it on. I can’t imagine the beating I would receive… I think she might be able to take even you with her Latin anger powers…
I was always told Germany’s bikes were black or grey, and typically BMWs. Allied bikes were green and typically H-D and some Indians. So the Axis powers shot at the green bikes which were typically messengers. I’ve also heard “Drop your helmet, drop your head.” It might be just a way to keep people taking care of their lids. I’ve also heard to never wear the helmet, vest or jacket of a dead rider. It brings bad luck.
On the green bike thing, I always heard that superstition comes from the possibility that you will blend into your environment and will be a lot less likely to be seen on the road. This is especially true to OD green bikes. But this could be true for many colors so idk. MLLH&R
This is what I was told as a young kid from old bikers. The idea was to be as visible as possible. This was growing up in Wisconsin where there is green far and wide
Hahaha wow! So much I’ve never heard half of them, I started riding around 1969-1970 on dirt , went to street around 1974 and gremlin bells didn’t exist that I know of or any of these superstitions. I ride with the knowledge that if I go down and it’s my time then I’ll face my creator not asking about why my bell didn’t work!! To each his own !!
We hear my bell ALL the time! I've lost 3 bells off of my RGS that is snake venom, and usually looks Green! The trailer hook up, I was raised the driver of the vehicle always hooks up the trailer, and if you switch drivers, the new driver checks the hookup. The "don't buy a dead man's bike" I have heard if the rider died on the bike don't rebuild that bike, the owner's spirit will be angry and stick with the bike, expect many issues with bike,
As for the shovel head, you know far more about the guy than anyone normally would. You’re damn near buddies with the deceased owner now. I say bullshit, you’re all good.
The green bike is a bizarre one. As for the pegs being down...your buddy has probably already called you to complain. I ride my late father's bike, he would want the bike to be well maintained and ridden...not necessarily as fast as I ride it at times.
Bought one of my current bikes from a dead guy's estate. It was sitting for 6 years. A mechanic couldn't fix it and I picked it up for a song, fixed it, rebuilt much of it. It is a damn nice bike and treats me well. I'm with you on I'd rather see my bike be on the road vs being crushed or whatever. Also, everyone dies, does that mean those bikes suddenly become unlucky somehow? I don't buy it.
I was told the bell keeps the road gremlins from getting ON the bike. The gremlins are little creatures that live on the road. As motorcycles ride by, the grab on to the bike and hitch a ride. While riding, they do crap to your bike to mess it up and create havoc. They can hear the bell on your bike coming down the road and because they hate the sound so much, the gremlins run out of the road to get away from the bell. Therefore, not being able to hitch a ride and create problems. And yes it has to be a gift.
I always heard the post WW2 thing for green bikes was just the fact that the bikes had been used hard and had worn out parts that were prone to failure but not the that the bikes were unlucky because of the horror of combat. Personally I think the GIs came home just as damaged as the bikes so they were really there to fix each other.
Dad got home from the war and bought a surplus WL. First thing done was to strip it, paint the tank and fenders Ford tractor grey and the rest of the bike black. "I'd had enough Army Drab Green in the past three years to last my lifetime."
I know a lot of dudes with gremlin bells who had a lot of close calls, but got away unscathed. I also know a few dudes who had gremlin bells, and aren't around anymore despite them.
I heard it was brown. Never ride a brown bike. Before I heard that, I tried to paint my bike brown, but the paint, I ordered out of a paint catalog, ended up being O.D. green pearl by the time it was done drying. Pretty ugly for many years but no crashes. I now own my brothers Road King I purchased from his widow. He was a Viet Nam veteran and it makes me miss him every day.
I have always heard the green bike thing was because during the war a lot of the couriers rode bikes and they would be a first target for snipers. Thus the vets buying surplus bikes would repaint them so they wouldn't be targets. Also for me personally I always mount the bike from the left side and put my left glove on first. Don't know why but thats what I do
@jasonpeterson5209 I’m always afraid that my bike will tip over if I mount it from the right. I also grab the front brake on the right so that the bike won’t roll forward on the kickstand and fall over as I’m getting on it! I just had a new kickstand and kickstand spring put on my bike, but the original kickstand and spring always felt like it would collapse if the bike rolled forward just a little bit, so I always grab the front brake and mash it while I’m getting my leg over the seat(saddle)!
Years ago, there was a beautiful green apple metallic late modal stock car that ran at Golden Gate speedway in Tampa. Don’t recall the driver’s real name, but they nick named him “the gentle giant” . I moved away, and few years later, I asked my dad how that green car (Averett’s Machine) is doing at the races. He told me the driver was killed in that car in a fiery crash. It wasn’t until after that wreck that I heard anything about green stock cars being bad luck.
I rode a dragonfly green ‘06 Deuce with no gremlin bell about 2400 miles on my Sturgis trip. Was really tempting fate on that ride. Agree about not letting anyone hitch up your trailer, only time I did it came off and got interesting.
My first motorcycle was a new 1976 green KZ900, I loved that bike and it treated me fine. When you are responsible for driving, you are the one who secures the load.
the only concern i had about a green motorcycle would be in a farm land area if was close in color of cornfields. i had a car pull out of me in a VW rabbit that was green and they didn’t see me because i blended in with the cornfield. or that was his excuse he used lol
Great video. It’s like the new bike orientation 101 for new riders. I have heard all of this before some it in old biker magazines. One of my best friends looked me in the eye one day in the late 90’s when we were trying to afford our first Harleys, said Never buy a green bike it’s death. One friend had a green nightrain and I couldn’t look at it while we rode, I had to be well ahead of him I thought it was bad luck to be next to him. . I do feel that if you buy a bike from your terminal friend you do him great honor by riding the bejesus out of his wheel.
It sort of sounds like the end result is pretty much the same if you come home with the passenger pegs down, doesn’t matter if it’s your wife or a demon (some would say there’s no difference here), your destruction is assured!
Back in the 70’s, when I started riding, I always heard that motorcycle racers that had green bikes were killed on those bikes while racing, so you never wanted a green motorcycle, because they were cursed and you will die if you ride one! That’s the story I heard anyway…who knows, but it sounds cool...
My dads a truck driver and when he was teaching me how to drive and back up he told me “get out and look, you look like a pro right up till you hit something”
I have read that the Bell thing originated with WW2 bomber pilots who after long hours would get a little punchy and see gremlins doing things to their planes. they hung bells to ward off these gremlins. if i remember right, Green cars were also bad luck in NASCAR.
You got it Monkey - I think self respecting ghosts want to see their bikes babied and ridden with honor. But like you I'll haunt the sh!t out of anyone who trashes my ride. I say we update the superstition.
Foot pegs down in the back is a rookie mistake...and you are right about not giving Bill a ride. NO NUTS TO BUTTS. At a minimum Bill would have to ride facing backwards, you would really have to love Bill and Bill would owe you one for sure.😂 Your videos are good, I enjoy watching.
Great channel and content, As to owning a dead man’s bike is ridiculous because if he love the bike and you give them the same love he would be happy! He would not want to have his or hers bike neglected, sometimes people inherit things and let it go to waste, I know I would want somebody to take care of my bike if I passed Thanks
Agree completely on the One that you don't let anyone else hitch up your rig. I was a truck driver and if you took off with a trailer and it came loose or something happened you were responsible. I have been told to go out there and take that truck. Its ready to go, and you had no say. Its already been hooked. I make absolutely, 100 percent, I look at it and am sure its hooked right.
🛑🛑 I was told by some old bikers, that you never look too long at a bike accident on the road, or talk to much about a bike accident. They told me, you are only inviting Bad HuDu onto your bike. 💯 🍀
I bought my first bike 2 years ago. Yamaha bolt R spec. 78kms on it. Not 78,000.... 78. I asked how they had a bike with 78, that's more than a few test rides. They told me a guy bought it on a Friday and brought it back Monday. I asked why. "He found out he was terminally ill and had 3 months to live" I called the bike Bad Juju
Monkey, I believe if I'm taking a corner faster than my skills can handle, I'm going to be in a world of hurt . Whether a bell is ringing the shit out of itself or not hahaha . Thanks for sharing . Pete
My lr passenger peg goes down on its own all the time. I put it back up because it annoys me. But runnin long trips, i use the rear pegs for alternate foot positions. On strapping down a bike to a trailer, if i tow someones bike, i strap it down. This way i can trust my riggin. Only other thing i have, my bike came with an extra wire tie on the wiring for the handle bars. After 20 yrs, its still there. I dont tempt fate.
I have currently had two bikes where I know the previous owner has passed on. Both were projects. The first, a 1980 Suzuki GS550E that sat under a deck for 3 years because the previous owner died. I fixed it up, got it running, and I named a youtube channel I put my riding videos on for it (TheGSRider). The second, my current project, a 1977 BMW R100S, I got for free. A guy had it, it previously belonged to his brother-in-law's dad who passed, and it eventually got to him. He gave it to me because he wanted his garage space back. I've had it for 2 years, and am still working on it. I would have had it running last summer, but I got depressed and stopped messing with it. So I guess since I didn't buy it, I skirt that superstition on a technicality? As for the "rear pegs down" thing, I heard there is one instance in which it is actually encouraged: when you ride in a biker funeral procession. You are inviting the spirit of the deceased to ride again.
There was one on my bike when I bought it but I’m not superstitious I cut that thing off seems like everybody I know that has one has crashed and I’d rather be covered in the blood of Jesus. Amen.
As for Deadman bike.... I was raised and taught/told ,if a man dies ,wife or family can sale or inherent...BUT IF HE DIED ON BIKE ,we had bike buried or smashed...I was taught/told if he died on it it can never be sold or riden again
I always thought Green was Pestilence but his could have been yellow.... War always had the sweetest rig in my opinion depicted often as red with flaming mane breathing fire. Kinda makes me consider building a Springfield Dark Horse with a sick airbrush of that depiction on the tank and call it the War Horse. I prefer Harley but could be kinda cool.
My first bike, my riding buddy gifted me a bell. Later, my dad (also rides a motorcycle) bought my next one for my new bike. I will sometimes deploy my rear pegs solo, to have a perch to stretch my legs on a long ride. My dad had stage 4 cancer, and had gotten to where he couldn't ride anymore. He sold his bike to a fellow HOG member in need of a bike, knowing his bike would be ridden, and cared for.
The bell came from ww2 pilots that were exhausted. The bell ringing would help keep them awake. Some stories would say they were so tired they would see gremlins on the plane and when they experienced malfunctions "it must have been the gremlins".
At 10:20, when you spoke of Kurt Russell and "Tombstone", I believe you were conflating that with Clint and "Pale Rider". Own both movies, and having seen both more times than I can count (and yes, I'm not one of the rabbits from "Watership Down", it's more than five), I'm pretty certain on this one. Always enjoy your videos, please keep them in production.
I currently have my first harley davidson. Her old man passed away, so she sold it to me. You said that, and I said, "Oh shit." I don't want a dead man after me. I was relieved when you said your guy was dead to rest his soul. My father in law gave me a bell. It was his bell he gave to me, but that bell was on a previous bike. He had bought it, so it was somebody else's bell to begin with. I guess I need a biker friend to get me a new bell. I have some grimlin's. 😮
I've heard the green bike superstition in relation to the war bikes being brought back. I always figured it tied into the "owning a dead man's bike" one. Like the new owner not knowing if this war bikes previous rider in the war died, ya know? Idk, just something I always thought
Renta cop had a fit because I didn't back my bike in. Note the poolhall parking lot was completely empty. Then my helmet fell and he ask me to kiss my helmet ⛑️🪖......I threw it on the ground and turned my bike back around. ....I came in and saw 20 members of a MC..........I got the phc otta there 😅
Of course if you ride with your passenger pegs/floorboards down, you're inviting a demon, cuz when you get back home, your spouse turns into said demon lol
Just wanted to say thanks for your previous advice regarding Sturgis. I went for the first time this year and had a blast riding the various routes you had mentioned.
I've always been told that the bell is to keep the gremlins away from your bike. They hate the sound of the bell ringing and will run away from it. Also the more the person loves you that buys the bell for you, the more it will work for ya. Get your amp meter out and figure out where your short is on the ole Shovelhead. Later
Just found your videos. The bell, I totally agree. The rear pegs being down, I learned a different one, and may be specific to military, but would not be suprised if other do it. I was told by many military riders that you do ride with your rear pegs down, in respect for those we have lost. And as a Patriot Guard Rider, at all honor guards I have ever ridden, we always had our passenger pegs down if you were solo, in respect for the member who could not ride with you.
My buddy and i were towing a car a long distance. His truck broke down, so he called his wife and had her bring a uhaul trailer. The uhaul employee hooked it up for her. As soon as we tried to load the car on the trailer, the tongue popped up and crammed directly into the back door of her new suv. She was soooooo pissed off. I only helped push the car and had nothing to do with the hitch, but still felt horrible the whole way home.
@@ProfessionalMonkey sure does! Just recently discovered your videos. I appreciate your help, I am pretty crazy about motorcycles for the last few years. My band has been asked to play at some clubhouses recently. I appreciate your direction on etiquette! I have watched several videos on other channels about MC clubs, and you have a lot better outlook than most.
The bell started off as something different and naturally it turned into the "gremlin lore" What it really was, was when someone's bike went down they would put a bell on so they could "always hear it in the pack" and know where the wrecked bike was at. Aka the bell started off as a way for the old bikers to rib each other, fantastic things you find out when you spend time with old school bikers
I have my own personal superstition. Every HD I've owned has been an even year bike. I've never had a major issue with any of them, and all I've raked up a lot of miles. My current ride is a '16 RoadGlide that just rolled past 79k.
Those grimlins date back to at least WW2. Military used to make public service announcements for soldiers about proper maintenance preventing grimlins, etc. When the grimlins fall off they leave pot holes on the road.
I can speak to two of those points: the green WLA's and such from what I understand wasn't a matter of luck, but of camouflage... when the bikes were green and the jackets were brown along grassy roads... people were even less likely to see you and it cost lives... supposedly... to the dead man's bike theory: was on a memorial ride for a brother we lost the day before last Thanksgiving. The new owner was on his bike on that ride and I can just imagine 90ish (said fallen brother) was happy it was being enjoyed. (He probably would've ridden it harder/ faster and done burnouts if he were still with us)
As for the adage of "never let someone else hook up your trailer": in theory you're going to be the one most concerned about doing it right, because it's ultimately your gear and your ass on the line.
Reading the comments about green bikes, i could see where someone might not"see" you because you "blended into the background". Luckily I'm in AZ in the desert so my jade green bike doesn't blend with the brown.😅
I’ve been gifted half dozen bells over the years….hung a couple front of frame cause I ran out of ideal spots, ended up replacing my CVO front fender from a dent they caused from rolling over a pot hole. So I ride with all six of them on chain around my neck instead. Sometimes I sound like Biker Santa 😁
You have to ride around the gas station 2 times and rev your engine so everyone knows you’ve arrived on a Harley, or else your MPG on your next tank is going drop😂
I had a bike that if ya left your back pegs down,I could leave my foot down too long and the peg tried to tear off the calf off my left leg as I pulled away once.
These are great, and I like your theory on the green bike, that's a cool one, good thinking. One other thing I have heard that is bad luck (more likely just completely uncouth in reality) is to buy a perfectly good roadworthy bike from a guy who can't ride anymore or who is deceased, just to use as a parts bike. I never really thought much of it, figured if you own it you can do what you want with it. But then some guy was going to buy a '84 Goldwing from me that I just spent a year completely restoring, and his buddy that was with him accidentally let it slip that the buyer wanted it as a parts bike which he would part out. I was insulted, and told him no sale. Deal is off. Sure, he got mad, but screw that guy. I sold it to someone who actually wanted to ride it instead, and who appreciated it as an intact restored vintage bike, which he now takes to shows. For similar reasons, this is why I'm inclined to believe any deceased rider would be much happier to know someone is enjoying his bike and getting it out there and actually riding it, as you suggest.
"Never buy a dead man's bike" sounds like the basis of a biker ghost story. I may be incorrect but there's a 1% club whose color is green and I would expect at least some members who ride green bikes.
About a dead man's bike. My friend got a bike from her cousin that passed and had nothing but problems. Floorboard broke off, shifter came off, carb acted up. I fixed carb ran great she gets on it spitting and sputtered. Long story long. I've owned it now for 5 years haven't had a single problem
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My wife did not buy me a bell, but she did purchase a large insurance policy on my life.
So it was all about her luck...
Nice.
It would be contradictory 😅
HA HA HA HA
She’ll just take you out and collect that insurance or just divorce you! 😂
I ride a deadman’s bike every single day. My best friend passed away so I bought his bike from his widow, took some of his ashes, got them, mixed into the paint and painted the front fender. I feel him with me every time I ride it’s the best decision I ever made.
Amen and Amen 🤔🙌💞👊☮️
I have my father's ashes on my keychain. It was his old bike. Bike doesn't start without him
Dude that is one VERY CLASSY move!!!!
That's AWESOME!!!!! Respect and love.
That's badass. 👍🏼
I've always heard when riding solo and on a memorial ride, passenger pegs needed to be down so the spirits of departed brothers could ride along.
Whoever started manufacturing them bells started an awful good hustle
Right?
AHAHAHA!!
Early bells were cowbells, or just small bells, the manufactured specifically for bike bells came later.
Exactly I don't need no stinking Bell.. every time I get on my bike I let out a huge fart and all the Gremlins definitely jump off 😂
I've heard the opposite when it comes to a "Dead Man's Bike" they will watch over you and protect you on the road as a guardian angel because they love the bike and don't want it be damaged.
I've never heard the "don't buy or ride a dead man's bike" but the rule I've always heard was never ride a bike or put parts on your bike from a bike who's owner died RIDING it. Like if a guy wipes out on the freeway and dies, and I salvage the fender or something to use on my own. However I've also heard that that's not always a bad thing either, such as putting a brothers part on your bike in remembrance or honor of them, means it allows their spirit to ride with you to watch over you.
I like that last bit.
I believe if one buys a bike or parts off a “death” bike, pay homage to the deceased. Lay flowers on their grave or bring the bike to a memorial and honor the late owner.
I heard about the green bike thing before, but in the context of racing. It comes from the same mentality that gives us the expression "break a leg." You can't directly invoke luck, because that will jinx it. A green bike matches the green flag, which is like invoking luck. You're wishing for a win.
I also heard that, when Kawasaki was developing the Ninja, they were told the same thing. Kawi's response was, "Colors don't win races; motorcycles win races." They proceeded to paint their race Ninja not just green, but a bright, obnoxious FUCK YOU green, and went on to dominate the track. The Ninja is still a top seller today, and Kawasaki is known as "Team Green."
Only thing with that relation to green flag is that green flag has nothing to do with winning. Green flag is the same for the fastest and the slowest rider. It just means the track ahead is clear and accident free. So with green color you wouldn't be wishing for a win but for clear and accident free road.
Was also a thing with stock car racing, no green cars for years....
@@Qassu78
There are Five colors of Racing, and they're pretty much standard in any kind of Professional racing.
In which anybody that knows anything about racing should know them all.
The first three are even used at most four-way intersections on most Hiways and Cities.
Green is for GO (as fast you can, most youngster only have checkered flags in their eyes).
Amber is for Caution (Slow-down and don't pass).
Red is to Stop (means "Bloody Stop" somebody is Seriously Hurt or Dead and or the Roadway (Track) is Plugged-up).
White is for One Lap to Go (for the Win).
Black & White Checkered Flag is for the Winner (first one to cross the finish line, Win).
I kinda figure you know these colors, but there may be some out there that don't. (Believe it or not "Ripley").
Green means go I would think you don’t ride a checkered bike
I rode "Team Green" for years. The worst crash I had (and why I don't ride any more) was on a red bike. I guess I should have stayed green?
i was told the deadmans bike by my great grandfather as a kid, but it was a little different. his version was "never buy a bike someone died on" he was ww2 vet so id assume dont buy one somebody died on in the war, or dont try to fix up a bike someone died on in a wreck.
That's the version I always heard.
@@jasonlawson9311
Same here
My wife would send me to the hospital if I came home with the pegs down, watch your brother that are comedians, they will pull them down right before you go home, more updates after I get home from hospital😅
Yes.
It was a thing in Ireland to never buy a bike that someone was killed on and the green bike thing was supposed to be from dispatch riders in the war were always valuable targets and were often killed by snipers and boobie traps along roads.
Dead man's bike.... Dude purchased a bike from estate, for peanuts... Brought to us, spent thousands and died in freak accident weeks later...
If I'm gone I'd want someone to enjoy my ride but respect it
My mom of all the people in my life was the one who gave me my bell. She was very against my getting my first motorcycle. Like a loving mother who didn’t want harm to her baby said she was doing her best to protect me. RIP mom we miss you.❤
Your WW2 theory is correct, according to my 84 year old neighbor that served end of WW2 and Korea ,basically exactly what you explained. Buying a deceased person's bike no problem,dog out and abuse it and now you got a problem.The trailer connecting is 120% correct. One of the superstitions I've heard is that the purchaser of the bell must install said bell, the rear peg thing is accurate, I mean when a guy leaves alone and then rolls into the driveway alone with both rear pegs down it's inviting the demon inside your ol lady to come climb on your back, face ,wherever they can hook the 6 in claws they grow when getting jealous. You and I both know the truth, and the truth is SHIT HAPPENS! You can have 30 bells given , and installed by loved ones, and when shit shows up, you get a shit show. 😂 Thanks for this video.
Your theory on the horsemen and green bike makes a hell of a lot of sense. The gremlin bell lore I heard was the bell prevents them from jumping off the road and getting on your bike.
@noewolf4268Holy shit WW11,?!
Must've missed the first 9
/j
I was told by an old biker dude the meaning of the bell was a security system used by bikers that would spend the nights out in the wild with there bike, supposedly if someone tried to steal their bike the bell would let them know someone was trying to steal their bike.
WW2 I get, but there are no green horses ... not even in Ireland
That's what I heard also
@@pav688 I think that's the translation trick. In many languages green horse means rotten horse. Death rides rotten one I guess
It's definitely bad luck if you get back from a ride with your passenger pegs down by themselves and you started the ride with your girl on the back 😂
Depends on the girl.😂
I was told if you have a gal you ride with pegs down to let the bar chick's know your taking.
FYI - Gremlin Bells should always be mounted lowest RIGHT side (ditch side) on the bike. All other mounted locations are bogus!!
If you ride on the right hand side of the road. However if you ride on the correct side!!! For the many years I've had a ride-bell I've understood you need to mount it low as the gremlins live in the potholes.
A very angry wife and a demon have a lot in common! 😂😂
I've heard that if you buy a "Dead Man's Bike," you should leave the passenger pegs down so they can ride with you when they want to.
Don't know if that's true, but I love the idea!
I've always heard pegs down on memorial ride in case the departed wants to ride.
I was told the bell theory by my father, but he added that the bell can only ward of so many gremlins. Eventually they will overwhelm it and knock it off the bike. So you should always check that the bell is still there when you clean the bike. Also he always said to keep a spare bell or two in the garage you can gift to friends who join the sport, or who lost their bell.
Interesting you mention that. I went on a poker run 2 weeks ago and my buddy lost his bell, and then his bike had starting issues. Somewhat surprised, I said, well I know what I can give to you now as a gift. He looked at me funny and said, oh yeah, I can't just go and buy my own... It was worth a chuckle, but we did get his bike running again, so you know, maybe there is some truth to that after all.
@@tjclarke4604Forces of nature work in funny ways.
@@tjclarke4604Stand up guy.
I was always told that the bell must be a gift and that person is supposed to be the one that puts it on your bike. Am I the only one that was picturing Mrs, Monkey standing there with a frying pan in her hands waiting when you were talking about the rear pegs being down if ya went out riding "alone" 🤔🤣🤣🤣
I hadn’t heard they have to put it on. I can’t imagine the beating I would receive… I think she might be able to take even you with her Latin anger powers…
I pictured her holding a large rolling pin.
@@ProfessionalMonkey "Latin Anger Powers" hahahaha
I was always told Germany’s bikes were black or grey, and typically BMWs. Allied bikes were green and typically H-D and some Indians. So the Axis powers shot at the green bikes which were typically messengers.
I’ve also heard “Drop your helmet, drop your head.” It might be just a way to keep people taking care of their lids.
I’ve also heard to never wear the helmet, vest or jacket of a dead rider. It brings bad luck.
There is an exception to the bying of a dead man's bike. A fellow club brother can buy the bike from his estate to keep it in the family.
I own the bike from a friend who passed away in a crash 2 years ago. There ain't no way he would be upset by me having his bike.
Its not so.much the spirit of the departed. But the bike itself has a soul.and wants blood
Then the spirit of the bike should want to still be ridden. As long as you maintain it. It should keep the spirit of said bike happy. Just a theory.
The gremlin bell is wrong. You can buy a bell for yourself, but if it is a gift, the power is DOUBLE.
On the green bike thing, I always heard that superstition comes from the possibility that you will blend into your environment and will be a lot less likely to be seen on the road. This is especially true to OD green bikes. But this could be true for many colors so idk. MLLH&R
This is what I was told as a young kid from old bikers. The idea was to be as visible as possible. This was growing up in Wisconsin where there is green far and wide
They say green helmets are the most visible followed by white.
I heard that green was the color of money, that's what it was going to cost you😂😂
Kawasaki sells green bikes.. that's their color
I just bought my first green bike. When I told an older biker friend, I was considering it. He instantly said not to buy a green one . Bad luck...
Hahaha wow! So much I’ve never heard half of them, I started riding around 1969-1970 on dirt , went to street around 1974 and gremlin bells didn’t exist that I know of or any of these superstitions. I ride with the knowledge that if I go down and it’s my time then I’ll face my creator not asking about why my bell didn’t work!! To each his own !!
We hear my bell ALL the time! I've lost 3 bells off of my RGS that is snake venom, and usually looks Green! The trailer hook up, I was raised the driver of the vehicle always hooks up the trailer, and if you switch drivers, the new driver checks the hookup. The "don't buy a dead man's bike" I have heard if the rider died on the bike don't rebuild that bike, the owner's spirit will be angry and stick with the bike, expect many issues with bike,
Love Snake Venom. My trike is Snake Venom.
As for the shovel head, you know far more about the guy than anyone normally would. You’re damn near buddies with the deceased owner now. I say bullshit, you’re all good.
The green bike is a bizarre one. As for the pegs being down...your buddy has probably already called you to complain. I ride my late father's bike, he would want the bike to be well maintained and ridden...not necessarily as fast as I ride it at times.
Bought one of my current bikes from a dead guy's estate. It was sitting for 6 years. A mechanic couldn't fix it and I picked it up for a song, fixed it, rebuilt much of it. It is a damn nice bike and treats me well. I'm with you on I'd rather see my bike be on the road vs being crushed or whatever. Also, everyone dies, does that mean those bikes suddenly become unlucky somehow? I don't buy it.
I was told the bell keeps the road gremlins from getting ON the bike.
The gremlins are little creatures that live on the road. As motorcycles ride by, the grab on to the bike and hitch a ride. While riding, they do crap to your bike to mess it up and create havoc. They can hear the bell on your bike coming down the road and because they hate the sound so much, the gremlins run out of the road to get away from the bell. Therefore, not being able to hitch a ride and create problems. And yes it has to be a gift.
I always heard the post WW2 thing for green bikes was just the fact that the bikes had been used hard and had worn out parts that were prone to failure but not the that the bikes were unlucky because of the horror of combat. Personally I think the GIs came home just as damaged as the bikes so they were really there to fix each other.
Dad got home from the war and bought a surplus WL. First thing done was to strip it, paint the tank and fenders Ford tractor grey and the rest of the bike black. "I'd had enough Army Drab Green in the past three years to last my lifetime."
I heard the same thing about green bikes
I know a lot of dudes with gremlin bells who had a lot of close calls, but got away unscathed.
I also know a few dudes who had gremlin bells, and aren't around anymore despite them.
I heard it was brown. Never ride a brown bike. Before I heard that, I tried to paint my bike brown, but the paint, I ordered out of a paint catalog, ended up being O.D. green pearl by the time it was done drying. Pretty ugly for many years but no crashes. I now own my brothers Road King I purchased from his widow. He was a Viet Nam veteran and it makes me miss him every day.
Keeping it in the family as it should be. You honor him by taking care of what was his.
I have a brown bike,only stupid shit I do causes dings lol
I have always heard the green bike thing was because during the war a lot of the couriers rode bikes and they would be a first target for snipers. Thus the vets buying surplus bikes would repaint them so they wouldn't be targets. Also for me personally I always mount the bike from the left side and put my left glove on first. Don't know why but thats what I do
@jasonpeterson5209
I’m always afraid that my bike will tip over if I mount it from the right.
I also grab the front brake on the right so that the bike won’t roll forward on the kickstand and fall over as I’m getting on it!
I just had a new kickstand and kickstand spring put on my bike, but the original kickstand and spring always felt like it would collapse if the bike rolled forward just a little bit, so I always grab the front brake and mash it while I’m getting my leg over the seat(saddle)!
Years ago, there was a beautiful green apple metallic late modal stock car that ran at Golden Gate speedway in Tampa. Don’t recall the driver’s real name, but they nick named him “the gentle giant” . I moved away, and few years later, I asked my dad how that green car (Averett’s Machine) is doing at the races. He told me the driver was killed in that car in a fiery crash. It wasn’t until after that wreck that I heard anything about green stock cars being bad luck.
I was always told that death rides a pale green horse… nuff said.
My thinking on the rear pegs down is, if your in an accident and the pegs are down first responders will be searching for a passenger. Just a thought.
I rode a dragonfly green ‘06 Deuce with no gremlin bell about 2400 miles on my Sturgis trip. Was really tempting fate on that ride. Agree about not letting anyone hitch up your trailer, only time I did it came off and got interesting.
My first motorcycle was a new 1976 green KZ900, I loved that bike and it treated me fine. When you are responsible for driving, you are the one who secures the load.
the only concern i had about a green motorcycle would be in a farm land area if was close in color of cornfields. i had a car pull out of me in a VW rabbit that was green and they didn’t see me because i blended in with the cornfield. or that was his excuse he used lol
Great video. It’s like the new bike orientation 101 for new riders. I have heard all of this before some it in old biker magazines. One of my best friends looked me in the eye one day in the late 90’s when we were trying to afford our first Harleys, said Never buy a green bike it’s death. One friend had a green nightrain and I couldn’t look at it while we rode, I had to be well ahead of him I thought it was bad luck to be next to him. . I do feel that if you buy a bike from your terminal friend you do him great honor by riding the bejesus out of his wheel.
It sort of sounds like the end result is pretty much the same if you come home with the passenger pegs down, doesn’t matter if it’s your wife or a demon (some would say there’s no difference here), your destruction is assured!
You forgot the most important one, no matter how much they cry, no matter how much they beg, never ever ever feed them after midnight.
Back in the 70’s, when I started riding, I always heard that motorcycle racers that had green bikes were killed on those bikes while racing, so you never wanted a green motorcycle, because they were cursed and you will die if you ride one! That’s the story I heard anyway…who knows, but it sounds cool...
My dads a truck driver and when he was teaching me how to drive and back up he told me “get out and look, you look like a pro right up till you hit something”
I have read that the Bell thing originated with WW2 bomber pilots who after long hours would get a little punchy and see gremlins doing things to their planes. they hung bells to ward off these gremlins.
if i remember right, Green cars were also bad luck in NASCAR.
Don't worry about that demon on the back if you come home with those pegs down, hell they will be running too 😂😂😂😂😂
You got it Monkey - I think self respecting ghosts want to see their bikes babied and ridden with honor. But like you I'll haunt the sh!t out of anyone who trashes my ride. I say we update the superstition.
My wife bought my bell, which has now been on three different bikes. It is engraved "Don't F**kin Die." I always try to follow her instructions.
Foot pegs down in the back is a rookie mistake...and you are right about not giving Bill a ride. NO NUTS TO BUTTS. At a minimum Bill would have to ride facing backwards, you would really have to love Bill and Bill would owe you one for sure.😂 Your videos are good, I enjoy watching.
Would sidesaddle work ? 🙀
@@mikelgeren149If ol' Bill don't mind looking a lil fruity.
I've, been taught that the only time you ride with pegs down, is during a last ride funeral ride.
Great channel and content,
As to owning a dead man’s bike is ridiculous because if he love the bike and you give them the same love he would be happy! He would not want to have his or hers bike neglected, sometimes people inherit things and let it go to waste,
I know I would want somebody to take care of my bike if I passed
Thanks
Agree completely on the One that you don't let anyone else hitch up your rig. I was a truck driver and if you took off with a trailer and it came loose or something happened you were responsible. I have been told to go out there and take that truck. Its ready to go, and you had no say. Its already been hooked. I make absolutely, 100 percent, I look at it and am sure its hooked right.
Green bikes - er every Kawasaki ever
I believe that these superstitions rank right up there with black cats crossing your path, walking under ladders, etc..😂😂
🛑🛑 I was told by some old bikers, that you never look too long at a bike accident on the road, or talk to much about a bike accident.
They told me, you are only inviting Bad HuDu onto your bike.
💯 🍀
Thats a new one, but makes sense!
I bought my first bike 2 years ago. Yamaha bolt R spec. 78kms on it. Not 78,000.... 78.
I asked how they had a bike with 78, that's more than a few test rides. They told me a guy bought it on a Friday and brought it back Monday. I asked why. "He found out he was terminally ill and had 3 months to live"
I called the bike Bad Juju
Monkey, I believe if I'm taking a corner faster than my skills can handle, I'm going to be in a world of hurt . Whether a bell is ringing the shit out of itself or not hahaha . Thanks for sharing . Pete
My lr passenger peg goes down on its own all the time. I put it back up because it annoys me. But runnin long trips, i use the rear pegs for alternate foot positions. On strapping down a bike to a trailer, if i tow someones bike, i strap it down. This way i can trust my riggin. Only other thing i have, my bike came with an extra wire tie on the wiring for the handle bars. After 20 yrs, its still there. I dont tempt fate.
It's bad luck to lay your cut across the front of your bike it says you no longer need your brothers to cover your back
I hadnt heard that one, I like it.
I have currently had two bikes where I know the previous owner has passed on. Both were projects.
The first, a 1980 Suzuki GS550E that sat under a deck for 3 years because the previous owner died. I fixed it up, got it running, and I named a youtube channel I put my riding videos on for it (TheGSRider). The second, my current project, a 1977 BMW R100S, I got for free. A guy had it, it previously belonged to his brother-in-law's dad who passed, and it eventually got to him. He gave it to me because he wanted his garage space back. I've had it for 2 years, and am still working on it. I would have had it running last summer, but I got depressed and stopped messing with it. So I guess since I didn't buy it, I skirt that superstition on a technicality?
As for the "rear pegs down" thing, I heard there is one instance in which it is actually encouraged: when you ride in a biker funeral procession. You are inviting the spirit of the deceased to ride again.
There was one on my bike when I bought it but I’m not superstitious I cut that thing off seems like everybody I know that has one has crashed and I’d rather be covered in the blood of Jesus. Amen.
As for Deadman bike....
I was raised and taught/told ,if a man dies ,wife or family can sale or inherent...BUT IF HE DIED ON BIKE ,we had bike buried or smashed...I was taught/told if he died on it it can never be sold or riden again
Last time I got lucky was with passenger boards down while crusing the red light district!
Dang bell didnt work either, she was a deffinite Gremlin...
My mom used to tell us you can’t have a green motorcycle because if you ride a green bike the old grey Edsel would run you down
I never heard the green bike thing. I might not have bought my 2021 Streetglide Special in Snake Venom had I heard that. But I love it
I had no idea about the bell. This makes why my First ever Motocycle I had for a year had so much problems.
I always thought Green was Pestilence but his could have been yellow.... War always had the sweetest rig in my opinion depicted often as red with flaming mane breathing fire. Kinda makes me consider building a Springfield Dark Horse with a sick airbrush of that depiction on the tank and call it the War Horse. I prefer Harley but could be kinda cool.
My first bike, my riding buddy gifted me a bell. Later, my dad (also rides a motorcycle) bought my next one for my new bike. I will sometimes deploy my rear pegs solo, to have a perch to stretch my legs on a long ride. My dad had stage 4 cancer, and had gotten to where he couldn't ride anymore. He sold his bike to a fellow HOG member in need of a bike, knowing his bike would be ridden, and cared for.
The bell came from ww2 pilots that were exhausted. The bell ringing would help keep them awake. Some stories would say they were so tired they would see gremlins on the plane and when they experienced malfunctions "it must have been the gremlins".
At 10:20, when you spoke of Kurt Russell and "Tombstone", I believe you were conflating that with Clint and "Pale Rider". Own both movies, and having seen both more times than I can count (and yes, I'm not one of the rabbits from "Watership Down", it's more than five), I'm pretty certain on this one. Always enjoy your videos, please keep them in production.
I currently have my first harley davidson. Her old man passed away, so she sold it to me. You said that, and I said, "Oh shit." I don't want a dead man after me. I was relieved when you said your guy was dead to rest his soul. My father in law gave me a bell. It was his bell he gave to me, but that bell was on a previous bike. He had bought it, so it was somebody else's bell to begin with. I guess I need a biker friend to get me a new bell. I have some grimlin's. 😮
I've heard the green bike superstition in relation to the war bikes being brought back. I always figured it tied into the "owning a dead man's bike" one. Like the new owner not knowing if this war bikes previous rider in the war died, ya know? Idk, just something I always thought
I remember the folklore about not owning green Harley. That goes way back.
Dead bike reminds me of never renaming a boat. Lots of superstitions on the seas as well.
In professional drag racing you don't want a green car, and you always pack your own own parachute.
Renta cop had a fit because I didn't back my bike in. Note the poolhall parking lot was completely empty. Then my helmet fell and he ask me to kiss my helmet ⛑️🪖......I threw it on the ground and turned my bike back around. ....I came in and saw 20 members of a MC..........I got the phc otta there 😅
Of course if you ride with your passenger pegs/floorboards down, you're inviting a demon, cuz when you get back home, your spouse turns into said demon lol
Just wanted to say thanks for your previous advice regarding Sturgis. I went for the first time this year and had a blast riding the various routes you had mentioned.
I've been told to leave the back pegs or floor boards down when there's no passenger so your angel can ride there.
I've always been told that the bell is to keep the gremlins away from your bike. They hate the sound of the bell ringing and will run away from it. Also the more the person loves you that buys the bell for you, the more it will work for ya. Get your amp meter out and figure out where your short is on the ole Shovelhead. Later
I heard the exact same thing about the bell, and also heard that the person who gifts it you should be the one to hang it on your bike.
Just found your videos. The bell, I totally agree. The rear pegs being down, I learned a different one, and may be specific to military, but would not be suprised if other do it. I was told by many military riders that you do ride with your rear pegs down, in respect for those we have lost. And as a Patriot Guard Rider, at all honor guards I have ever ridden, we always had our passenger pegs down if you were solo, in respect for the member who could not ride with you.
My buddy and i were towing a car a long distance. His truck broke down, so he called his wife and had her bring a uhaul trailer. The uhaul employee hooked it up for her. As soon as we tried to load the car on the trailer, the tongue popped up and crammed directly into the back door of her new suv. She was soooooo pissed off. I only helped push the car and had nothing to do with the hitch, but still felt horrible the whole way home.
That freaking sucks...
@@ProfessionalMonkey sure does! Just recently discovered your videos. I appreciate your help, I am pretty crazy about motorcycles for the last few years. My band has been asked to play at some clubhouses recently. I appreciate your direction on etiquette! I have watched several videos on other channels about MC clubs, and you have a lot better outlook than most.
The bell started off as something different and naturally it turned into the "gremlin lore"
What it really was, was when someone's bike went down they would put a bell on so they could "always hear it in the pack" and know where the wrecked bike was at.
Aka the bell started off as a way for the old bikers to rib each other, fantastic things you find out when you spend time with old school bikers
My Dad NEVER let anyone hitch his boat up but him for the reasons you gave! To a tee!!
I have my own personal superstition. Every HD I've owned has been an even year bike.
I've never had a major issue with any of them, and all I've raked up a lot of miles. My current ride is a '16 RoadGlide that just rolled past 79k.
Those grimlins date back to at least WW2. Military used to make public service announcements for soldiers about proper maintenance preventing grimlins, etc. When the grimlins fall off they leave pot holes on the road.
I can speak to two of those points: the green WLA's and such from what I understand wasn't a matter of luck, but of camouflage... when the bikes were green and the jackets were brown along grassy roads... people were even less likely to see you and it cost lives... supposedly... to the dead man's bike theory: was on a memorial ride for a brother we lost the day before last Thanksgiving. The new owner was on his bike on that ride and I can just imagine 90ish (said fallen brother) was happy it was being enjoyed. (He probably would've ridden it harder/ faster and done burnouts if he were still with us)
As for the adage of "never let someone else hook up your trailer": in theory you're going to be the one most concerned about doing it right, because it's ultimately your gear and your ass on the line.
Very true
Reading the comments about green bikes, i could see where someone might not"see" you because you "blended into the background". Luckily I'm in AZ in the desert so my jade green bike doesn't blend with the brown.😅
I’ve been gifted half dozen bells over the years….hung a couple front of frame cause I ran out of ideal spots, ended up replacing my CVO front fender from a dent they caused from rolling over a pot hole. So I ride with all six of them on chain around my neck instead.
Sometimes I sound like Biker Santa 😁
You have to ride around the gas station 2 times and rev your engine so everyone knows you’ve arrived on a Harley, or else your MPG on your next tank is going drop😂
I've had a few bikes over 40 years, I've never had a bell. The green superstition was with race cars until the last couple of decades.
I had a bike that if ya left your back pegs down,I could leave my foot down too long and the peg tried to tear off the calf off my left leg as I pulled away once.
These are great, and I like your theory on the green bike, that's a cool one, good thinking. One other thing I have heard that is bad luck (more likely just completely uncouth in reality) is to buy a perfectly good roadworthy bike from a guy who can't ride anymore or who is deceased, just to use as a parts bike. I never really thought much of it, figured if you own it you can do what you want with it. But then some guy was going to buy a '84 Goldwing from me that I just spent a year completely restoring, and his buddy that was with him accidentally let it slip that the buyer wanted it as a parts bike which he would part out. I was insulted, and told him no sale. Deal is off. Sure, he got mad, but screw that guy. I sold it to someone who actually wanted to ride it instead, and who appreciated it as an intact restored vintage bike, which he now takes to shows. For similar reasons, this is why I'm inclined to believe any deceased rider would be much happier to know someone is enjoying his bike and getting it out there and actually riding it, as you suggest.
"Never buy a dead man's bike" sounds like the basis of a biker ghost story.
I may be incorrect but there's a 1% club whose color is green and I would expect at least some members who ride green bikes.
Very true.
I heard of them all, except the last 2, but Grandpa's wisdom should always be considered. Have a good one, "RIDE ON"
I was told not only don't buy your own bell, but don't put it on your bike yourself. Someone else has to.
About a dead man's bike. My friend got a bike from her cousin that passed and had nothing but problems. Floorboard broke off, shifter came off, carb acted up. I fixed carb ran great she gets on it spitting and sputtered. Long story long. I've owned it now for 5 years haven't had a single problem