Some motorcycle terms are obvious. Almost painfully so. Like the oft-discussed practice of lane-splitting or a reference to a “lid.” However, some terms require explanation, especially if you’re not a certain style of motorcycle rider. Such is the case with a “get back whip.” So what is it and what is its purpose?

A ‘get back whip’ is a tool some motorcycle riders use to swing at threats for perceived disrespect or unsafe driving

A “get back whip,” also known as a “wind whip,” is typically a braided leather implement motorcyclists attach to their bikes. However, it’s more than a decoration. The original purpose of the whip was to quickly disconnect using a “panic snap” from a surface on the motorcycle’s handlebars, most often a clutch or brake lever. The rider could then swing the whip at motorists or any other perceived threats in what manufacturers like Fox Creek and Iron Braid refer to as “emergency” situations. 

From a practical standpoint, the get back whip is more of a retaliatory measure than a sufficient defense. Swinging a whip at a Ford F-Series pickup truck won’t stop an angry road-rager from causing significant damage to you and your Harley-Davidson or Indian motorcycle. If anything, a whip may crack a window or mirror, but it won’t be enough to repel aggressive “cagers” (the term bikers use for drivers in a car). 

However, today, the whips are more decorative than anything else. Manufacturers will often color-coordinate or even custom-build whips for riders based on their specifications. So, if you’re in a motorcycle club with a red-and-gold color scheme, you could get a whip to match. That, or an extremely intricate whip could add another dimension to a motorcycle while riding or parked.

Regarding motorcyclist safety, a rider’s best defense is vigilance. Even more so with the advent of the smartphone. Distracted driving is a nationwide epidemic, and swinging a whip at a distracted or angry driver isn’t going to cut it.