Gatorcycle

[Jenn]

Comment: I can't believe this is legal, much less that it isn't graphically put together. It is a motorcycle made from the hides and head of a Florida alligator. Please see if you can find out if it is true or not.

[kjbrasda]

Not so much "made from" as "covered in"

[Electrotiger]

I can't believe this is legal...

Why would it be illegal?

You would have to be careful getting on and off though, those osteoderms can be sharp.

[jimmy101_again]

Originally Posted by Jenn

...I can't believe this is legal, much less that it isn't graphically put together. ...

I believe there is a 'Gator hunting season in Florida so legality shouldn't be an issue.

I see no indication that the photo's have been 'shoped. They look real. Given what bikers will do to customize their ride this seems perfectly reasonable. Indeed, covering it in a gator skin might be cheaper than a custom paint job.

[Cervus]

Here's another photo of it at Daytona Bike Week.

A slightly different alligator-hide bike was photographed at Key West Bike Week last year.

Here's what appears to be a third one.

It's quite legal - though for some reason the general public (including several scientists I worked with at a particular state university) seems to think American Alligators are still on the endangered species list and/or that a permit is required to own their skulls or hides. Not true; it's a felony to molest alligators, and a permit is required for hunting, trapping, and exhibition of live animals, but once they're dead, anyone can own their meat, bones, or tanned hides.

[Dr. Winston O'Boogie]

Originally Posted by Cervus

It's quite legal - though for some reason the general public (including several scientists I worked with at a particular state university) seems to think American Alligators are still on the endangered species list and/or that a permit is required to own their skulls or hides. Not true; it's a felony to molest alligators, and a permit is required for hunting, trapping, and exhibition of live animals, but once they're dead, anyone can own their meat, bones, or tanned hides.

Oh, you meant "bother" not "bugger". Sorry.

Yes, I'm immature sometimes. I'm male, what do you expect?

I had read in a motorcycle magazine (which I evidently have since discarded since I can't find it) that one of these bikes was done up with fiberglas molds of alligators. It was featured as a reader's submission, and he had done the "alligator" in fiberglas just to be different, and look more aggressive than covering it in sheepskin or faux fur, as he had seen a year or so previously at a rally. In the post with the links, the one with the hide draped over the main parts of the bike looks quite real, but the frame looks painted.