Motorcycle Patches Can Express the Essence of Biker Life

Motorcycle patches let bikers have their cake and eat it too. The patches can be used to both celebrate the freedom from conventionality that bikers want, yet demonstrate allegiance to a group at the same time. They allow them to show solidarity with fellow riders. Yet at the same time, they’re a means to declare one’s individuality.

Motorcycle patches aren’t a new embellishment. They’ve been a part of the biker world almost since motorcycles were invented. Biker patches show club membership, solidarity with political causes, memorialize fallen fellow riders, or sometimes just stir things up.

Most non-bikers (“civilians” in the biker world) are familiar with the classic three-piece patch worn on the back of a rider’s jacket or vest. Traditionally, the three-piece set has been worn by riders who are members of Motorcycle clubs designated as “outlaw” because they are not sanctioned by the American Motorcyclist Association. “Outlaw,” in this usage, refers only to the lack of AMA approval.

The centerpiece of a three-piece set normally features a club-specific design, designating the club logo or emblem. The center is flanked by top and bottom rockers, with the top piece usually indicating the name of the club, and the bottom one showing the state or city where the club is based.

The distinction between styles is great. Three-piece sets are earned, not given. To win membership as a “full patch” member of a club requires enduring an apprenticeship and initiation process that might take as long as several years. Once accepted as a brother in the club, the member wears the colors – which still belong to the club – for life. It’s a hard-won achievement, one that many cherish.

On the other hand, riders’ clubs sponsored by motorcycle manufacturers have no specific membership requirements beyond owning the bike in question. These groups, such as Harley-Davidson’s Harley Owners Group (HOG), typically don’t require any type of initiation process. Instead of wearing the three-piece sets, riders’ club members traditionally wear single-piece biker patches.

Some motorcycle patched reflect the specific meanings of their own rider groups. Law enforcement rider clubs, biker ministries, veterans’ riding groups and others all have their own specific type of embroidered art. Law enforcement and veteran’s riding groups have been known to wear three-piece sets.

In addition to the main identification patches, many riders choose to wear smaller ones that commemorate special road trips or big events such as the annual Sturgis Rally or Daytona Beach Biketoberfest. Others may include political or humorous statements. Some wear their motorcycle patches in memory of friends and family members who have died.

No matter what the reason, there’s a patch for just about any sentiment a rider wants to express.