Motorcycle Clubs – Curious About Them?

Motorcycle clubs seem to have been around for ages - According to many, the first motorcycle club in the United States was the Yonkers Motorcycle Club from New York, formed in early 1903. But it was until the 50s that motorcycle clubs really hit the scenes in major.

Even though Motorcycle Clubs have frequently been portrayed in the media as groups of crazy people and some times even as criminals, the reality is that most clubs (past and present) are simply an avenue for people to share like interests and to enjoy the open road.

There are dozens of motorcycle clubs in the U.S., Canada and around the world with membership into the hundreds. But not all motorcycle clubs are large - some consist of just a few riders. And they’re not all as exclusive or open as you might expect. They vary from admitting anyone (even those who don’t even own a motorcycle) to admitting only riders who ride a specific brand of bike, who belong to a specific profession, who come from a specific region or any other type of qualification.

A lot of motorcycle clubs are formed around a profession and some very strong examples are motorcycle clubs with military, ex-military, and police force members. Since motorcycles have been used in the military and in police work for more than 80 years, it’s only reasonable to expect that members would build a club around similar interests.

Harley-Davidson motorcycle clubs for example admit Harley-Davidson fans only. The bond that holds everyone in this motorcycle club together is the mutual enthusiasm and respect for one of the most popular bike manufacturer in the world.

As an excellent support team, members of motorcycle clubs help each other maintain and/or enhance their bikes as well. So if you were a member, and you wanted to get a clutch for a 1912 V-twin or a carburetor for a 1937 Knucklehead for instance, you could rest assured that someone in the club knows where to get one.

There are a countless number of motorcycle clubs: the Saskatchewan MC that explores Canada’s back roads, the Brothers of the Bike (Daytona, Florida) are known to zoom along the coast, and the Vespa Riders of Rome that gather along the Via Veneto each summer, just to name a few.

Are you female? Motorcycle clubs aren’t exclusive to men. The Women on Wheels Motorcycle Association has over a hundred chapters around the U.S. and Canada, and even one in Switzerland. Women-run motorcycle clubs are just as active as any other and busy with planning events, mapping routes and touring the highways in the familiar motorcycle pack.

Now although the clubs may vary, the values and bylaws tend to be that same and built upon common ideas. Basically, everyone looks out for each other both on the road and at home. And sharing knowledge, interests, and talents are key to keeping a motorcycle club meaningful. Examples include best routes, the best places to visit or stay on a tour, where to find the least expensive bike or part, how to get the most out of your bike and riding experience, or how to repair a bike.

There’s just no comparison to the families that form from motorcycle clubs. I highly recommend joining one that fits your style and riding skills.

Are you a member of a motorcycle club? Share your thoughts in the comments of this post.

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