10 Outlaw Biker Facts

The term ‘one percenter’ derives from a comment by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) that ‘99% of motorcyclists were law-abiding citizens’.

Recently, founding member of the Hells Angels, Ralph 'Sonny' Barger, starred in a few episodes of the FX hit 'Sons of Anarchy'.

The word ‘Chopper’ derives from literally chopping off parts of a motorcycle to make it lighter and, in theory, faster. Pre-chopped stock machines may be referred to as ‘garbage wagons’.

It was George Harrison who initiated the London Chapters of the Hells Angels when he invited some members over to stay at Apple Records in 1969.

A nickname for a Harley is a ‘Hog’, originally this stood for Harley Davidson Owners Group.

At the Altamont free concert in 1969 The Rolling Stones allegedly asked the Hells Angels to look after the stage and equipment. This resulted in a fatal stabbing after a member of the audience pulled a revolver on a member of the Hells Angels.

A ‘hard tail’ (or a ‘bobber’) is a motorcycle with no rear suspension, this cuts down on weight, a sprung saddle soaks up some of the bumps. Note ‘some’.

Motorhead’s ‘Iron horse/Born to Loose’, a song that features on their classic ‘No Sleep ‘Til Hammersmith’, was co-written by a Hells Angel and is subsequently dedicated to them on the album.

High Rise motorcycle handlebars are more commonly known as ‘Ape Hangers’, handlebars that are flat are known as ‘drag bars’.

The contemporary Outlaw insignia was inspired by Marlon Brando’s Black Rebel Motorcycle Club (which also serves as a name for a British rock band) logo that featured on his jacket in The Wild One.