Who are the “Big Four” motorcycle clubs?

The Big Four motorcycle clubs are generally identified as Hells Angels Motorcycle Club, Outlaws Motorcycle Club, Bandidos Motorcycle Club, and Pagans Motorcycle Club. The term is widely used by U.S. law enforcement and researchers to describe the four largest and most influential outlaw motorcycle clubs, particularly in North America, though usage can vary by region.

What the label means

“Big Four” is a descriptive, not official, label that emerged in policing and academic circles to denote the most established, expansive, and historically significant outlaw motorcycle clubs operating in the United States and beyond. It is not a formal alliance and does not imply cooperation among the clubs—many of which are long-standing rivals. The clubs are legal entities in many jurisdictions, but certain chapters and members have been the focus of investigations and prosecutions over the decades.

The Big Four at a glance

The following profiles summarize each club commonly included under the “Big Four” designation, with emphasis on origins, footprint, and general context as documented in law enforcement reporting and credible research.

• Hells Angels Motorcycle Club (founded 1948, California): The most internationally recognized of the group, with chapters across North America, Europe, Oceania, and parts of Asia and South America. Known for a large global footprint and a long history of both public visibility and law enforcement scrutiny.
• Outlaws Motorcycle Club (founded 1935, Illinois): One of the oldest, with deep roots in the U.S. Midwest and significant chapters in the South, East Coast, and Europe. Often referred to as the A.O.A. (American Outlaws Association), it has been a central player in inter-club rivalries.
• Bandidos Motorcycle Club (founded 1966, Texas): A major international club with strong presences in the United States, Europe (notably Germany and Scandinavia), and Australia. It has figured prominently in several high-profile conflicts and investigations over the years.
• Pagans Motorcycle Club (founded 1959, Maryland): Concentrated primarily along the U.S. East Coast and Mid-Atlantic, with reported growth in recent years. While less international than the others, the Pagans are considered a top-tier club in U.S. law enforcement assessments.

Taken together, these organizations are frequently cited due to their size, history, and influence on the broader outlaw motorcycle club landscape—factors that help explain their grouping under a single banner.

Why these four are singled out

These clubs are singled out because of their scale (membership and chapters), geographic reach (multi-state and often international), longevity, and the amount of attention they receive from law enforcement and media. Over decades, they have shaped the culture, rivalries, and organizational structures of other motorcycle clubs that aspire to regional or national prominence.

Membership and footprint

Credible estimates vary, in part because these clubs do not publicize official membership numbers and chapter counts can change. Broadly, Hells Angels, Outlaws, and Bandidos each have substantial international networks, while the Pagans—historically more concentrated on the U.S. East Coast—have expanded within the United States. Analysts generally agree these four remain among the most influential in North America as of 2025.

Law enforcement perspective and legal status

In federal, state, and local reporting in the U.S., these clubs are often categorized as outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMGs), reflecting assessments that some chapters and members engage in criminal activity. Importantly, membership in a motorcycle club is not itself illegal, and not all members are involved in crime. Nevertheless, investigations under racketeering and other statutes have targeted specific members and chapters over the years.

Other major club often mentioned

Because influence and size can be regional, you may see other clubs cited alongside the Big Four, particularly in the western United States and internationally. One name appears frequently in that conversation:

• Mongols Motorcycle Club (founded 1969, California): Prominent in the U.S. Southwest and with an international presence, the Mongols are often listed among the most significant clubs globally. Some sources refer to a “Big Five” that includes the Mongols, reflecting their stature in certain regions and periods.

While the Mongols are highly significant, many U.S. law enforcement and research references still reserve the “Big Four” label for Hells Angels, Outlaws, Bandidos, and Pagans.

Frequently asked points

The following clarifications address common questions and misconceptions about the Big Four and their place in motorcycle club culture.

• They are not a unified bloc: The clubs are independent and often rivals; alliances and conflicts have shifted over time and by location.
• Criminality is not universal: Legal status varies by jurisdiction, and while law enforcement links some members and chapters to crime, others emphasize riding culture, brotherhood, and charity events.
• International reach differs: Hells Angels, Outlaws, and Bandidos have extensive global chapters; the Pagans are more U.S.-focused, particularly on the East Coast.
• Rivalries have history: Notable rivalries include Hells Angels vs. Outlaws in parts of the U.S. and Europe; Bandidos vs. Hells Angels in Europe and against regional clubs in the U.S.; Pagans vs. Hells Angels on the East Coast; and Mongols vs. Hells Angels in the U.S. Southwest.

Understanding these dynamics helps explain why the “Big Four” designation persists and how regional context can shape which clubs are most prominent in public discussions.

Sources and notes

The “Big Four” terminology appears in U.S. Department of Justice and FBI reporting, state and regional gang assessments, and academic research on outlaw motorcycle clubs. Because club structures evolve—and law enforcement priorities shift—specific chapter counts and membership estimates change over time. The overview above reflects commonly cited definitions and the prevailing consensus through 2025.

Summary

The Big Four motorcycle clubs are Hells Angels, Outlaws, Bandidos, and Pagans—an informal label used to denote the largest and most influential outlaw motorcycle clubs in the U.S. context. While not a formal alliance and with significant regional variation, these organizations have shaped the culture, conflicts, and public perception of motorcycle clubs for decades, with the Mongols frequently mentioned alongside them due to their size and influence.

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

Who are the big 5 motorcycle clubs?

The term “Big 5 motorcycle clubs” or “Big Five” refers to five specific outlaw motorcycle clubs — the Hells Angels, Bandidos, Outlaws, Sons of Silence, and Pagans — identified by authorities as major criminal organizations involved in serious domestic threats and organized crime, including drug trafficking. These clubs are considered the largest and most prominent in the United States by membership and number of chapters, though some sources may vary slightly or focus on a “Big Four” depending on the agency or context. 
The “Big 5” are:

• Hells Angels MC: The largest outlaw biker club in the world, considered an organized crime syndicate by various intelligence agencies. 
• Bandidos MC: An international club identified as a criminal organization responsible for various criminal activities, including drug dealing and murder. 
• Outlaws MC: The oldest outlaw biker club, also designated as a criminal organization with involvement in drug trafficking. 
• Sons of Silence: A US-based club with German chapters, considered a major threat and part of the “big five”. 
• Pagans MC: A predominantly US-based club that is also considered a major criminal entity by law enforcement. 

Context:

• These clubs are often referred to as Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs (OMGs) and are a focus of law enforcement efforts due to their significant role in organized crime. 
• While the “Big 5” is a common designation, some reports from agencies like the FBI might refer to the “Big Four” (Hells Angels, Pagans, Outlaws, and Bandidos) or focus on a wider group including other major gangs like the Mongols. 

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 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.