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What's with all the skulls?

4178 Views 60 Replies 35 Participants Last post by Wind Jammer, 9 d ago

House O' Pain

Discussion Starter · Mar 23, 2021

Any body besides me think it's downright silly how much skulls are associated with the cruiser community? I've seen posers dressed in skull t-shirts and jackets and wearing skull jewelry and skulls adorning motorcycle tanks, seats and you name it. When I see grown men dressing up with skulls all over I sometimes am stifling a laugh at them trying to look 'bad ass' and scary.

I think skulls on motorcycles are an extremely overdone trope and I wonder how many guys thinking they look intimidating are actually viewed by people like me as looking like overgrown kids trying to be scary.

I've been around some genuinely scary bikers and I don't recall any of them wearing skulls (lots of prison tattoos though) so when I see skulls I think 'poser trying to be scary'.

Thoughts?

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scootersage

· #2 · Mar 23, 2021

Yeh I got a friend who goes in for that crap. Has the middle finger air cleaner and that. Damn radical hehe. I get a kick out of it and chuckle under my breath.

Scrumdown

· #3 · Mar 23, 2021

A quick Google for "skulls and motorcycles" produce answer.
.......….......
Skull symbolism expresses our commitment until death, to motorcycling, to our club, and to our brothers. It's also how we carry with us all others who came before us.
.......….......

I can understand that. But, skulls aren't really my thing.

Ride smart. Ride often.

Reactions: 1

Boog

· #4 · Mar 23, 2021

2

I don't have many skull t-shirts but I kind of like them. Reminds me I am not immortal. They somewhat fit into my life of being a death cheater; it will come for me too someday.

I think the word poser is somewhat trope. I'm not really sure what a poser is I suppose. I've been called one on several occasions. Usually by people who routinely are negative about many things in life and do not seem to see the beauty or positive side to things. Especially the internet tough guys. They rant on about all sorts of things that ordinary folks just take with a grain of salt.

It just hit me, I even dress up with skull paint at times. It's got to be the right occasion though...

Plant Beard Orange Santa claus Lawn ornament

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lesblank

· #5 · Mar 23, 2021

We always thought that was the way you looked naturally.

Reactions: 5

Jspree

· #6 · Mar 23, 2021

I like skulls, pirate skulls, grim reapers and if you think I am a poser , I have news for you . I really don't care what you think, I live my life for me and not you. I don't have to impress anyone but me .

Reactions: 5

Boog

· #7 · Mar 24, 2021

Jspree said:
I like skulls, pirate skulls, grim reapers and if you think I am a poser , I have news for you . I really don't care what you think, I live my life for me and not you. I don't have to impress anyone but me .

I can do regular pirate, haven't tried a pirate skull yet...

Oh, that does have a skull as well, I had forgot.

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lesblank

· #8 · Mar 24, 2021

And y'all make fun of me dressed in an Easter Bunny suit.

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Jspree

· #9 · Mar 24, 2021

lesblank said:
And y'all make fun of me dressed in an Easter Bunny suit.

Because it doesn't have a skull on it..........Duh............You Poser

Reactions: 4

Al Drake

· #10 · Mar 24, 2021

House O' Pain said:
Any body besides me think it's downright silly how much skulls are associated with the cruiser community? I've seen posers dressed in skull t-shirts and jackets and wearing skull jewelry and skulls adorning motorcycle tanks, seats and you name it. When I see grown men dressing up with skulls all over I sometimes am stifling a laugh at them trying to look 'bad ass' and scary.

I think skulls on motorcycles are an extremely overdone trope and I wonder how many guys thinking they look intimidating are actually viewed by people like me as looking like overgrown kids trying to be scary.

I've been around some genuinely scary bikers and I don't recall any of them wearing skulls (lots of prison tattoos though) so when I see skulls I think 'poser trying to be scary'.

Thoughts?

I don't judge a person based on what makes them feel comfortable to wear.. to each their own. I'm a Vet JTF Afghanistan. I have a black T shirt with a skull, I don't think that makes me a tough guy. I think the ego here looking for a little boost is from the OP. Grow up

Reactions: 2

House O' Pain

Discussion Starter · #11 · Mar 24, 2021

I have no doubt that there are some bikers who aren't consciously buying skull wear or adorning their bikes with skulls thinking, "boy is this gonna make people think I'm bad-ass". I'm just expressing how it comes off to me, and others I've talked to about it over my 35 years or so of riding.

Don't get me wrong, I like skulls in art, love Halloween, and even have a print in my office at home with a skull in the artwork (one of those that looks like one thing but when you back up enough it looks like a skill). I'm just saying 1). It's way overdone in motorcycles to me, and 2) when I see someone with a bunch of skulls (t-shirt, patches and etc.) the first thing I think is 'poser'.

For some context, I suppose some non bikers could look at my bike and think I'm a poser trying to ride a bike that looks like a Harley chopper.

Al Drake said:
I don't judge a person based on what makes them feel comfortable to wear.. to each their own. I'm a Vet JTF Afghanistan. I have a black T shirt with a skull, I don't think that makes me a tough guy. I think the ego here looking for a little boost is from the OP. Grow up

Did I hurt your feewings? Grow up right back at ya.

Jspree said:
I like skulls, pirate skulls, grim reapers and if you think I am a poser , I have news for you . I really don't care what you think, I live my life for me and not you. I don't have to impress anyone but me .

I ended my OP with "Thoughts" and not, "Who's with me!" I appreciate your perspective. I've no doubt many a tough real bad-ass biker dresses in skulls and the like, I"m just saying how most of them look to me.

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CantRider

· #12 · Mar 24, 2021

Jspree said:
I really don't care what you think, I live my life for me and not you. I don't have to impress anyone but me .

I like the attitude, and I'm not talking about the topic of this thread in particular. If more people weren't so concerned about what other people thought of them (surprise for those people, those others aren't thinking about you as much as you think they are), it could go a long way to settling down society.

Reactions: 2

blueblitz09

· #13 · Mar 24, 2021

I agree with the idea of skulls being overdone in the cruiser community. Flames are way overused as well. Flaming skulls are even worse. I may wear the occasional skull on a t-shirt, but I am not about to put skulls (or flames) all over my bike.

Boog

· #14 · Mar 24, 2021

I for one will not be bad mouthing flaming skulls...

Notice I chose the one with the Yamaha...

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Reactions: 1

vito

· #15 · Mar 24, 2021

Boog said:
I can do regular pirate, haven't tried a pirate skull yet...
View attachment 104813

...the puffy shirt...

House O' Pain said:
Any body besides me think it's downright silly how much skulls are associated with the cruiser community? I've seen posers dressed in skull t-shirts and jackets and wearing skull jewelry and skulls adorning motorcycle tanks, seats and you name it. When I see grown men dressing up with skulls all over I sometimes am stifling a laugh at them trying to look 'bad ass' and scary.

I think skulls on motorcycles are an extremely overdone trope and I wonder how many guys thinking they look intimidating are actually viewed by people like me as looking like overgrown kids trying to be scary.

I've been around some genuinely scary bikers and I don't recall any of them wearing skulls (lots of prison tattoos though) so when I see skulls I think 'poser trying to be scary'.

Thoughts?

My thoughts? I don't judge based on what someone wears. I don't care if they ride in a pink tutu and ballet slippers, what tats they have, how they cut their hair. And I stopped worrying about anyone judging me because of the clothing I wear or what I or my bike looks like. Truth is, anyone that matters doesn't give a hoot about that stuff.

Boog said:
I for one will not be bad mouthing flaming skulls...
View attachment 104817

Notice I chose the one with the Yamaha...

Probably running a little too lean. He should consider re-jetting.

Reactions: 1

Boog

· #16 · Mar 24, 2021

vito said:
Probably running a little too lean. He should consider re-jetting.

I see what you did there Vito, running lean, a little too hot... lean with no flesh...

MotorCat

· #17 · Mar 24, 2021

To each their own is my philosophy. If someone wants skulls on their bike, it doesn't bother me. If someone wants puppies and kittens on their bike, that's OK too.

Louisiana Jeff

· #18 · Mar 24, 2021

Mine is covered in flames and skulls. The PO did the customization. It's not why I bought the bike but it sure is what caught my eye when I was shopping. IDGAF what others think of my bike, I bought it for me. I do have lots of skull stuff at the house, we used to regularly attend RenFairs across the area and participated by wearing pirate garb (costume). Pirates and skulls seem to go together. I'm far from a bad ass, more of a porcupine - leave me alone and you'll be fine. My humor is dark, my attitude is sarcastic, and my favorite adult beverage is a good spiced rum over ice.

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Vandy

· #19 · Mar 24, 2021

This thread reminds me of something that has ruined my opinion of the stereotypical "Biker" person. It makes me chuckle every time I see a biker that is trying to hard and that includes overdone skulls on everything they own. I have several motorcycle themed t-shirts and they all have skulls on them and they are my favorites so I'm not immune to the cosplay either.

Sent from my SM-N981U using Tapatalk

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Scrumdown

· #20 · Mar 24, 2021

Reading this thread has made me laugh.
THANKS!

Ride smart. Ride often.

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