How to start a motorcycle club?

There’s something about the open road that just speaks to the soul, and there’s nothing quite like the feeling of freedom you get when riding a motorcycle. For many people, motorcycles aren’t just a way to get around – they are a lifestyle. If you’re one of those people, and you’re looking to start your own motorcycle club, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of starting an MC (motorcycle club) without getting permission from the authorities.

History of motorcycle clubs

In 1924, an active motorcycle movement began, which eventually formed the American Motorcycle Association (AMA). The first bikers appeared in the United States quite a long time ago, as far back as the 1930s. In 1948, demobilized veterans formed one of the world’s first motorcycle clubs, Hell’s Angels, in California. More than once in the press there was information that the club was named so in honor of a squadron that had fought in World War II, in which some of the future members of the club served. However, the Hell’s Angels themselves refute this, stating that there were several squadrons of the same name, but the club is not named after any of them.

The birth of motorcycle clubs is closely connected with criminal histories. For example, at one of the events for motorcyclists, some members of motorcycle clubs made a drunken brawl and trashed the city. As the president of AMA said then, only 1% of motorcyclists get into trouble. And then all the motorcycle clubs and motorcyclists involved in the crime were expelled from the AMA. This case is connected with the occurrence of so-called “1% clubs” – motorcycle clubs organized by those expelled from AMA, which formed that peculiar subculture.

The Purpose and Types of a Motorcycle Club

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of starting an MC, let’s first take a step back and understand what an MC is and what its purpose is. An MC, or motorcycle club, is a group of like-minded individuals who share a passion for riding motorcycles. There are different types of motorcycle clubs, ranging from social clubs to racing clubs to outlaw gangs.

So, as we can see now, the laws of motorcycle clubs have been formed long enough and we may say, that they have passed the test of time. As a result of the development and spread of motorcycle clubs, over time, certain “concepts” – terms, should be known.

• “MC” is an abbreviation for Motorcycle Club – a tightly ordered organization of at least six bikers.
• “MG” is an abbreviation for “Motorgang,” the former name of the MC. Now motorcycle clubs in principle do not engage in criminal activity, as they are constantly on the radar of the authorities.
• “RC” – “Riders Club” – a club of people united by a love for motorcycles. The basic idea of the club is mainly motorcycle tourism. Most of these people do not adhere to a strict charter but have a certain amount of simple rules relating mainly to the rules of conduct on the road and riding in a convoy. “RC” have women motorcyclists in their ranks as full members.
• “MCC” – Motor Cycles Club. “MSS” as a rule does not require official registration. The essence of “MSS” – uniting people on the principle of friendship and love for the motorcycle, for joint leisure, communication, travel, etc.

How to Open an MC (Motorcycle Club)

Opening a motorcycle club has to do with both the legalities and the subcultures. Therefore, if you are seriously thinking about creating a new MC, in addition to the Internet, we would advise asking representatives of the local motorcycle community, motorcycle stores, and motorcycle buddies: who is among the motorcycle clubs in your area.

Without any conflict, you can get the status of a motorcycle club by introducing yourself as a local public organization – AMA, but also representatives of the local 1% club. Organizing your own motorcycle club without the knowledge of the locals can turn into a negative attitude towards you and be perceived as disrespectful. Discuss with the local club your idea, and how you will be different from existing clubs.

Then take action.

Region, Goals, and Niche

Be clear about your goals for starting a motorcycle club and try to know the answers to the following questions: What region and territory will the club belong to? What motorcycle clubs exist and have existed in the region before? Determine the colors of your motorcycle club. Think about patches to identify the members of your future motorcycle club.

Individual identification marks of the club you can put on biker jackets or motorcycle helmets.

Rules of the motorcycle club

Create a set of rules that every member of your motorcycle club will have to follow. The rules should include:

• The name, logo, and colors of the motorcycle club;
• The responsibilities of each position in the motorcycle club;
• How new members will be recruited and initiated into the motorcycle club;
• How disagreements and conflicts will be resolved within the motorcycle club;
• What is expected of members in terms of behavior and conduct;
• What types of motorcycles, if not any, are acceptable to members?
• Will there be a candidate deadline for joining the club, and if so, what is the deadline?
• What is the number of members needed to start a club?
• Will the club be a true fraternity, a traditional MC, or just an RC club?
• What are the consequences of breaking the rules of the motorcycle club?

Think about enforcing the rules. It is important to have a system in place for enforcing the rules of the motorcycle club. This could include verbal warnings and probation to expulsion from the club.

Recruiting members

Now that you have a clear vision for your motorcycle club and a set of rules in place, it’s time to start recruiting members. There are a few different ways you can go about doing this:

• Reach out to people you know who are interested in motorcycles and see if they would be interested in joining your club.
• Attend local motorcycle events and meetups to network with potential members.
• Place ads in local motorcycle publications or online to reach a wider audience.

As you are recruiting members, be sure to screen them carefully to ensure they are a good fit for the club and that they will uphold the club’s values and rules.

Club Activities

Now that you have a few members, it’s time to start planning some club activities!

Some ideas for club activities include:

1. Organizing group rides;
2. Attending motorcycle shows and events;
3. Organizing camping or riding trips;
4. Getting involved in local politics (if you’re advocating for motorcyclists’ rights);

Be creative and have fun with it!

Membership Fees and Costs of Club

Now that you have a few members and you’ve started planning some activities, it’s time to start thinking about how you will fund the club. There is an option for this – charge membership dues.

Dues should be reasonable and cover the costs of running the club, such as purchasing promotional materials, renting space for meetings or events, and so on. You may also want to consider charging a yearly membership fee to help with larger expenses, such as buying insurance for the club or taking care of legal fees.

Appoint officials for your club

Now that your motorcycle club is up and running, it’s time to appoint some officials! The positions you will need to fill will depend on the size and structure of your club, but some common positions include:

• President;
• Vice President;
• Secretary;
• Treasurer;
• Sergeant-at-Arms.

These positions come with different responsibilities, so be sure to appoint people who are up for the task and who will work well together. Congratulations! You’ve now started your own motorcycle club! Be sure to enjoy the ride and make some great memories with your fellow members.

Final Words

Starting a motorcycle club can be a lot of work, but it’s also a lot of fun. Be sure to enjoy the process and make some great memories with your fellow members.