Motorcycle clubs have been a part of the cultural landscape for decades, with many such clubs forming a unique and sometimes infamous part of motorcycle lore. While many motorcycle enthusiasts gather together for the love of riding and camaraderie, there are some clubs that have garnered a notorious reputation.
These groups, often known as “outlaw” or “one-percenter” motorcycle clubs, have been associated with various degrees of criminal activity and have a significant impact on the biker culture around the world. Here, we delve into some of the most well-known of these clubs, exploring their origins, culture, and the reasons behind their infamous status.
1. Hells Angels Motorcycle Club
The Hells Angels Motorcycle Club is a name that resonates with an air of rebellion and infamy. Established in 1948 in California, the club has since become a global symbol of biker counterculture, with a presence in several countries. Members are often seen riding Harley-Davidson motorcycles and are easily identified by their leather vests adorned with the club’s iconic winged skull logo.
- Founded in 1948 in Fontana, California.
- Recognizable by their “Death Head” logo.
- Have a global presence, with chapters in the USA, Canada, Europe, and elsewhere.
- Associated with various criminal activities, but also known for organizing charitable events.
2. Bandidos Motorcycle Club
Formed in Texas in 1966, the Bandidos Motorcycle Club has grown to be one of the most powerful and widespread biker clubs in the world. The club’s colors, a red and gold patch featuring a Mexican bandit, are known internationally. The Bandidos have a storied history of conflict, both with the law and with rival motorcycle clubs.
- Established in 1966 in Houston, Texas.
- Their patch features a Mexican bandit wielding a pistol and machete.
- One of the “Big Four” outlaw motorcycle clubs.
- Involved in criminal activities such as drug trafficking and violent conflict.
3. Outlaws Motorcycle Club
The Outlaws Motorcycle Club, also known as the American Outlaws Association, was founded in 1935, making it one of the oldest biker clubs in the United States. With the motto “God Forgives, Outlaws Don’t,” the club has a reputation for living outside the law and has been involved in various illegal activities throughout its history.
- Founded in 1935 in McCook, Illinois.
- Known for their black and white colors and skull and crossed pistons logo.
- One of the first outlaw motorcycle clubs, part of the “Big Four.”
- Engaged in long-standing rivalries with other motorcycle clubs, including the Hells Angels.
4. Mongols Motorcycle Club
The Mongols Motorcycle Club was established in 1969 in California by Hispanic bikers who were reportedly excluded from the Hells Angels due to their ethnicity. The club’s patch depicts a Genghis Khan figure on a motorcycle, symbolizing their unity and strength. The Mongols have been involved in numerous legal issues and are known for their fierce territoriality.
- Formed in 1969 in Montebello, California.
- Mainly comprised of Hispanic members.
- Their patch features a Mongol warrior on a motorcycle.
- Have a history of violent clashes with other clubs, particularly the Hells Angels.
5. Pagans Motorcycle Club
Originating in Maryland in 1959, the Pagans Motorcycle Club has expanded its reach along the East Coast of the United States. The club’s patch depicts the Norse fire-giant Surtr, and members are known for their blue denim vests. The Pagans have been involved in criminal activities and are fierce rivals of the Hells Angels.
- Established in 1959 in Prince George’s County, Maryland.
- Recognized by their blue denim vests and Norse fire-giant patch.
- Have a significant presence on the East Coast of the U.S.
- Engaged in organized crime and known for their intense rivalry with the Hells Angels.
The above clubs represent only a fraction of the numerous motorcycle clubs that exist worldwide. While they have gained notoriety for their actions and lifestyle, it’s important to recognize that not all members or chapters may be involved in criminal activities, and many also engage in legitimate events and charitable causes. However, their reputations have cemented their place in the annals of motorcycle club history as some of the most notorious groups on two wheels.
6. Vagos Motorcycle Club
The Vagos Motorcycle Club was established in the 1960s in Southern California and is known for their green and black colors. The club’s insignia is the Norse god Loki riding a motorcycle. Over the years, the Vagos have been involved in various legal troubles, including drug trafficking and violence.
- Founded in the early 1960s in San Bernardino, California.
- Known for their green and black colors and Norse mythology-inspired insignia.
- Have a significant presence in the Western United States and Mexico.
- Their history includes involvement in criminal activity and conflicts with law enforcement.
7. Warlocks Motorcycle Club
The Warlocks Motorcycle Club has multiple groups with the same name, but the most notorious is the one founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1967. Their patch depicts a mythological Phoenix rising from the flames. The Warlocks have a history of criminal allegations and are known for their exclusivity and secretive nature.
- Founded in 1967 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
- Their emblem features a Phoenix, symbolizing rebirth and immortality.
- Known for being particularly territorial and protective of their members.
- Have faced various criminal charges over the years, including drug trafficking and violent crimes.
8. Sons of Silence Motorcycle Club
Founded in 1966 in Niwot, Colorado, the Sons of Silence have grown to become one of the “Big Five” motorcycle clubs in the U.S. Their patch features an American eagle superimposed over the letter “A,” representing Anarchy. The club has been involved in crimes such as drug trafficking and is known for its strict internal code.
- Established in 1966 in Niwot, Colorado.
- Their patch includes an American eagle and the letter “A.”
- Part of the “Big Five” motorcycle clubs in the United States.
- Involved in criminal activities and known for maintaining a strict internal code of conduct.
9. Free Souls Motorcycle Club
The Free Souls Motorcycle Club was founded in 1968 in Eugene, Oregon. They are recognized by their diamond-shaped one percent patch and their commitment to the biker lifestyle. The club has faced various legal issues, including drug-related charges.
- Founded in 1968 in Eugene, Oregon.
- Identified by their diamond-shaped one percent patch.
- Known for their strong brotherhood and dedication to the biker lifestyle.
- Have encountered legal issues, primarily related to drug offenses.
10. The Highwaymen Motorcycle Club
Originating in Detroit, Michigan in 1954, The Highwaymen are known for their black and silver colors and distinctive winged skull logo. They have a long history and have been involved in various criminal activities, which has brought them into conflict with law enforcement.
- Established in 1954 in Detroit, Michigan.
- Their logo features a winged skull.
- One of the oldest motorcycle clubs in the Midwest.
- Have been involved in criminal activities, including drug trafficking and violent altercations.
11. Iron Horsemen Motorcycle Club
The Iron Horsemen Motorcycle Club has a presence primarily in the Midwest and Eastern United States. Their patch depicts a horse’s head superimposed over a set of motorcycle handlebars. The club has been linked to criminal activities such as drug trafficking and has faced various legal battles.
- Known for their horsehead and motorcycle handlebars patch.
- Have a strong presence in the Midwest and Eastern U.S.
- Involved in criminal activities, particularly drug trafficking.
- Have been subject to numerous law enforcement operations and arrests.
12. Gremium Motorcycle Club
Gremium Motorcycle Club is one of the largest and most prominent clubs in Germany, founded in 1972. With a strong national presence, they have also expanded internationally in recent years. Their patch features a fist holding a chain, symbolizing strength and unity.
- Founded in 1972 in Mannheim, Germany.
- One of the largest and most influential motorcycle clubs in Germany.
- Their patch depicts a fist holding a chain.
- Have expanded internationally with chapters in various European countries.
13. Rebels Motorcycle Club
The Rebels Motorcycle Club, based in Australia, is one of the largest outlaw motorcycle clubs in the Southern Hemisphere. Founded in 1969, the club has been involved in various legal issues, including violent clashes with other motorcycle clubs and law enforcement.
- Established in 1969 in Brisbane, Australia.
- Known as the largest outlaw motorcycle club in Australia.
- Their insignia features a Confederate flag with a cap-wearing skull in the center.
- Have a history of legal confrontations and are involved in various criminal activities.
14. Comanchero Motorcycle Club
The Comanchero Motorcycle Club was founded in Sydney, Australia, in 1968. They are known for their involvement in the “Milperra Massacre,” a violent clash with the Bandidos that resulted in multiple fatalities. The club’s colors are red and gold, and their patch features a Mexican Comanchero.
- Founded in 1968 in Sydney, Australia.
- Notorious for their involvement in the “Milperra Massacre.”
- Their patch displays a Mexican Comanchero in sombrero and poncho.
- Engaged in criminal activities and have been part of violent conflicts with other clubs.
15. Rock Machine Motorcycle Club
The Rock Machine Motorcycle Club originated in Quebec, Canada, in the mid-1980s and became famous for their violent conflict with the Hells Angels, known as the Quebec Biker War. Their colors are red, white, and blue, and their patch features an eagle.
- Originated in the mid-1980s in Quebec, Canada.
- Known for their involvement in the Quebec Biker War against the Hells Angels.
- Their patch depicts an eagle and the club’s colors are red, white, and blue.
- Have been linked to criminal activities and have a presence in Australia and Europe.
16. Night Wolves (Russia)
The Night Wolves are a Russian motorcycle club founded in the late 1980s and are known for their patriotism and close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin. They are recognized by their wolf’s head logo and their involvement in political activities.
- Founded in the late 1980s in the Soviet Union, now based in Russia.
- Known for their close ties to the Kremlin and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
- Their logo features a wolf’s head, and they often participate in nationalistic events.
- Have been subject to sanctions by the U.S. government.
17. Satudarah MC (Netherlands)
Satudarah MC is a one-percenter motorcycle club that was founded in the Netherlands in the 1990s. Known for their multicultural membership, they have been involved in various criminal activities and have a presence in multiple countries.
- Founded in the 1990s in the Netherlands.
- Notable for their multicultural membership, unlike many other one-percenter clubs.
- Their patch features a Moluccan warrior.
- Involved in criminal activities, leading to legal issues and a ban in the Netherlands.
18. Diablos Motorcycle Club
The Diablos Motorcycle Club is a one-percenter motorcycle club that was founded in San Bernardino, California, in 1961. They are known for their red and gold colors and a devil’s head logo. The club has been involved in criminal activities over the years.
- Established in 1961 in San Bernardino, California.
- Their colors are red and gold, and their logo features a devil’s head.
- Known for their involvement in criminal activities and maintaining a secretive nature.
- Have chapters across the United States and in other countries.
19. Coffin Cheaters Motorcycle Club
The Coffin Cheaters Motorcycle Club was founded in Australia in 1970. They are known for their distinctive patch, which features a grinning skull wearing a World War II German army helmet. The club has been involved in conflicts with other motorcycle clubs and criminal activities.
- Founded in 1970 in Australia.
- Their patch depicts a skull wearing a German army helmet.
- Have been involved in violent clashes with other motorcycle clubs.
- Engaged in various criminal activities, drawing law enforcement attention.
20. Black Pistons Motorcycle Club
The Black Pistons Motorcycle Club is considered the official support club for the Outlaws Motorcycle Club. Established in the United States, they have since expanded internationally. Their patch features a black piston on a white background.
- Considered a support club for the Outlaws Motorcycle Club.
- Known for their black piston on a white background patch.
- Have a presence in multiple countries, supporting the Outlaws’ activities.
- Involved in criminal activities and have had conflicts with other motorcycle clubs.
21. The Finks (Australia)
The Finks is an Australian motorcycle club founded in Adelaide in 1969. Their patch features a cartoonish Bung Karno character, and they are known for their “Mongol Nation” affiliation after aligning with the Mongols MC to avoid government crackdowns.
- Established in 1969 in Adelaide, Australia.
- Their patch features a cartoonish character named Bung Karno.
- Known for their “Mongol Nation” affiliation with the Mongols MC.
- Involved in various criminal activities and have faced significant legal scrutiny.
22. The Devils Diciples Motorcycle Club
The Devils Diciples Motorcycle Club (intentionally misspelled) was founded in Fontana, California, in 1967. Their patch features a motorcycle wheel with two tridents crossing behind it. The club has been associated with criminal activities, including drug trafficking and violence.
- Founded in 1967 in Fontana, California.
- Their patch includes a motorcycle wheel and crossed tridents.
- Known for their involvement in criminal enterprises.
- Have faced multiple federal investigations and indictments over the years.
23. The Pissed Off Bastards of Bloomington
The Pissed Off Bastards of Bloomington is one of the oldest motorcycle clubs, founded in 1945 in Bloomington, California. They are known for their involvement in the historic Hollister riot, which helped form the outlaw biker image in the United States.
- One of the oldest motorcycle clubs, established in 1945 in Bloomington, California.
- Involved in the 1947 Hollister riot, which influenced the outlaw biker stereotype.
- Their history is closely tied to the origins of the American biker culture.
- Known for their traditional values and maintaining a lower profile compared to other clubs.
24. The Galloping Goose Motorcycle Club
The Galloping Goose Motorcycle Club was founded in the late 1940s in Los Angeles, California. Their patch features a flying goose, and they are known as one of the original “one-percenter” motorcycle clubs.
- Founded in the late 1940s in Los Angeles, California.
- Their patch depicts a flying goose.
- Considered one of the original “one-percenter” clubs.
- Have a history that includes involvement in criminal activities and clashes with law enforcement.
25. The Grim Reapers Motorcycle Club
The Grim Reapers Motorcycle Club, with origins dating back to 1958 in Louisville, Kentucky, is known for its skull and scythe emblem. This club has a presence primarily in the Midwest of the United States and has faced allegations of involvement in criminal activities.
- Established in 1958 in Louisville, Kentucky.
- Their emblem features a skull and scythe.
- Primarily located in the Midwest of the United States.
- Have been associated with criminal activities and have faced legal action.
26. The Brother Speed Motorcycle Club
The Brother Speed Motorcycle Club was founded in 1969 in Boise, Idaho. The club’s patch features a winged motorcycle wheel, and they are known for their strong brotherhood and dedication to the biker lifestyle. They have faced legal scrutiny over the years.
- Founded in 1969 in Boise, Idaho.
- Their patch depicts a winged motorcycle wheel.
- Emphasize brotherhood and a commitment to motorcycle riding.
- Have encountered legal issues, including drug-related charges.
27. The Invaders Motorcycle Club
The Invaders Motorcycle Club was established in 1965 in Gary, Indiana. With their patch featuring a Viking helmet, they have a significant presence in the Midwest. The club has been linked to criminal activities but also participates in charitable events.
- Established in 1965 in Gary, Indiana.
- Their patch features a Viking helmet, reflecting their name.
- Known for their presence in the Midwest and for riding American-made motorcycles.
- Involved in both charitable activities and legal confrontations related to alleged criminal activities.
28. The Boozefighters Motorcycle Club
The Boozefighters Motorcycle Club is one of the original “wild ones,” founded in 1946 in California. They gained notoriety for their involvement in the Hollister riot of 1947. The club’s colors are green and white, and they are known for their love of motorcycles and partying.
- Founded in 1946 in California.
- Involved in the 1947 Hollister riot, which influenced the image of bikers in American culture.
- Their colors are green and white, and their patch features a tipsy, top-hat-wearing skull.
- Known for their love of partying and riding, they maintain a reputation for being one of the original “wild ones.”
29. The Blue Angels (Scotland)
The Blue Angels Motorcycle Club is the oldest outlaw motorcycle club in Scotland, founded in Glasgow in 1963. Their patch features a skull wearing a German army helmet, similar to the Coffin Cheaters’ emblem. They are known for their strong sense of brotherhood and have been linked to criminal activities.
- The oldest outlaw motorcycle club in Scotland, established in 1963.
- Their patch features a skull in a German army helmet.
- Known for their strong sense of brotherhood and Scottish pride.
- Have been linked to various criminal activities in Scotland.
30. The Chosen Few Motorcycle Club
Founded in Los Angeles, California, in 1959, The Chosen Few MC is notable for being one of the first racially integrated outlaw motorcycle clubs. Their patch features a black hand shaking a white hand, symbolizing their commitment to brotherhood beyond racial boundaries.
- Established in 1959 in Los Angeles, California.
- One of the first racially integrated outlaw motorcycle clubs in the United States.
- Their patch symbolizes racial unity with a black hand shaking a white hand.
- Known for their commitment to brotherhood and a non-discriminatory policy.
31. The Banditos (Germany)
The Banditos Motorcycle Club, not to be confused with the Bandidos, is a club based in Germany. They are known for their involvement in the biker scene in Europe and have faced scrutiny from law enforcement.
- Based in Germany with a presence in the European biker scene.
- Known for their involvement in motorcycle-related events and gatherings.
- Have faced scrutiny and legal issues from European law enforcement agencies.
- Maintain a distinct identity separate from the similarly named Bandidos MC.
32. The Outcasts (UK)
The Outcasts Motorcycle Club is a UK-based club with a strong presence in England and Wales. They are known for their black and white colors and their participation in the British biker culture.
- Strong presence in England and Wales, with a focus on British biker culture.
- Their colors are black and white, and they are known for their distinctive patch.
- Participate in motorcycle rallies, charity runs, and other biker events.
- Known for their commitment to the club and the biker lifestyle.
33. The Red Devils Motorcycle Club
The Red Devils Motorcycle Club is considered the largest support club for the Hells Angels. They have chapters worldwide and are known for their red and white colors, which align with the Hells Angels’ colors.
- Considered the largest support club for the Hells Angels.
- Known for their red and white colors, reflecting their affiliation with the Hells Angels.
- Have chapters in various countries, supporting Hells Angels’ activities and events.
- Involved in the biker culture and have faced legal issues related to their activities.
This list provides a snapshot of some of the most notorious motorcycle clubs that have made a mark on biker culture globally. Each club has its own unique history, culture, and level of notoriety. While they may share a common love for motorcycles, the activities and behavior of club members can vary widely, with some engaging in criminal activity and others focusing on the social and riding aspects of club life.
