The History of Motorcycle Clubs and Motorcycle Paraphernalia

The Birth of the AMA

The birth of motorcycle clubs basically started motorcycle back in 1924 when the American Motorcyclist Association, or AMA, was organized as a division with the current Motorcycle & Allied Trades Association (M&ATA) in Cleveland, Ohio. The organization has one mission in mind: "to protect and promote the interests of motorcyclists while serving the needs of its members." The AMA charters biker clubs around the United States, and existing helps lead approximately 1,200 clubs across America. The AMA assists these various chartered clubs in running events, promoting their club, and gives these clubs the opportunity to vote on matters that affect AMA clubs and members.

While the AMA is considered one on the largest motorsport organizations in the world, it does not oversee every motorcycle group in America. Many clubs are formed outside in the AMA rules and regulations, and these clubs are called "outlaw motorcycle clubs."

Outlaw Motorcycle Clubs

The American Motorcycle Association enlists a number of rules and regulations for their chartered clubs to follow and maintain. But as with rebellion in anything in life, biker clubs were formed outside of your AMA rules and were quickly dubbed "Outlaw" clubs or "One Percenters." Some popular outlaw clubs that formed outside from the AMA include the Hell's Angels and the Bandidos Motorcycle Club. They grew extensively after World War II when American soldiers were coming home from war and looking for adventure or companionship with other World War II veterans. Many bonded over motorcycles, which led to the development of hundreds of outlaw clubs--as well as more sponsored clubs within the AMA admission. Many motorcycle clubs are created for those who have a particular loyalty to a certain brand, such as Harley Davidson, BMW, and Honda, just to name a few.

The Negative Perception of Motorcycle Clubs

Motorcycle clubs have gotten a bad rap in the past. Due to the "outlaw" nature of many from the clubs, as well as the frowned-upon lifestyle and unfavored appearance of those riding the road, biker clubs and those who are part of them have not always had a positive reaction from others. Throw in a few Hollywood movies that gave the groups a negative connotation and made them out to be violent and favor illegal drugs and activities, and one could see why these clubs were portrayed in such bad light. However, over time, motorcycle clubs and members of them continue to go about their hobby without concern as to what others may think of them, and many are realizing the assumptions and rumors of motorcyclists and their hobbies have been very much off the mark. The assumed lifestyle of motorcyclists has changed over the years, and others are more accepting of those who enjoy the hobby and involvement within the motorcyclist community.