Tattoo Symbol Index - ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
Tattoo designs - H >> Harley Davidson
Harley Davidson - Motorcycle Tattoo Meanings - When we think of tattoos, often times one of our first associations is with bikers and motorcycles, and the motorcycle that we think of first is usually the legendary Harley-Davidson. 'Harley Davidson' -- America's symbol of the road. And for many a potent symbol of freedom. No less so than some peoples consideration of a tattoo as an expression of personal freedom. It's no accident that tattoos and bikers are intertwined in the public's imagination.
If you're sporting a 'Harley Davidson' tattoo, you likely own a Harley. While the name can be incorporated into any graphic arrangement of eagle, wings and wheels, the standard 'bar-and-shield' logo that appeared in 1910 is still the defining symbol of Harley Davidson to this day. While the logo depicts nothing in itself, it invokes a myth that's summed up in the philosophy 'Live to Ride, Ride to Live'. The Harley is also unique in the way it has been altered and customized over the years by its owners. Like tattoos, a Harley can be made into a very specific expression of its owners vision of what a bike should be, a one-of-a-kind individual expression of motorcycle art.
Harley owners aren't buying the best motorcycle in the world, they're buying the rugged and masculine Harley mystique, the 'easy rider' legend with its worship of American individualism, complete with its bad boy connotations, its rebel macho image. The Hell's Angels love their Harleys. The 'underground' associations with Harley Davidson contributes to the myth, sometimes with negative consequences to the brand name. |
Nobody buys a Harley specifically for its performance, such as its 0-60 acceleration. Technical stats aren't as important to the Harley owner as participating in the mystique, which is comprised in no small way by the bike's unique sound - 'potato-potato-potato'. Speed is good, but the way it growls upon take-off, the way the low-end torque 'gurgles down in your groin', as one observer put it -- that's what gives the Harley its all-important 'feeling' of power. Other bikes may claim superior performance, but heads don't turn to Japanese bikes as they do to a Harley when it rumbles away, exhaust pipes snapping, cracking and popping the Harley symphony. The sound of a Harley is so synonymous with the brand that at one time the company tried to copyright it!
William Harley and Arthur Davidson came up with their first prototype bike in the early 1900s. You had to peddle it uphill. In WWI, the company provided over 20,000 machines to the military forces, and by 1920 was the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world. The tear- drop gas tank appeared in the 1920s. To crank up sales during the Great Depression of the 1930s, the company added the Art Deco eagle to that gas tank. The bike earned a patriot reputation when Harley gave over its entire production to the cause of WWII. But it wasn't until Hollywood deployed the Harley in a raft of outlaw biker gang movies in the years 1950-70 that the bad boy image became firmly established.
For Harley insiders, the name and winged logo inspires an astonishing devotion to the Harley cult, which includes a certain dress code and occasional rituals such as cruising in packs. The brand name implies a counter-culture lifestyle that's designed to exclude more people than it includes. While Harley owners may like their 'Harley' T- shirts, when the company came out with Harley aftershave, they turned up their noses en masse. The company quickly realized they were messing with a powerful icon.
Harley-Davidson tattoo designs usually make heavy use of the HD logo, but you will also frequently find patriotic design elements and symbols such as the American Bald Eagle and the Stars and Stripes of the American Flag. Other popular design elements are engine parts like spark-plugs, pistons and connecting rods. And in an homage to the biker philosophy of 'Live Fast, Die You, Leave a Good-looking Corpse', many tattoo designs feature skulls, a stark reminder that life is transitory and short. Ride while you can!
Get inspired by some great images and photos in ourHarley Davidson Inspiration Gallery
Choose your own Harley tattoo design from Tattoo-Art.com.
Find and buy the Harley tattoo design that's perfect for yourself.
Pick out your Harley Davidson Motorcycle Tattoo design from many ideas at TattooJohnny.com
Tattoo designs - H >> Harley Davidson
Tattoo Symbol Index - ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert in the field of tattoo designs and symbols, I have a deep understanding of the concepts and meanings associated with various tattoos. In particular, I have extensive knowledge about Harley Davidson tattoos and their significance in the biker and motorcycle culture.
When we think of tattoos, it's common to associate them with bikers and motorcycles. And when it comes to motorcycles, the legendary Harley-Davidson is often the first brand that comes to mind. Harley Davidson has become a symbol of the American road and represents freedom to many individuals. This connection between tattoos and Harley Davidson is deeply ingrained in the public's imagination.
If you sport a Harley Davidson tattoo, it's likely that you are a proud owner of a Harley motorcycle. While there are various ways to incorporate the name into a tattoo design, the standard "bar-and-shield" logo that originated in 1910 remains the defining symbol of Harley Davidson. Although the logo itself doesn't depict anything specific, it carries a mythological significance summarized in the philosophy "Live to Ride, Ride to Live."
One of the remarkable aspects of Harley Davidson, similar to tattoos, is the customization and personalization that owners bring to their motorcycles. Much like a tattoo, a Harley can be transformed into a unique expression of its owner's vision, making it a one-of-a-kind piece of motorcycle art.
When people buy a Harley, they aren't just purchasing the best motorcycle in the world; they are buying into the rugged and masculine Harley mystique. The brand is associated with the "easy rider" legend and embodies American individualism, often with rebellious and macho connotations. This association has led to a strong bond between Harley motorcycles and groups like the Hell's Angels, further contributing to the brand's myth.
Harley owners are not primarily concerned with technical performance. Instead, they are drawn to the unique sound that a Harley produces, often described as "potato-potato-potato." The growl and low-end torque of a Harley's engine give it a distinct feeling of power that is highly valued by its owners. While other motorcycles may boast superior performance, the pure sound of a Harley rumbling away captures attention like no other, becoming synonymous with the brand itself.
The history of Harley Davidson dates back to the early 1900s when William Harley and Arthur Davidson created their first prototype bike. The company's reputation grew during World War I when it supplied motorcycles to the military. By the 1920s, Harley Davidson had become the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world. Notably, the tear-drop gas tank and the iconic Art Deco eagle on the tank were introduced during this period. The company also gained a patriotic reputation during World War II when it dedicated its entire production to the war effort.
However, it was the prevalence of Harley motorcycles in outlaw biker gang movies from the 1950s to the 1970s that firmly established the brand's bad boy image. This image, combined with the name and winged logo, has inspired an incredible devotion among Harley insiders. The Harley cult includes a certain dress code and occasional rituals, such as cruising in packs. The brand implies a counter-culture lifestyle that intentionally excludes more people than it includes.
When it comes to Harley-Davidson tattoo designs, the HD logo is prominent. However, you will also find patriotic design elements, such as the American Bald Eagle and the Stars and Stripes of the American Flag. Engine parts like spark-plugs, pistons, and connecting rods are also popular design choices. Additionally, many tattoo designs pay homage to the biker philosophy of "Live Fast, Die Young, Leave a Good-looking Corpse" by featuring skulls as a reminder of life's transitory nature.
If you're interested in getting a Harley Davidson tattoo, there are numerous sources where you can find inspiration and purchase designs that resonate with you. Websites like Tattoo-Art.com and TattooJohnny.com offer a wide range of Harley tattoo designs for you to choose from.
In conclusion, Harley Davidson tattoos are deeply intertwined with the biker and motorcycle culture. They represent freedom, individualism, and a rebellious spirit. The HD logo, patriotic symbols, and engine parts are common design elements in Harley tattoos. By getting a Harley Davidson tattoo, individuals express their admiration for the brand and their connection to the larger Harley community.
