This information was share by Full Tilt Riders.
BEHAVIOR
The general public does not draw a distinction between different club colors. If one club causes a problem that touches the public sector, the heat comes down on all clubs. EVERYONE needs to be aware that no matter whether they are in an MC, RC, MM, or an Independent (Lone Wolf) rider, their actions reflect on all in the motorcycle community. The MC clubs tend to police themselves to avoid such incidents.
DESIGNING A NEW PATCH
When designing your patch, it would be a good idea to get to know some of your area clubs, and observe their designs and colors. If you can, bring your design to your local dominant club, and show it to them before having them made, making sure they approve. This is not a requirement but is a jesture of respect. Although this may be intimidating, generally, the dominant clubs are very receptive to this and will respect you for your consideration.
COLORS VS. PATCHES
Traditional MC’s differentiate patches from colors. In their eyes, patches belong to riding clubs and are purchased, not earned. Colors belong to motorcycle clubs and are earned. Colors represent a much deeper committment.The dominant club or local MC has expectations for others to adhere to when developing their patches.
Different numbers of patches represent different things to motorcycle riders.
ONE & TWO PIECE PATCHES
A one-piece patch normally represents a family club, riding club, or social motorcycle club. One piece back patches are generally accepted and approved, unless the patch displays stolen logos or those that are similar to the local MC. The UK is the only place where wearing any back patch other than the dominant club’s has created problems.
A two-piece patch can have many different meanings. Both of these types should be respectful to the area clubs by not infringing on their established territory.
THREE PIECE PATCHES
A three-piece patch normally signifies that the club is a Traditional Motorcycle Club (MC). These are worn with the top rocker showing the club name, the middle showing the club’s patch and the bottom showing their territory location. There are also a few 3-piece patch clubs where the bottom rocker has something other than territory, such as a saying. The traditional MC is one that adheres to the protocols and traditions that have long been established. There are a few exceptions including veterans, firefighters, and Christian groups. Law-enforcement groups stand alone because, they are the law.
To keep it simple, a three-piece patch should only be worn by established MC’s. Becoming an “established” or “traditional” MC involves a well established protocol of sponsors and approvals by existing MC’s. Wearing colors that resemble a 3-piece patch with permission could turn out as a disaster. Do your homework, and show respect.
ROCKER PATCHES AND TERRITORY
Rocker patches (these are the top and bottom curved patches) are NOT AN OPTION FOR A RIDING CLUB PERIOD, UNLESS DIRECTLY SANCTIONED BY THE LOCAL DOMINANT CLUB. No rocker patches in any shape or form, not even unified rockers that are actually 1 piece are appropriate. ROCKERS ARE ROCKERS no matter what. This also includes any little patches that may have a rocker type design and are to be worn on the front of the riders’ vest or jacket.
RC’s and Social MC’s should never claim territory with a patch. DO NOT HAVE THE NAME OF YOUR STATE EMBROIDERED ON THE BACK OF YOUR VEST OR JACKET (even if it’s not in a rocker patch). That’s claiming territory and could get you places you don’t want to be. Chapter location bars are generally found on the front of an MC member’s jacket or vest. This small patch is how MC’s readily identify each other without actually wearing full colors.
1%er AND OUTLAWS
The term 1% comes from the AMA. After a violent event in the 60’s, the AMA wrote an article in their magazine, stating that “99% of all of their members are law-abiding citizens and only 1% are “outlaw””. This then, began what is today known as Outlaw Motorcycle Clubs and one percenters. The AMA named “Hells Angels” and the likes, as making up only 1% of all motorcyclists as being “The Bad Boys”. The Angels adapted that and became an exclusive 1% club. And ANY club that tried to wear that 1% diamond had better be able to back it up. The term “The Big Four” is the four largest 1% clubs and the most dangerous clubs in the world. 1.“Bandidos”, established 1966 2. “Hells Angels”, established 1948 3.”Outlaws”, established 1935 4.”Pagans” established 1959. The Bandidos , are the fastest growing outlaw motorcycle club in the U.S.
The fact is that 1%’s and outlaws are not at war with the world. They do not go out of their way to draw attention to themselves. Outlaw/1%er clubs for the most part keep the violence in the rival Motorcycle Club circle. The violence rarely spills out into the general public. Rival clubs have killed each for years over things like territory and simple arguments over what seems to be nothing to the average citizen. In the past, this had a lot to do with $$$ and income streams. Don’t try to claim territory or get involved with their business.
As you know they seldom wave at anyone. It is nothing personal and has nothing to do with the bike you ride. They also seldom wave at another outlaw club. The outlaws are a society within a society, with their own rules, own codes of conduct, own ways of reacting to the world. The fact is they respect you, other than that they don’t think about you at al.
Be as patient and as tolerant as you can when in a situation where you are approached by outlaws. It is not always a good idea to approach them even if you are just being friendly. Outlaws are very suspicious of an approach by a stranger. However, some can be very friendly provided you don’t ask questions about their “business”. Just be careful and respectful and you should not have a problem.
This information was shared by Full Tilt Riders.
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