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The trend of wearing artistic motorcycle tattoo designs was started by motorcycle clubs. Over the years, biker tattoos have evolved into a universal form of body art that either has symbolic meaning or just a cool look. Though there are plenty of tattoo designs to choose from, there are certain rules when it comes to picking a motorcycle tattoo.
The logos, names, and exclusive designs belonging to members of 1% outlaw motorcycle clubs are off-limits.
1. Outlaw Biker Tattoos
The outlaw motorcycle clubs were denounced by the American Motorcycle Association after the disastrous motorcycle rally held at Hollister in 1947.
Following that unfortunate incident, all motorcycle rebels got together, proudly accepted their 1%er identity, and created a black diamond-shaped biker patch with a red 1% stitched on it. All outlaw motorcycle club members wear this patch as a symbol of rebellion, illicit activities, and rejection of law.
Moreover, outlaw club members wear rocker patches called colors that feature their club name, chapter location, and club insignia. A regular biker is not allowed to wear these patches.
To find out why, click here.
Just like their unique biker patches, outlaw club members take pride in their edgy and peculiar body art since the club insignia, club name, and memories associated with the tattoo are unique to each rider. Each club has a distinct tattoo style that all members need grafted on their bodies to be considered part of the club.
Let’s find out distinct tattoo styles of the most dangerous outlaw MCs in America.
2. 1%er Tattoo
Getting a tattoo displaying the words “one percenter” in a stylish calligraphy font or the diamond shaped patch style 1% tattoo is customary for all outlaw club members.
Bikers wear these motorcycle tattoos on their forearms, shoulder blades, biceps, or chest. For the diamond shaped outline of the tattoo, the motorcycle chain design is used to give off the authentic biker tattoo feel.
3. Hells Angels Tattoos
The Hells Angels is the most dangerous motorcycle club in America. The infamous outlaw club is famous for its insignia displaying a devil’s skull with a single golden wing.
The members get the logo tattooed wherever it can be easily seen. Grafting the club’s name on the forearms is another way to show your affiliation. A devilish skull with large wings and a helmet riding a Harley Davidson motorcycle is a popular Hells Angels motorcycle tattoo.
4. Mongols MC Tattoo
The Mongols MC is one of the most feared outlaw motorcycle clubs in California. The club’s members are obsessed with Genghis Khan and they love to have his caricature inked on their shaved heads. The club insignia featuring Genghis Khan riding a motorcycle is usually tattooed on the biceps, chest, or back.
A stylish Mongols MC tattoo displays a 3D letter “M” filled with images of motorcycles and Genghis Khan. Below the image is the script “live mongol, die mongol.”
5. Pagan MC Tattoos
The Pagans are a group of ruthless bikers that love to ride their Triumph motorcycles and dominate the American motorcycle scene. The club’s logo features a Norse god sitting in the sun and wielding a large sword in his hand.
A popular Pagan MC tattoo displays scorching flames engulfing the 1% tattoo. Another one is a Norse god riding a Triumph motorcycle on a path of flames with swords dangling from the handlebars.
6. Rebels MC Tattoos
The members of Rebels MC are known for their illegal activities and horrible logo featuring a starry-eyed, leering skull. The insignia also displays the colors of the American flag.
The Rebels MC’s motorcycle tattoos have skulls galore. A biker tattoo featuring an Indian Vintage motorcycle with a skull emblem on the tank or a motorcycle with a skull shaped headlight are some of the common tattoos that the Rebels love to flaunt.
7. Bandidos MC Tattoos
A tattoo featuring a cowboy with a large hat, grim face, pistol in the right hand, and a scabbard in the left hand is a symbol of the Bandidos MC, a Texas-based outlaw motorcycle club.
The members get the logo tattooed on their calves, biceps, chest and back.
Those who want to keep it simple get the diamond-shaped 1% tattoo with a banner on top featuring the name “Bandidos.”
Some club members get a tattoo of a cowboy pointing a pistol at a biker in the middle of a desert.
8. Outlaws MC Tattoo
Although all law-breaking motorcycle clubs are called outlaws, there is a powerful motorcycle club based in Illinois known as the Outlaws MC.
Outlaws MC members are inked with various motorcycle tattoos. Getting the club’s logo and name tattooed on the back, chest, or shaved head is a popular practice. Moreover, the biceps are decorated with full-sleeve motorcycle tattoos. The designs may include a long street full of outlaw bikers out for mischief and fun. The motorcycle silhouette or engine tattoos are also well-liked by its members.
9. Sons of Silence Tattoo
Members of the Sons of Silence can get their club’s name grafted on their arm to create a full sleeve biker tattoo. A motorcycle back tattoo featuring the club’s logo and a large eagle with wide-spread wings sitting over the letter “A” is very popular among members.
Certain bikers in the Sons of Silence add other images such as a bagger motorcycle with large fireballs for saddlebags and a banner displaying the words “silence is the ultimate revenge” fixed on its tail.
10. Gypsy Jokers Tattoo
Have you ever seen a biker wearing a motorcycle back tattoo featuring a skull with a wicked laugh and the words “gypsy joker?” That tattoo indicates that the rider was a member of the outlaw motorcycle club known as the Gypsy Jokers.
The Gypsy Jokers have the club’s logo tattooed on their back. They cover their forearms with colorful 3D motorcycle tattoo designs that display a joker riding an expensive sport bike or performing acrobats on a wheel of fire. A joker’s face contorted into a motorcycle fairing with a headless rider controlling the bike is another peculiar outlaw tattoo design.
11. Christian Bikers Tattoos
The Christain Motorcycle Association is a group of christian bikers dedicated to spreading the word of Jesus Christ and evangelizing motorcyclists. The members of this club wear different motorcycle tattoos with a large cross in the background. Usually, the tattoo features the script, “He Is Risen” or “Ride with Him for Life.”
While a motorcycle tattoo with a cross is not completely off-limits, a tattoo signifying allegiance to Christianity could risk offending the community.
12. Red Devils Tattoos
The Red Devils MC tattoo features a red faced devil grinning widely. The members like to get the logo tattooed on their forearm or bicep where it ca be seen.
A red devil riding a motorcycle is a popular motorcycle tattoo amongst members of the Red Devils MC. Many members customize the red devil tattoo to create their own unique versions. Add images of spanners, hammer, engine cooling fins, suspensions, shock absorbers, or other motorcycle parts to make a stylish motorcycle tattoo.
13. Frequently Asked Questions
13.1 What Do 1% Tattoos Signify?
The 1% tattoos represent motorcycle clubs that are involved in criminal activities and are not acknowledged by the American Motorcycle Association.
13.2 Is It Disrespectful to Tattoo a Motorcycle Club’s Name?
Yes. A non-member is not allowed to wear any kind of outlaw motorcycle club tattoo. Wearing tattoos and biker patches with an outlaw club’s name is considered disrespectful and could lead to violent encounters with outlaw club members.
13.3 What Are Some Common Motorcycle Club Tattoos?
The most common motorcycle club tattoos include:
- Hells Angels tattoo
- Mongol MC tattoo
- 1% tattoo
- Rebels tattoo
- Outlaw MC tattoo
13.4 What Does a Skull With Wings Tattoo Means?
A skull with wings tattoo has cultural significance. It is a depiction of a Latin maxim “Memento Mori” and is worn to represent death.
14. Takeaway
The outlaw motorcycle club tattoos are badass and inspiring. While you can take inspiration from their exciting designs, it is best not to wear an exact replica of a 1% motorcycle club's tattoo(s). Any members from any outlaw club are highly possessive of their club’s logo, mottos, and tattoo designs. Therefore, use this guide to help you steer clear of the outlaw motorcycle club tattoos.
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