- Table of Contents
- 1. What Are Harley Tattoos?
- 2. Who Can Get a Harley Tattoo?
- 3. Harley Tattoos for Men
- 3.1 Harley Davidson Bikes
- 3.3 Harley Davidson Logo Tattoo
- 3.4 Grim Reaper Harley Davidson Tattoo
- 3.5 Skeleton Riding Harley Tattoo
- 3.6 Favorite Harley Davidson Memory Tattoo
- 3.7 HD Wing Tattoo
- 3.8 Harley Davidson Eagle Tattoo
- 3.9 Black Harley Davidson Tattoo
- 3.10 Harley Davidson Flash Tattoo
- 4. Frequently Asked Questions
- 4.1 Why Do People Tattoo Harley Logos on Their Skin?
- 4.2 What Is the Meaning of Harley Davidson Tattoo?
- 4.3 How to Fix Your Harley Tattoo Design?
- 5. Takeaway
Harley Davidson motorcycles are an integral part of American motorcycle culture. The growing popularity of these bikes has led to the emergence of a culture that comprises of beautiful and pricey Harleys, Harley Owners Group (HOG), hardcore bikers, Harley biker patches, and artistic Harley tattoos.
1. What Are Harley Tattoos?
While the Harley motorcycle club and motorcycle patches were discussed in the biker patch series, it is time we shed some light on the Harley tattoo frenzy. These bikes are an icon of American heritage and freedom. The outlaw motorcycle clubs also hold these bikes in high regard. Some American motorcycle clubs have strict requirements and traditions according to which members are Harley owners.
The 1% outlaw clubs love these bikes and started the cool trend of getting a Harley motorcycle tattooed on their skin. While the tattoos inspired by the emblems of outlaw motorcycle clubs are off-limits, that does not mean that all Harley tattoos are restricted.
Lately, more and more riders have started to get into Harley tatoos. As Harley culture evolved, so did the Harley tattoo art. Today, people have come up with elaborate designs featuring Harley bikes, thes Milwaukee engine, skulls, the Harley-Davidson logo, and so on.
2. Who Can Get a Harley Tattoo?
The 1% outlaw club members take credit for introducing Harley tattoos to the world. The members of the Harley Owner Group (HOG) in America and internationally love to get Harley tattoos to showcase their affiliation to the club. But you don’t need to be an outlaw member or a HOG member to get a Harley Davidson tattoo. It is also not necessary to own a Harley Davidson bike to get a tattoo. Your love for the bike is the only criteria you need to get one.
3. Harley Tattoos for Men
Whether you are getting a Harley tattoo or a regular tattoo, make sure you are ready first. Ask yourself whether you truly want the tattoo or whether you are being pressured by your riding companions.
Never waste time worrying about how others will react to your tattoo. Select your tattoo carefully so you don’t regret wasting your money on something you find hideous later.
To stimulate your imagination, here are ten Harley tattoo designs that are bold, classic, and trendy.
3.1 Harley Davidson Bikes
The Harley Davidson bikes make the best tatoo art for Harley Davidson fans. The Harley Sportster, Dyna, Electra Glide and Fat Boy Softail are stunning lookingbikes. When you get a specific Harley model tattoo, make sure your artist pays attention to the little details of the bike. The color shading and placement of the tattoo can also affect your Harley tattoo’s appeal.
3.2 Harley Davidson Parts & Engine Tattoo
The Harley Davidson engines are some of the most powerful motors in the motorcycle industry. The Harley’s Evolution or Milwaukee Eight engines are popular choices for a Harley tattoo.
You can get a brilliantly sketched tattoo featuring the muscular Harley engine. Make a unique design by adding lightning bolts to the tattoo to showcase the power outputs of the engine. You can also add text like “Milwaukee Magic” or “Heart of Harley” to indicate the importance of the motor.
3.3 Harley Davidson Logo Tattoo
One of the most popular Harley tattoos for men features the colorful Harley Davidson logo. The logo design is simple and a popular choice for a tattoo. You can also include the sharp-eyed American eagle with the tagline “live to ride, ride to live” beneath the logo.
Another Harley logo design could feature the American eagle holding the Harley banner in its claws with the American flag in the background.
Plus, a calligraphy tattoo with the text “Harley Davidson Motorcycle” and the year “1903” - marking the beginning of production - makes for a classy tattoo.
3.4 Grim Reaper Harley Davidson Tattoo
The grim reaper is a traditional Harley tattoo that looks badass and never gets old. The grim reaper riding a vintage-style Harley motorcycle with ape-hanger handlebars and a skull for a headlight make for a great Harley tattoo.
For this tattoo, you can opt for a jet black background to indicate nighttime or even design a graveyard to add more details and character to the tattoo.
3.5 Skeleton Riding Harley Tattoo
When talking about Harley Davidson tattoos, one cannot forget about the customary skeletons and skulls. This design has a rider riding a Harley at top speed to escape the large skull in the background trying to swallow him/her.
If you aren’t feeling very creative, then a laughing skeleton riding a Harley Davidson model or a skull tattoo with Harley Davidson written on its forehead can be a cool, badass design for you.
3.6 Favorite Harley Davidson Memory Tattoo
Each ride on a Harley Davidson bike is exciting and memorable. If you have a special memory of an adventurous motorcycle trip, then you can narrate it to your tattoo artist so s/he can depict it for you.
It can be your favorite motorcycle road, a motorcycle race you had with your friend, or your first motorcycle tour with your partner.
If you don’t want to sketch instances from your life, then a fictitious tale with a Harley bike can also make for a good tattoo.
3.7 Harley Davidson Wing Tattoo
The Harley Davidson bike can achieve high speeds on open highways. To demonstrate this speed, many riders get tattoos of their bikes with wings.
A Harley wheel with wings or the Harley logo with wings are also popular Harley tattoo designs for men.
The text ”racing the wind with my Harley” can give your tattoo a personal touch and show that you enjoy riding at high speeds.
3.8 Harley Davidson Eagle Tattoo
Just like the Harley Davidson logo tattoo, you can also get a Harley eagle tattoo. A bleeding wound or ripped skin tattoo design is also very popular. Usually in these tattoos, the face and claws of the majestic American eagle appear from under the ripped skin.
You can keep it simple and get a soaring eagle with HD written on its wings. Be creative, as any eagle tattoo with the HD lettering will look good.
3.9 Black Harley Davidson Tattoo
An all black Harley Davidson bike is a classic tattoo. You can get a black silhouette of the bike or opt for the trash polka style. A black Harley speeding down a bloodied road makes a unique Harley tattoo for men.
For an all black theme, you can depict the Harley with black flames in the background as well.
3.10 Harley Davidson Flash Tattoo
Getting a Harley flash tattoo gives you the most creative freedom. Harley flash tattoos are not done spontaneously. Your tattoo artist will draw the design, fill in the colors, and show you exactly what you are adding to the design.
Harley flash tattoos with vibrant colors tend to stand out. It is best to get flash tattoos on your arms or hands.
4. Frequently Asked Questions
4.1 Why Do People Tattoo the Harley Logo on Their Skin?
Many riders get Harley tattoos to express their love for Harley Davidson, the company’s long list of bikes, or to display their passion for motorcycles.
In America, a Harley motorcycle is not just a two-wheeler, it is a symbol of American biker culture.
4.2 What Is the Meaning of a Harley Davidson Tattoo?
The Harley Davidson motorcycle company advocates independence, freedom, adventure, and beautiful open roads through its motorcycles. Just like the motorcycle brand, all Harley tattoos signify rebellion, free-spiritedness, and love for Harley bikes and the biker lifestyle.
4.3 How to Fix Your Harley Tattoo Design?
If you don’t like your Harley tattoo design, then your best bet is to hire a professional tattoo artist who can work on an existing tattoo. Adding new patterns, lines, or geometric shapes might change your tattoo for the better.
5. Takeaway
Harley Davidson motorcycles have been around for more than a century now they are likely not going to lose popularity anytime soon. The rich history of Harley Davidson bikes and their role in World War II has immortalized them in U.S. history.
No matter how much time passes or what obstacles stand in the way, Harley Davidson company will be at the top of American motorcycle culture. For these reasons, Harley tattoos remain timeless and why you can never go wrong with getting one. So let your creativity and love for Harleys shine through by putting some ink on your skin.
Also Read: 15 Amazing Biker Tattoos for Men - Get the Badass Biker Look!
