H.o.g
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 226
Likes: 0
From: Plantation, FL
Once in a while, it is interesting to ride with a group. Someone else does all of the planning. Your sum total of worry is not to embarrass yourself while riding. When you get to the destination, you can listen to the comments and war stories of the others in the group without any pressure to contribute. The people I have ridden with come from all sorts of backgrounds, lifestyles, age and career choices. The only common denominator is the desire to ride and share the experience.
I have ridden with a HOG group several times and have not had a bad experience yet. My only complaint (and I am picking fly-poop out of the pepper) is that the group is tied to a dealer and always meets at the dealership. I don't wear the patches, although I have considered it, and I have never been questioned.
I have ridden with a HOG group several times and have not had a bad experience yet. My only complaint (and I am picking fly-poop out of the pepper) is that the group is tied to a dealer and always meets at the dealership. I don't wear the patches, although I have considered it, and I have never been questioned.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 738
Likes: 0
From: Toronto
Have used the tow twice in 10 years, use the map books and give the old ones to friends. Have upgraded to Road America Ultra Pkg so my bikes as well as my cars are covered.
Have never gone to a HOG rally or any other function......
so i guess peace of mind when i do long trips with the wife.....it's worth it to me....
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Have never gone to a HOG rally or any other function......
so i guess peace of mind when i do long trips with the wife.....it's worth it to me....
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,832
Likes: 127
From: Coastal Carolina
I got a free membership when I bought my bike. The insurance discount is the only discount I get (I'm not with AT&T) and I (thankfully) haven't needed the roadside assistance yet. But I've attended a few meetings and the people are, without exception, nice and unpretentious. No one is trying to impress anyone with anything.
Our chapter's primary focus is coming up with a wide variety of group rides so that there is something to interest everyone. They have ranged from a ride to the "Punkin Chunkin" in Delaware (as seen on the Discovery Channel) on one end of the spectrum to a ride to Falling Water (Frank Lloyd Wright's house in Pennsylvania) on the other. Truth be told, I haven't joined any of the group rides yet (I've wanted to, but my schedule has conflicted) but I intend to take advantage of them next spring.
Our chapter's primary focus is coming up with a wide variety of group rides so that there is something to interest everyone. They have ranged from a ride to the "Punkin Chunkin" in Delaware (as seen on the Discovery Channel) on one end of the spectrum to a ride to Falling Water (Frank Lloyd Wright's house in Pennsylvania) on the other. Truth be told, I haven't joined any of the group rides yet (I've wanted to, but my schedule has conflicted) but I intend to take advantage of them next spring.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 833
Likes: 221
From: Bridgeport, CT
None that I know of but, what I was referring to is the dealership that sponsored our Hog group closed down in April. I bought my last bike from them in September '10. We were told we couldn't use the Hog symbols on the vest any more, and would not be recognised Hog group after December. The former owner also owns another dealership, about 15 miles from where we were, and we were told that he might be able to sponsor 2 Hog groups. Well, Nat hog said no to that plan. As a group with almost 100 members, we weren't feeling like we would be welcomed into another Hog group,except for the income it would produce for them. We are basicly orphans. The former owner attended our last meeting to say we are still welcome to spend our money at his other dealership.That was the first time he has come to a meeting to speak to the group since he bought the dealership,and it was really just a commercial. At this point I don't feel like spending squat at a Harley dealership. I'll buy online or Ebay.,,
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 570
Likes: 0
From: Central IL
Free membership with purchase, did not renew. Saw very little benefit for a so so magazine and maybe some roadside perks that would be better with AAA. I'd rather send my money to ABATE for patches.
Bones
Bones
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,923
Likes: 266
From: Deep in the heart of New Jersey
No it s not. Your free to join any group YOU want. Our issue is , we're already a group of 100 members that work together well. We have solved the problem and look forward to less rules, and company interference in our daily operation as of Jan the 1st. The way Harley is shuting down dealers ,most of which have hog groups which are shut down also, is leaving a sour taste in alot of peoples mouths. I don;t think it would be a bad idea that before you buy a new bike or anything for that matter, the dealer show some form of proof that they're not getting ready to shut the doors anytime soon.,,
Tourer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 435
Likes: 1
From: St. George, Utah
I have been riding on two wheels since I was 13 (61 now). I raised a family of 7 kids,worked hard all my life, and when I saw I could finally buy a Harley, I picked up a dyna wide glide I custom ordered. I did not buy from the local dealer, they didn't want to give me the deal I asked for, but the dealer had a HOG chapter, and I wanted to ride. That was Dec 31,2005. I joined the HOG chapter to learn about Harley and I have always supported what HOG stands for, to ride and have fun. All the rest are gravy. I learned safe group riding and became a road captain. In time I became a HOG officer and attended primary officer annual conference, expenses paid by my sponsering dealer, and learned more about how to bring fun to those who ride Harleys. HOG may not be for everyone, but HOG welcomes all Harley owners regardless of background. I have done Sturgis once on my own and once with a bunch of friends I met from HOG. I personally enjoy sharing good times with those I trust with riding in a group, and yes I have the HOG cut with pins and patches. As of late, my sponsering dealer will not allow me to be an officer in the local chapter because I also am a member of an MC and wear a 3 peice patch on other activities, not affiliated with HOG on my own time. Too bad that in some chapters you are really judged by who you associate with in non HOG time. But thats life. I have lots of friends who ride now and lots of oppurtunuty to share good times with a diverse group. As my sig says if it aint fun, don't do it. For me its all fun. You never see a harley parked in front of a phychiatrist's office,do you?
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,190
Likes: 5
From: Eastern Washington
I did not realize they gave a discount to ATT. Thats cool, but I have Verizon, so to hell with HOG waste of money. But if people want to pay to feel like they belong more power to them