What Was the Original MC Club?

In common usage, the “original MC club” is widely taken to be the Yonkers Motorcycle Club (founded 1903), often cited as the oldest continuously operating motorcycle club in the United States. If the question refers to the first major “outlaw” or one‑percenter MC, that distinction is generally credited to the Outlaws Motorcycle Club, founded as the McCook Outlaws in Illinois in 1935. The term can mean different things, so the answer depends on whether you mean the earliest motorcycle club in general or the first outlaw-style club.

Why “Original MC Club” Is Ambiguous

Motorcycle culture uses “MC” both broadly (any motorcycle club) and narrowly (clubs that identify with the traditional patch-wearing MC structure, sometimes outside the sanction of national federations). Historians and riders also distinguish between mainstream, federation-affiliated clubs and the “outlaw” or “one‑percenter” scene that emerged mid-20th century. As a result, more than one organization can be described as “the original MC club,” depending on context.

The Earliest Motorcycle Clubs

Before the one‑percenter era, riders organized in regional clubs that hosted endurance runs, hill climbs, and social rides. Several early clubs predate 1910 and helped shape organized motorcycling in the U.S.

Yonkers Motorcycle Club (1903)

Founded in 1903 in Yonkers, New York, the Yonkers Motorcycle Club is widely recognized as the oldest continuously operating motorcycle club in the United States. It played a visible role in early organized events and remains active today, which is why many riders point to Yonkers MC when asked about the “original” MC.

New York Motorcycle Club (founded 1895) and the FAM (1903)

The New York Motorcycle Club dates to 1895—before many purpose-built motorcycles existed—and was instrumental in forming the Federation of American Motorcyclists (FAM) in 1903 alongside the Alpha Motorcycle Club of Brooklyn. These organizations fostered national coordination of events and rules. While the NYMC’s lineage is complex and not continuously visible in the modern scene, it is among the earliest documented motorcycle clubs in the U.S.

San Francisco Motorcycle Club (1904)

Established in 1904, the San Francisco Motorcycle Club is one of the world’s oldest continuously operating clubs, with a storied history on the West Coast. It is frequently cited when discussing the earliest MCs still in operation.

The First Outlaw/One‑Percenter‑Style MC

“Outlaw” originally referred to clubs not sanctioned by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA). The one‑percenter identity—embraced by some clubs after the 1947 Hollister events—signaled a subculture distinct from mainstream, AMA-affiliated riding. In this context, the “original MC club” often points to the earliest enduring outlaw organization.

Outlaws Motorcycle Club (founded 1935 as McCook Outlaws)

Founded in 1935 in McCook, Illinois, the Outlaws MC predate the one‑percenter label but are widely regarded as the earliest major outlaw club that evolved into the modern patch‑wearing, territory‑based MC model. Their continuous lineage from the 1930s places them at the front of the outlaw timeline.

Other Early Outlaw-Era Clubs

Several other clubs were pivotal in the formative outlaw/one‑percenter years that followed World War II, influencing culture, iconography, and club structures that persist today.

• Pissed Off Bastards of Bloomington (POBOB), founded 1945 in California; part of the early postwar club scene associated with the 1947 Hollister rally.
• Boozefighters MC, founded 1946 in California; also linked culturally with Hollister and early postwar riding culture.
• Hells Angels Motorcycle Club, formed in 1948 in California, drawing from veterans and members of earlier clubs; later became one of the most globally recognized one‑percenter MCs.

Together, these clubs cemented the symbols, traditions, and cross‑club dynamics of the postwar outlaw motorcycle movement, but their founding dates place the Outlaws MC as the earliest of the major contemporary outlaw organizations.

Quick Reference: Which “Original” Do You Mean?

Because “original MC club” can refer to different milestones, use this quick reference to match the intent to the most fitting historical answer.

• Oldest continuously operating motorcycle club (general): Yonkers Motorcycle Club (1903).
• Earliest documented U.S. motorcycle club involvement: New York Motorcycle Club (1895) helping form the Federation of American Motorcyclists (1903).
• Oldest continuously operating West Coast club: San Francisco Motorcycle Club (1904).
• First enduring outlaw/one‑percenter‑style club: Outlaws Motorcycle Club (founded 1935 as McCook Outlaws).

These distinctions reflect different historical benchmarks—continuity, documentation, regional legacy, and subcultural identity—each valid in its own right.

Summary

If you mean the earliest operating motorcycle club, the Yonkers Motorcycle Club (1903) is widely recognized as the “original.” If you mean the first enduring outlaw/one‑percenter MC, that title generally goes to the Outlaws Motorcycle Club, founded in 1935 as the McCook Outlaws. The term “original MC club” can point to different organizations depending on whether you’re talking about motorcycling in general or the outlaw tradition specifically.

Who are the Big 4 outlaw MC clubs?

The Big Four OMGs are the Hells Angels MC, the Outlaws MC, the Bandidos MC, and the Pagans MC. The first three, although American based, have international chapters and are the largest motorcycle gangs in the world. All four are known for their criminal activity and violence toward each other.

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 MC club?

The oldest motorcycle club in the world is the Yonkers Motorcycle Club (YMC), founded in 1903 and officially recognized by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Chartered by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) as its sixth member, the YMC has a long history of community involvement and operates as a public charity. 
Key facts about the Yonkers Motorcycle Club:

• Founding: Established in 1903. 
• Recognition: Officially recognized as the oldest motorcycle club in the world by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in 2019. 
• AMA Charter: The club has been chartered by the AMA since 1924. 
• Community Focus: The YMC is known for its commitment to its community and operates as a 501c3 public charity. 

What were the original MC clubs?

History. One of the first motorcycle clubs was the New York Motorcycle Club, which in 1903 merged with the Alpha Motorcycle Club of Brooklyn to become the Federation of American Motorcyclists.