Born to Ride: 20 Vintage Motorcycle Photos That Define a Generation

1. Barefoot on a bike, 1977., 2. He's riding a bike in a suit, 1950., 4. The Sons of Silence in Colorado, 1971., 5. Adeline and Augusta Van Buren, 1916., 6. That puppy looks sad that he can't ride with them., 7. The Tweety bird makes this photo even more menacing., 8. This biker gang was formed in the 1960s in Oakland., 9. Bikers at a flea market in Buffalo, 1950s., 10. Biker girls, 1960s., 11. Glasgow bikers, 1970., 12. That's definitely a crew I wouldn't mess with., 13. Eddie Davenport is celebrating the 4th of July, 1947., 14. Taking a break in Baltimore, 1973., 15. Martha Stewart on her bike, 1990., 16. Funny Sonny flying his patch on the back of an Outlaw's bike, 1965., 17. Biker rally in Los Angeles, 1949., 18. Some members of the most notorious biker gang ever known, 1967., 19. Now, this is a gang that would make me walk the other way., 20. A biker gang riding through Tokyo.

The 1900s were a transformative time for motorcycle culture as the open road became a symbol of freedom, rebellion, and individualism. The rise of biker gangs and the evolution of custom chopper designs marked the beginning of a cultural movement that would resonate for decades. Through these defining moments, the motorcycle became more than just a mode of transportation, it was a statement of independence and a testament to a lifestyle driven by passion, grit, and adventure. This era captured the spirit of those who sought to live on their own terms, forming tight-knit communities and embracing the thrill of the ride. Get ready as we take a look at 20 photos that embody biker culture.

1. Barefoot on a bike, 1977.

1. Barefoot on a bike, 1977., 2. He's riding a bike in a suit, 1950., 4. The Sons of Silence in Colorado, 1971., 5. Adeline and Augusta Van Buren, 1916., 6. That puppy looks sad that he can't ride with them., 7. The Tweety bird makes this photo even more menacing., 8. This biker gang was formed in the 1960s in Oakland., 9. Bikers at a flea market in Buffalo, 1950s., 10. Biker girls, 1960s., 11. Glasgow bikers, 1970., 12. That's definitely a crew I wouldn't mess with., 13. Eddie Davenport is celebrating the 4th of July, 1947., 14. Taking a break in Baltimore, 1973., 15. Martha Stewart on her bike, 1990., 16. Funny Sonny flying his patch on the back of an Outlaw's bike, 1965., 17. Biker rally in Los Angeles, 1949., 18. Some members of the most notorious biker gang ever known, 1967., 19. Now, this is a gang that would make me walk the other way., 20. A biker gang riding through Tokyo.

You'd have to be an absolute beast to ride a bike barefoot.

2. He's riding a bike in a suit, 1950.

1. Barefoot on a bike, 1977., 2. He's riding a bike in a suit, 1950., 4. The Sons of Silence in Colorado, 1971., 5. Adeline and Augusta Van Buren, 1916., 6. That puppy looks sad that he can't ride with them., 7. The Tweety bird makes this photo even more menacing., 8. This biker gang was formed in the 1960s in Oakland., 9. Bikers at a flea market in Buffalo, 1950s., 10. Biker girls, 1960s., 11. Glasgow bikers, 1970., 12. That's definitely a crew I wouldn't mess with., 13. Eddie Davenport is celebrating the 4th of July, 1947., 14. Taking a break in Baltimore, 1973., 15. Martha Stewart on her bike, 1990., 16. Funny Sonny flying his patch on the back of an Outlaw's bike, 1965., 17. Biker rally in Los Angeles, 1949., 18. Some members of the most notorious biker gang ever known, 1967., 19. Now, this is a gang that would make me walk the other way., 20. A biker gang riding through Tokyo.

I don't think a 3-piece suit would give much protection during a fall.

4. The Sons of Silence in Colorado, 1971.

1. Barefoot on a bike, 1977., 2. He's riding a bike in a suit, 1950., 4. The Sons of Silence in Colorado, 1971., 5. Adeline and Augusta Van Buren, 1916., 6. That puppy looks sad that he can't ride with them., 7. The Tweety bird makes this photo even more menacing., 8. This biker gang was formed in the 1960s in Oakland., 9. Bikers at a flea market in Buffalo, 1950s., 10. Biker girls, 1960s., 11. Glasgow bikers, 1970., 12. That's definitely a crew I wouldn't mess with., 13. Eddie Davenport is celebrating the 4th of July, 1947., 14. Taking a break in Baltimore, 1973., 15. Martha Stewart on her bike, 1990., 16. Funny Sonny flying his patch on the back of an Outlaw's bike, 1965., 17. Biker rally in Los Angeles, 1949., 18. Some members of the most notorious biker gang ever known, 1967., 19. Now, this is a gang that would make me walk the other way., 20. A biker gang riding through Tokyo.

These guys were enemies to the Hell's Angels.

5. Adeline and Augusta Van Buren, 1916.

1. Barefoot on a bike, 1977., 2. He's riding a bike in a suit, 1950., 4. The Sons of Silence in Colorado, 1971., 5. Adeline and Augusta Van Buren, 1916., 6. That puppy looks sad that he can't ride with them., 7. The Tweety bird makes this photo even more menacing., 8. This biker gang was formed in the 1960s in Oakland., 9. Bikers at a flea market in Buffalo, 1950s., 10. Biker girls, 1960s., 11. Glasgow bikers, 1970., 12. That's definitely a crew I wouldn't mess with., 13. Eddie Davenport is celebrating the 4th of July, 1947., 14. Taking a break in Baltimore, 1973., 15. Martha Stewart on her bike, 1990., 16. Funny Sonny flying his patch on the back of an Outlaw's bike, 1965., 17. Biker rally in Los Angeles, 1949., 18. Some members of the most notorious biker gang ever known, 1967., 19. Now, this is a gang that would make me walk the other way., 20. A biker gang riding through Tokyo.

They were the first women to travel across the country on two solo motorcycles.

6. That puppy looks sad that he can't ride with them.

1. Barefoot on a bike, 1977., 2. He's riding a bike in a suit, 1950., 4. The Sons of Silence in Colorado, 1971., 5. Adeline and Augusta Van Buren, 1916., 6. That puppy looks sad that he can't ride with them., 7. The Tweety bird makes this photo even more menacing., 8. This biker gang was formed in the 1960s in Oakland., 9. Bikers at a flea market in Buffalo, 1950s., 10. Biker girls, 1960s., 11. Glasgow bikers, 1970., 12. That's definitely a crew I wouldn't mess with., 13. Eddie Davenport is celebrating the 4th of July, 1947., 14. Taking a break in Baltimore, 1973., 15. Martha Stewart on her bike, 1990., 16. Funny Sonny flying his patch on the back of an Outlaw's bike, 1965., 17. Biker rally in Los Angeles, 1949., 18. Some members of the most notorious biker gang ever known, 1967., 19. Now, this is a gang that would make me walk the other way., 20. A biker gang riding through Tokyo.

The guy in the sidecar does not look too pleased.

7. The Tweety bird makes this photo even more menacing.

1. Barefoot on a bike, 1977., 2. He's riding a bike in a suit, 1950., 4. The Sons of Silence in Colorado, 1971., 5. Adeline and Augusta Van Buren, 1916., 6. That puppy looks sad that he can't ride with them., 7. The Tweety bird makes this photo even more menacing., 8. This biker gang was formed in the 1960s in Oakland., 9. Bikers at a flea market in Buffalo, 1950s., 10. Biker girls, 1960s., 11. Glasgow bikers, 1970., 12. That's definitely a crew I wouldn't mess with., 13. Eddie Davenport is celebrating the 4th of July, 1947., 14. Taking a break in Baltimore, 1973., 15. Martha Stewart on her bike, 1990., 16. Funny Sonny flying his patch on the back of an Outlaw's bike, 1965., 17. Biker rally in Los Angeles, 1949., 18. Some members of the most notorious biker gang ever known, 1967., 19. Now, this is a gang that would make me walk the other way., 20. A biker gang riding through Tokyo.

This photo was taken in the '80s.

8. This biker gang was formed in the 1960s in Oakland.

1. Barefoot on a bike, 1977., 2. He's riding a bike in a suit, 1950., 4. The Sons of Silence in Colorado, 1971., 5. Adeline and Augusta Van Buren, 1916., 6. That puppy looks sad that he can't ride with them., 7. The Tweety bird makes this photo even more menacing., 8. This biker gang was formed in the 1960s in Oakland., 9. Bikers at a flea market in Buffalo, 1950s., 10. Biker girls, 1960s., 11. Glasgow bikers, 1970., 12. That's definitely a crew I wouldn't mess with., 13. Eddie Davenport is celebrating the 4th of July, 1947., 14. Taking a break in Baltimore, 1973., 15. Martha Stewart on her bike, 1990., 16. Funny Sonny flying his patch on the back of an Outlaw's bike, 1965., 17. Biker rally in Los Angeles, 1949., 18. Some members of the most notorious biker gang ever known, 1967., 19. Now, this is a gang that would make me walk the other way., 20. A biker gang riding through Tokyo.

The East Bay Dragons MC started as a car club but switched to bikes because they were cheaper.

9. Bikers at a flea market in Buffalo, 1950s.

1. Barefoot on a bike, 1977., 2. He's riding a bike in a suit, 1950., 4. The Sons of Silence in Colorado, 1971., 5. Adeline and Augusta Van Buren, 1916., 6. That puppy looks sad that he can't ride with them., 7. The Tweety bird makes this photo even more menacing., 8. This biker gang was formed in the 1960s in Oakland., 9. Bikers at a flea market in Buffalo, 1950s., 10. Biker girls, 1960s., 11. Glasgow bikers, 1970., 12. That's definitely a crew I wouldn't mess with., 13. Eddie Davenport is celebrating the 4th of July, 1947., 14. Taking a break in Baltimore, 1973., 15. Martha Stewart on her bike, 1990., 16. Funny Sonny flying his patch on the back of an Outlaw's bike, 1965., 17. Biker rally in Los Angeles, 1949., 18. Some members of the most notorious biker gang ever known, 1967., 19. Now, this is a gang that would make me walk the other way., 20. A biker gang riding through Tokyo.

The HRD bike he's riding was produced in the 1920s.

10. Biker girls, 1960s.

1. Barefoot on a bike, 1977., 2. He's riding a bike in a suit, 1950., 4. The Sons of Silence in Colorado, 1971., 5. Adeline and Augusta Van Buren, 1916., 6. That puppy looks sad that he can't ride with them., 7. The Tweety bird makes this photo even more menacing., 8. This biker gang was formed in the 1960s in Oakland., 9. Bikers at a flea market in Buffalo, 1950s., 10. Biker girls, 1960s., 11. Glasgow bikers, 1970., 12. That's definitely a crew I wouldn't mess with., 13. Eddie Davenport is celebrating the 4th of July, 1947., 14. Taking a break in Baltimore, 1973., 15. Martha Stewart on her bike, 1990., 16. Funny Sonny flying his patch on the back of an Outlaw's bike, 1965., 17. Biker rally in Los Angeles, 1949., 18. Some members of the most notorious biker gang ever known, 1967., 19. Now, this is a gang that would make me walk the other way., 20. A biker gang riding through Tokyo.

The way they're laying makes it look like you could sleep on your bike.

11. Glasgow bikers, 1970.

1. Barefoot on a bike, 1977., 2. He's riding a bike in a suit, 1950., 4. The Sons of Silence in Colorado, 1971., 5. Adeline and Augusta Van Buren, 1916., 6. That puppy looks sad that he can't ride with them., 7. The Tweety bird makes this photo even more menacing., 8. This biker gang was formed in the 1960s in Oakland., 9. Bikers at a flea market in Buffalo, 1950s., 10. Biker girls, 1960s., 11. Glasgow bikers, 1970., 12. That's definitely a crew I wouldn't mess with., 13. Eddie Davenport is celebrating the 4th of July, 1947., 14. Taking a break in Baltimore, 1973., 15. Martha Stewart on her bike, 1990., 16. Funny Sonny flying his patch on the back of an Outlaw's bike, 1965., 17. Biker rally in Los Angeles, 1949., 18. Some members of the most notorious biker gang ever known, 1967., 19. Now, this is a gang that would make me walk the other way., 20. A biker gang riding through Tokyo.

I always thought dairy was considered a grocery.

12. That's definitely a crew I wouldn't mess with.

1. Barefoot on a bike, 1977., 2. He's riding a bike in a suit, 1950., 4. The Sons of Silence in Colorado, 1971., 5. Adeline and Augusta Van Buren, 1916., 6. That puppy looks sad that he can't ride with them., 7. The Tweety bird makes this photo even more menacing., 8. This biker gang was formed in the 1960s in Oakland., 9. Bikers at a flea market in Buffalo, 1950s., 10. Biker girls, 1960s., 11. Glasgow bikers, 1970., 12. That's definitely a crew I wouldn't mess with., 13. Eddie Davenport is celebrating the 4th of July, 1947., 14. Taking a break in Baltimore, 1973., 15. Martha Stewart on her bike, 1990., 16. Funny Sonny flying his patch on the back of an Outlaw's bike, 1965., 17. Biker rally in Los Angeles, 1949., 18. Some members of the most notorious biker gang ever known, 1967., 19. Now, this is a gang that would make me walk the other way., 20. A biker gang riding through Tokyo.

I can't look at this photo without wondering how much oil was spilled in front of this restaurant.

13. Eddie Davenport is celebrating the 4th of July, 1947.

1. Barefoot on a bike, 1977., 2. He's riding a bike in a suit, 1950., 4. The Sons of Silence in Colorado, 1971., 5. Adeline and Augusta Van Buren, 1916., 6. That puppy looks sad that he can't ride with them., 7. The Tweety bird makes this photo even more menacing., 8. This biker gang was formed in the 1960s in Oakland., 9. Bikers at a flea market in Buffalo, 1950s., 10. Biker girls, 1960s., 11. Glasgow bikers, 1970., 12. That's definitely a crew I wouldn't mess with., 13. Eddie Davenport is celebrating the 4th of July, 1947., 14. Taking a break in Baltimore, 1973., 15. Martha Stewart on her bike, 1990., 16. Funny Sonny flying his patch on the back of an Outlaw's bike, 1965., 17. Biker rally in Los Angeles, 1949., 18. Some members of the most notorious biker gang ever known, 1967., 19. Now, this is a gang that would make me walk the other way., 20. A biker gang riding through Tokyo.

Sources say that the antics of bikers this weekend were the reason for the Marlon Brando film 'The Wild One'.

14. Taking a break in Baltimore, 1973.

1. Barefoot on a bike, 1977., 2. He's riding a bike in a suit, 1950., 4. The Sons of Silence in Colorado, 1971., 5. Adeline and Augusta Van Buren, 1916., 6. That puppy looks sad that he can't ride with them., 7. The Tweety bird makes this photo even more menacing., 8. This biker gang was formed in the 1960s in Oakland., 9. Bikers at a flea market in Buffalo, 1950s., 10. Biker girls, 1960s., 11. Glasgow bikers, 1970., 12. That's definitely a crew I wouldn't mess with., 13. Eddie Davenport is celebrating the 4th of July, 1947., 14. Taking a break in Baltimore, 1973., 15. Martha Stewart on her bike, 1990., 16. Funny Sonny flying his patch on the back of an Outlaw's bike, 1965., 17. Biker rally in Los Angeles, 1949., 18. Some members of the most notorious biker gang ever known, 1967., 19. Now, this is a gang that would make me walk the other way., 20. A biker gang riding through Tokyo.

That's too much cool to put into one photo.

15. Martha Stewart on her bike, 1990.

1. Barefoot on a bike, 1977., 2. He's riding a bike in a suit, 1950., 4. The Sons of Silence in Colorado, 1971., 5. Adeline and Augusta Van Buren, 1916., 6. That puppy looks sad that he can't ride with them., 7. The Tweety bird makes this photo even more menacing., 8. This biker gang was formed in the 1960s in Oakland., 9. Bikers at a flea market in Buffalo, 1950s., 10. Biker girls, 1960s., 11. Glasgow bikers, 1970., 12. That's definitely a crew I wouldn't mess with., 13. Eddie Davenport is celebrating the 4th of July, 1947., 14. Taking a break in Baltimore, 1973., 15. Martha Stewart on her bike, 1990., 16. Funny Sonny flying his patch on the back of an Outlaw's bike, 1965., 17. Biker rally in Los Angeles, 1949., 18. Some members of the most notorious biker gang ever known, 1967., 19. Now, this is a gang that would make me walk the other way., 20. A biker gang riding through Tokyo.

Martha has a swagger that no one else can match.

16. Funny Sonny flying his patch on the back of an Outlaw's bike, 1965.

1. Barefoot on a bike, 1977., 2. He's riding a bike in a suit, 1950., 4. The Sons of Silence in Colorado, 1971., 5. Adeline and Augusta Van Buren, 1916., 6. That puppy looks sad that he can't ride with them., 7. The Tweety bird makes this photo even more menacing., 8. This biker gang was formed in the 1960s in Oakland., 9. Bikers at a flea market in Buffalo, 1950s., 10. Biker girls, 1960s., 11. Glasgow bikers, 1970., 12. That's definitely a crew I wouldn't mess with., 13. Eddie Davenport is celebrating the 4th of July, 1947., 14. Taking a break in Baltimore, 1973., 15. Martha Stewart on her bike, 1990., 16. Funny Sonny flying his patch on the back of an Outlaw's bike, 1965., 17. Biker rally in Los Angeles, 1949., 18. Some members of the most notorious biker gang ever known, 1967., 19. Now, this is a gang that would make me walk the other way., 20. A biker gang riding through Tokyo.

It's a risky business, flying a patch like that.

17. Biker rally in Los Angeles, 1949.

1. Barefoot on a bike, 1977., 2. He's riding a bike in a suit, 1950., 4. The Sons of Silence in Colorado, 1971., 5. Adeline and Augusta Van Buren, 1916., 6. That puppy looks sad that he can't ride with them., 7. The Tweety bird makes this photo even more menacing., 8. This biker gang was formed in the 1960s in Oakland., 9. Bikers at a flea market in Buffalo, 1950s., 10. Biker girls, 1960s., 11. Glasgow bikers, 1970., 12. That's definitely a crew I wouldn't mess with., 13. Eddie Davenport is celebrating the 4th of July, 1947., 14. Taking a break in Baltimore, 1973., 15. Martha Stewart on her bike, 1990., 16. Funny Sonny flying his patch on the back of an Outlaw's bike, 1965., 17. Biker rally in Los Angeles, 1949., 18. Some members of the most notorious biker gang ever known, 1967., 19. Now, this is a gang that would make me walk the other way., 20. A biker gang riding through Tokyo.

How do bikers find out about rallies? Is there some biker call list or something?

18. Some members of the most notorious biker gang ever known, 1967.

1. Barefoot on a bike, 1977., 2. He's riding a bike in a suit, 1950., 4. The Sons of Silence in Colorado, 1971., 5. Adeline and Augusta Van Buren, 1916., 6. That puppy looks sad that he can't ride with them., 7. The Tweety bird makes this photo even more menacing., 8. This biker gang was formed in the 1960s in Oakland., 9. Bikers at a flea market in Buffalo, 1950s., 10. Biker girls, 1960s., 11. Glasgow bikers, 1970., 12. That's definitely a crew I wouldn't mess with., 13. Eddie Davenport is celebrating the 4th of July, 1947., 14. Taking a break in Baltimore, 1973., 15. Martha Stewart on her bike, 1990., 16. Funny Sonny flying his patch on the back of an Outlaw's bike, 1965., 17. Biker rally in Los Angeles, 1949., 18. Some members of the most notorious biker gang ever known, 1967., 19. Now, this is a gang that would make me walk the other way., 20. A biker gang riding through Tokyo.

The oil coming out of that pan is diabolical.

19. Now, this is a gang that would make me walk the other way.

1. Barefoot on a bike, 1977., 2. He's riding a bike in a suit, 1950., 4. The Sons of Silence in Colorado, 1971., 5. Adeline and Augusta Van Buren, 1916., 6. That puppy looks sad that he can't ride with them., 7. The Tweety bird makes this photo even more menacing., 8. This biker gang was formed in the 1960s in Oakland., 9. Bikers at a flea market in Buffalo, 1950s., 10. Biker girls, 1960s., 11. Glasgow bikers, 1970., 12. That's definitely a crew I wouldn't mess with., 13. Eddie Davenport is celebrating the 4th of July, 1947., 14. Taking a break in Baltimore, 1973., 15. Martha Stewart on her bike, 1990., 16. Funny Sonny flying his patch on the back of an Outlaw's bike, 1965., 17. Biker rally in Los Angeles, 1949., 18. Some members of the most notorious biker gang ever known, 1967., 19. Now, this is a gang that would make me walk the other way., 20. A biker gang riding through Tokyo.

That one guy on the right is ready to throw a punch.

20. A biker gang riding through Tokyo.

1. Barefoot on a bike, 1977., 2. He's riding a bike in a suit, 1950., 4. The Sons of Silence in Colorado, 1971., 5. Adeline and Augusta Van Buren, 1916., 6. That puppy looks sad that he can't ride with them., 7. The Tweety bird makes this photo even more menacing., 8. This biker gang was formed in the 1960s in Oakland., 9. Bikers at a flea market in Buffalo, 1950s., 10. Biker girls, 1960s., 11. Glasgow bikers, 1970., 12. That's definitely a crew I wouldn't mess with., 13. Eddie Davenport is celebrating the 4th of July, 1947., 14. Taking a break in Baltimore, 1973., 15. Martha Stewart on her bike, 1990., 16. Funny Sonny flying his patch on the back of an Outlaw's bike, 1965., 17. Biker rally in Los Angeles, 1949., 18. Some members of the most notorious biker gang ever known, 1967., 19. Now, this is a gang that would make me walk the other way., 20. A biker gang riding through Tokyo.

The guy's legs look like his passengers.

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