There are hundreds, if not thousands, of registered motorcycle clubs and riding groups in Texas. Because many are private, independent, or solely social riding clubs, there is no single official registry that counts every one. [1, 2, 3, 4]

Clubs in Texas are generally categorized by their focus and riding style: [1]

• Riding Clubs (RCs) & Social Groups: Community and leisure-focused clubs that enjoy group rides and charity events (e.g., Southern Syndicate RC). [1, 2]
• One-Percent (1%er) Clubs: Traditional, independent three-piece patch clubs. The most famous and largest in the state is the Bandidos MC. Other notable clubs include the Cossacks, Kinfolk, and Homietos. [1, 2, 3, 4]
• Veterans & Law Enforcement MCs: Clubs reserved for military veterans, first responders, and police officers (e.g., American Veterans MC and Shadow Guardians LE MC). [1, 2]
• Charity & Ministry Groups: Faith-based and cause-driven motorcycle organizations (e.g., The Priesthood Motorcycle Ministry). [1, 2]

To find specific clubs operating in your local area (including the Yucatan/Merida region or if you are looking into Texas groups), it is best to check the American Motorcyclist Association Chartered Organizations Listor look up local groups on community sites like MotorcycleRoads.com.

Texas has a rich and complex outlaw motorcycle club (MC) scene defined by strict territorial dominance and a dense, historic club hierarchy. [1, 2]

The most notable groups operating in the state feature highly structured organizations, defined patches, and specific geographic territories: [1, 2]

• Bandidos MC: Founded in San Leon, Texas in 1966, the Bandidos are the most dominant “1%er” club in the state and the fourth-largest globally. They consider Texas their home territory and heavily enforce rules against other clubs wearing a Texas bottom rocker on their vests. [1, 2, 3]
• Cossacks MC: Established in Tyler, Texas in 1969, the Cossacks are allegedly the second-largest outlaw club in the state. They are known for a historic rivalry with the Bandidos, notably resulting in a deadly 2015 shootout at the Twin Peaks restaurant in Waco. [1, 2]
• Mongols MC: An international one-percent club that has expanded into Texas, often leading to territorial tensions and localized conflicts with established Bandidos chapters. [1]
• Outlaws MC: While primarily rooted in the Midwest and East, this major international “1%er” club maintains a presence in parts of Texas. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

The “1%er” Designation
Law enforcement and federal agencies designate many of these groups as Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs (OMGs) due to alleged involvement in weapon sales, drug trafficking, and organized crime. The term “1%er” comes from the historical adage that \(99\%\) of motorcyclists are law-abiding citizens, leaving \(1\%\) operating outside societal and club laws. [1, 2, 3, 4]

To learn more about the broader biker culture, state advocacy, and the distinction between outlaw clubs and everyday riding clubs, you can review the Support Bikers Texas Guide.