Who Are the “Big 4” Outlaw Motorcycle Clubs?

The term “Big 4” most commonly refers to Hells Angels MC, Outlaws MC (American Outlaws Association), Bandidos MC, and Pagans MC. Depending on the source, especially in some U.S. law-enforcement reporting, Mongols MC is sometimes substituted for the Pagans or listed alongside them, leading to a “Big 5.” The label is informal and varies by region and agency, and the clubs themselves typically reject the “outlaw” or “gang” characterization.

What the Term Means

“Big 4” is a shorthand used in media and law-enforcement circles to identify the largest, most established outlaw motorcycle clubs (OMCs or OMGs) with extensive chapter networks and long histories. It isn’t a formal designation, and it reflects prevalence, reach, and perceived influence rather than any official status. The phrasing can change with geography, time period, and the specific priorities of the agency or report using it.

The Big Four Most Commonly Referenced

The following list reflects the set most frequently cited by U.S.-based reporting and many researchers when they use “Big 4.” Each name is the club’s common English-language designation.

• Hells Angels Motorcycle Club (HAMC)
• Outlaws Motorcycle Club (American Outlaws Association, AOA)
• Bandidos Motorcycle Club
• Pagans Motorcycle Club

Together, these four clubs are widely regarded as the most established and historically influential OMCs in North America, with varying international footprints. Their inclusion in the “Big 4” reflects a mix of size, longevity, and notoriety in public and law-enforcement narratives.

Alternate Usage and Regional Variations

Some law-enforcement documents and regional analyses use different lineups, and in recent years you may see expanded lists that adjust for shifting influence or geography.

• Alternate “Big 4” variant: Hells Angels, Outlaws, Bandidos, Mongols
• “Big 5” usage: Hells Angels, Outlaws, Bandidos, Pagans, Mongols
• International context: Outside North America, clubs such as the Mongols, Rebels MC, Comanchero MC (notably in Australia), and others may be emphasized given local presence and activity.

These variations reflect differing regional prominence and evolving chapter networks. In short, the roster can shift depending on who is doing the classifying and where.

Quick Profiles and Footprint

Hells Angels MC

Founded in California in the late 1940s, Hells Angels MC has grown into one of the most internationally recognized motorcycle clubs, with chapters across North America, Europe, and beyond. It is frequently cited by law-enforcement agencies in organized-crime assessments; the club presents itself as a motorcycle fraternity and disputes criminal-gang labels.

Outlaws MC (AOA)

Tracing its roots to 1935 in the Chicago area, the Outlaws MC is one of the oldest OMCs in the United States. It has a significant presence in the U.S. and Europe. Law-enforcement reporting often places it among the most influential OMCs; the club emphasizes its identity as a motorcycle organization.

Bandidos MC

Founded in Texas in 1966, the Bandidos MC has expanded across the U.S., Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region. It is frequently referenced in U.S. and international police assessments of OMCs, while the club characterizes itself as a brotherhood of riders.

Pagans MC

Established in 1959 in the Mid-Atlantic region of the U.S., the Pagans MC has historically concentrated on the East Coast, with growth into the South and Midwest. It is commonly included in U.S.-centric “Big 4” lists and is regularly discussed in state and federal reports; the club disputes gang characterizations.

Mongols MC (Context for Variations)

Founded in 1969 in Southern California, the Mongols MC is often cited in law-enforcement reporting and is included in some “Big 4” variants or as part of a “Big 5.” It has chapters in the U.S. and abroad and is frequently mentioned in legal and policy debates around OMCs.

Why the Definition Differs

“Big 4” is a media and law-enforcement convention, not a fixed roster. Differences arise from regional prominence, shifting chapter counts, and the focus of particular agencies or time periods. While law-enforcement reports may emphasize criminal allegations and case histories, the clubs describe themselves as motorcycle fraternities and contest the “gang” or “criminal organization” labels. The result is terminology that can be both contentious and fluid.

Summary

Most commonly, the “Big 4” outlaw motorcycle clubs are Hells Angels MC, Outlaws MC, Bandidos MC, and Pagans MC. Some sources substitute Mongols MC for the Pagans or expand to a “Big 5” by including both. The term is informal, varies by source and region, and reflects perceived size, reach, and influence rather than any official designation.

What clubs are affiliated with the Outlaws MC?

The Black Pistons Motorcycle Club (Black Pistons) The Black Pistons Motorcycle Club (Black Pistons) is the official support club for the Outlaws Motorcycle Club (Outlaws).

What is the largest outlaw motorcycle club?

The Hells Angels Motorcycle Club (HAMC) is the largest outlaw motorcycle club in the world, with an estimated membership of over 6,000 and 592 charters in 66 countries as of 2020, according to Wikipedia, making it the most prominent and extensive of the “Big Four” international clubs. 
Here’s a breakdown of the Hells Angels’ size and scope:

• Membership: The Hells Angels have a global membership of over 6,000 individuals. 
• Global Presence: The club boasts 592 charters (chapters) spread across 66 countries. 
• Origin: The Hells Angels were founded in California and are an international club known for riding Harley-Davidson motorcycles. 
• “Big Four”: They are considered one of the “Big Four” international outlaw motorcycle gangs, along with the Outlaws, Bandidos, and Pagans, as designated by the FBI. 

Who is bigger, Outlaws or Hells Angels?

The Hells Angels are bigger than the Outlaws, with over 6,000 members and 592 chapters in 66 countries, compared to the Outlaws’ membership of over 4,000 members and 441 chapters in 43 countries. Both are among the largest international outlaw motorcycle clubs, with the Hells Angels being the largest and the Outlaws the second largest. 
Hells Angels 

• Membership: Over 6,000 members
• Chapters: 592 charters in 66 countries
• Size: The largest outlaw motorcycle club in the world

Outlaws MC 

• Membership: Over 4,000 members
• Chapters: 441 chapters in 43 countries
• Size: The second-largest outlaw motorcycle club in the world, behind the Hells Angels

What do Hells Angels call their girlfriends?

Hells Angels and other members of the outlaw motorcycle club (MC) culture refer to their girlfriends as “old ladies” to indicate a long-term, faithful relationship and to signify that the woman is tied to the member and the club. This term is considered a sign of respect within the biker community. 
What “old lady” means within the Hells Angels and MC culture

• Loyalty and Respect: Being called an “old lady” means the woman is in a serious, committed relationship and is expected to be loyal to her man and the club. 
• “Property” and Status: In some outlaw motorcycle clubs, the term also signifies that the woman is “property” of the member and the club. 
• Role and Expectations: “Old ladies” often have specific roles, which can include supporting the club by planning parties and events, preparing food, and tending bar. They are also expected to keep secrets, respect boundaries, and not gossip about the club or its members. 
• Hierarchy: There is a hierarchy of women in some MCs; “old ladies” are typically the wives or girlfriends of members, and they are distinct from “groupies,” who are seen more casually at club gatherings.