Harley Davidson Riding and a Proud Tradition of Tattoos

In the long upheld tradition of freedom and individualism loving bikers, the Harley Davidson is considered by many to be the quintessential bike.

The picture is not complete until the Harley owner is willing to put up the cash, bear with the pain and sit still for the duration of getting the proper tattoos. The symbols of tatoos chosen by Harley riders signify their chosen lifestyle of freedom, change, power and strength.

Tatoos range from dragons, snakes and skulls to demons, eagles and flaming swords. Of course the corporate Harley Davidson logo is one of the main choices for many bikers. True Harley riders will often be offended by the RUB’s (short for Rich Urban Biker) use of a Harley Tattoo. Most of them feel that you can’t buy the Harley biker image, it has to be earned.

The invention of automatic tattooing machines in the late 19th century came just a few years before Harley’s became popular. Harley riders embraced the technology along with the logo. Gang members might tattoo certain colors or symbols to be group recognized, but the Harley tattoo told anyone seeing it that this is a tough hombre, hard living, hard riding and often hardheaded.

The recent commercialization and adaptation of the Harley logo into clothing, personal accessories and even things like children’s diapers and purses has led to a lot of controversy. To the dyed-in-the-wool Harley lover, it degrades the meaning of the logo, especially if they have a Harley tattoo.

The tattoos chosen by a Harley Rider often tell something about their life. Some sport the name of their woman while others would show their love of parents, usually mom or their allegiance to the country. Tattoos of American flags are common, sometimes integrated with the Harley Davidson logo.