Harley Davidson Tattoos: Culture and History

If you are a Harley Davidson rider, you probably have a lot of Harley stuff — perhaps the most permanent accessory being a tattoo. To fully appreciate this kind of body art, you really need to have some understanding of the history of Harley Davidson tattoos and tattoos in general. The History of Tattoos Tattoos predate written history. In fact, a preserved human found frozen from five thousand years ago had 57 tattoos. The practice of tattooing was a big part of ancient Egyptian culture. Since these early examples, tattoos have been a prevalent type of body art throughout various cultures in history. Until recent times tattoos were regarded in modern society as something that sailors, criminals and undesirables had.

Biker Tattoos

The first real wave of biker tattoos started in the 1940’s and became
more prevalent in the 1950’s. While many were related to the various
biker clubs around, there were some that were specific to other things.
Among those types of tattoos were the Harley Davidson tattoos. In fact,
Harley Davidson tattoos have been (and continue to be) among the most
popular tattoos out there. Even those who don’t own a Harley or ride
motorcycles have been known to sport this kind of design for their body
art as a way to associate oneself with the biker lifestyle.

Meaning of Harley Davidson Tattoos

There are a number of meanings associated with Harley Davidson tattoos.
Certainly, a passion for Harley Davidson motorcycles is one. A more
general love of freedom and dislike for conformity is another that is
attributed to all biker tattoos and particularly Harley tattoos. Harley
tattoos can often carry a form of patriotism because the bike is
American made and really represents a culture that is decidedly
American. For members of the Hell’s Angels, Harley Davidson tattoos can
symbolize their membership in the club. Surely there are probably other
meanings out there that different individuals hold in their hearts for
their Harley tattoos.

Harley Davidson Name Tattoos

Just as each person who has a Harley Davidson tattoo is a unique
individual, many of the Harley Davidson tattoo designs are unique.
Harley Davidson’s bar and shield logo has been with the company since
1910 and is well tied to the Harley Davidson image. For that reason it
is one of the most popular Harley Davidson tattoos. Many people get
that logo tattooed on their bodies. For some it comes by itself. Others
will incorporate it into a larger image. Many use the traditional
orange and black color motif, but there are some who choose colors that
are more to their particular tastes. It’s also not uncommon for people
to get the words “Harley Davidson” tattooed on themselves without using
the traditional logo. Really, a tattoo is a personal expression, and,
while people use Harley tattoos to portray various common themes, it
doesn’t mean they are tied to the Harley Davidson approved logo.

Other Common Harley Davidson Tattoos

For many the motorcycle itself is the source for their Harley Davidson
tattoo. It’s not uncommon to see a Harley Davidson model (and in many
cases the rider’s own bike) as a tattoo (with or without a prominent
Harley name). Parts of Harley Davidson motorcycles (most often the
engines) are also common designs among Harley body art fans. Eagle
wings are also popular. Again, those can be found either in combination
with a Harley Davidson logo or name or without.

Harley Davidson motorcycles are an integral part of the puzzle that is
American culture. Their association with freedom and individuality
really tied them to the tattoo culture. It should be no surprise that
Harley Davidson tattoos are popular. While there are commonalities with
many of the Harley Davidson tattoo designs, it the non-conformist
mind-set means that there are a myriad of different Harley Davidson
tattoo designs out there.

Would you like to share your tattoo and story with us? Check out these forum threads!