What Does 86 Mean to Bikers and Motorcycle Clubs
The term carries significant weight within the motorcycle community, functioning as a definitive social and organizational exile. While outsiders might associate the phrase with the hospitality industry, its application among clubs is far more rigid. The severity of an 86 depends heavily on the club’s specific culture, ranging from formal, documented proceedings in established organizations to more informal, immediate social shunning in smaller, recreational riding groups.
Key numbers
| Aspect | Status |
|---|---|
| Primary Meaning | Permanent expulsion |
| Scope | Club-wide ban |
| Typical Cause | Bylaw violation |
| Reversibility | Extremely rare |
What is the historical origin of the term 86 in the context of motorcycle clubs?
The term likely migrated into biker circles from mid-20th-century American slang, where it originated in diners and bars to denote that an item was off the menu or a troublesome patron should be ejected. Many people assume the term has a specific, ancient military or nautical origin, but it is actually a piece of mid-century restaurant jargon that became adopted into the vernacular of motorcycle clubs to describe the finality of removing a member. It functions as a shorthand for a total, non-negotiable end to a relationship.
How does the meaning of 86 differ between outlaw motorcycle gangs and recreational riding groups?
The term carries a heavy, life-altering weight in outlaw clubs, whereas in recreational riding groups, it often functions as a simple request to leave a club or ride.
- Outlaw clubs: These groups treat an 86 as a severe disciplinary action, often involving the removal of patches or tattoos, which can lead to physical confrontation or long-term exile.
- Recreational groups: These clubs might use the term to describe a member being asked to stop riding with them due to personality clashes or safety concerns, without the threat of violence.
- Legal consequences: In outlaw settings, an 86 can lead to police scrutiny or investigations, while recreational groups rarely involve any legal follow-up.
Does the term 86 imply a permanent ban from a club or a temporary suspension of membership?
Yes, it implies a permanent ban. In established clubs, this process is final, and a member generally has 0% chance of reinstatement once the decision is ratified by the leadership or a vote of the membership.
What specific behaviors or violations typically lead to a member being 86ed?
Expulsion usually follows a direct challenge to the club’s hierarchy or a breach of the group’s foundational code of conduct.
- Theft: Stealing from the club treasury or from fellow members is a common cause for immediate removal.
- Disloyalty: Providing information to law enforcement or rival organizations is a capital offense in club culture.
- Violence: Unprovoked attacks against a club brother or the disrespect of a club’s colors are immediate grounds for an 86.
- Negligence: Failing to fulfill mandatory duties, such as attending required meetings or participating in sanctioned rides, can eventually lead to this outcome if repeated.
Is the term 86 used universally across international motorcycle subcultures?
No, the term is not used universally. While common in the United States, international clubs often use localized slang or specific regional terms to describe expulsion, meaning the concept exists globally but the specific label varies by language.
How is the process of 86ing a member formally executed within a club's bylaws?
The formal process typically begins with a grievance filed by a member, followed by a trial or hearing before the club’s leadership. During this meeting, the accused is given an opportunity to face their accusers and present a defense against the allegations. If the leadership determines the violation is severe enough, a vote is held. For instance, a club might require a two-thirds majority to enact a permanent expulsion.
Once the vote passes, the individual is stripped of their vest and patches, which are often burned or destroyed to prevent them from being used by non-members. A nuance to this process is the "good standing" exit, where a member might be allowed to leave voluntarily before a formal 86 is recorded, which allows them to keep their gear and maintain a level of respect within the broader community.
What people often get wrong
- Confusing it with a suspension. Many assume 86ing is a temporary timeout, but it is almost always a permanent removal from the organization.
- Assuming it is universal. Not every riding group uses the term or maintains the same strict disciplinary codes as traditional motorcycle clubs.
- Ignoring the social cost. People often underestimate that being 86ed extends beyond the club, effectively blacklisting an individual from the wider local biker community.
How has the usage of 86 evolved within biker culture compared to its common usage in the hospitality industry?
In the hospitality industry, 86ing is a functional, routine task used to manage inventory or handle a single disruptive customer. It is impersonal and usually ends when the patron leaves the premises. In contrast, biker culture uses the term to define a permanent shift in a person’s social standing and personal identity. It is not merely about removing someone from a space; it is about severing a bond that was intended to be lifelong.
A key nuance is that while a restaurant can 86 a customer who simply returns the next week under a different shift manager, a motorcycle club maintains a record of the expulsion. This "blacklisting" can follow a rider for years, ensuring that other clubs in the region are aware of the individual’s status and the reasons behind their removal.
Maintaining Your Standing in a Club
Treat your membership status with the seriousness it deserves by strictly adhering to the established rules and expectations of your chosen group. If you find yourself at odds with club leadership, address those concerns through the proper internal channels before they escalate into grounds for expulsion.