Vintage Photos

15 Motorcycle Clubs Born in the 20th Century

Published

•

By  

Like what we have to say? Add thescroller.net as a preferred source on Google

A group of men wearing leather vests and jackets pose together outside a weathered wooden building. Some stand while others sit on the porch steps or the ground, looking directly at the camera.

Motorcycle clubs have been part of the riding culture for more than a century, bringing together people who have a shared passion for the open road. While each club developed its own values and reputation, many became known for the brotherhood formed between members and the unique cultures around them. Over time, some clubs remained local organizations, while others grew into internationally recognized names.

Their histories reflect different traditions and the love for life on two wheels. Whether famous or influential, each club represents a distinct chapter in the story of motorcycle culture. Let’s take a look at 15 motorcycle clubs born in the 20th century.

1. The Hell’s Angels

A group of motorcyclists wearing leather jackets with eagle patches ride down a wet road in an industrial area. Buildings and a billboard are visible in the background under a gray, overcast sky.
u/vanillaspoonfork/via reddit

Formed: 1948

Location: Various Locations

One of the most notorious and well-known outlaw motorcycle clubs, the Hells Angels have chapters worldwide. They are known for their rebellious attitude, distinctive “death’s head” logo, and long history with law enforcement.

2. Outlaws Motorcycle Club

Two people wearing leather vests with "Outlaws mc Chicago" patches and a skull emblem. One person has a long braided ponytail. The vests appear rugged and worn.
u/ct-ct/via reddit

Formed: 1930s

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Founded by a group of veterans from the Great Depression era, the Outlaws are known for their strong presence in the U.S. and internationally. They often rival the Hells Angels and have a reputation for criminal activity.

3. Mongols Motorcycle Club

A motorcycle with "Mongols M.C. California" patches is displayed at an outdoor event. People are gathered around, some in conversation, and a woman is filming with a camera. Nearby are official banners and a few parked cars.
via reddit

Formed: 1969

Location: Montebello, California

Originally founded by a group of Mexican-American riders, the Mongols are known for their defiant culture and often engage in rivalries with other outlaw clubs.

4. Bandidos Motorcycle Club

Two people with arms around each other wear "Bandidos MC" motorcycle club jackets. The jackets feature a cartoon character wearing a sombrero and holding a gun. Both have their backs to the camera.
u/freedomspower/via Reddit

Formed: 1966

Location: Houston, Texas

The Bandidos were founded by a group of war veterans and quickly became one of the biggest outlaw motorcycle clubs in the world. They are involved in various criminal activities, including violent confrontations with rival clubs.

5. Pagans Motorcycle Club

Denim biker vest with "Pagan's MC" patches on a table. The center design features a figure holding a staff on a dragon, with a "1%" symbol above. A black cap and glove with similar symbols are nearby.
u/ucccft/via reddit

Formed: 1957

Location: Prince George’s County, Maryland

The Pagans have a reputation for criminal activity and violence. They are primarily active in the eastern U.S. but have expanded internationally.

Trending on The Scroller

6. Devil’s Henchmen

A group of people wearing leather jackets with patches gather indoors, some playing pinball and others in conversation. One person stands in the foreground, smoking, while others have their backs turned. The room has a minimalist design.
u/frecklefactor/via Reddit

Formed: 1960s

Location: Midwest, USA

The Devil’s Henchmen were involved in a variety of criminal enterprises, including arms trafficking. Their roots were based all across the Midwest.

7. The Easy Bay Dragons Motorcycle Club

A group of people posing with motorcycles in front of a building labeled "Helen's BAR-B-QUE" with Coca-Cola signage. They are dressed in leather jackets and caps, and some are sitting on the bikes while others stand around. The setting looks vintage.
u/jnnyruthless/via Reddit

Formed: 1960s

Location: San Francisco Bay Area, California

This club is known for its violent nature and has been involved in several violent confrontations with other outlaw gangs. They were a regional powerhouse in the biker community.

8. Vagos Motorcycle Club

Three men wearing black and green clothing stand outdoors. The man in the center holds a jacket with "Vagos MC" and a design featuring a red bull's skull with green horns. Other people and motorcycles are visible in the background.
via reddit

Formed: 1965

Location: San Bernardino, California

The Vagos are a predominantly Latino club, and they have spread across the U.S. and internationally. Known for being heavily involved in criminal activities, the Vagos are one of the top 1% outlaw clubs.

9. The Sons Of Silence, 1971

Black and white photo of a group of men wearing leather vests and jackets, posing on the wooden steps of a rustic building. Some are sitting, others standing, with a sign for "Friskies Dog Food" visible on the wall.
u/art-man_2018/via Reddit

Formed: 1966

Location: Denver, Colorado

This international club was founded in 1966. There are chapters in the U.S. and Germany, and the club is recognized as a criminal organization by the U.S. Department of Justice.

10. Brothers in Arms Veteran Motorcycle Club

A group of people stand outside holding a large check made out to "Dawn House" for $12,785. One man wears a hat and sunglasses, another has his arm around a woman in sunglasses. They are all smiling.
u/sonik77133/via Reddit

Formed: 1990s

Location: Various Locations

A UK-based club known for its working-class roots and ties to the mod culture. The Brothers in Arms has seen growth in the 1990s and has ties to both legal and illegal activities.

11. Ching-A-Ling Motorcycle Club

Two people wearing black vests with large patches stand with their backs to the camera. One vest reads "DIABLOS N.H." with a red devil design, and the other reads "THING-A-LING NOMADS" with additional smaller patches.

Formed: Late 1940s

Location: New York City, New York

The Ching-A-Lings were one of the first biker clubs in New York City and had a significant influence on the culture of urban motorcycle gangs in the late 1940s and 1950s. Pictured here is a nomad Ching-A-Ling meeting with a Diablo.

12. Grim Reapers Motorcycle Club

Four people stand indoors with their backs to the camera, wearing black leather vests with "Grim Reapers MC" and locations such as Kentucky and Tennessee. The vests display a winged skull logo. A wall with a Harley-Davidson emblem is in the background.
via reddit

Formed: 1960s

Location: Louisville, Kentucky

One of the older motorcycle clubs born in Kentucky, the Grim Reapers built a reputation for both their rebellious attitude and illegal activities, notably in the drug trade during the 1970s and 1980s.

13. Hells Outcasts

A man wearing a "Hells Outcasts MC" jacket sits on a motorcycle, facing another man with glasses and a jacket. They are outdoors near a building. The text "1963 HELLS OUTCASTS" is at the bottom of the image.
u/mr-kylev/via Reddit

Formed: 1947

Location: St. Paul, Minnesota

The Hell’s Outcasts were formed in the early 1900s but have a problem with staying out of trouble. In 2018, six of them were convicted of assaulting a bouncer at a bar. The convicted members received prison time.

14. The Chosen Few Motorcycle Club

A vintage black-and-white photo shows a group of men posing with a motorcycle. They are wearing jackets, one featuring the patch "Chosen Few MC." The scene suggests camaraderie among motorcycle club members.
u/kev45ert/via Reddit

Formed: 1920s

Location: Chicago, Illinois

The Chosen Few was an early 20th-century club known for its wide-reaching influence across the U.S. It started as an all-black club, but just a year later, it allowed non-black members to join.

15. The Norton Motorcycle Club, 1930

A historic black and white photo shows a line of motorcycles parked on a street with riders standing beside them. Behind them are old shops and buildings, including a butcher and a clothing store. The scene evokes an early 20th-century feel.
u/dingocc/via reddit

Formed: 1930

Location: Multiple Locations

While they aren’t recognized as a legitimate club in the modern sense, these guys called themselves the “Norton Owners Club”, and a group of 20 guys on bikes seems like a club to me. Pictured is the club outside Kerleys Auction House in Geelong, Victoria, Australia, 1930. An entire club on their bikes is truly a terrifying yet amazing sight.

Want to see more 20th Century content?

Check out 25 Vintage Colorized Photos of the Beginning of the 20th Century (1900-1905), or take a look at 27 Photos Showing Why The 20th Century Was Way Better Than The 21st. Finally, if you want to see photos from the first decade of the 20th century, check out 49 Photos From The First Decade of the 20th Century (1900-1910).

Tags:

, ,

Meet the Writer


Patrick Nichols

Patrick is a writer based in upstate New York, where he grew up and still calls home. Over the past year, he’s been diving deep into storytelling, especially tales rooted in history, the Wild West, lost treasures, and ancient artifacts. He’s also drawn to unsolved mysteries and whatever the internet can’t stop talking about.

Whether it’s a centuries-old legend or a bizarre internet rabbit hole, Patrick is always chasing the threads of a compelling story. When he’s not chasing stories, Pat’s probably hiking mountain trails with his dog, exploring new corners of the U.S., or doom-scrolling between hangouts with friends and family. He finds inspiration in nature, forgotten places, and random conversations—anything that sparks curiosity. Whether it’s city streets or backcountry paths, Patrick’s always on the lookout for the next great story.



More Posts From Vintage PhotosView All