One of the greatest things about having a motorcycle is the community.
It’s like as soon as you get a motorcycle, you join this exclusive club with members all around the globe.
We have our own hand signals, our own wave, and the same wear pattern on our left shoe – but the greatest thing about it is the camaraderie.
No matter if you ride a sportbike, cruiser, or moped – we all look out for each other and we all love to see another rider out on the road.
But things really heat up when you add a few friends to your regularly scheduled rides.
Riding with others is one of the best ways to improve your skills, experience new adventures, and dramatically increase your enjoyment of riding.
This explains why there are so many motorcycle clubs and communities both online and in real life.
Riders love linking up and riding together.
But how do you even join a motorcycle club/community? And what should you know?
I put this guide together to help answer those questions plus more.
Not only do I have my own little group of riders but I have also joined quite a few clubs for rides as well.
And with that, I offer a few tips.
Why Join a Motorcycle Community?
Before we get into it, why should you join a motorcycle club or community in the first place?
Well, let me provide a few of the benefits as well as my experience.
1. Social Connections and Camaraderie
The greatest thing about riding a motorcycle is the camaraderie within the community. No matter what you ride, it is always a blast to connect with others on the road and online. And you already have the golden ticket for the club, it’s your motorcycle key.
2. Opportunities for Group Rides and Events
Joining a community also gives you the opportunity to experience new people, new adventures, and new events. Some of my best adventures started with a phone call from a friend inviting me on a ride I never heard of to a place I’d never heard of. Which was a great shakeup from my usual rides around my local backroads.
3. Knowledge and Support
Finally, joining a motorcycle community is a great way to gain more knowledge and support during your riding career. Every time you ride with others is a learning experience and it’s always great to have people there to support you as you grow as a rider.
I know this all sounds like common knowledge, but having a good motorcycle community is underrated, especially for beginner riders.
When I first started, the community I joined showed me the ropes.
They were there to witness and help me bounce back from my first crash. They were there when I first learned how to scrub those chicken strips down. They have been the biggest influence on me when it comes to motorcycling and they have become lifelong friends both on and off the bike.
Types of Motorcycle Clubs
I’ve ridden with quite a few larger groups, but I actually prefer hitting backroads with my dad and 1-2 of my boys.
My dad on the other hand loves riding with his larger group of riders. They do charities, and parades, hit up all the local events, and have been all over the state.
My other buddy likes to ride solo but is super active online in different motorcycle communities.
The point is, there are many different ways to join a motorcycle community or club.
And there are many different types of communities both online and in real life.
- Clubs with a lot of riders
- Communities of 1-3 riders
- Clubs dedicated to specific motorcycle brands
- Clubs dedicated to certain motorcycles (125cc clubs, Harley owners, cafe racers)
- Groups focused on particular riding styles (Touring, sport riding, off-road)
- Charity and Cause-Based Clubs
- Online-only groups for riders
Feel free to check out different communities until you figure out what fits you best.
How to Find the Right Motorcycle Club
So how do you go about finding and joining these motorcycle clubs?
I will give you a step-by-step guide along with a few tips from my personal experience.
Step 1: Online Platforms
The first and easiest thing to do is find an online community. This is what I did, joining the r/motorcycles and r/z650 subreddits. If I had a Facebook, I would’ve joined more.
There are a lot of online motorcycle communities for just about any type of motorcycle, rider, and riding style.
You can use Google to find clubs that suit your preferences or check out some of the resources below:
- Utilizing Social Media like Facebook
- Online Forums and websites for specific motorcycles, communities, and areas ( Meetup.com, Cyclefish.com)
These online platforms are invaluable not only for the community but also for the knowledge and information you have access to.
Even better, these online communities are available 24/7, and you can learn a lot just by scrolling from the comfort of your bed.
I had a million questions when I first started riding and I never had trouble finding the answer online, either from a DM from a fellow rider or from a random Reddit comment from 8 years ago.
And they have been just as valuable cluing me into popular rides and local events I may have otherwise missed.
Step 2: Local Dealerships and Shops
Your local dealerships and motorcycle stores are underrated when it comes to finding a motorcycle community.
I have a CycleGear store two towns over and not only do they host their own bike night once a week, but they also list all of the local events and rides on their website.
Our two motorcycle dealerships don’t have a bike night, but their website does post the local rides and even lists some of the local motorcycle clubs.
If you want to join a motorcycle community, this is one of the easiest and lowest-commitment ways.
- Check your local motorcycle stores and dealerships for rides and events
- Attend a bike night or local ride
- Link up with riders with similar bikes, skill levels, or vibes
- Follow up and you’ll be in by osmosis
Another great thing about finding a community through your local dealerships and motorcycle stores is the fact that it attracts such a diverse group of riders.
From beginner to experienced, you are bound to find a few riders that match your vibe and skill level.
Step 3: Local Events and Rides
Speaking of events and rides, this is a great way to almost guarantee that you will find a solid community or group of riders.
When you attend any local motorcycle ride or event, you are bound to run into a few riders you vibe with.
And what’s even better, they live locally and get out to ride their motorcycles.
My first group ride was catastrophic, but I was at least able to find a few friends before the ride started. And each of these riders already had a few others they rode with. Before the night was over, I had a few solid groups asking me to hit them up the next time I took the bike out.
By attending a local event or ride and socializing with other riders, you may find yourself in a motorcycle community by osmosis.
If you do decide to attend a local ride or event, here are a few tips:
- Look for familiar faces
- Look for bikes you like and strike up a conversation with the rider
- Scope out riders in your skill level
- Introduce yourself to the event organizer
- Don’t be afraid to engage other riders
By attending some of your local events and rides, you will find yourself with a motorcycle community in no time.
Safety and Etiquette for Joining a Motorcycle Club
I have a separate guide on Motorcycle Group Riding Tips, but it’s important to understand the rules and safety considerations for every group or community you ride with.
Riding with a group is thrilling, but it comes with responsibilities.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, keep these key safety tips and etiquette rules in mind when joining a motorcycle club or group ride:
Safety Tips
- Ride in Formation: Stick to the group’s preferred formation, such as staggered or single-file, to maintain safe distances.
- Ride at Your Skill Level: Never push beyond your comfort zone to keep up with others—it’s okay to fall back or ask for help.
- Follow the Leader: Pay attention to the ride leader’s signals and adjust your pace accordingly.
- Be Prepared: Before any ride, check your bike’s condition and bring essentials like a toolkit, first-aid kit, and water.
Etiquette for Group Rides
- Respect Club Rules: Learn and follow the specific rules of the club, including ride schedules, dress codes, and expectations.
- Start as a Guest: Attend your first ride as a guest to observe how the group operates and see if the culture fits your style.
- Learn Hand Signals: Familiarize yourself with universal motorcycle hand signals, such as those for obstacles, stops, or turns.
- Respect Hierarchy: If the club has leaders or experienced members, respect their roles and guidance.
Additional Tips
- Communicate: If you have concerns or need to adjust your pace, communicate with the group clearly.
- Be Courteous: Avoid aggressive riding, cutting in line, or unnecessary risks that could endanger others.
- Stay Positive: A good attitude goes a long way in making friends and earning respect within the club.
By following these tips, you’ll not only ensure your safety but also build strong relationships with your fellow riders.
Every group is different, but these basics will set you up for success in any motorcycle community.
And if you’re still unsure about riding in a group, check out some of the tips offered in this Guide on Group Riding as a New Motorcyclist.
Conclusion
Joining a motorcycle community or club can take your riding experience to the next level.
Whether you’re looking for camaraderie, opportunities to improve your skills, or a chance to explore new adventures, finding the right group is worth the effort.
Remember, there’s a place for every rider—whether you prefer large organized clubs, small intimate groups, or online communities.
Take the time to explore your options, attend events, and connect with fellow riders who share your interests and values.
Above all, prioritize safety, respect the culture of the groups you join, and bring a positive attitude to every ride.