"Photographs courtesy of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company Archives." "Copyright H-D"

When people think of bikers they think of rebels or outlaws. Actually only 1% of bikers are outlaws. What people do not know is that the word “outlaw” was used in 1904 referring to motorcycle racers who raced in non-sanctioned events. They did not care about wining a trophy or money. They were more into the thrill of racing and the friendship that existed among bikers. Today there are still outlaw races but it is done in cars. Because they were different they had to have clothing that symbolized what they were doing. The outfit consisted of goggles and team  sweaters. It eventually evolved into helmets, leathers and tight gloves and some gloves have the fingers out of them.  The clothing was designed to protect racers along with giving them freedom of movement. As the years passed bikers adapted the clothing to more and more fit the rebel image.  Even today when we see a biker dressed in chaps, leather jackets, tight gloves and a do rag we still tend to think of outlaws.