The most emblematic sign of the biker community is the V
The wind, the speed and the helmet are all things that prevent motorcyclists from being able to communicate with each other.
Camaraderie obliges, a certain number of gestures are often used to get information. The best known of them remains the famous V.
We would be tempted to tell you that we no longer present it… And yet, are you unbeatable on its origins and its use?
The icon of the V Biker
The pilot behind the V
Most often, we attribute the origin of the “V”, a symbol recognized worldwide and used by the biker culture, to Barry Sheene . This mythical pilot was crowned double Moto GP 500 world champion in 1976 and 1977. In other words, he is an ambassador of choice for our sign!
With each victory, Barry Sheene had made a habit of greeting the public while he made his lap of honor. And when he climbed on the first place of the podium during a grand prix, the one called “The Lucky Seven” had as a distinctive sign, to point index and middle fingers towards the public, giving the shape of a “V ”, synonymous with Victory .
Photo credit: Le Den des Motards
Historical uses of the V
Far from being an invention only reserved for bikers, this sign is not new.
We have to go back to the 14th century to see its first use: our English friends brandished the V sign as a symbol of victory against the defeated French during a battle.
More recently, it was Winston Churchill who appropriated it to once again celebrate a victory, this time over Germany, during the Second World War.
A greeting sign that has become a community sign
Other events that have occurred in France have made it even more possible to associate this sign with the “ biker rally ” movement.
In 1980 the Fédération Française des Motards en Angère (FFMC) was created in response to government decisions targeting bikers. The latter was intended to recognize the cylinders of motorcycles using a sticker to stick on to be able to verbalize them more easily. To protest against this legislation, bikers take to the streets. Again, during these demonstrations, this V sign was brandished.
