Outlaw motorcycle club

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Outlaw motorcycle club

An outlaw motorcycle club is a motorcycle subculture that has its roots in the immediate post-World War II era of American society. These clubs are also known as one-percenter motorcycle clubs and are often associated with criminal activities and a countercultural lifestyle. The term "one-percenter" originated from a statement by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) that 99% of motorcyclists were law-abiding citizens, implying that the remaining one percent were outlaws.

History[edit | edit source]

Outlaw motorcycle clubs began to form in the late 1940s and early 1950s. The Hells Angels Motorcycle Club was founded in 1948 in Fontana, California. Other notable clubs include the Outlaws Motorcycle Club, the Bandidos Motorcycle Club, and the Mongols Motorcycle Club. These clubs often have a hierarchical structure with a president, vice president, treasurer, and other officers.

Culture and Activities[edit | edit source]

Outlaw motorcycle clubs are known for their distinctive motorcycles, often Harley-Davidsons, and their unique club patches or "colors" that members wear on their jackets. These patches typically include the club's logo, the chapter location, and the member's rank within the club.

Members of outlaw motorcycle clubs often engage in activities such as motorcycle rallies, charity events, and group rides. However, they are also frequently associated with organized crime, including drug trafficking, arms dealing, and violent crimes.

Law Enforcement and Legal Issues[edit | edit source]

Law enforcement agencies, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), monitor outlaw motorcycle clubs closely due to their involvement in criminal activities. Various laws and regulations have been enacted to curb the influence and activities of these clubs, including RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act).