Different biker patches
A biker patch or “color” is usually sewn onto a vest made of leather or denim to indicate the biker’s group, organization, or gang. These sacred patches are worn with honor and may contain secret symbols that say things about the group or individual wearing them.
There are basically 3 types of biker patches that come in one, two or three pieces. The one-piece patch symbolizes a motorcycle organization such as the Harley Owners Group (HOG) and the Honda Riders Club. Riding clubs often use two-piece patches or may symbolize a motorcycle club waiting to transition into a full three-piece outlaw club. The three-piece patches symbolize an outlaw biker gang.
Biker patches basically have three parts; the top rocker, the bottom rocker, and the emblem of the group or gang in the middle. The two crescent-shaped rockers display the club name at the top and the group’s location or region at the bottom. Sometimes the word MC is placed next to the emblem or rocker to indicate that it is a Motorcycle Club.
In 1947, the American Motorcycle Association declared that “99% of all its members are law-abiding citizens and only 1% are outlaws” following a violent incident in Hollister, California. This gave rise to the One Percenters or Outlaw Motorcycle Clubs. These clubs cut their patches from one piece into three to distinguish themselves from the rest of the law-abiding groups. A 1% diamond-shaped patch can also be used with the three-piece patch. To show that they are the 1% outlaw.
Biker patches can have hundreds of meanings and their symbols can stand for anything. Usually only bona fide members of the group really know the meaning behind these emblems. Here are some common symbols and their meanings.
1% – As stated by the AMA, these are the unrecognized outlaw motorcycle groups.
13 – This is used to symbolize the letter M, which can stand for various meanings including motorcycle, marijuana, methamphetamine, or a secret meaning known only to members.
It can also mean “12 jurors and one judge”, symbolizing that no one can judge them. We are our own judge and jury members.
9er: symbolizes that the biker has Native American blood since the ninth letter of the alphabet is I.
Ace of Spades – This is a symbol for the bringer of death. It means that the rider is willing to kill for the group. But maybe you already have.
Bad influence: shows that the biker is crazy.
DILLIGAF – This is an acronym for “Do I look like I give a fuck?”
FF – forever, forever is used with the group’s title at the beginning and end, as in Hell’s Angels’ AFFA and the Sons of Silence’s SFFS
Flags: can be used to indicate the location or origin of the group.
ITCOB. – this is an acronym for “I Took of Business”
MC or MCC – This is an acronym for “Motorcycle Cycle Club”
Men of Mayhem – Badges or pins awarded to members who have killed in the name of the group.
Nomad – Used on the lower rocket to indicate a person with no particular address. Only a few can really live with this title.
Skull and Crossbones: The patch means “Respect Few, Fear None.” In some cases, the crossbones are replaced by swords.
It can also show that the member has killed someone for the group.
The swastika and Nazi symbols: This does not necessarily mean that the bikers are Nazis, but rather show that they reject the rules of society.
Wings – Usually used to display achievements. They can sometimes have a sexual meaning, but are mostly believed to be jokes.
Red Wings shows that the biker had oral sex with a menstruating woman.
The green wings show that the motorcyclist had sex with a woman with a sexually transmitted disease.
The yellow wings show that the motorcyclist drank a woman’s urine.
The purple wings show that the biker had sex with a body
Patches can also show a biker’s position in the gang. This may include president, vice president, secretary, and sergeant-at-arms. For outlaw groups, it can only be used in the territory and must be handed over when the motorcyclist leaves the group.
No matter what the meaning is, patches are treated with honor and respect, as it is a great privilege to have the right to wear the group’s emblem and call it your own.
