Colors, patches and secret hand signals: 9 Things to Know Before Joining a Motorcycle Club

When a lot of people think about motorcycle clubs, they likely conjure up a Hells Angel fantasy of deadly and grizzled bikers dealing drugs in the back of a bar. Sure, there are still many active motorcycle gangs that fit this description. But there are also a ton of super cool, active motorcycle clubs that stay far away from trouble.

If you’re interested in the latter, we’re here to help. If you’re thinking of joining a motorcycle club, then there are a few things you should know in order to get your foot in the door (and make a good impression). Read on to learn all about everything you need to know before you apply to join a motorcycle club!

1. Time to Learn a New Language

Don’t worry you don’t have to learn Chinese or Spanish (or whatever language sounds the most difficult for you to learn). You will have to work on getting down the lingo of the motorcycle club you’d like to join, however. 

There’s general biker lingo like 1% refers to the small portion of non-law abiding bikers. But then there’s lingo that’s spoken only by particular motorcycle clubs. Unless you want to spend a ton of time smiling and nodding, you should work on getting that lingo down pat.

And don’t forget the secret hand signals when you’re out on the road!

2. Pay Your Dues

No really, pay your dues. A lot of motorcycle clubs need funds to operate. One of the ways they get these funds is through member dues. 

Not only do you have to pay dues, but if you violate one of the rules, you’ll likely have to cough up some dough, too. So, let’s say you pay $200 to join, but then your bike breaks down for a significant amount of time and you can’t ride. The club can fine you for that.

Other clubs also have a minimum number of miles in which you must ride each year in order to remain a member. These can be in the tens of thousands, so make sure you have the time (and gas money) to keep up your commitment.

3. Vests Aren’t for Everybody

Joining motorcycle clubs isn’t like getting a job. You don’t get a uniform your first day out. You have to reach full member status in order to even get a vest. That means you’ve demonstrated your loyalty to the club and have passed all the required tests. They’re a point of pride.

These vests often have custom patches, too. Thinking of faking it til you make it? Don’t bother, many motorcycle clubs have copyrighted their patches and logos.

Shop now for some patches to get you through until you graduate to club-branded patches!

4. They Have a Government

It’s true. Every motorcycle club has a hierarchy, and may even have a traditional setup with presidents, vice presidents, and even a treasurer. Robert’s Rules of Order, anyone?

So if you’re looking for a group of rebel outlaws, you’ll probably find yourself wanting with 99 percent of all motorcycle clubs. On the upside, representative positions are given to people who always do well by the biker club, so if you end up with one, count yourself lucky!

5. They’re Probably Not Outlaws

Speaking of rebel outlaws, if you’re looking to become one, 99 percent of all motorcycle clubs are not what you’re looking for. In fact, only 1 percent of motorcycle clubs are involved in nefarious activities. If you want to be a 1 percenter, you’re going to have to work extra hard to find the right club and actually become a member.

6. You Can’t Ride Just Anything

Motorbikes and sports bikes are cute and all, but you’re not going to have much luck joining a motorcycle club with one. And lord help you if you try to join with a Vespa.

If you want to join a motorcycle club you gotta have the right equipment — a motorcycle. Go for Harley Davidsons or custom choppers. You know, a serious bike that other club members will proud to ride alongside with.

So trade in that Suzuki for a Harley and you’re back in the game.

7. You Might Have to Look Elsewhere If You’re a Woman

Look, first, second, and third wave feminists did a lot to level the playing field between men and women. They did not have a big impact on motorcycle clubs, however.

Most motorcycle clubs have a strict no women policy. That is, no female members allowed. Male members are totally allowed to bring their special lady friends to certain social functions or even on a casual ride. Otherwise, women are persona non grata. 

What’s a girl to do? Well, they join an all-female motorcycle club. There are plenty of female biking clubs all around the country. Who needs men on a ride anyway?

8. Know the Difference Between MCs and RCs

This whole time we’ve been talking about motorcycle clubs, but did you know that there’s a difference between motorcycle clubs (MCs) and riding clubs (RCs)?

Motorcycle clubs require a huge commitment to the club. You have to agree to abide by their rules and respect higher ranking members. These clubs are not for anyone interested in expanding their hobby.

Have a fear of commitment? Then riding clubs are the way to go for you. Members of riding clubs get together and ride together, but that’s the extent of their commitment. Easy peasy!

9. You Better Work

If you haven’t sussed it out just yet, let’s be clear: joining a motorcycle club is hard work.

There are generally three phases of joining, a hang-around, prospect, and probation. After you’ve passed through probation, then you can become a full member and get your colors (colors are a complete set of patches, typically three).

In each phase, you must demonstrate your commitment to the rules and the club itself. Once you’ve done that, then you pay your dues and become a member! But if you change your mind about joining, it’s always much easier to leave during the hang-around phase.

Interested in Joining a Motorcycle Club?

Joining a motorcycle club isn’t something you can up and do on a whim. Motorcycle clubs take themselves pretty seriously and aren’t interested in fairweather members. If you really want to join, you have to put in the work and earn their respect. But once you do, you’ll be a part of a motorcycle family for life!

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