The Vagos Motorcycle Club has captured the curiosity and attention of many, from law enforcement agencies to motorcycle enthusiasts around the world. Known also as the Green Nation due to their characteristic attire, the Vagos are a one-percenter motorcycle club with a history that spans over half a century.
Established in the 1960s in California, they have grown from a small group into an organization with a significant international presence. Here are 7 things to know:
1. Founding and Origins
The Vagos Motorcycle Club was established in the year 1965 in San Bernardino, California. It was a time when the United States was deeply involved in the Vietnam War and various counterculture movements were forming across the nation.
Initial Members and Location:
- Year: 1965
- Location: San Bernardino, California
- Member Count at Founding: 13
The founders came together at the corner of Eighth and Davidson to shape what would become a notorious and widely recognized motorcycle club. The Vagos MC adopted green as their color, a nod to the Mexican heritage of the club’s founder. They chose the Norse god of mischief, Loki, riding a motorcycle as their emblem.
Members of the club typically wear patches adorned with this insignia. The green color and the Loki emblem are significant identifiers for the club’s members.
The Vagos Motorcycle Club prides itself on strong bonds and loyalty among its members, which has contributed to the club’s expansion. From its humble beginnings, the Vagos has grown substantially over the decades.
Growth of the Club:
- Member Estimation: Approximately 4,000 members
- Chapter Coverage: Around 200 chapters
- Reach: States including but not limited to Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Nevada, Oregon
Their presence, initially limited to California, has since spread across various parts of the United States and internationally, marking the Vagos as a significant entity in the one-percenter motorcycle club culture.
2. Insignia and Colors
The Vagos Motorcycle Club is distinguished by its unique insignia and choice of colors that members proudly wear. Their insignia features Loki, the Norse god of mischief, symbolizing the club’s embrace of the trickster’s rebellious and free-spirited nature.
Green and Black are the primary colors associated with the Vagos Motorcycle Club; these colors are prominently displayed on their clothing and motorcycles. Members typically wear patches, also known as colors, that represent their affiliation with the club.
Here is a breakdown of the Vagos MC’s insignia and colors:
- Insignia: An image of Loki riding a motorcycle
- Primary Colors: Green and black
- Patches: Members wear a patch depicting the insignia, along with other patches indicating their status or rank within the club.
The importance of these symbols cannot be understated: they signify camaraderie among members and allegiance to the club. The colors, in particular, serve as a uniform that denotes a member’s identity within the motorcycle community.
For more detailed information on the club’s origins and additional aspects, please refer to the entries on Wikipedia and HotCars.
3. Membership and Chapters
The Vagos Motorcycle Club boasts a significant membership that is both extensive and international. Originally formed in 1964, the club has evolved into an entity with approximately 4,000 members worldwide. They are recognized for their distinctive green attire and the Loki patch, indicative of the Norse god of mischief, which aligns with the club’s identity.
Membership within the Vagos MC is exclusive and typically necessitates an extensive vetting process. Prospective members face a rigorous period as a ‘prospect’ before full membership is granted, reflecting their commitment to the club’s ethos and traditions.
Chapters of the Vagos MC are predominantly found throughout the United States, with the club’s presence particularly strong in the following states:
- California
- Arizona
- Nevada
- Oregon
- Hawaii
But their reach does not end at the US borders; the Vagos MC has expanded internationally with chapters that traverse various other countries.
Here’s a concise overview of the chapters’ spread:
| United States Chapters | International Chapters |
|---|---|
| California | Mexico |
| Arizona | Japan |
| Nevada | Europe (Various) |
| Oregon | |
| Hawaii | |
| Idaho | |
| Illinois |
This strategic proliferation of chapters and steady growth in membership indicate the club’s prominent footprint in the one-percenter motorcycle community.
4. Expansion and International Presence
The Vagos Motorcycle Club has experienced significant expansion since its inception in California in 1964. Initially a regional group, they have since extended their reach both nationally and internationally.
- United States:
- Strong presence in California
- Chapters in states such as Arizona, Hawaii, Oregon
- International Growth:
- Chapters in Mexico
- Presence reported in Europe
Their insignia features Loki, the Norse god of mischief, which is a nod to their rebellious spirit and ties to Norse mythology. The club’s members often wear green, aligning with their nickname ‘Green Nation.’
The club claims that their international growth reflects a shared love for motorcycle riding and freedom. However, authorities in multiple countries watch the club closely, due to concerns about links to criminal activities.
Despite their controversial reputation, the Vagos MC has managed to cultivate a strong communal identity, with approximately 4,000 members globally spread across 200 chapters. Their global reach speaks to the club’s ability to resonate with members beyond their geographic origins.
5. Patch Design
The Vagos Motorcycle Club’s patch is distinct and full of symbolism. Known for the Norse Viking warrior portrayed, their patch reflects a rich tradition within the club. The Vagos often sport a green and black color scheme, which carries its own significance in biker culture.
Key Elements:
- The Norse Viking symbolizes a nod to strength and warrior ethos.
- Colors: Green and Black signify their distinctive identity.
Members of the Vagos Motorcycle Club may also be identified by a “1%” patch, a term that represents their proclaimed status outside of mainstream motorcycle organizations. This symbol is most commonly found in a diamond shape and is sometimes stitched in contrasting colors like white or red on a black background to stand out on their vests or jackets.
Underlying Meaning:
- 1% Diamond Patch: Signifies an affiliation with the “outlaw” biker culture.
The Vagos Motorcycle Club’s patches are a crucial part of their attire, cementing their identity and camaraderie among members. One must be cautious, as certain patches, including the 1% insignia, may denote involvement in activities that are frowned upon by society and law enforcement. Therefore, it’s advised to be mindful of the implications that wearing such patches could signify.
6. Chapters in Southern California
The Vagos Motorcycle Club, identifiable by their green attire and the Norse god Loki emblem, has a prominent foundation in Southern California. Since their inception in San Bernardino in 1965, they have established a significant presence.
Key Locations:
- San Bernardino: The birthplace of the club.
- Los Angeles: Home to multiple chapters with deep local roots.
The club began with a group of 13 motorcyclists, and over the years, the number of chapters has expanded across the region. Southern California chapters tend to serve as a central point for the club’s activities, given the area’s significance to the club’s history.
Chapter Coordination:
- Inter-chapter events and rides are common.
- Local community engagement varies by chapter.
These chapters, entrenched in the culture of Southern California, are integral to the club’s operations, camaraderie, and social structure. The Vagos MC’s Southern California chapters are not only central to the club’s identity but also play a crucial role in fostering the unity that defines the club.
7. Criminal Allegations and Incidents
The Vagos Motorcycle Club has faced serious criminal allegations over the years. Notably, incidents involving violent clashes with rival motorcycle clubs have captured media attention.
Highway Shooting Between Vagos and Hells Angels
On May 29, 2022, a high-profile incident occurred involving members of the Vagos and Hells Angels on a Nevada highway. This altercation led to at least seven individuals being wounded or injured.
Ambush on Freeway
Authorities have reported an ambush by Hells Angels on members of the Vagos Motorcycle Club. These confrontations highlight ongoing tensions between rival biker groups.
