Ive seen a few around here with that and also, and while we are on the topic of meaningless things whats the deal with the long (like nearly dragging the ground) braided leather lanyard hanging off the clutch lever???? Bunch of silly **** seen a few of these also
I believe you are referring to something that is known affectionately as bitch whips.
A little while back, some bikers were run over at a stoplight by a truck driver. Someone, somewhere, posted to tie a black bandanna to the front of your bike somewhere, in honor of the fallen riders. I decided to leave it there to honor ALL fallen riders, all the time.
I am on my second one. They fade from the sun and rain.
My uncle had a yellow one. He said it was a visibility thing. Just to catch the attention of the soccer mom to say "see, I'm here--please don't merge into me!"