Different people have different opinions about grown men in black jackets with overgrown beards riding bikes simply for the joyous freedom it brings. Regardless, many motorcycle clubs exist to bring people together who share a profound love for bikes and most clubs are law-abiding and they contribute to society.
Many of these motorcycle clubs are very friendly, and if you want to be a part of a biker family, you can apply to join. If you plan to join, you should know that bikers often modify their motorcycles and have their own unique way of making them stand out.
So, if you were curious about what the go-to bike mods for members of motorcycle clubs are, here is a list of what motorcycle club members do to their bikes.
15 They Add Ape Hangers To Their Bikes
Ape Hangers are long handlebars that bikers add to their bikes to bring a cool factor and for practical reasons. An Ape Hanger will not only make a biker look cooler but also when it is at a comfortable height it puts a rider in a more erect position that makes it easier to control the bike.
14 They Modify Their Exhausts To Make Them Louder
Power Bikes tend to be loud, but many club bikers are not satisfied with this. Bikers often modify their exhausts to give a louder throaty growl that is sure to get your attention. This is one of the cheapest bike modifications that can be done and it is very common. An extra perk is that a loud bike can easily be noticed on the road which reduces accidents.
13 Members Often Use Show Plates To Personalize Bikes
Car owners are not the only ones who love show plates, bikers love them too. Show plates help to personalize a bike and to show off affiliations and loyalties. Bikers do everything possible to make their bikes stand out and the show plate is usually the finishing touch. It also helps that you can easily order a custom show plate online according to your specified design.
12 They Add LED Lights To Their Bikes
LED lighting technology is now a mainstay in our modern world, so it is no surprise that motorcycle enthusiasts have figured out a way to use it to make their bikes cooler. A bright motorcycle with under glow lights is a cool thing to behold. However, you should know that driving a bike with accent lighting is illegal in some states.
11 Bikes Can Be Modified Into Choppers
Choppers have a long history and this eccentric style of bike modification has remained cool over the years. Choppers came into existence in the 1950s because the weight of motorcycles available was creating mobility issues for bikers interested in long trips. Choppers are so cool that even Captain America has one.
10 Leather Fittings Are Added To Bikes For More Masculinity
Leather is often associated with masculinity and club bikers do love their leather. Fitting a bike with leather is cool, but there is also a practical reason for doing so. The leather serves as an armor that will protect and cushion your body and also absorb the impact if an accident should occur.
9 They Use Custom Paint On Bikes To Show Club Colors
Painting your motorcycle in club colors is the surest way to show your affiliations. Custom paintwork is often unique and they always draw attention. The bike and the helmet are often painted and a wide variety of painting schemes can be used. If you want to cause a stir, ride out in a group of bikes with distinct eye-catching custom paint.
8 They Use Bigger Custom Windshields
If you plan on going for long trips in a bike many times in a year as is standard practice for every biker club, then you need windshields big enough to protect you from the wind. The use of big windshields is a practice among some biker clubs that is less about being cool and more about practical reasons.
7 They Add Colorful Decals To Their Bikes To Show Affiliations
Biker clubs often commission stickers designed in the club’s colors and with the club’s logo and they are released to members. A core principle of being a member is loyalty and pride in your affiliation with your club. Members often show their affiliations by attaching these stickers to their bike windshields, fuel tank, and anywhere it can be displayed on a bike.
6 Motorcycle Stereos Are Built Into Bikes To Make Some Noise
If you think stereos are limited to cars, think again. A motorcycle’s exhaust is already loud and when you had a waterproof stereo to the mix, the noise gets louder. Besides, even in the company of your club members, long road trips can get boring, but with good music, everyone can avoid boredom.
5 Some Hide Their Number Plates
If you know you are a reckless bike rider and you don’t want other drivers on the road to report you or you don’t want to get spotted by cameras, then it is probably a good idea to hide your number plate. Many law-abiding bikers avoid this practice and it is often seen as illegal by the police.
4 They Add Engravings To Their Bikes
This is the ultimate way to personalize your bike. A distinct engraving on your bike screams you and it makes a bike instantly recognizable as yours. Engraving a bike also has the added benefit of making it harder to steal the bike. Since the bike is unique, it discourages thieves from stealing it, since it will be harder to sell such a bike.
3 They Use Automatic Flashing Lights To Get Your Attention
Few things will get a driver’s attention quicker than flashing lights that go on and off on a fast-moving motorcycle. Its primary advantage is that it ensures bikers can be seen easily, especially at night. It is also legal and it has that cool factor. However, some drivers claim it can be annoying and that bikers use it to intimidate drivers when overtaking.
2 They Add Get-Back-Whips On Their Handle Bars
This three to four foot long braided whips have a history that can be traced to the 1970s. Biker gangs claimed that they were used to keep away aggressive dogs but in reality, they were often used to harass car drivers. Today, Get-Back-Whips are deeply ingrained in the biker culture although the police discourage its use.
1 Their Bikes Always Comes First
To be part of a biker club is to be part of a culture that exalts the motorcycle above all else. In a biker club, you live to ride and your motorcycle must always be kept in the best condition possible. The lifestyle of a bike club member means members are often very knowledgeable about their bikes and some can carry out customizations and bike repairs themselves.
Sources: Motorcyclehabit.com, Bikebandit.com, Motorcyclecentral.com, Axleaddict.com, Jalopnik.com