When it comes to starting a motorcycle club, it’s essential to understand that the journey begins with a strong foundation of knowledge and dedication. Whether you’re riding alone or with friends, the camaraderie of being in a group creates a truly special experience. Picture the thrill of riding together, with the sound of your friends chattering through your Bluetooth helmet as you share the open road. This sense of togetherness is what makes motorcycle clubs so appealing to many passionate riders around the world.
To establish such a club, you’ll need to bring people with similar interests together and have the necessary skills to foster a thriving group. It’s about more than just the thrill of the ride; it’s about creating a space where everyone shares a love for motorcycles and the joy that comes from experiencing it together.
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Riding Club or Motorcycle Club?
When you’re thinking about starting a motorcycle club, it’s crucial to understand the difference between a riding club and a true Motorcycle Club (MC). MCs are tight-knit organizations with formal rules and a hierarchical leadership structure. The members share a closer-than-blood familial bond, making joining an MC a commitment for life that should never be taken lightly. These clubs wear the classic three-piece biker patch, a symbol of their dedication that non-MC members should never try to imitate.
Starting a new MC isn’t something most people do on their own, as it often requires the input of existing MCs in the area to avoid creating discord between your club and theirs. For those who want the camaraderie of riding together without the heavy commitment of an MC, a riding club is an excellent alternative.
A riding club is a group of people who come together to enjoy riding motorcycles and hanging out without the need to play politics with other motorcycle clubs.
Being a member of a riding club provides an opportunity to meet and bond with other riders, all while enjoying the freedom and joy that comes from the open road. Whether you’re looking to start a club that’s all about the ride or one with a deeper, lifelong commitment, understanding the distinction between a riding club and an MC is the first step in making your vision a reality.
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Defining Your Club
When starting a motorcycle club, one of the most crucial steps is defining the identity of your club. This identity will be what ties your members together and attracts new people to join.
Whether you’re thinking about a cruiser-only or sport bike-only club, or perhaps one that’s limited to a particular brand, it’s important to decide early on. Some clubs choose to keep a small circle of close-knit riders, while others aim for growth into the dozens or even hundreds of members.
Another essential factor is considering the demographic of your club. For instance, women’s motorcycle clubs, veterans’ motorcycle clubs, and LGBTQ motorcycle clubs are all common trends that create a supportive space for like-minded riders.
Some clubs focus on community service, while others are ride-centric, or even for gearheads who love spending time in the garage as much as on the road. Whether you want to help beginners sharpen their skills or challenge expert riders with tough rides, your club’s identity will guide these decisions.
Communication is also key to a successful club. When you’re out on the road, using modern motorcycle communication systems like the ChiceBike Team can help keep everyone connected. Whether you choose to accept everyone or be more selective in your membership, making your club a pleasant and welcoming space is what will ensure its success.
Starting Your Motorcycle Club
Starting a motorcycle club can be an exciting journey, but it’s important to recognize that there’s no one right way to go about it. The first step is to learn about the MCs and riding clubs in your area. By doing so, you can find out if there’s already a similar club and then think about how to differentiate your new club from others.
Once you’ve identified your niche, it’s time to gather your core membership. Reach out to your rider friends and see if they’d like to become charter members of your club. This initial group will help you lay the foundation for your club’s culture and activities.
Next, focus on creating a strong name, logo, and branding. These elements are important for attracting members, so take some time to put thought into something that everyone likes. Be sure to avoid designs that are too similar to existing club colors in your area, as this can cause confusion or even conflict with other clubs.
With your branding in place, it’s time to make things official by filing the necessary paperwork to become a registered non-profit organization. This status will allow your club to apply for liability insurance and manage other official capacities like event hosting and community outreach.
After the administrative work is done, it’s time to bring your club together for the first time. Hold your first meeting—which can be done virtually if needed—and plan your first ride together.
To establish your presence in the community, host or attend riding events. Activities like charity rides or bike shows are excellent ways to promote your club and connect with other riders and local communities.
Finally, it’s essential to stay connected with your members even when you’re not on the road. Use social media channels to keep everyone in the loop, and consider investing in Bluetooth motorcycle helmet systems to maintain communication during rides and rest stops.
With these steps, your club will be well on its way to becoming a respected and active part of the riding community.
The Purpose and Types of a Motorcycle Club
When starting a motorcycle club, it’s essential to understand the different types and purposes that exist. The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is one of the largest organizations, with hundreds of thousands of active members and over 1,000 chartered clubs.
Founded in 1924, the AMA has evolved over the years, but its early history included a whites-only membership policy. On the other hand, one percenter motorcycle clubs, often known as outlaw clubs, emerged as a counterculture group of motorcyclists opposing the archaic origins of the AMA. While some outlaw clubs have ties to criminal behavior, including associations with crime families, gangs, and drug smuggling, they are characterized by a persona that rejects traditional authority.
However, not all motorcycle clubs are about defiance. Many MCs have their own hierarchy of authority and, unfortunately, engage in illegal activity. There are also smaller groups, such as the Harley Owners Group and BMW Motorcycle Owners of America, that come together with a common love for a particular brand of motorcycles.
These groups often cater to different demographics based on gender, religion, or sexual orientation for those who feel uncomfortable in more mainstream groups or seek a specific niche.
Before you start your own motorcycle club, it’s crucial to thoughtfully consider your reasons and the “why” behind it. Joining a club offers bikers a sense of camaraderie and a shared interest in a particular demographic or type of motorcycle. However, it’s essential to ensure that your new club will not be disrespectful to existing clubs in your area and that both can coexist harmoniously.
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How to Start One
If you live in an area with few options for a motorcycle club and find that hanging out with a traditional club or a one-percenter outlaw group isn’t a good fit, you might consider starting your own. The first step is to contact the leader of your local MC club to discuss your idea.
In the motorcycle community, it’s considered disrespectful and in poor taste to begin a new club unless it’s a niche group that doesn’t already exist in your area. This is especially true for older members who see it as a way to avoid learning respect from existing clubs or to skip paying dues within these brotherhoods.
However, with the younger generation, some of these traditional and territorial ideas are changing. As these attitudes shift, more clubs are likely to form, hopefully with a less questionable history or ties. If you decide to move forward, ensure that your new club brings something unique to the community while respecting the established norms and values.
Region, Niche, Colors
When starting your motorcycle club, it’s essential to define the region your club will cover and understand the other motorcycle clubs that already exist in your area. Begin by doing thorough research on the colors and patches that local clubs wear on the back of jackets. This step is crucial, especially if you’re considering adopting similar colors for your club. It’s also important to research if any former clubs in your area were disbanded for dishonorable reasons, as using their colors could carry unintended meanings.
To get a better understanding of the popular clubs in your area and their requirements for joining, you can check online or visit local motorcycle shops. Some clubs can be quite secretive, and often, the only way to gather thorough information is by becoming a member. Ensuring that your club’s identity and region are clearly defined will help it stand out while respecting the traditions of other clubs.
Rules of a Motorcycle Club
When setting up a motorcycle club, it’s essential to establish clear rules that will guide your organization. These provisions can vary depending on the club’s goals, but typically include regulations that require members to show respect and dignity while representing the club.
It’s important to outline what it takes to wear the club colors and define the level of participation that is expected, including attendance at meetings. Some examples of common club rules can even be found online to help you get started.
Support from Existing Clubs
When starting a new group, it’s often easier to begin with a Riding Club rather than jumping straight into forming an MC. Most MCs are more likely to accept Riding Clubs that focus on a niche outside their own. In some areas, your club might only be tolerated, but you could find more luck with fellow Riding Clubs that operate in a niche that’s different from yours.
Bikes Accepted
When deciding on the bikes accepted in your club, it’s important to consider the preferences of your members. Some clubs may dictate that only specific types of bikes are allowed, such as sport bikes or cruisers. Others may organize sub-groups for those who ride similar bikes.
Whether your group focuses on newer bikes or has a passion for vintage and used motorcycles, it’s essential to create a niche that reflects the values and appreciation your members have for their machines. Instead of being a general Riding Club, it’s often more effective to carve out a specific identity that sets your club apart.
Membership Fees
When starting a Riding Club, it’s important to consider the membership fees that your club will charge. Motorcycle clubs can vary widely in their fees, with some being as low as $25 per year, while other clubs may charge up to $600 annually. You’ll need to realistically factor in the costs required to run your organization and set a fee structure that supports the club’s activities while remaining affordable for members.
Cost of a Club
When considering the cost of running a motorcycle club, it’s crucial to be fair to your club members while also ensuring you don’t fall into debt. The group expenses can add up quickly, from recruiting members and holding events to the time spent running the club. Don’t forget about the small items like creating patches for members to wear colors on their jackets. The prices for a motorcycle club operation might be more than you expect, so it’s wise to track all potential expenses carefully.
Recruitment
Recruitment for motorcycle clubs is changing rapidly, largely due to the internet. While there’s an ongoing debate about using the web for recruitment, with some traditional thinkers or protocol believers who dislike this approach, it’s undeniable that the web makes it easier to find and connect with new members. The old ways of recruiting in person are still valued, but the Internet offers a more accessible route to membership. If you choose to recruit online, be sure to do so wisely.
It’s recommended to require a hang-out period for potential members after meeting or Skyping online. During this time, arrange to meet a few times before allowing them to wear your colors or patches.
Similarly, if you’re considering joining a biker club, never agree to wear colors without knowing who’s running it or what kind of people they are. Remember, these are individuals you’ve connected with through the internet, and while they might seem cool, it’s crucial to understand the group fully before officially joining or bringing on new members.
Going Forward
As you start your motorcycle club, it’s important to do thorough research on the MCs in your area. Be respectful and cautious when deciding who to admit into your club. Starting a club is a significant commitment that can last for years, so you need to be smart about the people you choose. Those who pay to be part of your organization will expect to receive the full benefits of their paid years in the Riding Club.
