Biker tattoos - symbolism and meaning, who is suitable, popular designs and photos

Bikers are people who can not imagine life without a motorcycle. As a subculture the biker movement was formed in the 50s in the USA. Many clubs were created and the rules of participation in community life were worked out.

However, the main condition was considered selfless care for the reputation and each member of the club. At first, only owners of choppers, motorcycles with an elongated frame and long fork were accepted, and a luxury two-wheeled tourist was also considered a good option.

To distinguish themselves, over time, biker tattoos emerged. The drawings were influenced by army and prison traditions. The symbolism used has not changed to this day.

A little history

From the early years of biker clubs in the United States, they had a notoriety behind them, as members of the clubs were seen in massive violation of the law. There were strict criteria for admission to the club:

Having a chopper or luxury camper;
Helmet in Wehrmacht style;
Leather jacket in the style of a leather leather jacket;
Leather pants.

Later clubs began to be recognized by biker tattoos and the logo on the jacket. Over time, however, the rules softened or became watered down. There are no longer strict conditions for admission to the club, and the trend has spread around the world and taken root in Russia. The most famous domestic motorcycle club was the Night Wolves. The club invariably participates in various all-Russian events and receives serious support from the authorities.

Who is suitable for biker tattoos

Themed biker tattoos are considered the main value of the trend. The motorcyclist through them expresses his essence and love for the club. It is not necessary to use this symbolism without belonging to the community, as it can lead to negative consequences.

There have been cases in the U.S. where unauthorized image bearers have been found to suffer terrible pain as a result of the violent burning or cutting off of the design. Club members display their strong or dangerous character traits through tattoos.

Through the use of a special biker tattoo, a club member emphasizes the right to special status and corresponding privileges.

The meaning of biker tattoos

The symbolism was influenced by the aviation theme, as the first riders in motorcycle competitions were fighter pilots. Therefore, the biker symbolism is filled with images of wings or birds.

Tattoos of bikers created for people with a strong spirit. Not every person can give all his free time to the motorcycle and club members. Therefore, tattoo ideas are suitable only for those who are ready to defend their own beliefs and honor of the club.

At a certain point, the meaning of biker tattoos merged with the rocker trend. Bikers say that being a member of a club is not enough to get the appropriate tattoo.

It is necessary that there was a free soul and a heart working in unison with the motor. Then the body image will have a special meaning and will be the pride of the owner. Traditional biker tattoos perform in the stylistics of old school, lettering and realism.

Popular biker tattoo designs

Usually the sketches are formed on the symbolism of death, freedom and the motorcycle. This triad becomes part of a biker's life. It is believed that they convey the unpredictability of the road and the relentless development of the spirit through the trials of a life-long journey. That's why biker tattoos are characterized by rugged motifs:

The most popular has been the image of a motor and a heart as a sign of love for their motorcycle and the direction as a whole;
Image of the 1%. Means being among the 1% of bikers distinguished by their criminal past;
IronCross signifies protesting the actions of the authorities against biker clubs;
The skull symbolizes the inevitability of death and the power of belief in the immortality of the soul;
An eagle with a white head signifies total freedom;
The devil's head signals the stern character of the tattoo owner;
The image of a piston signifies a love for the high speed of a motorcycle. The biker intentionally uses it to the limit.

To determine the choice you can look through a lot of photos, catalogs or try to create an original drawing thanks to your own imagination and compliance with the canons of biker tattoo art.

How did the biker tattoo with the image of 1% appeared

The head of the American Motorcycle Association once complained that all biker clubs should not be looked upon with disdain, since only 1% of the members of these communities were involved in the violation of the law. After that, radical currents of bikers began to put the 1% on their bodies and consider this sign a distinctive symbol.

Recently, women have been accepted into the clubs. They began to apply the appropriate tattoos indicating belonging to one of the clubs. Therefore, it is easier for bikers to make a family of interest. Not uncommonly, when the club consists of the whole family. This becomes a great example to follow, as clubs become more socially oriented.