What Is the Oldest MC Still Active?

The oldest MC still active is the Yonkers Motorcycle Club, founded in 1903 in Yonkers, New York. It is widely recognized as the oldest continuously operating motorcycle club in the United States—and, by most accounts, the world—remaining active with rides, events, and an enduring community presence.

Why “oldest MC” can be confusing

The term “MC” can mean different things depending on context. In motorcycling culture, MC stands for motorcycle club. In hip-hop, “MC” refers to a master of ceremonies or rapper. This article addresses both interpretations, with the primary answer focused on motorcycle clubs because that is the most common meaning when people ask about the “oldest MC still active.”

The motorcycle club record: Yonkers Motorcycle Club (1903)

Founded in 1903, the Yonkers Motorcycle Club (YMC) predates most organized motorcycling groups and has maintained continuous activity through wars, economic downturns, and shifting motorcycle culture. The club is regularly cited by historians, motorcycle publications, and the club’s own archival materials as the oldest continuously active motorcycle club in the U.S., and likely the world.

How “oldest” is determined

In motorcycling, “oldest” typically refers to the earliest founding date coupled with documented, uninterrupted activity as a club. This standard distinguishes long-lived clubs from organizations that merged, rebranded, disbanded, or paused for years.

Other historic motorcycle clubs still active

The landscape of early motorcycle clubs includes several venerable organizations that followed closely after Yonkers MC. The examples below are frequently mentioned by historians and club registries when discussing long-running MCs.

• San Francisco Motorcycle Club (San Francisco, California) — Founded 1904; among the earliest U.S. clubs still active.
• Oakland Motorcycle Club (Oakland, California) — Founded 1907; maintains a continuous presence in Northern California.
• Pasadena Motorcycle Club (Pasadena, California) — Founded 1907; known for organized runs and endurance events.
• Motor Maids, Inc. (U.S. and Canada) — Founded 1940; one of North America’s oldest women’s motorcycling organizations, still active nationwide.

These clubs illustrate how early American motorcycling communities formed and persisted, providing continuity that helps verify Yonkers MC’s status at the top of the historical timeline.

Among “1%”/outlaw clubs: who is the oldest?

If the question refers specifically to outlaw or “1%” clubs—a distinct subset of motorcycle clubs—the answer differs from the general MC landscape. Historical timelines for these groups are well documented by club archives and law enforcement histories.

• Outlaws MC (American Outlaws Association) — Traces its founding to 1935 in McCook, Illinois; widely cited as the oldest major 1% motorcycle club still active.
• Boozefighters MC — Founded 1946; famous for postwar motorcycling culture and also still active.
• Hells Angels MC — Founded 1948 in California; one of the best-known 1% clubs, but not the oldest.

While public focus often centers on Hells Angels due to global notoriety, the Outlaws MC commonly holds the “oldest” distinction within the 1% category, predating the others by over a decade.

If you meant a hip-hop MC (rapper)

In hip-hop, “MC” refers to a master of ceremonies or rapper, and many pioneers from the 1970s and early 1980s continue to perform. There isn’t a universally agreed-upon “oldest MC still active” because activity varies by touring schedules, health, and recording output, and because early hip-hop blurred roles between DJs and MCs.

• Grandmaster Melle Mel — A foundational figure from the Furious Five who continues to perform.
• Kurtis Blow — A pioneering solo rap star; following major health challenges, he has remained publicly active and has performed in recent years.
• Grandmaster Caz — An influential early MC associated with the Cold Crush Brothers; still appears at events and performances.
• Busy Bee — A seminal party-rocking MC known for early battles; continues to make appearances.

Because many original artists perform intermittently and some early figures were primarily DJs rather than MCs, it’s more precise to acknowledge a cohort of still-active pioneers rather than naming a single definitive “oldest” hip-hop MC.

How to assess claims about “oldest” status

Determining the oldest active organization or artist benefits from a few simple checks, especially where local lore and marketing can blur facts.

1. Confirm the founding year with multiple sources (club records, newspaper archives, museum exhibits).
2. Look for evidence of continuous activity (meeting minutes, ride logs, event posters) rather than intermittent revivals.
3. Distinguish categories (general MC vs. 1% MC; motorcycle club vs. car/motor club; DJ vs. MC in hip-hop).

Applying these criteria helps separate proud tradition from mythmaking and keeps comparisons fair across different kinds of organizations.

Bottom line

For motorcycle clubs, Yonkers Motorcycle Club (1903) stands as the oldest MC still active, with San Francisco MC (1904) and several others following close behind. Among 1% clubs, the Outlaws MC (1935) is generally regarded as the oldest still operating. In hip-hop, many pioneering MCs remain active, but no single figure is universally accepted as the oldest currently performing.

Summary

The oldest active MC is the Yonkers Motorcycle Club, founded in 1903 and still operating today. Historically significant peers include the San Francisco Motorcycle Club (1904), Oakland Motorcycle Club (1907), and Pasadena Motorcycle Club (1907). If the question targets outlaw clubs, the Outlaws MC (1935) is typically cited as the oldest still active. If “MC” refers to hip-hop, several pioneers continue to perform, though there’s no definitive single “oldest” MC agreed upon across the culture.

What does 69 mean in biker culture?

For many bikers, the number “69” signifies loyalty, brotherhood, and a sense of unity within the biker culture. It is a badge of honor that is earned through dedication, mutual support, and a shared commitment to the values and traditions of the biker lifestyle.

What is the oldest motorcycle club still active?

The oldest motorcycle club still in existence is the Yonkers Motorcycle Club, founded in 1903 in New York, which was officially recognized by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in 2019 as the oldest in the world. It currently operates as a non-profit public charity.
 
Key Details 

• Name: Yonkers Motorcycle Club
• Founded: 1903
• Location: Yonkers, New York
• Status: Officially recognized as the world’s oldest active motorcycle club in 2019.
• Activities: The club operates as a 501(c)(3) public charity, contributing to organizations in the Yonkers community.

Historical Context

• The Yonkers Motorcycle Club was active in the early days of motorcycling, a time when other important milestones, such as the first Harley-Davidson motorcycle and the Wright brothers’ first flight, were also occurring. 
• The club is known for its emphasis on “quality over quantity” in its membership. 

What does 22 mean for bikers?

For some bikers, 22 represents the letter “V” for their club, such as the Vagos MC, while for others, it can be a nod to the statistic of 22 veterans who die by suicide each day. However, the meaning of numbers in biker culture varies, so “22” does not have a single, universal meaning. 
“22” as V for a Club 

• Vagos MC: Opens in new tabThis outlaw motorcycle club uses “22” as a way to represent their identity. Since “V” is the 22nd letter of the alphabet, wearing “22” on their vests is a form of claiming their name, similar to how other clubs use numbers for their initials, such as “81” for Hells Angels (H=8, A=1). 
• Veterans MC: Opens in new tabA club called the Veterans MC also uses “22” as a metonym for “Veterans”. In this context, it can be a way to show solidarity and support for their brothers who have served. 

“22” as a Statistic 

• Veteran Suicide: Many people outside the biker world associate “22” with the tragic daily statistic of 22 veterans taking their own lives. Some bikers, particularly those who are also veterans, may wear “22” to honor this cause and show their support for veterans’ mental health.

The Biker Context 

• Club Identity: Numbers in biker culture often have a deeper meaning, used to represent initials, concepts, or affiliations within the club.
• Varying Meanings: Because of the diverse nature of biker culture and clubs, numbers like “22” do not have a single definition but are often specific to certain groups.

What is a biker’s girlfriend called?

Bikers often refer to their girlfriends or wives as an “Old Lady” or “Ol’ Lady”. This term is a significant title within motorcycle club (MC) culture, signifying a woman who is a loyal partner, holds her man down, and is part of the club’s world, earning respect through her commitment and loyalty. It’s not just a casual term of endearment but a respected role within the biker community. 
Meaning and Context

• Respect and Loyalty: The term “Old Lady” is a sign of respect, indicating that the woman is a dedicated partner in the biker’s life and the MC world. 
• Commitment: It signifies a “ride or die” mentality, where the woman stands by her man through all the ups and downs of the biker lifestyle. 
• Status: For a biker’s significant other to be called an “Old Lady,” she must have earned this title through trust, time, and a deep understanding of the lifestyle and its associated code of conduct. 
• Protection: The “Old Lady” title also implies a level of protection; disrespecting a member’s “Old Lady” can be seen as a direct affront to the biker himself and the club. 

Related Terms

• Back Warmer: Opens in new tabA less formal term, sometimes used to refer to a girlfriend riding on the back of a biker’s motorcycle. 
• Girlfriend, Wife, Better Half, Significant Other: Opens in new tabWhile “Old Lady” is specific to biker culture, bikers may also use these more traditional terms to refer to their partners.