The get-back whip, also known as a biker whip, is a long, braided leather cord (and, more recently, para-cord) that hangs from the motorcycle’s brake lever or clutch.
It is typically the whip that has a fringe on the end (or a lead ball or other “heavy” item).
Background
Get back whips were created in the 1970s by bikers in their spare time. The braided leather straps matched the colors of their club.
As they blazed down the road, this helped to identify a club and gave flair to the motorcycle. It also served as a deterrent to motorcycle theft since it recognized a motorcycle as belonging to a specific club even when the rider and jacket were not present.
Another, more nefarious reason for the get-back whip arose from the necessity for club members to have an easily accessible weapon.
Outlaw biker groups proliferated in the 1970s and early 1980s, sparking deadly conflicts.
Fights between members of competing clubs were common and having a weapon within arm’s reach came in useful.
There was also fighting between clubs and law enforcement. When used as a weapon, motorcyclists would sometimes connect bolts to the ends of the fringe for further impact.
Violent clashes between motorcycle clubs have significantly decreased in recent years. Because get-back whips are no longer required, they are mostly used as motorcycle decorations.
Individual motorcyclists’ need to belong to a club has also decreased.
This implies that whip colors aren’t required to identify a cyclist and bike to a club. Individual motorcyclists use get-back whips to modify and personalize their bikes.
Are motorcycle get-back whips illegal?
If they have a fast-release latch, get-back whips are banned in California.
You may keep them if they are permanently affixed to the motorcycle for aesthetic purposes alone.
If it is not firmly connected, the authorities in California will pull you over, seize the whip, and issue you a penalty.
The replaceable get-back whips contain a metal clip on the end that converts them to slungshots, which are prohibited.
Slungshots are any materials having a metal item at one end that may be swung.
Where do you put a get back whip for a motorcycle?
Get Back Whips are normally composed of braided leather with a snap at the end and range in length from 24′′ to 48′′.
The Get Back Whips are attached to the bike’s lever or clutch. Normally, they are linked to the front brake lever, although you may see riders with one on each side, somewhat like bicycle handlebar streamers.
Advantages of a Get Back Whip
● Biker Club Colors
Motorcycle clubs or groups of people who want to ride together are popular in large cities. Members of these clubs are happy to be a part of that organization, and they will be given colored leather whips to show off their membership.
The hues of multi-colored get-back whips are generally the same for everyone in the club.
● Self Defense
Get back whips were used for self-defense far more commonly in the 1970s and 1980s than they are now.
When compared to the following decades, those two decades saw a significant surge in motorcycle gang violence, particularly against police.
A fast-release handle on get-back whips connects to your handlebars, clutch lever, or front brake lever.
When the user needs to use the whip, they may give it a powerful tug and remove it off swiftly with the fast-release handle. California is the only state that has announced its motorcycle whip laws.
● Purely Aesthetics
There are many people who just enjoy using get back whips. If you’re buying one just for looks, I’d recommend getting one that isn’t detachable. Get a permanent one so that if a cop ever pulls you over and questions about it, you can verify it’s only for show.
