Two Sides Of Biker Brotherhood
Motorcycle clubs have always fascinated people. There's something magnetic about the brotherhood, the leather jackets, and the roar of engines cutting through quiet streets. Some clubs dedicate themselves to charity work, while others earn notorious reputations that span decades. Here are twenty clubs that define both ends of the spectrum perfectly.
1. Harley Owners Group
Every Harley rider knows that feeling when chrome gleams under sunlight. Founded in 1983, HOG revolutionized how manufacturers connect with customers. Milwaukee's genius move led to the creation of the world's largest factory-sponsored motorcycle organization. Today, over 1 million members across six continents share road stories and authentic camaraderie.
2. Blue Knights International Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club
Police work never stops, but weekends bring different kinds of brotherhood. Since 1974, these law enforcement professionals have strengthened community relationships through charity rides. Blue Knights now spans 34 countries, proving that service extends far beyond uniform duties.
Blue Knights Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club by Marius C
3. Christian Motorcyclists Association (CMA)
CMA members combine spiritual beliefs with riding passion, connecting with people who rarely enter traditional church buildings. Founded in 1975, they've grown to over 125,000 members worldwide. On roaring Harleys, chaplains blend in until they’re needed, offering prayer, encouragement, and moments of stillness amid the chaos of the rally scene.
Christian Motorcyclists Association by Wichita Eagle
4. Gold Wing Road Riders Association
Founded in 1977, this group revolves around Honda Gold Wing enthusiasts who value comfort and safety on long-distance rides. The GWRRA isn’t just about travel—it’s about teaching. Through rider education and mechanical training, they’ve created a legacy of touring expertise that’s saved lives on highways nationwide.
The Gold Wing Road Riders Association Visited the NEMM by KAPLAN AMERICA
5. Motor Maids Inc
Breaking barriers takes courage, especially when society expects women to stay home. Motor Maids became America's first all-female motorcycle organization in 1940. The women rode cross-country when gas stations refused service to female riders. And with this, they inspired generations of women to claim the open road.
Honoring Motor Maid Betty Fauls by EZ Moto Tim
6. Red Knights International Firefighters Motorcycle Club
Red Knights started in 1982 when Massachusetts firefighters wanted camaraderie beyond station house walls. Now, more than 10,000 members across multiple countries ride together, supporting fallen heroes' families and burn victim charities. Sirens fade, but the brotherhood burns eternal.
Red Knights Rally - Edmonton Alb. 2019 by Randy A. Eckert
7. Patriot Guard Riders
Military funerals deserve dignity. Since 2005, these riders have been shielding grieving families with American flags and the rumble of motorcycle engines. Their silent presence speaks louder than any words could. Over 300,000 volunteers have attended thousands of services, making sure heroes receive proper final honors.
Patriot Guard Riders: Honor, respect, brotherhood by WOOD TV8
8. Rolling Thunder
Vietnam veterans created Rolling Thunder in 1987, demanding recognition for prisoners of war and missing soldiers. Their annual ride draws hundreds of thousands of motorcycles. Politicians finally listen when half a million engines roar through the nation's capital.
9. Bikers Against Child Abuse
Courtrooms terrify abused children, but leather-clad guardians provide a protective presence that helps kids testify against their abusers. Since 1995, they've empowered thousands of young survivors. Sometimes, the scariest-looking people possess the gentlest hearts and strongest protective instincts.
Bikers Against Child Abuse works to help kids by KRTV NEWS
10. Veterans Motorcycle Club
Combat creates unbreakable bonds between soldiers from distant decades, and healing happens naturally when veterans ride together, sharing stories without judgment or explanation. So, the VMC welcomes every military branch and service era across America. Many members find motorcycle therapy more effective than traditional counseling for processing overseas trauma.
Veteran Motorcycle Club by MPT News
However, not every motorcycle club dedicates itself to community service. Some organizations have earned their reputations through decades of law-breaking activities. The contrast couldn't be more striking between these two worlds of motorcycle culture.
1. Hells Angels Motorcycle Club
WWII veterans wanted brotherhood after witnessing horrors overseas. However, they founded the most notorious motorcycle club in history in Fontana, California, in 1948. Death's head patches eventually became international symbols of their illegal activities. Federal agents now spend entire careers tracking their networks across six continents.
Hells Angels Catch Fake Patch! by Choppertown
2. Bandidos Motorcycle Club
Houston dockworker Donald Chambers refused to accept the Hells Angels' dominance in 1966. So, he created the Bandidos Motorcycle Club and challenged California's supremacy. Government lawyers built cases that sent leaders to prison for decades. Today, they continue operating illicit networks while recruiting replacements for imprisoned members.
3. Outlaws Motorcycle Club
America's oldest outlaw club emerged from Chicago's South Side in 1935, as skull logos still terrorize rivals during territorial spanning. "God Forgives, Outlaws Don't" operates as a philosophy rather than a mere motto. Federal task forces dedicate entire careers to dismantling their illicit enterprises.
4. Pagans Motorcycle Club
The East Coast belongs to these territorial warriors who refuse to back down from anyone. Pagans and Hells Angels have been enemies for decades, fighting violently across state lines. Their smaller membership fosters tight bonds and often results in deadly consequences for disrespectful outsiders.
5. Mongols Motorcycle Club
Latino pride challenged discrimination when Mongols formed in East Los Angeles in 1969. Government agents achieved a legal victory by confiscating their trademark patches through federal courts. However, members fought back while expanding their illicit empires across southwestern states.
Mongols M.C- Utah by MONGOLS MOTORCYCLE CLUB
6. Warlocks Motorcycle Club
Warlock's phoenix patches symbolize rebirth through violence. Started in 1967, their operations extend across Pennsylvania and Florida through organized networks. Federal investigations show extensive distribution systems. Plus, illegal activities remain their primary focus rather than motorcycle culture.
Bringing Out the Baddest of the Bad | Warlocks Rising by Discovery
7. Sons Of Silence Motorcycle Club
Law enforcement struggles against Colorado's most secretive outlaw organization since 1966. These criminals perfected the art of staying invisible while conducting illegal business operations. Eagle Patches rarely appear in newspaper headlines or federal courtrooms. Mountains provide the perfect cover for activities that generate millions in profits.
Sons of Silence MC: The Silent 1%ers Still Standing After Federal War by Demons Row
8. Vagos Motorcycle Club
Nobody expected Latino bikers to challenge established outlaw territory in 1965. Green patches spread quickly through California's communities and beyond state borders. Violence follows wherever they attempt to expand into rival clubs. Federal task forces have also spent years building cases against their trafficking and smuggling operations.
Vagos MC - Los Angeles by Los Angeles Vagos
9. Devils Disciples Motorcycle Club
Born in Minnesota during the 1960s, the Devils Disciples embrace a reputation forged in cold weather and hard times. Prison is a rite of passage. Despite years of federal crackdowns, the club still recruits and runs lucrative operations that bankroll new turf grabs.
Devil's Disciples MC Rip Through Town SAT8MAY21 by Paul Byrne
10. Boozefighters Motorcycle Club
Wino Willie Forkner founded the club that sparked outlaw motorcycle culture in 1946. Members gained instant notoriety after their wild behavior during Hollister's 1947 motorcycle event made national headlines. Even Hollywood used their story to create the classic biker movie "The Wild One." Today's Boozefighters maintain their rebellious spirit while avoiding serious illegal activities.
