Information on motorcycle patches
Biker patches are used to distinguish motorcycle clubs from each other. While its primary purpose is to denote affiliation, the design can be used to express the beliefs, achievements, or certain actions that the rider has taken.
The one, two and three piece patch
The one-piece patch generally refers to motorcycle associations; the two-piece often means that the rider belongs to a club (this convention is followed by most motorcycle clubs). Outlaw motorcycle clubs wear the three-piece patch.
Outlaw clubs are not recognized by the American Motorcycle Association (AMA). Patch design will vary by club. However, the upper and lower forms are almost always shaped like crescents. They are called rockers. However, it should be emphasized that the three-piece motorcycle patch is also worn by some non-outlaw motorcyclists.
Common patch designs
Outlaw motorcyclists wear the 1% patch in reference to the AMA’s claims that only 1% of American motorcyclists disobey the law. An Ace of Spades patch warns that the rider will fight for what he believes to the death; A flag patch may indicate the rider’s place of birth or lineage.
There are also patches that denote the rider’s position in the club. There are specific patches for club president, vice president, secretary, sergeant-at-arms, etc.
Other types of patches
Many patches come with wings, but the meaning varies. Wings and colors can mean many things, but most of the time it can refer to sexual acts or crimes committed by the motorcyclist.
The FF patch stands for ‘club name forever, forever’. There are several versions of this patch. Hells Angels, for example, uses the AFFA patch. The 9th means that the rider has Indian blood.
Patch number 13
This patch has several possible meanings. Most of the time, 13 represents M, the thirteenth letter of the alphabet. But the meaning of M depends on the clubs. Some say it means marijuana, others say it means motorcycle, while others claim it is methamphetamine. However, many clubs have hidden meanings for the letter M, known only to their members.
Meaning of other patches
The Men of Mayhem patches are given to a motorcyclist who has murdered on behalf of the club. The rally badges (or pins) are given to those who attend bicycle rallies. The demonstration can be due to various reasons, but most do so for charitable purposes.
Skull and crossbones mean the rider got into a fight and probably killed someone. The skull and bones can also refer to other crimes committed on behalf of the club.
Some cyclists also wear the swastika and Nazi symbols. These do not necessarily imply that the rider is a Nazi. Rather, it is used to provoke outrage among the authorities and citizens. Outlaw motorcyclists also use the patches to ridicule people who are not in their club.
As the information above makes clear, motorcycle patches can mean different things. Although the types vary, they all symbolize something of the biker and the club, whether they are outlaws or law-abiding citizens.
