South Africa’s motorcycle scene is thriving—from the coastal highways of Cape Town to the rugged trails of the Drakensberg. Whether you ride for freedom, fellowship, or adrenaline, the country offers a vibrant community of riders through well-established motorcycle clubs.
This guide explores South Africa’s rich motorcycle culture, the different types of clubs, how to join one, major biker events, and a detailed list of top clubs across the nation.
Motorcycle Culture in South Africa
🛣️ A Brief History
Motorcycling has a long-standing legacy in South Africa, dating back to the early 20th century. The country’s vast open roads and challenging terrains made motorcycles a practical and adventurous mode of travel. Over the decades, biking evolved from a niche hobby to a widespread lifestyle movement, especially with the rise of local MCs and national rallies.
🏍️ Popular Motorcycle Brands
- BMW Motorrad
- Harley-Davidson
- KTM
- Yamaha
- Suzuki
- Triumph
- Honda
⚖️ Laws and Riding Rules
- Helmets are mandatory.
- Motorcycles must have working lights at all times.
- Lane splitting is tolerated but not officially legal.
- Speed limits: 60 km/h (urban), 100 km/h (rural), 120 km/h (freeways).
- A valid motorcycle license (code A) is required.
🎉 Popular Biker Events
- Africa Bike Week (Margate) – South Africa’s largest annual biker festival
- Buffalo Rally (Mossel Bay)
- The Rhino Rally
- Cape Town Bike Festival
- Toy Run SA (Nationwide) – Massive charity ride event
Top 15 Motorcycle Clubs in South Africa [2025]
Here are 15+ of the most active, respected, and diverse motorcycle clubs across the country:
1. Harley-Davidson Owners Group (H.O.G.) South Africa
- 📍 Nationwide (Chapters in Cape Town, Joburg, Durban)
- 🛠️ Type: Harley-only Touring
- 🔑 Requires Harley ownership
- 🌐 hogafrica.co.za
2. Southside Chapter (HOG)
- 📍 Johannesburg
- 🛠️ Type: Harley-Davidson Touring
- 🔑 Membership-based
- 🌐 southsidechapter.co.za
3. The Lost Boyz MC
- 📍 Gauteng
- 🛠️ Type: Cruiser / Brotherhood MC
- 🔑 Invite-only
- 🌐 lostboyzmc.com
4. Devils Disciples MC
- 📍 Durban
- 🛠️ Type: Outlaw MC
- 🔑 Invite-only
- 🌐 Website: N/A
5. Wing Riders SA
- 📍 Cape Town & Pretoria
- 🛠️ Type: Touring (Honda Goldwing specific)
- 🔑 Public club, family-friendly
- 🌐 wingriderssa.co.za
6. BMW Motorrad Club South Africa
- 📍 Johannesburg, Cape Town
- 🛠️ Type: Adventure & Touring
- 🔑 BMW owners only
- 🌐 bmwmotorradclubcape.co.za
7. Christian Motorcyclists Association (CMA) South Africa
- 📍 National
- 🛠️ Type: Faith-based / Mixed bikes
- 🔑 Public, values-driven
- 🌐 cmasa.org.za
8. Knights of the Open Road
- 📍 Eastern Cape
- 🛠️ Type: Touring / Brotherhood
- 🔑 Public, family-oriented
- 🌐 Facebook Group
9. Street Rodders MC
- 📍 Cape Town
- 🛠️ Type: Cruiser MC
- 🔑 Invite-only
- 🌐 Website: N/A
10. Bikers That Care (BTC)
- 📍 Johannesburg
- 🛠️ Type: Charity / Touring
- 🔑 Public, community outreach
- 🌐 bikersthatcare.co.za
11. Thundering Pistons MCC
- 📍 Mpumalanga
- 🛠️ Type: Cruiser / Mixed Gender
- 🔑 Public
- 🌐 Website: N/A
12. Lady Bikers SA
- 📍 Pretoria, Durban
- 🛠️ Type: Women-only
- 🔑 Public
- 🌐 Instagram/Facebook-based
13. Eagles MC
- 📍 Cape Town
- 🛠️ Type: Mixed Type / Touring
- 🔑 Invite or referral required
- 🌐 Website: N/A
14. Outriders MCC
- 📍 Port Elizabeth
- 🛠️ Type: Touring Club
- 🔑 Public
- 🌐 outriders.co.za
15. Steel Wings MCC
- 📍 Bloemfontein
- 🛠️ Type: Touring & Social
- 🔑 Public, inclusive
- 🌐 Website: Facebook Group
16. Gugulethu Bikers Club
- 📍 Gugulethu, Cape Town
- 🛠️ Type: Community / Cruiser
- 🔑 Public
- 🌐 Website: N/A
Types of Motorcycle Clubs in South Africa
🏍️ MC vs RC
- MC (Motorcycle Clubs): Structured, often patch-wearing, and membership requires loyalty and initiation.
- RC (Riding Clubs): Open, ride-focused groups without formal ranks or patches.
🇿🇦 Veteran & Community Clubs
- Some clubs are dedicated to veterans or civic causes, including charity and safety campaigns.
👩 Women-Only or Mixed-Gender Clubs
- Clubs like Lady Bikers SA cater exclusively to women, while others are inclusive.
🏁 Brand-Specific Clubs
- Harley Owners Group (HOG)
- BMW Motorrad Clubs
- Honda Goldwing Wing Riders
- Suzuki Clubs SA
How to Join a Motorcycle Club in South Africa
General Process
- Attend open rides or community events.
- Express interest and connect with a member or club leader.
- Start as a guest or prospect (MCs).
- Fulfill any ride hours, meetups, or evaluation steps before full membership.
Things to Consider
- Match your lifestyle with the club’s values and culture.
- Be consistent and respectful—especially in MCs.
- Consider travel time if the club is far from your location.
Tips for First-Time Joiners
- Join a casual RC to ease into the community.
- Always ride with protective gear.
- Observe and learn club protocols before committing.
Famous Rides & Biker Events in South Africa
Best Scenic Routes
- Chapman’s Peak Drive (Western Cape)
- Garden Route (Mossel Bay to Storms River)
- Blyde River Canyon Loop (Mpumalanga)
- Sani Pass (KwaZulu-Natal) – Off-road challenge
National & Local Rallies
- Africa Bike Week – Held in Margate, attracts thousands
- Buffalo Rally (Mossel Bay)
- Cape Town Bike Festival
- Rhino Rally (Eastern Cape)
Adventure Rides & Charity Events
- Toy Run SA – Held nationwide every November
- Cancer Awareness Rides
- Blood Runs in partnership with SANBS
FAQs About Motorcycle Clubs in South Africa
Are there outlaw motorcycle clubs in South Africa?
Yes, like many countries, there are clubs considered “outlaw” by authorities, but the majority of MCs and RCs are legal and community-focused.
Can foreigners join clubs in South Africa?
Absolutely. Many local clubs welcome expats and long-term visitors who ride.
What’s the difference between an MC and an RC?
MCs are formal, often with strict membership rules and patches. RCs are informal, social, and ideal for casual riders.
Is there a minimum bike CC requirement?
Some touring or cruiser MCs prefer bikes above 600cc, but many riding clubs accept all engine sizes.
Final Thoughts
South Africa’s motorcycle culture blends freedom, scenic beauty, and strong community bonds. With a club for every kind of rider—whether you’re into Harley cruisers, off-road adventures, or charity-focused tours—you’ll find your place on two wheels.
Respect the road, ride safe, and become part of the ever-growing biker family in Mzansi 🇿🇦🏍️
Tonmoy is a recognized author and editor known for his deep passion and expertise in the world of motorcycles. His work goes beyond the mechanics and aesthetics, capturing the vibrant culture of motorcycle clubs and the strong sense of brotherhood shared by riders. Tonmoy’s special enthusiasm for motorcycle clubs adds depth to his writing, making his contributions to the motorcycle community both insightful and impactful
