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Here’s Why The Hells Angels Ride Harley-Davidsons

Like most Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs, the Hells Angels exclusively ride Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

If you’re a fan of motorcycles especially Harley-Davidson then you must’ve heard about the Hells Angels. They are one of the oldest biker gangs in America. The Hells Angels are often referred to as an Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMG), mainly because of their links to illegal criminal activities.

This one-percenter motorcycle club was first formed in Fontana, California in 1948 and has now grown into a large international enterprise with over 2000 members, 800 of which are based in the United States. They’re considered to be one of the most notorious biker gangs in the world.

Like most Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs, the Hells Angels exclusively ride Harley-Davidson motorcycles. But their connection to the American motorcycle company is deeper than just aesthetics. They have a long-standing relationship with Harley-Davidson which dates back to their early days.

Harley-Davidson Is Part Of Their Heritage

Why The Hells Angels ride Harley-Davidsons
via rideapart.com

One of the membership requirements of the Hells Angels is that you need to own a Harley-Davidson. An exception can be made for other American made motorcycles but you’re encouraged to buy a Harley. This is because they have been riding these bikes ever since they first came on the scene and they are very loyal to brand.

Harley Davidson has become a big part of their history and tradition so if you have any dreams of one day being a Hells Angel your best bet is to get yourself a Harley.

Back in the 1960s, there was a series of targeted attacks by the rest of society aimed at One Percenter Motorcycle Clubs. Being one of the oldest motorcycle clubs around the Hells Angels experienced these attacks first-hand. These included alienation by law enforcement, the American Motorcycle Association, and even some motorcycle manufactures.

These targeted attacks pushed the Hells Angels and many other Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs towards Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Their relationship with the motorcycle manufacturer has grown over the years and has been in some ways mutually beneficial. But some members of the Hells Angels believe that Harley-Davidson has profited from promoting their outlaw lifestyle and the company needs to pay or at least give them credit for it.

The Hells Angels Are Patriots

Trump's war with Harley-Davidson
via nytimes.com

When the Hells Angels were first formed they were made up of a lot of ex-military personnel that had just come back from the war. Their sense of patriotism was extremely high and they believed that buying non-American made products was very unpatriotic.

At the time Harley-Davidson was selling cheap and easy to maintain motorcycles that appealed to these newly formed motorcycle clubs. The Hells Angels identified with these bikes. They represented freedom, rebellion, and most importantly they were American.

The members of this motorcycle club remain loyal to Harley-Davidson. They’ve even gone up against the Trump administration after it had announced plans to move some of the motorcycle company’s production overseas. Proving that there’s nothing they wouldn’t do to keep their beloved Harley-Davidson as American as possible.

Related: The Hidden Truth Behind Harley-Davidson And Motorcycle Clubs

They Love Cruisers

Hells Angels history
via britannica.com

The Hells Angels consider themselves as being free. They aren’t tied down by anything so they spend most of their time on the open road. A cruiser bike is ideal for them because it’s comfortable enough to ride for long distances. The cruiser motorcycles that are built by Harley-Davidson perfectly suit the outlaw lifestyle that the Hells Angels practice.