The Motorcycle Bell | CRATEX Abrasives

The story of the Motorcycle Bell is a sentimental story about the special and powerful bond between bikers, about brotherhood, friendship and kindness. And of course, it's a story about a powerful little talisman that wards off those nasty little road gremlins that mess with people's motorcycles. Yeah, you know what we're talking about. Those little things are pesky and they're trouble!

In case you are shaking your head not knowing what this is about, sit down, grab a drink, because we'll tell you all about it. And in case you know what these motorcycle bells are, but don't know much about them, do the same. We surfed the internet, talked to some bikers and gathered a lot of interesting facts. One thing is for sure – if you don't have it, you'll feel like you need to get one.

What is a Motorcycle Bell?

Have you noticed that some motorcycles have a tiny decorated metal bell dangling from beneath? Perhaps you saw it on a parked bike, or a bike you've been working on, or perhaps someone gave it you as a gift. They don't just look cool, they have a very important purpose and a tradition that goes back almost as long as there were bikers roaming the roads of lands remote and near.

Some people call them Motorcycle Bells or even Spirit Bells. They got their name a) because they are bells, and b) because they have magical powers that bring good luck to a biker and his bike, keeping them safe from evil spirits that can harm them while on the road. These evil spirits or creatures called "gremlins" lurk the roads, preying on bikers passing by, trying to find ways to cling to their motorcycles and cause mischief. Falling over, wrecking, engine stalling, tree branches falling, dead battery, mechanical problems on a lonely road where no one is around to help... Yup, all the work of gremlins.

Perhaps you've even heard a biker and a mechanic mumbling: "gremlins" when there's an unusual motorcycle problem that no one can diagnose. They weren't joking.

What is a Motorcycle Bell for?

So, how does a motorcycle bell work? It looks like the gremlins can't stand the ringing sound of the metal bell due to their supersensitive hearing. They either hear the bell far from the distance and hide, waiting for the next "unlucky" biker without the bell. Or, if they've already clung to the bike (because they love to ride along and are happy to cause damage), they are captured in the hollow of the bell. The bell starts ringing during the drive, so they go crazy, releasing their grip and falling off to their death.

And the proof of their existence and death? But the pot holes, of course! The ones who are not familiar with the legend of the motorcycle bell tend to curse the pot holes, but the ones with true knowledge know what they mean. A brave, anonymous biker strolled the road with his mighty bell fighting off gremlins and making the road safe for other fellow bikers who pass by the same place.

These biker bells are a strong tradition among the members of the Harley community.Rumor has it that the gremlins especially like the Harleys, so Harley guardian bell is something they take very seriously. However, other cruisers and touring bike riders also feel strongly about it. These are a lot of stories and claims of road troubles without the talisman. Some firmly believe in them, others not so much. However, although even when the belief is not very strong, no one wants to temp the faith, so a bell is always a must. Besides, if the pot holes are not enough proof, then nothing will be. Something does cause them, and nobody can deny that!