You can recognize bikers by their “colors,” the leather or denim vests they always wear. There are patches displayed on the backs of these vests, which are used to identify the clubs they belong to. Not only do patches identify the club of a biker, but they are also indicators of other characteristics of the individual that is wearing them.
Types Of Biker Patches
The design of a biker patch can be an indication of the kind of motorcycle club a rider belongs to. Patches for clubs are available in one, two or three pieces. The one-piece patch usually indicates an association with motorcycle, frequently linked with a specific manufacturer; an example being the H.O.G., also known as the Harley Owners Group. A two-piece patch is typically an indication of a riding club. And a three-piece patch is generally a symbol that a biker is a member of one of the “outlaw” disreputable motorcycle clubs. Motorcycle writer, Dan House states that some of the most infamous motorcycle clubs include the Outlaws, the Pagans, the Bandidos and the Hell’s Angels.
Three-Patch Bikers
A three-piece patch comprises two crescent-shaped patches which are called rockers, they are found at the top and bottom of the patch. There is also a center patch that shows the emblem of the club. The rocker at the top shows the club name, while the rocker at the bottom shows the location of the club, usually a city or state. In motorcycle clubs of the outlaw, a prospective member only earns the three pieces after his membership has been approved for. Prospective members are only given the bottom rocker. After membership has been approved, he acquires the club emblem and the top rocker.
Considerations
It should be pointed out that a three-piece patch does not always indicate that a biker is a member of an outlaw club. Some veterans’ and military motorcycle clubs put three-piece patches on their jackets or vests.
History
A number of outlaw bikers put a little, diamond-shaped “1%” patch on the front of their jackets or vests. A lot of outlaw motorcycle clubs call themselves one percenters; this is in direct reference to an American Motorcycle Association statement that highlighted that 99% of motorcyclists in America are reputable and law-abiding. The statement was made to denounce a brutal confrontation in 1947, between two outlaw biker groups. Law enforcement agencies usually view the “1%” diamond-shaped patch as an indication that the individual who is wearing it is mixed up in criminal activity; law enforcement motorcycle group members often wears a “99%” patch.
Incoming search terms:
- biker patches
- biker patches for jackets
- biker jacket patches
- bikers jacket club 1 %
- military motorcycle jackets
- motorcycle club rockers
- outlaw biker patches
- what are the patches on a biker jacket callled