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Let's discuss the 3 piece patch again, shall we?

53K views 246 replies 75 participants last post by  Lurch71  
#1 ·
I know this stirs up a lot of differing arguments, and if you are in an MC, feel free to let it fly, cordially. I have this conversation often with folks, and to be clear, I am just a middle aged "cheeseburger biker" having a good time on my bikes.

The topic comes up a lot about 3 piece patches and running into an MC that does not like it. My vest is simply a memory of my life, rides and experiences. Patches from Sturgis to all over the place in the west that I have ridden, but also pride in my service. I do not have an MC or claim territory, but because I am OCD about symmetry, I have a US MARINES top rocker, a VETERAN bottom rocker and a big reflective American flag in the middle of the back.

I have talked to a friend with the local dominant MC just out of curiosity, he said no big deal if you aren't claiming any territory or have an MC on it, what are your guys' thoughts on this? I am not trying to provoke anyone, I just dig the layout of the patches, there are a bunch of other patches on the back as well, however I can see if someone zoomed by the colors may look Bandido to some, but I have never run across any issues.

Let's discuss.
 
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#56 ·
I don't mess with the dark helmets. Those guys are legit. Their ability to hit the worm hole without regard for the laws of the galactic federation is unworldly. I keep my spaceship in the garage these days, I don't want any of that butt stuff they are into, because if they run you off the road, it's worse than a beat down.
 
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#60 ·
I don't mess with the dark helmets. Those guys are legit.
If you don't think Dark Helmet is out there, I have news for you:

Image



*Note: yes, this is real. Joe Federman is w/ the Associated Press and is reporting on the Russian invasion of Ukraine. I'm not making light of the situation and am not trying to make this political in any sense. I seriously doubt he or anyone working with were thinking of Space Balls at the time they were filing their report.
 
#62 ·
I really don't understand why you guys get so hung up on this stuff, there are several other threads here also on the same subject, so it's going round in circles and still the same questions keep coming up.

It is clear there are a lot of people out there who want to look like a Billy Badass and put on a three piece patch albeit without claiming to be an MC but lets be honest; they only do it to try and look like they are an MC. So you want to look the part without actually making the effort to join the real thing. The MC clubs know this and hence will take action if deemed necessary, normally this will be driven by the behaviours of those sporting their non MC but I want to look like Club patches or because protocol was not followed in terms of seeking approval.

Even HOG groups over here play that game, when in a pack they try and act like an MC usually until the real thing turns up then they lift their petticoats and filofaxes and flee.

In the UK there is no such a thing as an MC and a 1% MC, if you put up a 3 piece patch you are claiming to be a 1% MC hence why there are so few of them here and virtually all are in an alliance with the bigger well known clubs but all are 1%ers.

Regarding those who comment with; "free country I can wear what I like no one can tell me what to do etc" if thats the case why do you all get so excited over "Stolen Valour" and people dressing as military etc, same thing is it not, why can't those guys wear what they like without consequence? and yes I do know it's the law over there and dressing like an MC is not illegal but it's a similar scenario.

I do not feel the need to advertise who I am nor where I have been and so do not wear a cut nor a single badge of any type and there are plenty of legit organisations who's emblems and patches I could wear.

MC patches have been around for a long time in their current design and layout (3 piece) so anything of a similar layout is clearly an attempt to emulate an MC design and give the impression of "Club" but omitting the MC bit so as to look the part to joe public or others not in the know and try and avoid issues with the real thing, in short to me that says wannabe. If you want to wear a three piece, put the effort in and join the real thing.
 
#64 ·
Ahh; but they do not follow the rules of normal society but do follow the rules of their own organisation (Club) and one of those will be to defend their patch and claimed territory. The majority of bikers know this but some want to wear a non club three piece as a way dipping a toe into or emulating the "Club " world without actually making a commitment to joining the real thing.

Like it or not, legal or not they have their own rules that can effect others who knowingly or unwittingly give them reason to enforce them.

By the way, I don't have a hard on for the Clubs or anything but it's just the way things are, if you are involved in the bike scene, you do need to be situationally aware around these guys and better to avoid a confrontation than be "Educated" when you turn up in the same place as a Club wearing your three piece "I wanna look like club but not join a club patch".

If you want to wear a three piece and most clubs don't really care to be honest as long as it does not say MC or have a territorial rocker, then the best people to ask is your local MC Club as ultimately they are the people who could make life difficult for you, not a bunch of differing, opinionated, international one make riding, keyboard warriors on an internet forum.
 
#68 ·
I know this stirs up a lot of differing arguments, and if you are in an MC, feel free to let it fly, cordially. I have this conversation often with folks, and to be clear, I am just a middle aged "cheeseburger biker" having a good time on my bikes.

The topic comes up a lot about 3 piece patches and running into an MC that does not like it. My vest is simply a memory of my life, rides and experiences. Patches from Sturgis to all over the place in the west that I have ridden, but also pride in my service. I do not have an MC or claim territory, but because I am OCD about symmetry, I have a US MARINES top rocker, a VETERAN bottom rocker and a big reflective American flag in the middle of the back.

I have talked to a friend with the local dominant MC just out of curiosity, he said no big deal if you aren't claiming any territory or have an MC on it, what are your guys' thoughts on this? I am not trying to provoke anyone, I just dig the layout of the patches, there are a bunch of other patches on the back as well, however I can see if someone zoomed by the colors may look Bandido to some, but I have never run across any issues.

Let's discuss.
what’s the big deal? ( shrugs )
 

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#73 ·
I hit a dear doing 60mph in 2020. The guy in a truck behind me said I flew 150 foot in the air before I hit the pavement and started sliding.

I had leather on and it’s one of the reasons I survived.

I ended up with 12 breaks in seven ribs, a collapsed lung and snapped in half clavicle.

If I wouldn’t have been wearing leathers I would have been ground up like hamburger.

you get into an accident like I did you’ll change your mind …… if you survive.
 
#75 ·
As a serious question, why even ride with cuts or patches at all? I get the leather jacket for protection but why the patches? I ride with a group and I think I am the only one that doesn't have patches. I have nothing added to my jacket and I don't have a leather vest.

Is it so in a group you can have conversation pieces? When you meet someone, you then have a little of their history to start up a conversation and share stories?
 
#78 ·
As a serious question, why even ride with cuts or patches at all? I get the leather jacket for protection but why the patches? I ride with a group and I think I am the only one that doesn't have patches. I have nothing added to my jacket and I don't have a leather vest.

Is it so in a group you can have conversation pieces? When you meet someone, you then have a little of their history to start up a conversation and share stories?
I think so, some of them are for fun, some of them are locations and rides taken to bucket list spots, others are nicknames and friendly jesting. I know on one ride we had a buddy who slightly t-boned me at a stop, no damage, but was always speeding up and slowing down on the highway, making like a yo yo, so I had a laugh in a bar in Oregon during bike week, told these ladies he was a famous blues guy named T-Bone Duncan (Duncan for Duncan yo-yos), they fawned over him and took pics with him, bought him drinks, etc. I then found him a patch of a T-bone steak we had put on his vest. Things like that.

I think they are just great memories and a story that does spark conversation. I know with my Marine patches, I get a lot of Marines approaching me to talk, share stories, see what my unit patch was, etc.
 
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#83 ·
I know this stirs up a lot of differing arguments, and if you are in an MC, feel free to let it fly, cordially. I have this conversation often with folks, and to be clear, I am just a middle aged "cheeseburger biker" having a good time on my bikes.

The topic comes up a lot about 3 piece patches and running into an MC that does not like it. My vest is simply a memory of my life, rides and experiences. Patches from Sturgis to all over the place in the west that I have ridden, but also pride in my service. I do not have an MC or claim territory, but because I am OCD about symmetry, I have a US MARINES top rocker, a VETERAN bottom rocker and a big reflective American flag in the middle of the back.

I have talked to a friend with the local dominant MC just out of curiosity, he said no big deal if you aren't claiming any territory or have an MC on it, what are your guys' thoughts on this? I am not trying to provoke anyone, I just dig the layout of the patches, there are a bunch of other patches on the back as well, however I can see if someone zoomed by the colors may look Bandido to some, but I have never run across any issues.

Let's discuss.
You're good to go.

Ride safe - ride lucky.
TR
 
#91 ·
I’ve been reading and I’m back to clarify my position. Not that it really matters. 🤣 🤣

There are many types of Motorcycle Clubs. Some are law enforcement based, some christian and others brand oriented. None of theses clubs are violent to other bikers or non riders. I have no issues with these groups since they claim no rights to rule the roads.

The 1% guys are another matter completely. They claim to own a state? Absolutely insane. They paid nothing for the state or turf but still claim it as theirs? It is a juvenile mentality reminiscent of school yard bullies. This is not a thing that a thinking man would want to emulate or join.

I will let them have their patches and stay clear of the thugs. I will not look like a wanna be. Y’all be safe and give a wide berth to the sociopaths.
 
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#93 ·
The 1% guys are another matter completely. They claim to own a state? Absolutely insane. They paid nothing for the state or turf but still claim it as theirs? It is a juvenile mentality reminiscent of school yard bullies. This is not a thing that a thinking man would want to emulate or join.
I think we tend to read too much into all of it.
In their club world there are territories. We're not privy or subject to those boundaries until one might cross the line and try to play in their playground, ie cuts and cosplay. Then the water gets a little murkier. I don't believe these folks want any more trouble with civilians, than we do with them in their world in a normal day.
 
#94 ·
If you think 1%ers protecting their turf is extreme, you've never seen Girl Scouts trying to sell cookies in another troop's neighborhood. They're out there slinging their pre-portioned addictive poison, counting cash, and putting down anyone that gets in their way.

Yes, they wear vests. Yes, they have patches on those vests. Even the Dark Helmets won't mess w/ the G.S.

Image
 
#99 ·
So let's get this straight..because a few dudes have a random state or city on their vest..it is now "their territory"..?
So anyone that rides a motorcycle in whatever state they reside or travel too.. they are riding in said gangs territory?

And that means what exactly?

And why do they have a claim on "territory" where every other citizen that rides in..?
Last I checked all our taxes, DMV, licensing fees paid for the roads and Infrastructure we all ride on..what "claim" do they have exactly..?
 
#132 ·
Look at the mindset of some 3 piece patched organizations. Some if not most diamond clubs or 1%er’s have or have had a reputation linked to an “organized crime element” ie… drugs, prostitution, gun running etc… not unlike the mafia or a street gang. With that comes a perceived necessity to rule with an iron hand over their claimed territory, Wether it be city, state or region. The average Joe wearing a vest decked out with patches probably won’t stand out. But if he has the appearance of wearing a “cut” or “colors” being part of an organization incl top rocker, center patch, bottom rocker and most definitely “MC” on the back he may very well raise an eye brow or 2. I’d be a little leery of wearing a red bandanna on my head in south central LA too.
 
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#101 ·
I ride in a Traditional three path motorcycle club with an MC cube on the back..
Special Forces Motorcycle Club --- we are a bunch of retired, former and current Green Berets that ride, have fun and do what we do...As a Traditional MC, we have chosen to follow the rules, protocols and traditions of the MC world..and we have fun..

I will say, that if you are not a member of a traditional MC, you are fine and in fact will be friends with many Club guys, association guys and independents

BUT if you are going to wear three patches, just know the rules - If you have any question, just contact your state Confederation of Clubs (CoC) and they will be happy to give you guidance before there is any potential issue....
 
#102 ·
Bike Week is at most times peaceful. I wish I was going, I usually do, can't make it this year.
 
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#107 ·
For the most part, hard core 1%-ers engage in criminal enterprises like drugs, prostiution, extortion,and gun running. They will deny it and try to hide it of course, Just like the Mafia, But their history proves otherwise. Law enforcement worldwide knows the truth. They are nor just "social clubs".

They viciously protect thier "territory" because they dont want anyone else horning in on the profits. All the other
Earn-the-Patch "mistique" and "brotherhood'" stuff is nonsense. Crime is the root of their "Discouraging" the claiming of territory with a patch. No different than wearing a certain color or flashing hand signs in certain neighborhoods. It's perceived as an IN YOUR FACE statement that I am here to steal your customers. Ultimate disrespect (and stealing cash from our wallets) in their eyes.
 
#109 ·
For the most part, hard core 1%-ers engage in criminal enterprises like drugs, prostiution, extortion,and gun running. They will deny it and try to hide it of course, Just like the Mafia, But their history proves otherwise. Law enforcement worldwide knows the truth. They are nor just "social clubs".

They viciously protect thier "territory" because they dont want anyone else horning in on the profits. All the other
Earn-the-Patch "mistique" and "brotherhood'" stuff is nonsense. Crime is the root of their "Discouraging" the claiming of territory with a patch. No different than wearing a certain color or flashing hand signs in certain neighborhoods. It's perceived as an IN YOUR FACE statement that I am here to steal your customers. Ultimate disrespect (and stealing cash from our wallets) in their eyes.
I think they should do what we did in Canada. Legalise pot, light a joint and f...ng relax and eat brownies.
 
#111 ·
That's it, I am getting an AMY patch for a bottom rocker, it may raise hell with the other Amy's but mine's a redhead.
 
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#115 ·
I know this stirs up a lot of differing arguments, and if you are in an MC, feel free to let it fly, cordially. I have this conversation often with folks, and to be clear, I am just a middle aged "cheeseburger biker" having a good time on my bikes.

The topic comes up a lot about 3 piece patches and running into an MC that does not like it. My vest is simply a memory of my life, rides and experiences. Patches from Sturgis to all over the place in the west that I have ridden, but also pride in my service. I do not have an MC or claim territory, but because I am OCD about symmetry, I have a US MARINES top rocker, a VETERAN bottom rocker and a big reflective American flag in the middle of the back.

I have talked to a friend with the local dominant MC just out of curiosity, he said no big deal if you aren't claiming any territory or have an MC on it, what are your guys' thoughts on this? I am not trying to provoke anyone, I just dig the layout of the patches, there are a bunch of other patches on the back as well, however I can see if someone zoomed by the colors may look Bandido to some, but I have never run across any issues.

Let's discuss.
I know this stirs up a lot of differing arguments, and if you are in an MC, feel free to let it fly, cordially. I have this conversation often with folks, and to be clear, I am just a middle aged "cheeseburger biker" having a good time on my bikes.

The topic comes up a lot about 3 piece patches and running into an MC that does not like it. My vest is simply a memory of my life, rides and experiences. Patches from Sturgis to all over the place in the west that I have ridden, but also pride in my service. I do not have an MC or claim territory, but because I am OCD about symmetry, I have a US MARINES top rocker, a VETERAN bottom rocker and a big reflective American flag in the middle of the back.

I have talked to a friend with the local dominant MC just out of curiosity, he said no big deal if you aren't claiming any territory or have an MC on it, what are your guys' thoughts on this? I am not trying to provoke anyone, I just dig the layout of the patches, there are a bunch of other patches on the back as well, however I can see if someone zoomed by the colors may look Bandido to some, but I have never run across any issues.

Let's discuss.
As a Veteran and a member of a group that wears patches.
99% of MC's won't say a word to you..
They may ask where you served..but that's about it.
 
#116 ·
I'm in a VMC, we wear a top rocker, the club patch, and VMC to the lower right. We tread lightly and follow protocol, give respect where it is due, and ignore the BS. As for those of who are wearing a vest with some glamor patches that is fine, no one cares. Those of you who wear patches that even remotely put you in a club and you walk and talk with an attitude you will get the attention of people you don't really want to get noticed by. It isn't fun watching some otherwise unaware fellow getting his ass chewed and threatened by a group of guys who have no issues with getting another assault charge added to their rap sheet. Likewise... those of you who pound your chest and claim you can come and go as you like, wear what you like, say and act as you like, and even "will put up a good fight"... go for it. I'm guessing you'll turn in to little Miss Nicey-nice once the 1%'ers front you up.

Case in point... be very aware of what you put on your cut, wear for rings and patches (don't wear a 1% ring or have a 1% patch unless you're in a 1% club!), and be wary of how you carry yourself. The 1%'ers will search out the disrespectful patched clubs first and the douche bag posers/"lone wolf" tough guys second.

When in doubt... don't be afraid to walk up and ask them about your cut. They'll help you. snickers
 
#117 ·
I know this stirs up a lot of differing arguments, and if you are in an MC, feel free to let it fly, cordially. I have this conversation often with folks, and to be clear, I am just a middle aged "cheeseburger biker" having a good time on my bikes.

The topic comes up a lot about 3 piece patches and running into an MC that does not like it. My vest is simply a memory of my life, rides and experiences. Patches from Sturgis to all over the place in the west that I have ridden, but also pride in my service. I do not have an MC or claim territory, but because I am OCD about symmetry, I have a US MARINES top rocker, a VETERAN bottom rocker and a big reflective American flag in the middle of the back.

I have talked to a friend with the local dominant MC just out of curiosity, he said no big deal if you aren't claiming any territory or have an MC on it, what are your guys' thoughts on this? I am not trying to provoke anyone, I just dig the layout of the patches, there are a bunch of other patches on the back as well, however I can see if someone zoomed by the colors may look Bandido to some, but I have never run across any issues.

Let's discuss.
Your friend makes sense, no one is worried about a Veteran rocker...thank you for your service.
 
#119 ·
I know this stirs up a lot of differing arguments, and if you are in an MC, feel free to let it fly, cordially. I have this conversation often with folks, and to be clear, I am just a middle aged "cheeseburger biker" having a good time on my bikes.

The topic comes up a lot about 3 piece patches and running into an MC that does not like it. My vest is simply a memory of my life, rides and experiences. Patches from Sturgis to all over the place in the west that I have ridden, but also pride in my service. I do not have an MC or claim territory, but because I am OCD about symmetry, I have a US MARINES top rocker, a VETERAN bottom rocker and a big reflective American flag in the middle of the back.

I have talked to a friend with the local dominant MC just out of curiosity, he said no big deal if you aren't claiming any territory or have an MC on it, what are your guys' thoughts on this? I am not trying to provoke anyone, I just dig the layout of the patches, there are a bunch of other patches on the back as well, however I can see if someone zoomed by the colors may look Bandido to some, but I have never run across any issues.

Let's discuss.
First off - thank you for your service - I have 3 kids in the military (Marines, Air Force and Army) I have ridden with an MC and riding clubs - we never mentioned anything to anyone about their cut /colors but we are not 1%’s . I had many run ins with the 1%’s but they never said anything about our colors. I no longer ride with a club just me and my wife. I love your cut and see nothing wrong with it! Wear it proud and I got your six
 
#120 ·
I have talked to a friend with the local dominant MC just out of curiosity, he said no big deal if you aren't claiming any territory or have an MC on it, what are your guys' thoughts on this? I am not trying to provoke anyone, I just dig the layout of the patches, there are a bunch of other patches on the back as well, however I can see if someone zoomed by the colors may look Bandido to some, but I have never run across any issues.
Let's discuss.
Let's make this easy. How would YOU as a Marine Corps vet like it if you saw someone wearing Marine dress blues ala "stolen valor"? Bottom line is don't "Bro" folks you don't know, don't wear patches on a jacket that "resemble" a MC cut. Otherwise you should be good to go. Respect and manners go a long way...too bad they aren't taught to kids anymore.
 
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#121 ·
I am a vet myself.

I am in a 3 patch club. For the most part the clubs will ignore you if you are not flying club colors and a rocker. But there are assholes in every club, and some will sound ("challenge") you. It just depends on the club, place, time, and patch holders. The way I see it you should be able to wear what you want, but the way the clubs see it, if you are not going to be in a club, you should not set up a cut to emulate being in a club. This goes for the guys that take the time to wear lone wolf crap, which to club guys is like a big f you. There are many here that will say I am full of shit, etc., but I have been in clubs over 20 years and it is what it is. If you do not want hassles from clubs, do not set up cuts that look like club cuts. Good luck.
 
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