A one-percenter biker is a member of an outlaw motorcycle club (OMC) that refers to itself as a "one-percenter" motorcycle club (MC) rather than a gang. The term "one-percenter" originated from a statement made by the American Motorcycle Association (AMA) in 1947, following a notorious motorcycle rally in Hollister, California. The AMA claimed that 99% of motorcyclists were law-abiding citizens, and it was the remaining 1% that caused trouble at the event. This statement led to the adoption of the term "one-percenter" to describe outlaw motorcycle clubs and their members.
One-percenter bikers are part of a subculture that centers around the use of cruiser motorcycles, particularly Harley-Davidsons and choppers, and a set of ideals that purport to celebrate freedom, nonconformity to mainstream culture, and loyalty to the biker group. These clubs are not sanctioned by the AMA and do not adhere to the AMAs rules. Instead, the clubs have their own set of bylaws reflecting the outlaw biker culture. While being an outlaw MC does not immediately mean that the members are out to break the law, it simply means that they do not answer to anybody but themselves when it comes to their motorcycle, their brothers, and their club.
