Biker Funeral Traditions

Recently we were asked about funeral customs for bikers. We had very good intentions of finding the origins, history, how-to and everything about every custom.

Sadly, this wasn't an easy task. There are many different customs, and there are many different ways of performing each custom. But no one is sure how each one got started.

Biker funerals are also a combination of traditional, religious and cultural expectations. And as with any funeral, a whole lot depends on the individual's wishes.

Basically, there are no "set" rules, but here are some common traditions you may see in a biker funeral ceremony.

Riding Without Helmets

Even in states with a helmet law, it is generally considered to be a sign of respect for bikers to remove helmets during the funeral procession. A helmet is still a hat, and most law officers will overlook the indescretion so long as helmets are off only while the bikes are in the actual procession. It is not mandatory to remove helmets though if riders do not wish to do so.

An alternative to this is that all bikers remain helmeted until a designated point in the funeral service. Then they will remove their helmets at the same time.

Clothing Strips or other Possessions

This custom sees a piece of clothing torn into strips-one of which is given to each friend and loved one of the deceased. These are worn as arm-bands or tied to the bikes in the procession.

An alternative is to give other possessions, such as bandannas to close friends and relatives as a remembrance.

Ringing Out The Dead or The Last Rev

At a certain point in the funeral ceremony, those who attended on bikes will rev the bikes several times or for a designated length of time.

How or when this is done depends on individual preference, the wishes of the family, or on club rules. Sometimes there the ringing is done by all bikes at once, other times only by a certain number.

 It may be done in a certain order as well, with a leader starting the first bike, and a designated person performing the last rev before all the bikes are turned off.

Other Traditions

• The Lost Man (or Missing Man)--In the actual procession one biker, (usually a close friend or relative) will ride between the cars and the other bikers to represent the deceased. 

• 1 Spur--Some bikers will wear one spur to commemorate a fallen brother or sister. 

• 1 Passenger--at some funerals, the only bike carrying a passenger is the one carrying the widow, or other closest member of the deceased. 

• Last Ride--this one is usually reserved for those who wanted cremation. Their ashes will be carried one last time on the bike of a designated friend or relative, to the final resting place. 
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There are many ways to honor fallen bikers at their funerals. Or, the funerals can be traditional with a memorial ride held later. There may also be graveside rituals, such as: placing mementos atop the coffin, filling the grave by hand, speeches, gun salutes and any other ceremony the family and friends think is appropriate.


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10 Things Your Motorcycle Wants for Christmas
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