An excellent motorcycle club opens doors to a new world of motorcycling fun and friendship. The only challenge is finding the right one (or two) for you.
Here at Roadskin, we love motorcycles and the biker community we're part of. Over the past 40 years, we've joined our fair share of motorcycle clubs. Being part of a motorcycle club has enriched our lives, from the camaraderie and lifelong friendships we've made to the knowledge and skills we've picked up and the adventures we wouldn't have otherwise had.
There are countless motorcycle clubs all over the UK, each with its character and purpose, and it's well worth trying them if you haven't already. Some clubs are open to all, and some are niche. Let's go exploring.
Why join a motorcycle club?
Being part of a club means being surrounded by people who share your passion for motorcycling. It's an easy way to make new friends or spend quality time with people with the same interests.
Clubs often organise group rides, scrambles, trials, rallies and trips to bike shows.
Often, some activities don't even necessitate getting on a bike - socials, family camping trips, barbecues, charity runs and Christmas parties. Then there are the friendly and supportive members-only online communities that are often part and parcel of joining a motorcycle club. Many clubs participate in charity events and community service. For example, last year, members of the 5 Counties Motorcycle Club delivered Easter eggs to residents at Home Farm Trust in Shefford, a charity which supports adults with learning disabilities. Some are affiliated with charities and good causes, such as the Blood Bikers.
If you're new to motorcycling, riding in a group can be a comfort blanket. In the early days, sharing the road with fellow bikers can feel safer and more enjoyable, and you don't have to think about following a route or getting lost. Club members usually have a wealth of experience and knowledge. You can learn a lot, whether it's about bike maintenance, riding techniques or new routes. In case of a breakdown or an accident, having club members to call on can be a great help. Many clubs offer support networks to ensure their members are never left stranded.
Club members often get early information about events like rallies and races. Some clubs and chapters organise their own, so it's a chance to get involved and shape the kinds of events you'd like to get stuck into. Sometimes, you must join a club to participate in an event. Mark, our project manager, explains: 'I was really into motocross, so I joined the club nearest to me simply to enter the motocross events - being a motorcycle club member was just a requirement of entry.'
Finding the right motorcycle club
Your motorcycle dealer can likely point you toward your nearest brand club. Some MCs have a very modest online presence, so go for a personal recommendation or be prepared to try out a few. Could you look at the calendar of events to see if it's your bag and how active the club is? Some clubs charge annual membership fees, while others are free. Prestigious clubs often charge a higher membership fee for privileges and VIP access, such as hosted dinners with biking legends. Conversely, many clubs partner with businesses, offering members discounts on gear, maintenance, insurance, and other bike-related expenses.
What's the difference between a club and a chapter?
A motorcycle club consists of motorcycle enthusiasts with a common interest in riding. A motorcycle chapter, on the other hand, is a subdivision or branch of a more prominent motorcycle club. Think of it as a local community within the broader network of riders.
Examples of chapters include the Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) Chapters, which are local chapters sponsored by Harley-Davidson dealerships. The American Motorcycle Owners Club (AMOC), founded in the UK in 1994, has chapters in Sussex and Surrey. The Blue Knights is a global motorcycle club established in the USA but with multiple chapters in England alone.
Outlaw motorcycle clubs (OMCs) also maintain a presence in the UK, with chapters established nationwide. Prominent international OMCs, including the Hells Angels, Outlaws, and Bandidos, are among the most recognised. The Hells Angels founded their first UK chapter in London in 1969.
A selection of motorcycle clubs
The countless motorcycle clubs in the UK are vibrant and diverse communities, offering something for everyone, whether you're into touring, racing, or just enjoying a ride out followed by a coffee or a pint. They are all very different, so you might need to try a few out; for that reason, many motorcyclists end up joining more than one. The following is just a tiny sample of what is out there. We've crowbarred them into categories, but there can be a lot of overlap in real life.
Brand-specific clubs
- The Kwaks Owners Club (for Kawasaki owners)
- Honda Riders Club of Great Britain
- BMW Riders Association
- H.O.G. (for Harley-Davidsons)
- Indian Riders Motorcycle Club
- Ducati Owners Club UK
- Triumph Owners Motorcycle Club
Clubs by location
- 5 Counties Motorcycle Club, based in Stevenage
- Llangollen & District Motorcycle Club, Denbighshire
- Barnsley Bikers Club, located in Barnsley, Yorkshire
- Beartown Bikers, Cheshire
- Ayrshire Touring Motorcycle Club, Irvine
- Associated Sheppey Bikers, Sheerness, Kent
Clubs by interest
- Bath Classic Motorcycle Club - initially established to rekindle interest in British bikes, now for enthusiasts of all classic bikes
- Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club - for those who love Japanese bikes that are at least 15 years old
- Scottish Sidecar Racing Club - based in Stirlingshire, promoting sidecar racing in Scotland
- The 59 Club - a club steeped in history and rock'n'roll roots
- The Motorcycle Group - mixing motorcycles with motor caravans
Clubs doing good
- Blood Bikes - a rapid-response medical transport service to the NHS
- Royal British Legion Riders Branch - supports the work of the Royal British Legion charity
- Trail Riders Fellowship - riding and conserving the Green Roads network
- Blue Knights Motorcycle Club - for law enforcement officers wishing to promote safe motorcycle use
- Dunedin H.O.G. - the chapter behind the mega-event Thunder in the Glens
Do you have a favourite motorcycle club or a great story about one? Let us know!
