Have you ever driven around town and noticed that bar that always has motorcycles parked outside? It can be intimidating entering a location that seems favored by your local motorcycle club. Media and popular culture have taught us that motorcycle clubs are full of scary criminals — but that isn’t always true. Some MCs, as they’re called, serve their communities in meaningful ways. For example, a chapter of the Boozefighters Motorcycle Club recently donated $5,500 to the Soup Kitchen of Greater Wheeling. While the Boozefighters were historically known as an outlaw club, or a club associated with criminal activity, the motorcycle club has changed their ways and is now known for espousing the principles of adventure and brotherhood.
That being said, the media was right in some regards — and there are some outlaw motorcycle clubs that you want to steer clear of. These clubs have shown that they’re not afraid of getting in trouble with the law and, in some cases, even welcome in. Exploring the motorcycle gangs around the country gives you a better idea of what kind of criminal enterprises and initiatives — from drug trafficking to murder — might be happening in your area. Here, 24/7 Wall St. broke down 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. We collected information from the U.S. Justice Department, the Office of Justice, and Public Intelligence. Clubs are listed in no particular order. (These are the gangs to worry about in every state.)
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. Their efforts undermine local economies. Further, tactics like violence and intimidation may harm local businesses, as people do not want to go anywhere where they aren’t safe. As a financial site, we cover everything related to the economy, including motorcycle gangs. (Interested in other gangs, especially ones incarcerated motorcycle club members might join? These are the most feared prison gangs in America.)
Here are the motorcycle gangs you might encounter across America:
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. They’re especially prominent in the drug and weapons trade. Known for their red and white colors, they originated in California in 1948.
2. The Bandidos Motorcycle Club
The Bandidos Motorcycle Club, 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! In fact, like some other clubs on this list, the Bandidos are considered an international crime syndicate.
3. Mongols Motorcycle Club
Also known as the Mongol Brotherhood, 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. Only men are allowed to join the Mongols — so long as they are not African American.
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. This one-percenter club has been operating since the 1930s. The Outlaws are designated as a crime syndicate by numerous international agencies.
5. Sons of Silence Motorcycle Club
The Sons of Silence, an international motorcycle club, are 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. Money laundering and weapons trafficking are only a few of their criminal activities.
6. Pagan’s Motorcycle Club
The Pagan’s 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. The Pagan’s Motorcycle Club is considered one of the bigger clubs. They have no problem using violence or intimidation against rival gangs, and are heavily involved in the criminal world.
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. The club’s insignia is Loki, the Greek god of mischief.
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 — which is no surprise considering their extensive 70+ year run. The Highwaymen have been looked at by the FBI and local law enforcement for gun trafficking, racketeering, and drug activity.
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. They are outlaw clubs though and have been implicated in crimes from prostitution to murder.
10. Black Pistons Motorcycle Club
The Black Pistons, an international outlaw club, serve as a support club for the Outlaws and are technically considered part of that club. They help with recruitment and logistics, making them a crucial part of the Outlaws’ network. In terms of criminal activity, the Black Pistons are involved with drugs.
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. The Iron Order is also considered one of the fastest growing motorcycle clubs worldwide.
12. Gypsy Joker Motorcycle Club
Based in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest, the one-percenter Gypsy Joker Motorcycle Club is 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. In fact, certain members have been arrested for kidnapping, torture, and murder.
13. The Devils Diciples Motorcycle Club
Spelled intentionally, this Michigan-based outlaw club has a long history of law enforcement scrutiny. They aren’t the most law-abiding motorcycle gang, after all. The Devils Diciples has been deeply involved in the drug trade and is not sanctioned by the American Motorcyclist Association.
14. Free Souls Motorcycle Club
This outlaw club has been operating for over fifty years. The motorcycle club is 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. This outlaw club has been associated with weapons and drug trafficking.
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. This outlaw club has been implicated in crimes such as racketeering.
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, such as the 2015 Waco shootout. Seven people were killed. This willingness to engage in disputes has certainly earned the Cossacks 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. This one-percenter outlaw club has the motto “death before dishonor,” and has been said to be involved in illicit drug sales.
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, but some research suggests that they could be involved in weapons trafficking in some way.
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