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

The term one percenter, or 1%er, refers to a designation associated with a particular segment of motorcycle culture. The term is historically connected to the 1947 motorcycle gathering in Hollister, California, and the later adoption of the 1% symbol by some motorcycle organizations.

Today, “one percenter” is also commonly used in U.S. law-enforcement sources when discussing certain outlaw motorcycle gangs. However, a 1%er, an outlaw motorcycle club, and an outlaw motorcycle gang are not terms that should automatically be treated as identical.

So, what does one percenter mean in motorcycle clubs? This guide explains the history of the 1% designation, what the 1% patch represents, how it differs from other motorcycle-club terminology, and why the term is associated with outlaw motorcycle culture.

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.

A one percenter, or 1%er, is a term associated with motorcycle organizations that identify with an outlaw or non-mainstream motorcycle culture. The designation is historically connected to the 1947 Hollister event and the adoption of the 1% symbol by some motorcycle organizations.

In U.S. law-enforcement terminology, “one percenter” is also associated with outlaw motorcycle gangs. The FBI and other agencies use more specific criteria when describing organizations as outlaw motorcycle gangs, including patterns of criminal conduct.

The 1% patch is commonly represented by a diamond containing “1%.” It is associated with the one-percenter identity within outlaw motorcycle culture.

U.S. Department of Justice materials describe the 1% diamond as an identifier used by outlaw motorcycle organizations. The symbol can appear on motorcycle vests, clothing, jewelry, and other items.

Patch meanings can vary between motorcycle organizations, so a 1% patch should be understood in its specific cultural and organizational context.

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.

The history of the 1%er designation is commonly traced to the 1947 motorcycle gathering in Hollister, California. The event attracted large numbers of motorcyclists and later became associated with disorder and negative media coverage.

U.S. government sources describe the origin of the 1% designation as connected to a statement attributed to the American Motorcycle Association following the Hollister event. The statement characterized the overwhelming majority of motorcyclists as law-abiding and identified a small minority as outlaws. Some motorcycle organizations later adopted the 1% symbol as their own identity. 

According to the 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”.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Motorcycle-club membership structures vary by organization. Some clubs use terms such as hangaround and prospect for people who spend time with the club before becoming full members. The requirements, responsibilities, and progression can differ between clubs, so there is no universal 1%er membership process.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

• 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.

The one percenter, or 1%er, designation has a long history within American motorcycle culture. Its origins are commonly connected with the 1947 Hollister motorcycle gathering and the later adoption of the 1% symbol by some motorcycle organizations.

Today, the term is closely associated with outlaw motorcycle culture and is also used in U.S. law-enforcement discussions of certain outlaw motorcycle gangs. However, motorcycle club, 1%er, outlaw motorcycle club, and outlaw motorcycle gang are not interchangeable terms in every context.