The Gremlin Bell
Bell History
Gremlin Bells, also known as Guardian or Spirit Bells, are a type of good luck charm for motorcycle riders. Said to protect riders during their travels and are often carried in vehicles to protect the occupants while on the road.
But how does the bell work?
Well, legend states that there are harmful spirits lurking roadways that are always on the lookout for motorcycles that they can cling onto and cause havoc. Those odd and hard-to-diagnose problems that occur with vehicles (usually in electrical systems) are called “gremlins,” by mechanics, supposedly it is those same wiley and disruptive spirits that cause problems for motorcycle riders.
Gremlin Bells are a way to ward off those pesky spirits. Said to work by capturing them in the hollow part of the bell and angering them with the constant ringing until they release their hold and break free, returning to the roadway to find another unsuspecting rider without a bell to harass.
Bell Rules
1. A bell should not be bought by the user. Legend says a bell is “activated” by a gesture of good will, like when someone gives it to a rider they care about as a gift.
2. It should be attached to the lowest part of the frame. Gremlins lurk on the pavement of roadways and “grab” onto bikes as they pass. A low-hanging bell will be the first thing they contact ensuring they are captured immediately.
3. When a bike with a bell on it is sold, the bell should be removed. A bell is a gesture of kindness to a rider from someone who cares about them, it should be kept by the recipient to be transferred to another bike.
4. A bell not given with intentional good will loses its spirit-fighting ability. If someone steals a bell, all the gremlins go with it – and the bell will no longer ward them off. The key to the bell’s power is good will. If it is stolen, it loses its effect.
5. One bell is all a bike will need so long as all of the above rules are followed.