Are biker clubs actually illegal gangs or just social groups?

[Anonymous]

[Chazmatazz269]

Both. If you run across bikers proudly wearing “1%” patches, they’re likely engaging in outlaw activity. If they have a prominent “1%” tattoo, they are definitely outlaws.
That “one percenter” thing started in the late ‘40s after multiple motorcycle gatherings had created public disturbances. The American Motorcyclist Association offered a public response insisting that 99% of all motorcyclists are law abiding citizens. The self identifying outlaw clubs embraced that one percent notoriety. At first, it merely applied to any group that didn’t belong to the AMA. Eventually the true outlaws established their reputations through unlawful behavior and brutal territorial disputes.
I have spent a fair amount of time around one percenters. Most of them are chill dudes, as long as you are respectful. I’ve had multiple conversations where they let me grill them about the lifestyle, and they’re surprisingly quite forthcoming. There’s a great deal of honor and respect built into the organizations. A surprising number of rules too. “Outlaw” really just means that they oppose society’s laws and expectations. They definitely value order and conformity to their own codes.

[Staximus]

That depends on the club. If you see a little “1%” patch and a little “MC” patch they are what’s known as an “outlaw motorcycle club”. If you have either on your silly little vest, you better be prepared for problems with other biker gangs or Johnny Law.

[Agape93]

Depends. Most of the time they're just actual clubs, social groups. Some might be affiliated with a 1%er club, but actual biker gangs and clubs only make up 1% of the total. Hell, the closest one to me is 3 hours away, and I dont have any issues with them.

[OneViewpoint]

Yes.

• Hell's Angels and Devil's Disciples? Gangs involved in drugs and sex trafficking.
• A bunch of motorcycle touring clubs? Dentists and accountants being "wild".

[RavVid]

Mostly they are crime gangs but there are social biker groups.

[exitseven]

Some are involved in illegal activities, most are just people that ride motorcycles.

[DryGermanGuy]

It’s a grayscale, depending on the MC.

[Agape93]

Exactly

[strateguy632]

if they harass or damage they are gangs.

[slatyb]

Depends on whether they commit crimes or not.

[ChicoFromThe305]

Both, one and all, depends on the club

[Vevv123]

I never knew 🤔 how are they illegal?

[ChicoFromThe305]

They do quick money methods lol

[Vevv123]

What’s a quick money method?

[ChicoFromThe305]

Drugs lol

[Vevv123]

Oh 🤔 so the people that ride around in groups do that?

[ChicoFromThe305]

Some do yea lol

[canamlusciouslad73]

Sometimes the former;sometimes both.

[KostasKouvalis]

Social groups.