I went the life member route years ago also. Seemed like a good deal at the time, so just paid once. The ride miles rewards cards are a pretty nice deal and stupid simple to collect on too. Some dealers still give a discount on parts for HOG membership.

I have never been a local HOG chapter member and never done any of the group activities or anything, but I do miss the print magazine and atlas. I do think Harley is heading the wrong direction if they want to keep HOG around.

 

I am a lifetime member since 2005, cool part is I get free admission to the HD museum.
In 2023 I went twice, no charge either time for me, guest was only free once.

 

I've been a Lifetime member since the early 90's; I believe it cost me $50 over an annual renewal. Best part is that every time you buy a bike, they send you a gift card for the cost of an annual renewal. Over the years, I've collected hundreds of dollars in gift card for my $50 investment.

 

Was there a time when the HOG membership had any value? I was never a member until I bough a bike new in 2019. I got a free year, but I didn't renew because I saw no value in it.

 

During the 90's the dealer I frequented would give 10% off parts, accessories, motorclothes, and service, to HOG members. That was well worth my lifetime membership at the time. Today? Couldn't tell ya of any value for me.

 

I kinda thought it had run its course, thanks.

 

I just upgraded my HOG membership to Life a few months ago. I guess I barely made the window.

My dealer has a good HOG chapter. We get discounts on meeting days, and stuff like that. We also usually one of the top 3 in Ride365 mileage, so many of us can more than pay our dues with that. I'm currently an officer in the Chapter. For some of us, this is a big part of owning a Harley. I've made a lot of good friends since 2018 when I joined.

The loss of the life memberships is probably just a trend of fewer "perks" from the MoCo. As long as I'm happy with my motorcycles, my riding friends, and my dealer, I don't care about the MoCo.

 

Both my wife and I are members - think that total cost is $118. In addition, we pay $30 each for the local chapter membership. So, for the year, we pay $178.

With Ride 365, last year we got $200 back (lost $100 because we didn't use it in 30 days - my fault). Still, I believe what we put in is well worth it. Our dealership usually has something almost every Saturday. My wife loves going there to volunteer - you can usually find her serving the food.

Last year, we played biker bingo - you had a card and had to find a variety of places. I filled most of my card. At our meeting the other day, I won $100 and a Harley bag for my participation. My wife won $50 plus a HOG coffee mug and some coasters. This was because she helped out a lot at the dealership.

We are both retired, and this gives us something to do, especially in the wintertime. Been a HIG member since 2004 when I got my first Ultra. We enjoy the folks in our chapter and the many rides we take with them. Our Road Caption is absolutely great - she knows every back road in the world. On top of that, she makes one of the most delicious prime roasts anyone could imagine. Want to take or lead a ride - she will help you plan it and may even ride tail if you need her too.

All of the officers in our group do a great job. Need any help - they are there for you. So, as I said - if you put in - you might get something you like. We have already started planning some trips for the 2024 riding season.

 

My local HD dealer gives 10% off to the local chapter members, so I got that goin' for me, which is nice
I've been on this forum for awhile and the local HOG chapter membership thread comes up often. If one was to gauge/measure the most common response, I think that would be to forget about joining a local chapter, for a number of different reasons (ie they can't ride, clicks, too many rules, etc). Is it for everyone? No. Are all chapters the same? No.
I know personally I'm glad I didn't listen to the most common advice given here. I've been a local HOG member in a couple of different chapters over the years. Some were better than others. Chapter officers and dealership participation can make a big difference. In the current local chapter I'm a member of, I've found the people to be extremely nice. They had a really nice holiday party and some great events during the year. Later this month I've signed up for their First Aid & CPR/AED Training. My advice, check out the local chapter and make you own decision.


How do you define "value"?

 

If I put nothing more than money into it, what do I get for the money I spent for membership is what I was referring to. I realize that if I put time and effort into it aside from money, I'll get out what I put in. Thanks for asking.