One Percenter: The Legend of the Outlaw Biker

by Dave Nichols, Kim Peterson (Photographer)

From the editor-in-chief of Easyriders magazine, One Percenter presents an unprecedented social analysis of American outlaw biker culture.  A longtime biker and self-proclaimed nonconformist, Dave Nichols is not a subtle man. “Bikers are the last wolves in a land of sheep,” he affirms—but the motivations of today’s biking culture stretch far back into the annals of human history. One The Legend of the Outlaw Biker illuminates the origins of rebel mentality, which began far outside of with groups from the Mongols and Huns to the Vikings, from pirates to the gunslingers of the Old West. In his signature no-nonsense style, Nichols traces his own defiant mindset from ancient times all the way into the modern era, where this one-percenter perspective is best embodied by outlaw bikers. As biographical as it is insightful, One Percenter also touches on the iconic Harley-Davidson motorcycle, gives a brief history of Easyriders magazine, and unapologetically criticizes the U.S. media for what Nichols views as a biased, unfairly negative portrayal of motorcycle clubs. Complete with an exclusive collection of photographs taken by Kim Peterson, editor of In The Wind magazine, this book offers a fascinating and analytical discussion of the rebel ethos that has become a staple of American popular culture.

Genres: Nonfiction, Motorcycle

288 pages, Paperback

First published November 15, 2007

Reviews

[Michael Conrad · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nothing to see here. Move along. Oh ok, there is some interesting things here,but it isn't anything you probably haven't read somewhere else already. It is more a telling of how it all started and how it just isn't like it once was. Nothing on what a real 1%er is or how they even live or become that way. Yes it does give the re=telling of how the name "1%er" came into play but anyone interested in this culture should already know it by now.

[Michael Marcela · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this book fairly quickly. It is an easy read and at times is very interesting. The historical sections that review the history of the outlaw, the various biker clubs, movies and pop culture and Harley Davidson are all very interesting.

There are several parts of this book that make it hard to give it above a two star ranking.

1. The pictures look like they are thirty to forty years old and the captions on the pictures don't even go along with the sections of the text where the pictures are inserted. Why couldn't newer and more relevant pictures be used?

2. The author circles back to several topics over and over and over again---such as movie reviews, comments about movie characters and plots, music and so on. About fifty if not more of the page count in this book could have been eliminated if the author didn't constantly repeat information.

3. The writer's contention that there are not any motorcycle "gangs" and that all motorcycle club bad behavior is the result of one of the member's rogue and individualistic behavior is ridiculous, not substantiated by facts and contradicted within the authors own book. Documentaries and books by Hell's Angels and other "club" members describe organized criminal activity by the club. The author describes activities by clubs such as burning down other clubs meeting places, destroying or damaging other biker's bikes, and fights and murders between clubs like they are nothing to be concerned about. And when Sonny Barger was found guilty of 12 out of 44 charges, the author cites that it was a waste of federal money---he was CONVICTED of 12 counts----so yes, clubs and individuals in the club, possibly at the behest of the club itself committed criminal acts---the very definition of a gang and far beyond a "we just like to get together and ride motorcycles" mentality.

4. It became very exhausting and insulting as a reader to be continually demeaned because of life choices such as working a regular job and having a family and living within society's norms. The author bemoans individuals regular jobs and contributions while neglecting the fact that he and his cronies couldn't live as outlaws without someone to inspect their bikes, issue licenses and insurance, provide food and shelter and other amenities to them and so on. Be an outlaw but at least acknowledge that you have the freedom to do so because others create the parameters in society and provide the services you need to do what you want.

5. The author constantly berates rich older men who buy and essentially saved the Harley Davidson motorcycle company without realizing that if it weren't for these buyers and riders, that Harley would have gone under and now be a thing of the past. He may not like that the Harley is no longer limited to outlaw biker ownership, but being to still buy a new Harley is infinitely better than having to ride old Harley or Honda Gold Wings instead. Give some credit to the people who allow you to live the life you want to live.

Is the historical icon of the outlaw biker becoming a thing of the past? Probably so---and in a world increasingly characterized by violence, hatred, crime, drugs and such, it may not be such a bad thing. Time to evolve. Being a leather-clad Harley rider lives somewhere in the heart and desire of most men and that is partly because of the iconic Outlaw biker, not in spite of it.

[Shawn Broad · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a great book if you are looking for a history of motorcycles and the slams on people that live to rude but are not a member of a 1% club. Very little information about the life of a 1%’er. The book is very well written and has amazing research done for it but if you are looking for a book about true outlaw biker life there is a few pages in the back of this book to point you in the desired directions.

[Chris James]

This was informative, but I was looking for more insight into the why. It was reassuring that the author was a motorcycle enthusiast and covered a wide range of data, so I think I learned a bit more about the history of motorcycle companies than I did the actual inside workings of outlaw motorcycle clubs. Definitely a good starting point, though, for anyone wanting to dig a bit deeper into the topic.

[Jeff R. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Better than the book written by the undercover agents and contract informants but not much. Outdated and out of touch.

[Richard Mulholland · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book covers everything fro pirates, to biker films, to global warming.

Sadly about the only thing it doesn't do is give any real depth into the outlaw biker fraternity. If the author us right and the media have tried to vilify bikers, rather than step up with an objective look, the author glorifies them.

It gets three stars because despite that it's a really interesting read. Just managing expectations here :)

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gives a great history on the development of the outlaw biker identity, but in places it became more of a biker movie review than a comprehensive account of outlaw motorcycle club culture.

Nevertheless, I still plan on building my own chopper.

[Johnny T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written by a Weasel. Beginning is pretty darn good.

[Drew- Pickleball Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book about freedom and people who changed society. It has a good history about motorcycle club history.

[Scott Hill · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was alright, but very predictable!!!

[Kile Antone · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I appreciate the work of this author at times this read was very slow.