biker clubs

What Does One Percenter (1%er) Mean in Motorcycle Clubs?

What-Does-One-Percenter-Mean-in-Motorcycle-Clubs

Have you ever wondered why some people refer to Motorcycle Clubs as Biker Gangs? Most people consider motorcycle club members as bad people. They have a negative image of bikers.


As a motorcyclist, we know it is a wrong perception about all bikers. However, the negative perception in most peoples’ minds regarding motorcycle clubs as biker gangs is justified.


The bad bikers have ruined the image of all motorcycle clubs. MCs, such as the outlaw motorcycle clubs or One Percenters (1%ers), are responsible for negatively impacting the true motorcycle culture.


The question is: “Who are these 1%ers in motorcycle clubs?” “What does One Percenter mean in motorcycle clubs?” “Are 1%ers and Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs (OMGs) the same?” Let's find out in this article.


However, before we get into the details, if you ever find a motorcyclist with a 1%er patch on his vest, ensure to keep a distance.

1. What Does 1 Percenter Motorcycle Club Mean?

What Does 1 Percenter Motorcycle Club Mean?
Photo Credit: Hot Cars

In short, the 1 Percenter or 1%er motorcycle clubs are those that are involved in criminal activities and violence and are considered illegal. In other words, they can also be termed as Outlaw Motorcycle Clubs.

1.1 One Percenter/1%er Patch Meaning

1%er Patch Meaning
Photo Credit: Rider Nation

If you find a member of a motorcycle club wearing a 1%er patch, it means he is part of an outlaw motorcycle club. It is a clear sign or warning that you should not get involved in any conversation or quarrel with someone wearing a 1%er patch.

Important:

• If you are on the same road with One Percenters, make way for them while slowing down.
• Don’t try to intersect any of the 1%er motorcycle club’s members.
• Do not give any sign of even a hint of competing with members of 1%er motorcycle club.
• You can get in deep trouble if you come across as a threat to any 1%er motorcycle club member.

2. Motorcycle Clubs: How It All Started?

After World War II ended, many soldiers who survived returned home. They had gone through so much stress and psychological trauma of losing their brothers in the war.


Most of these returning soldiers were actively engaged in the battlefield. They did not have much to do after returning home safely. As a result, they started motorcycling. After all, many military motorbikes were available throughout World War II.


As they continued motorcycling, they became passionate about it. They started to repair and maintain their bikes by themselves. Eventually, they gained a lot of knowledge about bikes and became experienced.


Riding alone was still an issue, so the veterans started reaching out to each other for group rides. Group riding became a craze, and this was how motorcycle clubs were formed.


The essence of these motorcycle clubs has always been brotherhood and loyalty. Most MCs used to ride together to enjoy the camaraderie and get over the past.


However, some motorcycle clubs, after getting together in large numbers, started doing illegal activities. These violent and criminal motorcycle clubs later became known as Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs or 1%ers.

3. Brief History: Who Are One Percenters / 1%ers?

It all started in Hollister, California, during a motorcycle rally organized by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) in 1947. It was expected to be a peaceful rally, but somehow, things got out of control. The peaceful motorcycle rally was interrupted by violence and misconduct.


This was the moment when AMA pointed out these lawless bikers who are negatively portraying the motorcycling culture as a whole.


According to the AMA:

“99 percent of the motorcycle riders are law-abiding; there is 1 percent who are not.”

American Motorcyclist Association (AMA)

This was the origin of the 1%ers. From then on, those motorcyclists who are law-abiding and ride responsibly are from the 99 percent. It doesn’t matter whether they ride solo or in a group with a motorcycle club.


While those bikers who lost the right track and got attracted toward crimes were termed “One Per Centers” or “1%ers”.

4. The Difference Between Motorcycle Clubs and Biker Gangs

Before we get into the topic, we need to know the difference between the motorcycle club and biker gangs. In reality, there may not be any difference between a motorcycle club and a biker gang. However, both the motorcycle club and biker gangs are perceived differently.

4.1 Motorcycle Clubs

Motorcycle Clubs
Photo Credit: AZCenteral

Generally, motorcycle clubs are used for MCs who are law-abiding. They follow all the safety rules and protocols. They enjoy riding a motorcycle in groups and are usually operating to support a good cause.

4.2 Biker Gangs

Meanwhile, “Biker gangs” is perceived as a negative term for bikers who don’t follow the law. It is usually used for outlaw motorcycle gangs or One Percenters.

5. The Difference Between 1%ers, Outlaw Motorcycle Clubs, and Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs

5.1 1%ers / One Percent Motorcycle Clubs

As mentioned, 1%ers are those MCs who have been termed as lawless by AMA after the 1947 motorcycle rally misconduct incident in Hollister, California. 1%ers may and may not be involved in crimes or violence.

5.2 Outlaw Motorcycle Club

On the other hand, Outlaw Motorcycle Clubs are bikers who are generally perceived as riding Harley Davidson motorcycles and choppers. They love wearing leather jackets and boast their masculinity.


They also promote their specific biker culture with bandanas on their heads. Brotherhood and loyalty are among their top priority to become a part of the family (Motorcycle Club).


Outlaw Motorcycle Clubs may or may not be involved in crime. However, they do not follow the AMA's specific instructions. Instead, they have their own set of rules.

5.3 Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs (OMG)

Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs (OMG)
Photo Credit: Vox

Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs (OMG) are considered criminal motorcycle clubs that operate to facilitate crime. They have been declared “Criminal Organizations” by the U.S. Department of Justice. Such Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs are involved in serious crimes, such as:

  • Drug trafficking

  • Abduction

  • Keeping weapons

  • Weapons trafficking

  • Stealing

  • Motorcycle theft

  • Money laundering

6. The Most Notorious Big Four 1%ers or Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs to Avoid

There are many 1%er MCs or outlaw motorcycle gangs operating in the US. However, the chapters mentioned below are among the largest, with several chapters in different U.S. states and overseas. The Big Four 1%ers include:

  • Hells Angels Motorcycle Club

  • Pagans Motorcycle Club

  • The Outlaws MC

  • Bandidos Motorcycle Club

7. How Do You Become a Member of the 1%er/One Percenter Motorcycle Club?

7.1 Strict Policies & Procedures to Become a 1%er Club

It is not easy to become a member of the 1%er/One Percenter Motorcycle Club. These outlaws MCs have very strict policies and procedures to become a 1%er patch holder.

7.2 It May Take Years to Prove Yourself to the 1%er Club

It may take you years to prove your loyalty and sincerity to treat the 1%er motorcycle club as your family. You may require years to understand the motorcycle club's values and operations. You will have to be completely faithful to the members of the 1%er club and its leadership.

7.3 Get in Touch with a Member of the 1%er Motorcycle Club to Vouch for You

The entry to the 1%er motorcycle club, in most cases, is the same as most MCs. There may not be an online application to submit to become a member of the 1%er motorcycle club.


Instead, you will have to find a way to contact and communicate with an existing member to forward your application. He will require you to prove your loyalty towards the motorcycle club and to convince other members and leadership to let you in.

7.4 You May Become a Hangaround in the 1%er Motorcycle Club

Even after all this, you still get to hang around with the 1%er motorcycle club. This is the time for you to learn and understand about the club. You get familiar with the activities and how they operate.


As a hangaround, you are only allowed to hangaround. You are not involved in any top-tier meetings and events.

7.5 You May Progress to Become a Prospect in a 1%er Motorcycle Club

As you progress, you will then become a prospect or intern. At this phase, you will be involved in certain activities and meetings. You can ride with the 1%er motorcycle club. But you are still not a full-patch member of the 1%er club.


Whether you are a hang around or a prospect in a 1%er motorcycle, the club can ask you to leave at any time if they don’t like you. Not everyone can become a member of the 1% motorcycle club.

8. There Is No Way Out in a 1%er Motorcycle Club

If you are a full-time member and 1%er patch holder of the One Percenter Motorcycle Club, understand that there is no way out. You can never leave the motorcycle club in good standing. If you are leaving a 1%er motorcycle club in bad standing, you are making yourself many enemies that were your buddies before.


You either retire after serving the 1%er motorcycle club for decades, or you die. Therefore, if you are unsure about your commitment to give your life and time to the 1%er motorcycle club, stay away.


The most obvious reason why there is no way out in a 1%er motorcycle club is because you hold so many secrets. You have been a part of a family, and you know everything about the 1%er club.


There are also several conditions you need to follow to continue having the privilege of being a one percenter club member. You have to prioritize the motorcycle club at all costs.


Some 1%er motorcycle clubs bound you to ride at least 20,000 miles annually to stay a member. If you ride less, you may lose your 1%er patch or membership.

9. Rules for Wearing the 1%er Patch

The purpose of wearing a 1%er patch by outlaw motorcycle clubs is to show that they belong to a different community. The 1%er patch demonstrates that they are the baddest of the bad. This patch is usually worn by motorcycle clubs that are involved in some sort of criminal activity.

9.1 1%er Patch Rules

  • The 1%er patch must be stitched to the jacket or the vest

  • It must only be worn by the One Percenter motorcycle club’s members.

  • If you don’t belong to an outlaw motorcycle gang or a 1%er motorcycle club, do not wear the 1%er patch.

Note:
➣ If you are not a part of the 1%er motorcycle club and still wear the 1%er patch, you can get in extreme trouble.
➣ It can be taken as an offense by the dominating outlaw or 1%er motorcycle club operating in your region.
➣ You can also be considered a criminal by law enforcement if you wear the 1%er patch.

10. The Bottom Line

One Percenter or 1%er isn’t considered good in the motorcycling community. It is a negative term that is used by outlaw motorcycle gangs or 1%er motorcycle clubs that are involved in criminal activities.


The 1%er means that the members of these motorcycle clubs are not from the 99% of the law-abiding motorcycle clubs. They are from the 1% who follow their own rules. The 1%ers are also responsible for portraying a negative image of motorcyclists or bikers.

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