The practice of attaching decorative whips or tassels to motorcycle handlebars dates back to the early days of biking culture. While the origins are a bit murky, most agree that the first handlebar whips emerged in the 1950s and 60s within the outlaw biker subculture. Since then, they’ve become an iconic symbol of biker style around the world. But beyond just aesthetics, there are a few practical theories behind why whips continue to adorn many custom bikes today.
Quick Answers
- Whips on handlebars emerged from 1950s-60s biker culture and have become an iconic symbol.
- They may have started as decorative flair or to create unique sounds while riding.
- Now they indicate membership in biker/MC culture and add flair to custom bikes.
- Some serve practical functions like wiping rain off goggles or distracting drivers.
The History and Evolution of Handlebar Whips
In the 1950s, as motorcycle clubs began to form, riders started customizing their bikes to stand out. This included adding extra chrome, custom paint jobs, and other decorative flair like fringe, horsehair tassels, flags, and anything else they could attach. The whips may have emerged organically from this DIY era as bikers tried to outdo each other with wilder and more unique bikes.
Others speculate the first handlebar whips were borrowed from bicycle culture. Decorative tassels and flags on bike handlebars existed since the 1800s. Young troublemakers called “bike bums” decked out their handlebars with homemade whips and noisemakers. Bikers may have adopted this idea for early motorcycles.
The newly formed motorcycle clubs also popularized the whips. Certain clubs became known for their signature handlebar decorations, marking themselves as an organized group. Different styles emerged too – long single whips, short dual whips, braided whips, beaded whips, etc.
Key Moments in Handlebar Whip History
- 1880s-1900s – Decorative tassels and pennants exist on bicycle handlebars.
- 1940s-1950s – Motorcycle clubs form and begin customizing bikes.
- 1950s-1960s – Fringe and decorative whips emerge from biker custom culture.
- 1960s-1970s – Whips help identify club/biker affiliation and bike customization peaks.
- 1970s-now – Whips remain an iconic biker accessory, especially in custom chopper scene.
While the outlaw clubs kicked off the trend, handlebar whips caught on more widely among 1960s bikers and custom bike builders. Different styles came in and out of fashion, like the long single whip vs. short double whip. They were also a way to individualize stock bikes with custom touches and flair.
Theories Behind the Whips
Over decades of biker culture, handlebar whips have taken on deeper symbolic meaning. But back in their early days, there are a few practical theories behind why whips first appeared:
The Aesthetic Flair Theory
The most straightforward theory is that those first bikers simply thought the whips looked cool. They wanted to decorate their bikes and stand out from the crowd. The whips added visual interest, motion, and flair as they rode. This customization first arose as bikers formed clubs and wanted to personalize their rides.
The Sound Theory
It’s also possible whips emerged because bikers enjoyed the sound they created while riding. As air flowed over the bike at high speeds, the whips would make a rushing or whipping noise. This added to the riding experience and the bike’s unique character. The sound reminded riders of speed, motion, and power.
The Group Identity Theory
Whips helped announce a biker’s club affiliation from distance. Certain colors, lengths, styles, etc. became signatures of clubs like the Hell’s Angels, Boozefighters, and others. So as organized motorcycle groups emerged, whips were an easy visual shorthand to ID members. They created group cohesion through a shared style.
The Intimidation Theory
Some view whips as another tool early biker clubs used to cultivate a threatening, outlaw image. The clubs wanted to intimidate outsiders and establish dominance on the roads. A bike whip swinging from the handlebars added to their tough biker mystique. This helped establish an outlaw biker code that influenced pop culture.
The Functional Theory
Finally, some whips may have emerged to serve specific functions. Long whips could wipe rain off goggles and sunglasses while riding. Weighted whips distracted and deterred drivers from coming too close. Flags announced riders ahead. So form followed function for some variations of the first whips.
Whips as an Enduring Biker Symbol
While handlebar whips first emerged organically from 1950s-60s biker culture, they evolved into a meaningful symbol that endures today. Here are some of the core reasons they remain popular bike accessories:
Sign of Membership
Joining certain motorcycle clubs or owning certain bikes means adopting their signature handlebar whip style. So whips still signify membership in the overall biker community or specific clubs.
Custom Bike Status
In the custom motorcycle and chopper scene, no bike is complete without some level of personal flair. Whips remain a popular choice to individualize a bike and give it personality.
Connection to Bike History
For bike lovers, a handlebar whip harkens back to classic early biker style. It’s a way to pay homage to the unique culture that evolved around motorcycles.
Cool Biker Image
Fair or not, handlebar whips still evoke a little of that vintage rebel biker mystique. For riders who want to cultivate a tough, edgy image, a whip can help complete the look.
Sex Appeal
For some riders, a whip adds sex appeal and style to their bike to turn heads. The motion and flourish make the bikes more eye-catching and dynamic.
Popular Types of Handlebar Whips
While old school bike whips were often DIY creations, today you can buy high-quality versions hand-made by leather craftspeople. Here are some of the most popular whip varieties out there:
Single Long Whip
The classic style – a single strip of leather or braided leather, 18+ inches long. Often has a decorative metal or bead tip.
Shorty Double Whip
Two 10-12 inch braided leather whips, one extending off each handle grip. More understated.
Braided Knotted Whip
Single braided whip with multiple knotted sections for visual interest. Often made of synthetic leather for durability.
Bead Accent Whip
Leather whip with metal bead accents spaced along its length. Provides decorative visual flair.
Chain Whip
A leather whip ending in a metal chain tip. Makes unique sound at speed. Evokes biker outlaw image.
Tasseled Whip
Whips that end in long, decorative tassels instead of a plain tip. Nod to old-school bike culture.
How to Attach Handlebar Whips
Installing most handlebar whips is a quick and straightforward process:
Step 1:
Locate holes on the ends of your motorcycle handlebars. If none exist, may need to drill holes. Avoid drilling into internal wiring.
Step 2:
Determine desired whip length. Measure the halfway point and make a bend or notch in the whip leather.
Step 3:
Slide one whip end through the right handlebar hole. Line up the middle notch with the hole.
Step 4:
Slide the other whip end through the left handlebar hole. Center the whip leather at the notch.
Step 5:
Install securing bolts, washers and nuts through the handlebar holes over each whip end. Tighten down.
Step 6:
Check that whips are securely installed and centered before riding. Enjoy!
Always refer to your specific bike model for sizing and attachment instructions. Improperly installed whips can detach at high speeds.
The Pros and Cons of Handlebar Whips
While integral to biker style, are whips the right choice for every rider and bike today? Here are some of the potential pros and cons to consider:
Potential Pros
- Add classic visual flair and customization
- Provide membership/club identification
- Fun motion and sound while riding
- Deter tailgaters if using long whip
- Distinctive biker/outlaw style
- Optional – can install or remove anytime
Potential Cons
- Not legal in some states due to excessive length
- Can detach at high speeds if installed incorrectly
- Some find them distracting visually
- Not compatible with some bike/hand positions
- Could get tangled in moving parts if too long
- Outlaw look not for all riders
Are Handlebar Whips Legal?
Handlebar whip legality depends on your local laws. In most states, they are legal as long as they don’t extend dangerously far from the sides of the bike. Common legal whip length limits include:
- 12 inches total from grip end
- 18 inches total from grip end
- Cannot extend past bike’s width
However, some states like California prohibit whips over 4 feet long to reduce risks. Check your regional and municipal laws before installing non-stock whips. Displaying club colors or patches may also have legal considerations.
When in doubt, choose shorter whips or removable whips for multi-state riding. Never let accessories obstruct your view or controls.
Tips for Riding Safely with Whips
While handlebar whips are timeless biker gear, safety comes first. Follow these tips to make sure your bike’s flair doesn’t impact function:
- Choose appropriate whip length and style for your bike/region.
- Inspect condition before each ride. Replace worn whip leather.
- Double-check whip installation and tightness.
- Consider breakaway safety screws to prevent detachment.
- Avoid excessively long or heavy whip ends.
- Don’t add so many accessories that controls are obstructed.
- Check whips don’t catch on clothing when mounting.
- Routinely maintain your bike and whip condition.
While linked to biker history, handlebar whips should complement your riding experience rather than complicate it. So select your accessories carefully and prioritize safety when deciding if whips are right for your bike.
Conclusion
Handlebar whips emerged organically from the first motorcycle clubs and bike customization culture of the 1950s-60s. While their origins are slightly mysterious, they evolved into an iconic biker accessory over decades. For many riders, they remain a stylish way to customize a bike, display club affiliation, and connect to moto history. Just be sure to choose a legal whip size and install them securely. When done properly, whips add classic visual flair and motion to the riding experience. So count on these vintage-inspired accessories to keep adorning custom choppers and motorcycle club bikes for years to come.