Joining a biker gang or a 1% club is not easy. While some big clubs are law-abiding, others are involved in criminal activities, and they have a strict set of expectations for new members.
If you’ve always dreamed about becoming an outlaw biker, you’ll probably give up once you see some rules that new members have to follow. Check out the toughest rules for joining the most badass biker clubs!
#1 Own a Specific Make of Motorcycle
First things first: getting a replica of Marlon Brando’s leather jacket from “The Wild One” will not secure you a membership card in a badass biker club. You will have to invest in a good rig to prove that you’re worthy.
Badass motorcycle gangs almost always require you to have a bike from only one manufacturer. Some can even ask for specific new or vintage models. Also, most gangs will frown upon non-American-made motorcycles.
For some outlaw gangs who take part in organized crime, certain motorcycle models are essential because they can help the leaders to easily identify new members. Whatever the case, the clubs will only accept a certain model to make sure that you will be able to pull your weight. For example, the Hells Angels have always ridden Harley Davidsons, but they also accept Buell bikes since Harley owns this company. So before you grow out your mutton chops, get yourself some new wheels that your new biker gang will accept.
#2 Ride a Certain Number of Miles per Year
Anyone can buy an iconic American motorcycle like a Harley-Davidson nowadays, but that also won’t be enough to secure your membership. Aside from having a classic set of wheels, you’ll need to ride it with dedication. This is the only way to prove that you’re committed and that you’re worthy of the club’s time.
That’s why many gang leaders set rules that require you to complete a certain mileage on your bike. Most bike clubs will have a yearly minimum on the number of miles. The rule will set you apart from the “weekend” or casual rides and prove that you’re legit. For instance, the Hells Angels have a 20,000 mile minimum per year. Completing this rule every year is the only thing that will enable you to keep your membership.
#3 Some Clubs Make New Members Race as an Initiation
The process of becoming a club member is actually very similar to becoming a fraternity brother in college. Apart from the previous two rules, new members will likely get a set of tasks or challenges. That way, they’ll prove their worth to the club.
Quite often, that requires you to agree to do anything they ask you. It could be as simple as doing mundane tasks and maintaining the clubhouse. However, that could go on for weeks or even entire months until the higher-ups allow you to fully become a member. What’s more, it could all end in one epic race in which you get to prove yourself to the club. If you win, you could automatically become a member.
Other clubs like the Bandidos can take it to the extreme and ask new members to wear vests covered in vomit and other bodily fluids. If you manage to ride your chopper until the vest gets dry, you’ll become a member.
#4 Take Care of Your Biking Gear
Patches, bandanas, leather jackets, and club colors are not just for show. They are a massive part of a gang member’s identity. That’s why most clubs will have strict dress codes. Some even require you to only wear a specific jacket brand.
During a club meeting, everyone will need to wear the patches and colors that respond to the gang’s dress code. They are there for identification purposes, and they allow other gang members to recognize you. Therefore, the rule here is to follow the code strictly, but you also have to keep your clothes in great condition. The same goes for your bike and additional gear. You need to maintain your bike frequently to ensure that it’s in great working condition so that you don’t slow down the other club members.
After all, motorcycle gangs are all about taking pride in their rides, and a poorly performing bike will not get you anywhere. If you neglect your bike and your gear, you could get kicked out.
#5 Attendance at Meetings Is Mandatory
Even though motorcycle gangs are based on freedom and a devil-may-care lifestyle, they actually have tons of rules that each member has to follow. Even if you have the perfect motorcycle model and complete your yearly mileage, you’ll need to show up every time when the club organizes a meeting.
These club meetings, also known as Church, usually occur on a weekly basis. You cannot skip a meeting, and there could be consequences if you do. These meetings are generally social occasions that allow you to meet with your club members and mates. Additionally, the leaders could make important announcements or discuss upcoming plans or itineraries.
Some clubs like Devils Breed allow you to miss a meeting, but only if you provide a legitimate reason. Still, if you miss multiple meetings, you could get kicked out.
#6 Women Are Not Allowed to Join as Members
Most 1% clubs are run by white males, and they are not the most tolerant organizations when it comes to diversity. The majority of outlaw clubs ban women along with gay men or men of color. That’s why it’s incredibly rare to see a woman in a male-centric outlaw motorcycle gang. Because of that, women made their own motorcycle clubs. Motor Maids, one of the earliest female motorcycle gangs, came about in the 1940s. Moreover, female-only clubs have a different hierarchy compared to male gangs.
#7 Loyalty Is Demanded From All Members
Like we’ve said, outlaw motorcycle clubs often meddle in illegal activities. For many of those gangs, testing and humiliating new members will not be enough. The leaders of some clubs could ask new members to take part in all sorts of crimes, like robberies, to show their value to the team. You need to cover the backs of the other members, and you should expect them to do the same to you.
Some gangs who take part in serious crime even ask new members to attack, injure or even execute members from rival motorcycle clubs.
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