Motorcycle clubs in the United States represent a distinct subculture of motorcycling enthusiasts, offering a sense of community and shared passion.
These clubs often embody the spirit of freedom and rebellion, echoing the open roads that stretch across this vast nation.
In this article, we will dive into the top motorcycle clubs in the USA, and we will also explore their membership cost.
Motorcycle Clubs In USA
The repute and the best Motorcycle clubs in the US are the American Motorcycle Association AMA, Avengers Motorcycle Club, Bandidos Motorcycle Club, Breed Motorcycle Club, Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club, Cossacks Motorcycle Club, Christians Motorcycle Association, Devils Diciples Motorcycle Club, Diablos Motorcycle Club, Galloping Goose Motorcycle Club and Grim Reapers Motorcycle Club.
1. American Motorcycle Association
The American Motorcycle Association (AMA) is a pivotal organization in the realm of US motorcycling.
Founded in 1924, it is the country’s premier advocate for the motorcycle community, boasting a membership of over 200,000 riders.
AMA’s vision revolves around promoting the motorcycle lifestyle and protecting the future of motorcycling.
The association is committed to assuring people’s right to ride and race motorcycles in a safe and nurturing environment.
It has a strong focus on promoting the growth and enjoyment of all aspects of motorcycling.
To become a member of the AMA, you must fill out an application form available on the AMA website or at motorcycle events that the AMA sponsors.
There are different types of memberships available to suit all kinds of motorcycle enthusiasts, including individual, family, and business memberships.
The minimum membership fee for an adult is $49 annually. This provides access to AMA-sanctioned events.
On the other hand, the maximum membership, referred to as a Life Member, requires a one-time payment of $1,500.
Each membership type comes with a unique set of benefits, including access to AMA-sanctioned events, discounts on bike-related products, and a subscription to the AMA’s monthly publication.
2. Avengers Motorcycle Club
The Avengers Motorcycle Club, established in 1967, is a prominent name in the motorcycle club.
With an approximate strength of 350 members across various chapters nationwide, the club has cultivated a strong sense of camaraderie and brotherhood among its members.
In terms of vision, the AMC is deeply rooted in the principles of freedom, respect, and a shared love for riding.
The club works to promote these values within the motorcycle community and beyond.
Getting a membership at a club is a step-by-step process, starting with a period as a ‘Hang-Around,’’ followed by becoming a ‘Prospect.’’
Then, finally, I earned the right to be a ‘Full-Patch’ member. This process allows you to understand the values and responsibilities associated with club membership.
Regarding membership costs, the exact fees can vary based on location and chapter but are typically between $200 and $400 annually.
3. Bandidos Motorcycle Club
The Bandidos Motorcycle Club, often recognized as the Bandidos MC, is one of the most prominent one-percenter motorcycle clubs in the US.
Founded in 1966 by Don Chambers in San Leon, Texas, the club has grown exponentially over the years.
It has a membership of over 2,500 members in the US and in 16 other countries as of 2015.
The Bandidos MC has a vision deeply rooted in camaraderie and brotherhood among riders.
Their motto, “We are the people our parents warned us about,” hints at their rebellious nature and dedication to the freedom of the open road.
Becoming a member of the club is not an easy process. Firstly, you have to ‘hang around,’ an informal stage with no time requirement, to get to know the members.
Following this, you must be invited to become a ‘prospect,’ during which you are screened for loyalty, trustworthiness, and commitment.
Only after fulfilling these stages, which may take years, can a prospect become a full-patch member.
The club doesn’t explicitly state the cost of membership. However, within the biker community, membership fees for clubs like these can range between $200 to $2,000 annually.
4. Harley Owners Motorcycle Club
The Harley Owners Group (HOG) is one of the most recognized motorcycle clubs in the world.
Established in 1983 by Harley-Davidson, it boasts a rich history and currently has over one million members globally.
The vision of the club revolves around fostering a close-knit community of Harley-Davidson enthusiasts and promoting the spirit of adventure inherent in motorcycle riding.
To become a member of the Harley Owners Group, the first prerequisite is to own a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
Joining the HOG is a two-step process. First, you need to be an active member of the National HOG.
This membership comes with the purchase of any Harley-Davidson motorcycle. It is free for one year and can be extended at $49 per year.
The National HOG membership includes benefits like HOG events, a subscription to the HOG magazine, and access to the members-only website.
Second, you need to join a local chapter, which requires an additional fee.
The cost of joining a local HOG chapter varies, as it is determined by each individual chapter. Generally, it ranges from $15 to $25 annually.
Membership in a local chapter provides the opportunity to participate in local rides, charity events, and other social activities.
5. Hells Angels Motorcycle Club
The Hells Angels Motorcycle Club, often characterized by its iconic logo of a winged death’s head, is one of the most renowned motorcycle clubs.
It was originally founded in 1948 in San Bernardino, California, and has since grown into a global organization.
With an estimated membership of over 2,000 individuals across six continents, the club has a sense of brotherhood among people passionate about motorcycles.
Its vision is rooted in fostering unity and camaraderie among its members while upholding a certain degree of lawfulness and respect towards society at large.
Gaining membership into the Hells Angels is a rigorous process that involves a ‘hang-around’ period followed by an ‘associate’ stage before one can become a full-fledged member.
This process is in place to ensure that only the most committed individuals join the ranks of the club.
As for the financial aspect, there isn’t a publicly disclosed fixed amount for membership.
However, it is understood that members are expected to contribute financially towards the club, primarily for maintenance and club events.
This could range anywhere from a couple of hundred to a few thousand dollars per year, depending on the chapter and the member’s standing within the club.
6. Highwaymen Motorcycle Club
The Highwaymen Motorcycle Club, founded in 1954 in Detroit, Michigan, is one of the most well-known motorcycle clubs in the USA.
With an estimated membership of over 2,500 across the country, the club primarily aims to encourage camaraderie and brotherhood.
To become a member of the club, you must go through a rigorous and meticulous process.
That includes being sponsored by a current member, a probationary period, and, ultimately, a vote by the club’s members.
This is all part of their commitment to ensuring that their members are aligned with the club’s vision and values.
When it comes to membership fees, the club maintains a tiered structure.
The minimum annual dues can be as low as $50, which covers basic membership, while the maximum membership fee, which includes access to all club facilities and events, can go up to $500.
These amounts are subject to change as determined by the club’s leadership.
7. Breed Motorcycle Club
The Breed Motorcycle Club, founded in 1965, has been a staple in the American biker community for over five decades.
Its membership spans across various states, boasting an impressive number of more than 500 dedicated members.
The vision of the club is to foster a brotherhood among motorcycle enthusiasts and promote the culture and lifestyle attached to it.
Becoming a member of the club involves a rigorous process that includes an initiation period and a unanimous vote by the existing members.
This ensures that every new member is a right fit for the community and shares the same passion and commitment.
As for the membership fees, they can range between $200 and $500 annually, depending on the type of membership and the benefits it includes.
8. Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club
The Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club is a distinguished organization within the landscape of American motorcycling.
Founded in 1993, it currently boasts a robust membership that extends across the country.
The vision of the club is to promote a positive image among African American motorcyclists and to promote safe motorcycling while undertaking charitable activities.
Becoming a member requires prospective candidates to attend club meetings, participate in club rides, and show dedication to the club’s mission and values.
After a certain period, candidates are then voted into the club by existing members.
As for membership fees, the minimum fees typically start around $200, but they can go as high as $400, depending on the level of involvement.
9. Cossacks Motorcycle Club
The Cossacks Motorcycle Club is a significant presence within the motorcycle club scene in the USA, Austria and UK.
Established in 1969, this Texan club has grown immensely over the decades, boasting a robust membership that is estimated to be in the thousands.
The club prides itself on its vision of fraternity, loyalty, and a shared passion for motorcycles.
Their commitment to these principles is expressed through regular social events, rides, and charity work that benefit their local community.
If you’re interested in joining the club, you must follow a defined process.
Initially, you must be sponsored by a current club member, after which they undergo a period as a prospect.
During this time, you are evaluated based on your commitment to the club’s values and rules.
Upon successful completion of this probationary period, you are welcomed as a full-fledged member.
As for membership fees, they can vary, but traditionally, the minimum amount is around $100 annually.
10. Christians Motorcycle Association
The Christian Motorcyclists Association (CMA) is a well-known motorcycle club, founded in 1975.
With over 170,000 members across the globe and more than 1,200 chapters in the US, CMA has grown into a substantial community.
The vision of the CMA is to inspire and equip members to effectively reach out to the motorcycling community with the message of Jesus Christ’s love and redemption.
If you’re interested in joining the CMA, you can apply for membership online, with the cost ranging from a minimum of $20 for a junior membership to a maximum of $45 for a family membership.
These rates are subject to change, so it’s recommended to check the official website for the most accurate information.
11. Devils Diciples Motorcycle Club
The Devil’s Diciples Motorcycle Club, a notable name within the biker communities over the world, was founded in 1967 in Fontana, California.
Despite its seemingly ominous name, the club adheres to a vision of brotherhood, camaraderie, and freedom on two wheels.
With over 200 members nationwide, the club is selective about who can join, emphasizing a shared passion for motorcycles and a commitment to the club’s ethos.
To become a member, you must be sponsored by a current member, undergo a prospecting period, and finally, be voted in by the existing membership.
The financial commitment for membership varies, with initial fees potentially ranging from a few hundred dollars up to a thousand.
However, the club maintains that the true value of membership is the sense of community, not the cost.
12. Diablos Motorcycle Club
The Diablos Motorcycle Club is one of the most significant motorcycle clubs in the USA, originally established in 1961.
The club is shrouded in a certain level of mystery, with members and their actual numbers being closely guarded information.
Their vision is primarily based on a shared passion for motorcycling, coupled with a strong sense of fraternity and loyalty.
The process of becoming a member of the club is not publicly disclosed, adhering to the club’s secretive culture.
As is common with most motorcycle clubs, you typically need to be sponsored by a current member and must go through a “prospect” or “hang-around” period before becoming a full member.
However, in motorcycle clubs, it is generally expected that members will cover their own expenses related to their motorcycles (purchase, maintenance, etc.).
As well as contribute to club expenses, such as event hosting and club merchandise.
13. Galloping Goose Motorcycle Club
The Galloping Goose Motorcycle Club is an influential presence in the motorcycling scene.
Established in 1942 in Los Angeles, California, the club currently boasts hundreds of members across various chapters in the United States.
Its vision is to foster a strong community of motorcycle enthusiasts, promote responsible biking, and uphold the values of brotherhood, freedom, and respect.
Membership in the club is highly sought after but is reserved for those who truly embody the club’s ethos.
First, you must be sponsored by a current member to begin the process, which includes a lengthy period of prospecting.
The club encourages applicants to attend events and rides to familiarize themselves with the club’s culture.
As for the membership costs, they are generally kept private and disclosed only to serious applicants.
14. Grim Reapers Motorcycle Club
The Grim Reapers Motorcycle Club is a notorious entity within the motorcycle club scene in the United States.
It was founded in the Louisville, Kentucky, area in 1965 and has since grown significantly in numbers.
While the exact current member count is not publicly disclosed, it is believed to be a sizable group spread across multiple states.
The vision of the club centers around a deep-rooted passion for motorcycles, freedom, camaraderie, and respect.
They stand firm on the principle of loyalty and subscribe to a hierarchical structure typical of many motorcycle clubs.
To join the club, you must show a genuine interest in motorcycles and share the club’s values.
You must also be sponsored by a current member and undergo a probationary period before becoming a full-fledged member.
The membership fee varies depending on an array of factors. The tentative minimum annual membership fee is around $100, capped at a maximum of $200.
However, these figures are not fixed and can vary based on individual circumstances and the club’s decisions.
15. Gypsy Jokers Motorcycle Club
The Gypsy Jokers Motorcycle Club is a renowned name among motorcycling communities.
Founded in 1956 in San Francisco, California, the club has expanded significantly over the years in terms of reputation and membership.
Currently, the member count hovers around several hundred, though exact numbers are not publicly disclosed.
The club’s vision is anchored in the pursuit of freedom and the love for motorcycling.
It aims to foster a community where members can share their passion for bikes, ride freely, and partake in events and gatherings that strengthen their camaraderie.
The Gypsy Jokers’ emphasis on loyalty, respect, and brotherhood is fundamental to their identity.
Securing membership to the club is not a straightforward application process.
It involves a period of association and prospecting, where potential members are assessed on their compatibility with the club’s values and ethos.
The exact cost of membership is not publicly available information, but like most motorcycle clubs, it involves initial joining fees and recurring dues.
The amounts can vary based on a member’s role and participation within the club.
Source: To provide our readers with the most accurate and up-to-date information, Two Wheller sources information from the official club’s websites and other social media platforms.
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