Gremlin bells, bike bells or whatever you call them are an old tradition. They supposedly keep the gremlins away that cause breakdowns, crashes and generally bad juju on your ride. They don't work unless they are freely given, and should be put on the bike as far forward and as low as possible to keep the gremlins from getting on the trike at all, as they can't abide the sound of the bell and will stay away. In the old days before the marketing types got into the act with chrome and little cards to sell you on the bell and angels, logos, cute sayings and such on them, the bells were almost always brass. Usually bought at flea markets, found in grandma's junk drawer or the like. <br /><br />
<br /><br />
I have had one on every bike and trike I've owned. Never even hinted that I wanted one to anybody, was just given them. Was given my first one by a friends dad (A M/C "gang" member - 1st 1%er I knew) when I was 8 years old (I'm 53 now) for my Rupp minibike and told about the gremlin deal. It was, and still is, a large round sleighbell, about 2 1/2" in diameter. That bell is on my Harley in the garage as I type.<br />
<br />
The one on the Goldwing was given to us by a guy at a rest stop in Iowa right after we got the trike.
We were talking bikes (what else?) and he noticed there was no bell on the bike. Seems he was just at a yard sale and bought 2 bells, and gave us one for Her Purpleness. It r3sides on the front of the left side engine guard. A friend has his attached to the rubber part of the front fender extension.<br /><br />
<br /><br />
Everytime I see mine or hear it jingle I know that someone thought enough of me to give me a token that they wish me the best. Think what you will about gremlins, silly superstition, or whatever, what they _really_ mean is that someone likes you, is thinking of you and is concerned for you.