what is the significance of the bell on old bikers motorcycles?

Question

I know its an old superstition that has to do with protecting the rider,does anyone know the history?

Answer 1

Actually the old superstition is that there are road goblins and when you ride with the bell, the goblins get sucked up into the bell and the bell distroys them.
Here are some sites with bell superstitions:

http://www.corsinet.com/trivia/scary.html

http://www.hallowfreaks.com/superstitions.html

http://www.snopes.com/weddings/customs/bells.asp

Answer 2

The bell is there so that angles know where the rider is so that, they can protect the rider and keep them safe on the road.