Motorcycle clubs, with their rich history and diverse cultures, have become more than just groups of individuals who share a passion for riding. They represent camaraderie, a love for the open road, a sense of adventure, and often, a commitment to philanthropy and community service. Each motorcycle club comes with its own set of traditions, rules, and identity. Let’s delve into the top 10 motorcycle clubs that have not only made a significant impact on the motorcycle community but also hold a certain mystique and respect in the biker world.
#10 – The Bandidos
Founded in 1966 in Texas by Don Chambers, the Bandidos Motorcycle Club has expanded to become one of the world’s largest and most recognized clubs. With a slogan like “We are the people your parents warned you about,” the Bandidos certainly cultivate an image of living on the edge. Characterized by their distinctive gold and red colors and fat Mexican bandit mascot, the Bandidos are known for their strong brotherhood and a reputation that demands respect.
#9 – The Pagans
Established in 1959 in Maryland, The Pagans Motorcycle Club is one of the most feared and respected clubs in the eastern United States. Their patch depicts the Norse fire-giant Surtr sitting on the sun, wielding a sword, which is fitting for a club that prides itself on its Norse and pagan philosophies. While they keep a lower profile compared to other clubs, The Pagans are known for their deep ties and loyalty amongst members.
#8 – The Vagos
The Vagos Motorcycle Club was born in San Bernardino, California, in 1965. Also known as the Green Nation due to their green and black colors, the Vagos are mainly active in the southwestern and western parts of the United States. More than just a biking community, they are known for their closeness and rigorous membership process, making them one of the most tight-knit clubs on this list.
#7 – The Victory Motorcycle Club
Founded relatively recently in 1998, The Victory Motorcycle Club (VMC) is different in that it focuses on owners of Victory motorcycles. While not a traditional outlaw club, the VMC is noted for its friendly environment, community engagement, and promotion of the Victory motorcycle brand. They emphasize family values and riding enjoyment, hosting national and regional events that bring Victory enthusiasts together.
#6 – The Mongols
The Mongols Motorcycle Club, founded in 1969 in Montebello, California, by Hispanic Vietnam War veterans, has grown prominently over the years. They wear a patch featuring Genghis Khan’s silhouette on a motorcycle, representing their fierce, warrior-like nature. The Mongols are reputed for their unity and for holding their ground against other major motorcycle clubs.
#5 – The Iron Order
The Iron Order is a relatively new kid on the block, formed in 2004 by a group of bikers who wanted to share their passion for riding without the strict protocols of traditional clubs. Their rapid growth and mix of riders, including law enforcement and public safety professionals, have made them a unique and controversial force within the motorcycle club scene. They proudly wear the black and white colors and emphasize individualism within the group setting.
#4 – The Sons of Silence
With a name that could come straight out of a hard-boiled crime novel, The Sons of Silence Motorcycle Club was founded in Niwot, Colorado, in 1966. They sport an “A.O.A.” (American Outlaws Association) patch and possess a history shrouded in mystery and respect. With strong connections in the Midwest and Colorado, this club values secrecy and brotherhood above all else and is considered one of the big five motorcycle clubs in the United States.
#3 – The Outlaws
The Outlaws Motorcycle Club, established in 1935 in McCook, Illinois, is known as the oldest outlaw motorcycle gang in the U.S. and one of the big four clubs identified by federal law enforcement. Sporting a black and white skull-and-pistons logo known as “Charlie,” the Outlaws have an imposing presence in the biker world, symbolizing a legacy of rebellion and a fierce independence that has stood the test of time.
#2 – The Hells Angels
Perhaps the most infamous motorcycle club in the world, the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club reigns almost synonymous with the term “outlaw biker gang.” Founded in 1948 in Fontana, California, the Hells Angels now boast hundreds of chapters worldwide. Their insignia, the “Death Head,” is easily recognizable and respected. The Hells Angels are known not just for their prominence in biker culture but also for their involvement in the music scene, providing security at rock concerts during the 1960s and 1970s.
#1 – The Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.)
While not an outlaw motorcycle club, the Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) takes the top spot for its global recognition, size, and influence in motorcycle culture. Founded in 1983 by Harley-Davidson to bring together Harley enthusiasts, H.O.G. promotes not just a love for these iconic motorcycles but also a lifestyle of freedom and exploration. With over a million members worldwide, H.O.G. is more of a community than a club, where the Harley-Davidson spirit comes alive through rallies, charity events, and numerous riding activities.
Each of these motorcycle clubs offers a unique window into the varied, passionate, and occasionally controversial world of motorcycling culture. They illustrate the bonds formed on the road, whether in pursuit of liberty, brotherhood, or the thunder of a motorcycle engine tearing down the highway. The legacy and lore surrounding these top 10 motorcycle clubs continue to fascinate and draw new generations of riders to the fold, ensuring their enduring legacy within the leather-clad heart of the biker community.