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24/7 Wall St. Key Takeaways:
- Motorcycle clubs are often associated with illicit activity, and many of the clubs below do illegal things. However, not all clubs participate in outlaw culture.
- These gangs represent a huge range of values and lifestyles.
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Motorcycle clubs have long been a fixture of American culture. While many focus on camaraderie and shared love of the open road, others have gained notoriety for their outlaw activities. While not all motorcycle gangs do illicit activities, some absolutely do!
Whether you’re a rider or a curious observer, here’s a breakdown of some of the most well-known motorcycle gangs and the regions where you might encounter them. Motorcycle gangs are very regional, so the gangs you’d find in one part of the country won’t be found elsewhere.
Why We’re Covering This
Motorcycle gangs are often engaged in organized crime, such as illicit drug production and firearms trafficking. These have a serious economic impact, and as a financial site, we cover everything related to the economy, including motorcycle gangs. We’ll focus explicitly on if and how these gangs impact the economy.
We’ve covered the most feared prison gangs in America, too.
1. Hells Angels Motorcycle Club
The Hells Angels are perhaps the most infamous motorcycle gang globally, with chapters in the U.S. and beyond. They’ve been designated as a criminal syndicate in several companies, as they do lots of illicit activity.
Known for their red and white colors, they originated in California in 1948.
2. The Bandidos Motorcycle Club
The Bandidos, founded in Texas, is one of the largest one-percenter motorcycle clubs in the world. Their motto, “We are the people our parents warned us about,” reflects their rebellious image. They’re also known for illicit activity, as you might imagine!
3. Mongols Motorcycle Club
The Mongols were founded in Southern California in the late 1960s. Now, they’re rivals of the Hells Angels. They are known for their black and white insignia featuring a Mongolian warrior.
4. Outlaws Motorcycle Club
The Outlaws, established in Illinois, predate the Hells Angels and are recognized by their skull and crossed pistons emblem. They currently have a strong presence in the Midwest, but they may be found beyond, too.
5. Sons of Silence Motorcycle Club
The Sons of Silence is known for their patch-over process, which involves absorbing smaller clubs into their ranks. Thanks to this process, they have been able to grow in the Midwest. However, they operate primarily in Colorado.
6. Pagans Motorcycle Club
The Pagans originated in Maryland and are prominent on the East Coast. Their insignia, the Norse fire god Surtr, and blue and white colors are easily recognizable.
7. Vagos Motorcycle Club
The Vagos are also known as the “Green Nation.” They have a strong presence in the Southwest and are known for their illicit activities.
8. Highwaymen Motorcycle Club
This Detroit-based club, founded in the 1950s, has chapters across the Midwest. Known for their black and silver patches, they are one of Michigan’s most prominent clubs.
9. Warlocks Motorcycle Club
There are two notable Warlocks clubs: one founded in Pennsylvania and another in Florida. They are technically separate, with different distinct insignias. Both have a strong regional focus and aren’t considered international clubs.
10. Black Pistons Motorcycle Club
The Black Pistons serve as a support club for the Outlaws. They help with recruitment and logistics, making them a crucial part of the Outlaws’ network. They’re technically part of the Outlaws.
11. Iron Order Motorcycle Club
The Iron Order is a bit different from other motorcycle clubs, as they’re affiliated with law enforcement. They have a controversial reputation, as many motorcycle gangs are still associated with crime.
12. Gypsy Jokers Motorcycle Club
Based in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest, the Gypsy Jokers are known for their colorful patches and turbulent history with rival clubs. They don’t engage as heavily in illicit activities as other gangs, but they do have some intense rivalries.
13. The Devils Diciples Motorcycle Club
Spelled intentionally with an extra “i,” this Michigan-based club has a long history of law enforcement scrutiny. They aren’t the most law-abiding motorcycle gang, after all.
14. Free Souls Motorcycle Club
This independent club operates primarily in Oregon and is one of the few motorcycle gangs not affiliated with larger outlaw groups. They’re largely independently run and not known for as many illicit activities as other gangs.
15. Brother Speed Motorcycle Club
Founded in Idaho, Brother Speed has expanded across the Pacific Northwest. Their black and gold colors are a familiar sight at motorcycle events in the region. They aren’t necessarily the most widely known motorcycle club, but they’re becoming more popular.
16. Red Devils Motorcycle Club
As an official support club for the Hells Angels, the Red Devils operate worldwide, often acting as a recruitment pool for the larger club. They’re considered “less intense” than the Devil’s Angels and often feed the larger club members.
17. Cossacks Motorcycle Club
Based in Texas, the Cossacks are known for their involvement in high-profile disputes with the Bandidos. Sometimes, these turn violent, which has earned them a reputation. However, they aren’t as well-known as some other motorcycle gangs out there.
18. Street Life Motorcycle Club
This community-focused club is less about outlaw activity and more about brotherhood and charity, showing the diverse spectrum of motorcycle groups in America. They’re not involved in illicit activities and are considered one of the “good guys” in the motorcycle world.
19. Sin City Disciples Motorcycle Club
This predominantly African-American club, based in Gary, Indiana, has chapters across the country. Known for their black and red colors, they emphasize respect and loyalty.
20. Rare Breed Motorcycle Club
Rare Breed focuses on Harley-Davidson riders, particularly within the African-American community. They’re known for their positive contributions to local communities. They aren’t considered an “outlaw” club.
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