The 20th century was a golden era for motorcycle culture, giving birth to some of the most iconic and influential motorcycle clubs the world has ever seen. These clubs, often built on a foundation of brotherhood, rebellion, and the open road, have left a mark on both the motorcycle community and popular culture. From the rough bikers of the post-war era to the modern-day riders pushing the limits of what’s possible, these 15 motorcycle clubs represent the spirit of freedom and adventure that defined the century. Their impact transcended the highways, influencing music, movies, and the very identity of the rebellious youth culture. Whether through legendary club rivalries, their unique codes of conduct, or their dedication to the thrill of the ride, these clubs have come to symbolize a truly fearless lifestyle. Here are 15 motorcycle clubs that were founded in the 20th century.
1. The Hell’s Angels
Formed: 1948
Location: Oakland, California
One of the most notorious and well-known outlaw motorcycle clubs, the Hells Angels, have chapters worldwide. They are known for their rebellious attitude, distinctive “death’s head” logo, and long history with law enforcement.
2. Outlaws Motorcycle Club
Formed: 1935
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Founded by a group of veterans from the Great Depression era, the Outlaws are known for their strong presence in the U.S. and internationally. They often rival the Hells Angels and have a reputation for criminal activity.
3. Mongols Motorcycle Club
Formed: 1969
Location: Montebello, California
Originally founded by a group of Mexican-American riders, the Mongols are known for their defiant culture and often engage in rivalries with other outlaw clubs.
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4. Bandidos Motorcycle Club
Formed: 1966
Location: Houston, Texas
The Bandidos were founded by a group of war veterans and became one of the biggest outlaw motorcycle clubs in the world. They are involved in various criminal activities, including violent confrontations with rival clubs.
5. Pagans Motorcycle Club
Formed: 1957
Location: Prince George’s County, Maryland
The Pagans have a reputation for criminal activity and violence. They are primarily active in the eastern U.S. but have expanded internationally.
6. Devil’s Henchmen
Formed: 1960s
Location: Midwest, USA
The Devil’s Henchmen were involved in a variety of criminal enterprises, including arms trafficking. Their roots were based in the Midwest.
7. The Easy Bay Dragons Motorcycle Club
Formed: 1960s
Location: San Francisco Bay Area, California
This club is known for its violent nature and has been involved in several violent confrontations with other outlaw gangs. They were a regional powerhouse in the biker community.
8. Vagos Motorcycle Club
Formed: 1965
Location: San Bernardino, California
The Vagos are a predominantly Latino club, and they have spread across the U.S. and internationally. Known for being heavily involved in criminal activities, the Vagos are one of the top 1% outlaw clubs.
9. The Sons Of Silence, 1971
Formed: 1966
Location: Denver, Colorado
This international club was founded in 1966. There are chapters in the U.S. and Germany, and the club is recognized as a criminal organization by the U.S. Department of Justice.
10. Brothers in Arms Veteran Motorcycle Club
Formed: 1990s
Location: United Kingdom
A UK-based club known for its working-class roots and ties to the mod culture. The Brothers in Arms has seen a growth in the 1990s and has ties to both legal and illegal activities.
11. Ching-A-Ling Motorcycle Club
Formed: Late 1940s
Location: New York City, New York
The Ching-A-Lings was one of the first biker clubs in New York City and had a significant influence on the culture of urban motorcycle gangs in the late 1940s and 1950s. Pictured here is a nomad Ching-A-Ling meeting with a Diablo.
12. Grim Reapers Motorcycle Club
Formed: 1960s
Location: United Kingdom
One of the oldest motorcycle clubs in the UK, the Grim Reapers built a reputation for both their rebellious attitude and illegal activities, notably in the drug trade during the 1970s and 1980s.
13. Hells Outcasts
Formed: 1947
Location: St. Paul, Minnesota
The Hell’s Outcasts were formed in the early 1900s but have a problem with staying out of trouble. In 2018, six of them were convicted of assaulting a bouncer at a bar. The convicted members received prison time.
14. The Chosen Few Motorcycle Club
Formed: 1920s
Location: Chicago, Illinois
The Chosen Few was an early 20th-century club known for its wide-reaching influence across the U.S. It started as an all black club, but just a year later, it allowed non-black members to join.
15. The Norton Motorcycle Club, 1930
Formed: 1930
Location: Geelong, Victoria, Australia
While they aren’t recognized as a legitimate club in the modern sense, these guys called themselves the “Norton Owners Club”, and a group of 20 guys on bikes seems like a club to me. Pictured is the club outside Kerleys Auction House in Geelong, Victoria, Australia, 1930. An entire club on their bikes is truly a terrifying yet amazing sight.
