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Motorcycle Clubs and Organized Crime

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Motorcycle Clubs and Organized Crime
Motorcycle Clubs and Organized Crime There are different types of gangs; this paper will explore the origin of outlaw motorcycle gangs. I will explore the history of the motorcycle, origin of outlaw motorcycle gangs, their bureaucratic structure, illegal activities and involvement in organized crime. The four major biker gangs that exist within the United States and those that have expanded internationally will be discussed. Let’s start with a little history lesson. The first motorcycle appeared in 1884, with the three-wheeled variety and the first to hit the road, followed by its two-wheeled cousin, a motorized bicycle, the following year. In 1901, the modern form with the engine underneath the seat made its debut. A significant number of motorcycle producers had been setup by 1903 (Brotherhood 22). In that year the manufacturer that would become synonymous with bikers and outlaw motorcycle clubs made its debut with a single cylinder 25 cubic inch engine capable of three horse power – Harley Davidson (Brotherhood 23). By 1909 the two-wheeler had gained its reputation. A Harper’s weekly magazine article headlined “The rise of the motorcycle” stated: They [motorcyclists] would ride in city or open country with their mufflers cut out, or in numerous cases absolutely devoid of muffling attachments. In some instances it was the rider’s desire for noise, or to bring attention to the fact that he owned a motorcycle; in other instances it was the owner’s desire for more power; but, whichever the case, this offence in principle and in conjunction with the unsuitable attire has done more to retard the advancement of motorcycling in general than all other arguments combined(Brotherhood 23). Due to the major role motorcycles played in WWI the motorcycle boomed. From 1910 to 1929, the motorcycle industry booked, due mainly to young men discovering that there was nothing more exciting than getting on a motorcycle and


Cited: Bandidos Motorcycle Club Worldwide. Chapters. 7 Nov. 2010 < http://www.bandidosmc.dk/>. Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association. 2010. History. www.combatvet.org. It’s An Enigma. 27 Nov. 2010. Biker Gangs http://jcs-group.com/enigma/gangs/biker.html. Outlaws Motorcycle Club. History. 12 Nov. 2010 < http://www.outlawsmc.com/home.html>. Pellerano, Angela. “Pagan Motorcycle Club Under Federal Investigation.” WTVR.com 6 Oct. 2009 Veno, Arthur, and Ed Gannon. The Brotherhood. Crows Nest: Allen and Unwin, 2003. White Prison Gang Identification Task Force. 26 Nov. 2010. Pagans Motorcycle Club < http://whiteprisongangs.blogspot.com/2009/06/pagans-motorcycle-club.html>.
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