Motorcycle and Its Macho Effect - Motorcycle Gangs

The motorcycle is an enduring machine with aconsiders itself as an outlaw club and has spread all
distinctive aura. These machines particularly the largerover the globe-16 countries to be precise and has a
capacity bikes do bring out the macho in man. It's amembership of 2400.
man's world and women bike gangs are not so far onThe law enforcement agencies have been keeping a
the horizon. However one odd girl friend or lover maytrack of the activities of these motorcycle gangs and
ride with the gang. The motorcycle is connected withquite a few arrests for murder and other illegal
everything masculine. Romantic folklore glorify theactivities have been carried out. The FBI and ATF
motorcycle like the escape from the Germans byhave made many arrests of the members of these
Steve McQueen in the movie 'The Great Escape' toclubs, who also carry out activities like kidnapping,
the fact that the Germans during World War II usedextortion and sometimes aimless assault. Sometimes
the bike with a machine gun to scare the populationsundercover agents have infiltrated these gangs to
of occupied Europe; the bike sometimes brings outget an insight into their activities. In March 2006 the
the dark side of man.law enforcement authorities arrested of 25 Vagos
Thus in the United States mobike gangs haveGang members and their associates for criminal
proliferated all lover the nation. The movie 'Mad Max'activities is an example.
and its sequel show the lethal effect of these bikeQuite a few of these clubs oppose each other as
gangs. At the outset one can say with surety thatrivals and frequent fire fights between them do take
99% of all bike users are good and law abidingplace. These clubs also have distinctive designs and
people. But the 1% of the total sometimes has alogos to identify themselves. These play an important
mean streak which is accentuated by the large bikes.part in the identification of these clubs and have pride
Bikes like the Harley Davidson, Truimph, BMW,of place in club culture. The designs are awe inspiring
Yamaha and Honda inspire this microscopic minoritylike the Hells Angels who have the "death's head"
to indulge in crimes. But crime does not pay and thelogo which is copied from the insignia of one of the
vast majority of these bike gangs have been bustedUnited States Air Force Fighter squadron. The types
by the police and undercover agents.of bikes used also have a bearing on the conduct of
The genesis of these bike gangs is the motorcyclethese gangs. Most prefer the cruiser bikes with
clubs. The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) isHarley Davidson the most popular in America.
the largest American motorcyclist organization. ItIt is important to note that although some members
serves as an umbrella organization for local clubs andof these motorcycle clubs/gangs have been involved
sporting events.in crimes like murder, extortion,drug trafficking and
Most of the clubs are purely recreational and takeassault which has led to their conviction and
part in legitimate activities like cross country drivesimprisonment, yet a vast number of members of
and rallies. But a few like Hells Angels, Bandidos,these club members do not engage in criminal acts.
Highway Men, Songs of silence, Outlaws, WarlocksMost motorcycle clubs are harmless but a few that I
etc have gained notoriety by their activities. A fewhave mentioned can inspire awe and fear. The
of these clubs have international chapters and havemotorcycle machine with its distinctive aura has
spread all over the globe. Bandidos for example washowever bred a class of enthusiasts that do not
founded by the Vietnam War veteran Donfollow the law. If you come across such a gang then
Chambers. This is a notorious club and has beenhold your peace and report to the authorities.
involved in drug trafficking as well as murder. It