Are you looking for ways to give your motorcycle jacket a personal touch? Enter the world of biker patches! These patches are like special symbols for motorcycle riders. They show if a rider is affiliated with a motorcycle club, their role in the club, their feelings, favorite colors, unique style, and who they are.
There are so many different patches for motorcycles out there. But here’s the thing – even though these symbols can make your biker outfit look amazing, it’s really important to understand what they stand for. You can’t just choose a patch that looks cool and put it on your jacket. It’s a huge decision that needs careful consideration.
Not all patches are harmless; some might have meanings you didn’t know about and could land you in serious trouble. Ignoring the grim meaning behind some biker patches can have grave consequences.
So, before you head out for a ride, we recommend reading this blog. We’ll share a list of 10 biker patches that you should avoid if you want to stay out of harm’s way.
10 Motorcycle Patches You Must Steer Clear From to Avoid Trouble
1) The Vagos
The Vagos Motorcycle Club was founded in 1965 in California and is one of the biggest outlaw MCs in US. Sadly, the Vagos have a reputation for being involved in illegal activities like drug trafficking.
It goes without saying that the Vagos Motorcycle Club isn’t exactly on the good side of the law. The FBI considers them to be a group of outlaw motorcycle gangs. This label brings them face-to-face with police officers and other groups who don’t exactly like their style.
So, the Vagos Motorcycle Club might have a wild history, but it’s not all wind in the hair and open road. They’ve had their run-ins with the law, and if you’re wearing their logo, you’re in for some good and bad attention.
2) Mongols MC
The popularity of Mongols spread across the borders. But here’s the twist, the club has a history tied to immoral things like organized crime and violence. This rep sometimes leads them to cross paths with the law and rival groups.
Deciding to wear the Mongols’ customized woven labels means signing up for their history, which comes with a mix of good and not-so-good deeds. This choice might mean dealing with legal consequences and sticky situations that could compromise your safety.
3) Diamond 13
Many cultures around the globe consider the number 13 a talisman for warding off bad luck. But in the world of motorcycles, it’s got a different meaning altogether. It’s quite creative too!
In the English alphabet, the 13th letter is “M.” And for motorcyclists, this letter stands for marijuana. So, when you come across someone proudly wearing a number 13 badge on their biker vest, it’s a way to signal their interest in drugs like marijuana.
Now do you want to unintentionally associate yourself with such individuals? We hope not!
4) 1%-er
Back in July 1947, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) sponsored an event where a fight broke out. Later, the AMA released a report stating that 99% of biker gangs are law-abiding citizens; only the remaining 1% stir up results.
This enraged many MCs, and they boldly embraced the label of 1%-ers. These bikers are not exactly friends with the law, and they certainly won’t approve of someone randomly wearing their patch. So, this could get you in trouble with the cops and MC!
5) 3%-er
Unlike what most people think, the 3 %ers are not a criminal gang. They are a nationalistic group that stands for resisting government overreach. Their name comes from the idea that merely 3% of American colonists engaged in combat against the British in the Revolutionary War, yet they managed to overcome the powerful empire.
People in the 3%er club wear customized Velcro patches with the Roman numeral III enclosed by a circle of stars. Even though their intentions are genuine, law enforcement sometimes sees them as rebels. So, it’s wise to avoid wearing their badge to stay away from possible problems.
6) White Cross
The white cross is essentially the Iron or Maltese cross surrounded by mist and smoke. If a sworn member of an MC has seen a grave being dug up, either to disrespect the body or steal things from it, they wear a white cross patch or pin.
Even though we understand some of the illegal things outlaw motorcycle clubs do, this one is really puzzling. Whether the white cross is supposed to be taken seriously or is just making fun of people who ask silly questions, we recommend not wearing a white cross badge at any cost.
7) Red Cross
Similar to the White cross, a Red cross involves painting or stitching the Iron or Maltese cross in red. This Red Cross signifies an individual’s involvement in homosexual activities. Most motorcycle clubs disassociate from this and actively bar individuals falling under this category from becoming members. It’s likely that the Red Cross symbolizes the wearer’s experiences in prison, where boundaries tend to be less defined.
8) Big 5 OMG
“Big 5 OMG” refers to the top five infamous outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMGs) that rule the United States. These five OMGs acquire their patches through long periods of dedicated service to their MCs. If an outsider were to wear one of their customized motorcycle patches NZ, it would be seen as a highly disrespectful gesture toward their club, leadership, and group’s charter.
9) Ace of Spades
In MC culture, wearing this patch can show you’ve faced death in the military, in bike accidents, or in street fights. It can also mean you’re ready to do anything for your club, brothers, or country.
But here’s the deal: You better be tough to wear this patch because it says you can handle any situation. If you’re not, and you don’t have a bunch of dangerous-looking bikers on your side, think twice about putting it on your biker jacket.
10) Skull & Crossbones
Many bikers wear skull and crossbones patches on their clothes to remind us that we’re not invincible. For motorcycle clubs involved in shady stuff, the skull and crossbones badge means the person wearing it has taken a life, either behind bars or to help their MC.
Usually worn by the sergeant-at-arms or enforcers in outlaw MCs, you have to earn the skull and crossbones patch by ending someone’s life. Let’s just say if you see someone with the skull and crossbones patch on a bad day, steer clear!
Key Takeaway: Be Careful When Selecting a Biker Patch for Your Motorcycle Vest
While it’s truly fun to explore cool biker patches, make sure you never wear one without knowing what it means. MCs consider motorcycle badges sacred, and they won’t let it slide if they catch anyone outside their gang wearing one, even if it’s unintentional.
Also, since outlaws usually keep their heads down, cops are always on the lookout for them. You should not get tangled in these crosshairs. So, remember to do your research before adorning your biker jacket with a customized emblem!
