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 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.
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'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.
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.❤
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!
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.
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 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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 !!
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 😅
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
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 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…
Heh... bells are used in many cultures to ward off evil. I and my honey are Japanese and Korean, the Japanese version of gremlin bells are called Omamori, didn't do a damn thing when the day after I installed a new tire I picked up a big ass nail. 😜 Still, it's the thought that counts, that someone cares about you riding safe.👍
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.
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.
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
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 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.
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 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 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)!
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.
Green bike thing was because KAWASAKI was big back in the early 70s... they were all green.. honda and yamaha were black or silver ... again EARLY 70s Anti J a p bike thing
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,
In addition to my 82 FXR, I own 2 "dead man's bikes". One (76 Super Glide) belonged to an old friend who specifically left it to me in his will. The other one (72 Ironhead rigid chopper), belonged to my older brother, who passed away last May. I took the peanut tank off it, flushed, cleaned and sealed it, and we used that for his urn. The rest of the bike came to me. It hadn't been ridden in a long time as he'd had a long battle with some health issues, but I'm planning to bring it back to life this winter.
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.
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.
@1:55 my Wife GIFTED me 2 motorcycle Gremlin Bells 🔔 immediately when I pulled up on my Harley Softail (1 to put on ASAP & a backup bell which I have put away) 🏍️ 🔔🔔 Those Road Demons/Gremlins ARE Real 💯 😈 🛣️ 🏍️ 🏍️ 🏍️ This may sound funny or absurd, but as a Hispanic/Italian man I grew up very superstitious. 🌙 ✨ 🐈⬛ I do believe in Positive/Negative Energy, God/Devil, Good/Bad. This video is an actual eye opener! THANK YOU FOR SHARING THIS VIDEO WITH THIS INFORMATION!!!! 🙏 ℹ️ 💻
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.
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.
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...
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
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.
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
Not only titles, they literally have name names.... Death (Thanatos), Famine (Limos), War (Ares), and Conquest or Glory (Zelus). And yes the Death Horse in original greek is probably way closer to light green, than generic pale.
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.
Dead man's bike is if he died riding it. Never heard of the green thing, always heard to stay away from black and blue (AND not or) 4 horsemen Conquest = white War = red Pestilence/ Famine = black Dearh = pale (from pallor) I always heard a man should never wear pink chaps and no pants. Sounds ridiculous to me...
I will probably ONLY own bikes with a dead previous owner because I ABSOLUTELY REQUIRE my bikes to have a kick starter. Good luck finding a bike that was made in the 1970s or before that was never owned by someone who is now dead. The manufacturers have not produced a bike that I would buy (that I know of) in over 40 years.
New subscriber, 1st time watching 1st time commenting. I don't own a bike just yet I'm still choosing, honestly might go with an Indian Bobber. But I love hearing this type of stuff. Awesome video thanks!. An I can agree with the trailer thing I have a thing where I rather just help them out an use my own trailer on my truck instead of lending it out out right, that's just me. Great video. 👍🏼
Horsemen mount from the left side, carryover from cavalry days and a sword on the right side. Is there a corresponding tradition among bikers, mounting from the left side? I know I always do but it’s because of a bad hip.
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
hy Green is Considered an Unlucky Color for Harley Davidson Despite Harley Davidson’s history of effective use of color, green has become notably absent from Harley Davidson's branding in recent years. Green is considered an unlucky color for Harley Davidson for several reasons: Reason One: One reason green is considered an unlucky color is due to its association with money, greed, envy, and jealousy. The Harley Davidson brand is built on the spirit of rebellion and individuality, so the association with money, materialism, and negative emotions would be antithetical to this ethos. Reason Two: Link of Harley and World War II Another reason green is considered an unlucky color for Harley Davidson is its association with the military. In many countries, green is worn by military personnel who are associated with war and violence. The color green has a long history with Harley Davidson. During World War II, the U.S. military used green Harley-Davidson motorcycles for reconnaissance missions. This helped to establish the Harley-Davidson brand as a symbol of American military power. Moreover, the color green was considered an unlucky color for Harley Davidson motorcycles. The US Army had ordered thousands of motorcycles to be used by troops during the war. However, the motorcycles arrived painted in a distinctive green shade, which many soldiers deemed unlucky. As mentioned earlier, color was associated with "Green Sickness," a condition believed to be caused by exposure to green paint or materials in factories. Symptoms of the illness included headaches, fatigue, and malaise, and many soldiers believed that the color would bring bad luck and misfortune on the battlefield. Despite this belief, the US Army continued to use the green Harley Davidson motorcycles during World War II. The color did not appear to have any negative impact on the performance of the motorcycles, and they were widely praised for their reliability and durability. However, the association of color with bad luck and misfortune persisted. Again, Harley Davidson’s brand is built on the ideals of freedom and individuality would suffer if associated with the aspects of war.
I would love to know my bike was still on the road. I rebuilt my 1991 FLHTCU at 98,682 miles. Should still be on the road when I kick the bucket, as long as it's not on the bike when I kick it!
I'm an atheist and I don't give a rats ass about any of this superstitious mamba-jahambo. HOWEVER, I have a bell on my bike that was given to me by my closest friend, and just recently when her bell fell off(actually she had TWO BELLS on her Heritage Softail) I bought her another one. I also will say "Bless You" to her and others when around them if they are the sort that say such things. I bow my head and am respectful to religious folk when I'm at their table when they say Grace. The bell is a part of cruiser biker culture, and I've actually seen a few sport bikes with bells on them. It's a fun bit of kit. One of my bikes, a 91 FXRS was bought from a guy whose father was in hospice and at the time, they estimated he had about 2 weeks to live. His father was initially reluctant, but was assured the bike would have a new forever home and a owner that would take care of it, keep it running and not chop and destroy it. Even if I was superstitious, I think having the blessing of the guy who owned it before he died is reasonable enough to expect that I will not be riding those haunted highways. Especially since I swapped out the mags for spokes. >_>
The 4 Horsemen are War/Conquest(depending on source), Famine, Pestilence(disease) and Death. The pale horse thing was a definitely a problem with translation as it was used to describe a rotten or decayed horse, which rotten meat does have a green coloring to it.
Green bikes - 1944 Harley had their contract for bikes abruptly cancelled. They had all this OD green paint on hand and painted their race bike 'green'. After the war racing started back up, the first two years of racing they could not win races. Green is an unlucky color for a bike or winners don't ride a green bike. We all want to be winners. My 2015 RK is Harley jade green.
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.
I was told your eye naturally skims over the color green because it is so prevalent. This is kind of a camouflage to cagers who are out to get you. Next color up for my bike? Green.
Well shit.... I bought my 03 heritage from a family where the owner had died and they wanted it gone yesterday. All equipment leathers etc. 30,000 miles great condition for $5.5000. Of course it was winter and I had to retrieve in from the middle of nowhere Washington.
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.
Hitching your own trailer is not new it's old, very old. It goes back to cowboy days and saddling your own horse. Also teamsters and stage drivers always hitched their own teams. Coming from the dirt bike world, and growing up ridding dual sport bikes with buddy pegs, it is not good to ride with them down, if you're solo. Things will reach out and grab them. Death rides a green horse? Interesting, explains why military vehicles were always green. Gremlins live under bridges, in potholes and ruts. Again coming from the dirt bike world, can confirm they are in ruts. They reach out and grab your tire.
The DEAD MAN would be happy to see his bike out on the road having a good time. What biker would want his bike to rot in a barn or whatever? No!! Bikes are made to ride and I would be happy to have a good owner, (hopefully a friend) take my bike.
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.
Been riding Harley’s since early 70s. Green bikes have always been bad luck. Don’t even pull up beside one or park next to one.. The bells are a stupid gimmik…kinda girly.. hell use a cow bell… if ya gotta have a bell..
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
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
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
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 that the power of the bell is not as powerful if you buy it. Hell I've only never had anyone buy me a bell, but I know the Lore of the bell.... So better to have one than not. Also "buying" a dead man's bike is like wearing a dead man's boots, bad juju.
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".
What I heard about green motorcycles being bad luck was specific to green Harleys and it was ok to own another brand in green. The bell thing, I my buddy pointed out the other day that I had a bell on my used bike. I thought it was funny. I don't beleive any of it but, it's all good mythology.
The bike was owned by someone who is no longer with us...well, those headlights will never work. Good luck. You may need to put 40 bells around the headlights and just go ahead and take off those passenger pegs.
The green bike is bad luck is related to the same issue green cars have. Its that other drivers dont visually register the green vehicle because green flora (trees and shit). Green cars get into more crashes for that very reason. Green bikes fair worse because of the even smaller visual cross section. And now you know!
I know the Green bikes get you hurt . I have had 4 brothers that owned green bikes and went down on Interstate or other Highways with Semis 2 bikes did not survive . one of my friends lost his thumb when his brother was rear ended on his green bike the car then hit him how he lost his thumb , his brother died . I load my Brother bike I ride the ramps . The Bell is a bad idea my Brother Deacon and I got a bell from a brother Ted , Deacon and I both had FLT/C that night I put my bell on my bike , and Deacon did his we both placed the bell under the triple tree and we both smashed are front fenders in the same place the same morning 20 miles apart He had No clue I did my bell and I had no clue he did his we met up at are local hang out for coffee . He was like the bell is bad luck look what it did then he seen my fender he looked at me said take it off . we both removed them . I hung mine on my highway peg . I keep hearing a strange sound it was the bell i hung it on the wall i still have it hanging on a nail in the shop . I have every bike I ride Blessed when I can I go to the Blessing of the bikes . I been riding 51 years I have never been hurt where I could not walk , little road rash when I was younger doing dumb stuff. owned 17 bikes the last 4 been H-D 25 years .
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 heard the green bike is bad luck because you could blend into your background (likely a field along a highway, or grass in the city) easier than a bike of another color. Not sure I buy it, but that’s what I’ve heard.
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'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.
I like that.
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 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 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...
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'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.
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.❤
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!
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
A very angry wife and a demon have a lot in common! 😂😂
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Green bikes - er every Kawasaki ever
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 !!
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 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.
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 😅
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
dead persons bike.... if you think that way.... then respectfully make it "yours" without destroying "his" dream, JMO.
The gremlin bell is wrong. You can buy a bell for yourself, but if it is a gift, the power is DOUBLE.
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 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
Heh... bells are used in many cultures to ward off evil. I and my honey are Japanese and Korean, the Japanese version of gremlin bells are called Omamori, didn't do a damn thing when the day after I installed a new tire I picked up a big ass nail. 😜 Still, it's the thought that counts, that someone cares about you riding safe.👍
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.
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.
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
No it's never buy and fix a bike that the owner died on... Kawasaki dirt bikes are all green....
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 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...
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 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 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 was always told that death rides a pale green horse… nuff said.
🛑🛑 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 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)!
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.
Green bike thing was because KAWASAKI was big back in the early 70s... they were all green.. honda and yamaha were black or silver ... again EARLY 70s
Anti J a p bike thing
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.
In addition to my 82 FXR, I own 2 "dead man's bikes". One (76 Super Glide) belonged to an old friend who specifically left it to me in his will. The other one (72 Ironhead rigid chopper), belonged to my older brother, who passed away last May. I took the peanut tank off it, flushed, cleaned and sealed it, and we used that for his urn. The rest of the bike came to me. It hadn't been ridden in a long time as he'd had a long battle with some health issues, but I'm planning to bring it back to life this winter.
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.
What if you. Purchased a bike that had had a support stick. Half torn off….I’m thinking take the rest off….right
What is a support stick?
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
@1:55 my Wife GIFTED me 2 motorcycle Gremlin Bells 🔔 immediately when I pulled up on my Harley Softail (1 to put on ASAP & a backup bell which I have put away) 🏍️ 🔔🔔
Those Road Demons/Gremlins ARE Real 💯 😈 🛣️ 🏍️ 🏍️ 🏍️
This may sound funny or absurd, but as a Hispanic/Italian man I grew up very superstitious. 🌙 ✨ 🐈⬛
I do believe in Positive/Negative Energy, God/Devil, Good/Bad. This video is an actual eye opener! THANK YOU FOR SHARING THIS VIDEO WITH THIS INFORMATION!!!! 🙏 ℹ️ 💻
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.
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.
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...
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
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.
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
Not only titles, they literally have name names....
Death (Thanatos), Famine (Limos), War (Ares), and Conquest or Glory (Zelus).
And yes the Death Horse in original greek is probably way closer to light green, than generic pale.
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.
Dead man's bike is if he died riding it.
Never heard of the green thing, always heard to stay away from black and blue (AND not or)
4 horsemen
Conquest = white
War = red
Pestilence/ Famine = black
Dearh = pale (from pallor)
I always heard a man should never wear pink chaps and no pants. Sounds ridiculous to me...
I will probably ONLY own bikes with a dead previous owner because I ABSOLUTELY REQUIRE my bikes to have a kick starter. Good luck finding a bike that was made in the 1970s or before that was never owned by someone who is now dead. The manufacturers have not produced a bike that I would buy (that I know of) in over 40 years.
New subscriber, 1st time watching 1st time commenting.
I don't own a bike just yet I'm still choosing, honestly might go with an Indian Bobber. But I love hearing this type of stuff. Awesome video thanks!. An I can agree with the trailer thing I have a thing where I rather just help them out an use my own trailer on my truck instead of lending it out out right, that's just me.
Great video. 👍🏼
Horsemen mount from the left side, carryover from cavalry days and a sword on the right side.
Is there a corresponding tradition among bikers, mounting from the left side?
I know I always do but it’s because of a bad hip.
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
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.
hy Green is Considered an Unlucky Color for Harley Davidson
Despite Harley Davidson’s history of effective use of color, green has become notably absent from Harley Davidson's branding in recent years. Green is considered an unlucky color for Harley Davidson for several reasons:
Reason One:
One reason green is considered an unlucky color is due to its association with money, greed, envy, and jealousy. The Harley Davidson brand is built on the spirit of rebellion and individuality, so the association with money, materialism, and negative emotions would be antithetical to this ethos.
Reason Two:
Link of Harley and World War II
Another reason green is considered an unlucky color for Harley Davidson is its association with the military. In many countries, green is worn by military personnel who are associated with war and violence. The color green has a long history with Harley Davidson. During World War II, the U.S. military used green Harley-Davidson motorcycles for reconnaissance missions. This helped to establish the Harley-Davidson brand as a symbol of American military power.
Moreover, the color green was considered an unlucky color for Harley Davidson motorcycles.
The US Army had ordered thousands of motorcycles to be used by troops during the war.
However, the motorcycles arrived painted in a distinctive green shade, which many soldiers deemed unlucky. As mentioned earlier, color was associated with "Green Sickness," a condition believed to be caused by exposure to green paint or materials in factories. Symptoms of the illness included headaches, fatigue, and malaise, and many soldiers believed that the color would bring bad luck and misfortune on the battlefield.
Despite this belief, the US Army continued to use the green Harley Davidson motorcycles during World War II. The color did not appear to have any negative impact on the performance of the motorcycles, and they were widely praised for their reliability and durability. However, the association of color with bad luck and misfortune persisted. Again, Harley Davidson’s brand is built on the ideals of freedom and individuality would suffer if associated with the aspects of war.
I would love to know my bike was still on the road. I rebuilt my 1991 FLHTCU at 98,682 miles. Should still be on the road when I kick the bucket, as long as it's not on the bike when I kick it!
I'm an atheist and I don't give a rats ass about any of this superstitious mamba-jahambo. HOWEVER, I have a bell on my bike that was given to me by my closest friend, and just recently when her bell fell off(actually she had TWO BELLS on her Heritage Softail) I bought her another one. I also will say "Bless You" to her and others when around them if they are the sort that say such things. I bow my head and am respectful to religious folk when I'm at their table when they say Grace. The bell is a part of cruiser biker culture, and I've actually seen a few sport bikes with bells on them. It's a fun bit of kit. One of my bikes, a 91 FXRS was bought from a guy whose father was in hospice and at the time, they estimated he had about 2 weeks to live. His father was initially reluctant, but was assured the bike would have a new forever home and a owner that would take care of it, keep it running and not chop and destroy it. Even if I was superstitious, I think having the blessing of the guy who owned it before he died is reasonable enough to expect that I will not be riding those haunted highways. Especially since I swapped out the mags for spokes. >_>
The 4 Horsemen are War/Conquest(depending on source), Famine, Pestilence(disease) and Death. The pale horse thing was a definitely a problem with translation as it was used to describe a rotten or decayed horse, which rotten meat does have a green coloring to it.
Green bikes - 1944 Harley had their contract for bikes abruptly cancelled. They had all this OD green paint on hand and painted their race bike 'green'. After the war racing started back up, the first two years of racing they could not win races. Green is an unlucky color for a bike or winners don't ride a green bike. We all want to be winners. My 2015 RK is Harley jade green.
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.
I was told your eye naturally skims over the color green because it is so prevalent.
This is kind of a camouflage to cagers who are out to get you.
Next color up for my bike? Green.
Well shit.... I bought my 03 heritage from a family where the owner had died and they wanted it gone yesterday. All equipment leathers etc. 30,000 miles great condition for $5.5000.
Of course it was winter and I had to retrieve in from the middle of nowhere Washington.
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.
Hitching your own trailer is not new it's old, very old. It goes back to cowboy days and saddling your own horse. Also teamsters and stage drivers always hitched their own teams.
Coming from the dirt bike world, and growing up ridding dual sport bikes with buddy pegs, it is not good to ride with them down, if you're solo. Things will reach out and grab them.
Death rides a green horse? Interesting, explains why military vehicles were always green.
Gremlins live under bridges, in potholes and ruts. Again coming from the dirt bike world, can confirm they are in ruts. They reach out and grab your tire.
The DEAD MAN would be happy to see his bike out on the road having a good time. What biker would want his bike to rot in a barn or whatever? No!! Bikes are made to ride and I would be happy to have a good owner, (hopefully a friend) take my bike.
Definitely live by superstition.. sadly had to experience and see..stay well and vigilant.💯🇺🇸😎🌪🌎🔊
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.
Been riding Harley’s since early 70s. Green bikes have always been bad luck. Don’t even pull up beside one or park next to one.. The bells are a stupid gimmik…kinda girly.. hell use a cow bell… if ya gotta have a bell..
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
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
Started riding 1962 quit 2022 health problems bells color pegs bullshit helmets suck
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
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. 😮
The war motorcycles, meaning don't buy green motorcycles. And the dead peoples motorcycles correlate?
I've heard that the power of the bell is not as powerful if you buy it. Hell I've only never had anyone buy me a bell, but I know the Lore of the bell.... So better to have one than not. Also "buying" a dead man's bike is like wearing a dead man's boots, bad juju.
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".
What I heard about green motorcycles being bad luck was specific to green Harleys and it was ok to own another brand in green. The bell thing, I my buddy pointed out the other day that I had a bell on my used bike. I thought it was funny. I don't beleive any of it but, it's all good mythology.
The bike was owned by someone who is no longer with us...well, those headlights will never work. Good luck. You may need to put 40 bells around the headlights and just go ahead and take off those passenger pegs.
The green bike is bad luck is related to the same issue green cars have. Its that other drivers dont visually register the green vehicle because green flora (trees and shit). Green cars get into more crashes for that very reason. Green bikes fair worse because of the even smaller visual cross section. And now you know!
I know the Green bikes get you hurt . I have had 4 brothers that owned green bikes and went down on Interstate or other Highways with Semis 2 bikes did not survive . one of my friends lost his thumb when his brother was rear ended on his green bike the car then hit him how he lost his thumb , his brother died . I load my Brother bike I ride the ramps . The Bell is a bad idea my Brother Deacon and I got a bell from a brother Ted , Deacon and I both had FLT/C that night I put my bell on my bike , and Deacon did his we both placed the bell under the triple tree and we both smashed are front fenders in the same place the same morning 20 miles apart He had No clue I did my bell and I had no clue he did his we met up at are local hang out for coffee . He was like the bell is bad luck look what it did then he seen my fender he looked at me said take it off . we both removed them . I hung mine on my highway peg . I keep hearing a strange sound it was the bell i hung it on the wall i still have it hanging on a nail in the shop . I have every bike I ride Blessed when I can I go to the Blessing of the bikes . I been riding 51 years I have never been hurt where I could not walk , little road rash when I was younger doing dumb stuff. owned 17 bikes the last 4 been H-D 25 years .
The Greek word "chloros" for the Grim Reaper's horse translates to "pale green", i.e. deathly sick pale greenish. ☠️
I had a lime green Suzuki TS 250 when I was in High School and never had a bit of trouble with it. I call that green bike myth bullshit.
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 heard the green bike is bad luck because you could blend into your background (likely a field along a highway, or grass in the city) easier than a bike of another color. Not sure I buy it, but that’s what I’ve heard.