My wife gave me one and I have it hung under the frame. It shows some age. I was just wondering how many buy into the legend of road gremlins and also have a bell under their scoot. I think in my area about half the Harleys do, so maybe it is a regional thing. What is your opinion? Superstitious? Just a fun thing to have? Or?

i have a small skull one under my left floor board

KIB, that Crossbones really is nice. I like the exhaust a lot. The mirrors too. Dang that is a nice bike. I would almost think it would have a side shifter and a suicide clutch on the other side. Good job

thanks. no tank shift or suicide clutch yet but that will probably be my next big mod. it just seems to fit the look of the bike.

Hey Kib cool bike!!

To answer the question, I've never heard of the "road Gremlins" until just now...
I have seen some bikes with the bells hung down low on the frame but didn't know why.
Regional? I don't remember where I saw them though, I do a lot of traveling and it could've been here out west or back east???
When it comes to motorcycles, I keep the Superstitious to a minimum.
I do my own wrenching, and keep a good set of tools in the bags just in case...
RK

Howdy Road King, I went to Wikipedia and found this explanation of road gremlins and the bells. All Harley dealers sell them. Sometimes in the parts dept and sometimes in the clothing section. I can remember bells from as far back as the 60's. I thought it was always a Harley thing, but I have seen them on metrics too. Here is what I dug up about the bells.


One version describes a rider ambushed by evil road spirits or demons that force him to crash. Unable to move, presumably from an injured leg, the unfortunate biker threw whatever he could get his hands on at the approaching demons, emptying the contents of his saddlebags in the process. Having run out of impromptu projectiles, a small bell was found. Deciding to ring the bell, rather than throw it, he inadvertently summoned a pair of fellow motorcyclists from some distance, who saved him from certain death. The biker thanked his rescuers by giving each of them one of those little bells.

This leads to the moral of the story: "So when ever you see a biker with a bell you'll know that he has been blessed with the most important thing in life -- friendship from a fellow biker."

A second story of the biker's bell begins by describing evil road spirits that haunt motorcycles, causing mechanical failures. The bell serves as a trap, forcing these spirits into the hollow of the bell, where the constant tinkling drives them mad. Insane, the spirit falls to the ground, causing a pothole where it lands. While a powerful protective fetish in its own right, the bell's potency is doubled when given to the rider by a friend or loved one.

Finally, the bell can be used as a memorial to fellow motorcyclists who have died. While cleaning the bell of tarnish and dirt from the road, one is reminded of one's fallen comrades. Also, the ringing of the bell while riding is meant as a reminder to the rider that he can join his fallen brethren with but a moment's carelessness.

The last part about fallen comrades is actually a new one on me. Nice though. I have always heard it is best to have the bell given to you rather than buy one yourself. I just might clean my bell now.

Thanx for the share!!
Some nice thoughts there, an important lesson also.

I knew those dam potholes came from hell...

Hubby's bestest friend gave him his this summer, it's got a peace sign on it and it fits him.
Now where's the crazy sign for some of the rest of us, huh?
I thinks it's a genius product and I should have come up with it, I wouldn't be sitting here letting the cats bite!!!!

I have 2 on my bike.1 from Texas and 1 from Australia.I need all the help I can get.