Biker Bobbleheads Through the Ages: An Iconic Collectible Nodder

The Origins and Popularity of Biker Bobbleheads

Bobbleheads have become an iconic collectible over the past few decades, with their oversized heads that nod up and down. Though bobbleheads come in all shapes and sizes depicting various characters, one of the most popular variants are biker bobbleheads.

Biker bobbleheads feature motorcycle riders wearing typical biker apparel like leather jackets, bandanas, and biker vests. They first became popular in the 1950s and 1960s as dashboard figures for motorcyclists to have in their vehicles.

Biker Culture and Custom Bobbleheads

As biker and motorcycle culture rose to prominence in the 60s and 70s, the demand for biker-themed bobbleheads increased as well. Biker gangs like the Hells Angels became mainstream in pop culture. This led to a wave of biker memorabilia like artwork, accessories, and of course - bobbleheads.

In addition to generic biker bobblehead figures, custom options also became available. Individual riders could get bobbleheads made featuring their own face and even wearing their actual biker outfit. These unique customizable nodders are popular to this day.

Types of Biker Bobbleheads

There are now many varieties of biker bobbleheads catering to different subgroups and styles within the motorcycling community:

• Chopper Bobbleheads - Features riders on classic chopper motorcycles
• Harley Davidson Bobbleheads - With riders wearing branded Harley Davidson gear
• ATV Bobbleheads - Riders on All-Terrain Vehicles outfitted with gear like helmets and padding
• Sport Bike Bobbleheads - Showcases crotch rocket sport bikes and riders wearing racing suits
• Sidecar Bobbleheads - Unique nodders with sidecar attachments on motorcycles
• Couples Bobbleheads - Often features the classic biker couple or "Double Riders" with both a male and female rider

Pop Culture and Mainstream Appeal

It's not just motorcycle enthusiasts who love biker bobbleheads however. Their cool and rebellious image has led to biker subculture becoming mainstream pop culture staple over the decades.

Certain individual biker figures have reached an almost iconic status, like the infamous Bobble Head Joker figure astride his Harley Davidson motorcycle wearing menacing clown makeup.

Biker Art and Collectibles

Biker bobbleheads are now common collectibles traded alongside other biker memorabilia like artwork, model motorcycles, and leather goods.

There is an entire biker culture art scene featuring skeleton bikers, tattoo punk figures, metal sculptures, and of course bobbleheads! Entire collections can be found displaying different eras and styles of biker nodders.

Custom and Commemorative Pieces

Similar to biker patches and leather jackets, the bobblehead sculpture medium is ideal for commemorating special motorcycling events and achievements. Limited edition runs featuring event dates, locations, and imagery are common.

They also make great personalized gifts for biker club members. Custom biker bobbleheads sculpted to look like specific riders are available from specialty stores catering to motorcyclists.

Where to Find Biker Bobbleheads

• Specialty stores - Brick and mortar stores focusing on biker gear and motorcycle collectibles often carry bobbleheads from various makers.
• Online marketplaces - Websites like Etsy have categories dedicated to biker art and bobbleheads. The options range from vintage to custom works.
• Auction sites - Collector auctions regularly feature rare biker nodder lots alongside other memorabilia.
• Custom sculpting services - Many specialty stores offer made-to-order bobbleheads customized to a person's likeness and style.
• Motorcycle events - Biker rallies and trade shows typically have vendors selling all sorts of two-wheeled wares, including event-exclusive bobbleheads.

Major motorcycle brands like Harley Davidson also offer their own official collectible biker bobblehead lines as part of their extensive merchandising. They make great motorcycle gift ideas!

Conclusion

Biker bobbleheads hold a special place in motorcycle culture spanning decades. What began as cute trinkets in the 50s have evolved into an iconic art form with many styles and expressions.

Their charming nodding heads combined with the cool biker aesthetic make them a must-have for motorcycle lovers. As biker memorabilia continues to grow, so shall the popularity of fun biker bobblehead toys.

FAQs

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