HOG membership or not??
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 895
Likes: 27
From: Outside Dover, OH
There's just no cut + dry right/wrong answer to this question. It depends alot on the individual and the area HOG chapter/sponsoring dealership. If you buy a new '15, you'll should rx a free membership to HOG national. I don't really see a huge value in the national membership, but without it, you can't join the local chapter. My local chapter ($15 annual dues) is a HUGE value due to it's incredible membership + wonderful sponsoring dealership. The national membership gives you the mag, tourbook, and a few misc benefits. IMO, the towing is lame + I carry additional towing thru my insurance cos. My local chapter hosts great rides, parties, activities throughout the year including free dinner after each meeting. Like any club, it's value is determined by the contributions of it's membership. It's like a bank, don't look for anything back til you've put something in. We have around 250 members + well over 100 attend every meeting. To ride in this area + not belong to our chapter would be a huge mistake. Not all chapters are like this + MOST dealerships don't support their chapters the way ours does. If you get the '15 and free national membership, simply contact your local chapter + ask to attend a meeting. We welcome guests at all our meetings. BTW, I'm a road captain and membership officer for our local chapter.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,190
Likes: 2,419
From: USA
I've thought about joining, and have even looked into it a few times. I've yet to actually try it.
I've no use or particular interest in the towing and such, and get better discounts via other things. So none of that has any appeal to me.
I'm a solo rider, but I'm not opposed to meeting and riding with others. So this has some interest to me. That said, there is apparently none of that happening in my area. While the semi-local dealerships do have events, they are not inherently HOG events. HOG lists only one event this coming year in my state, but its web page is dead. The other states around me list nothing. So.... Seems that's a wash.
Magazines are interesting, as are travel books and such. But, it's a lot of money for a magazine that seems fluffy in its content. Travel books and such, like others have said, there are better for less money elsewhere. And honestly, I frequently just follow my nose as I go wandering off anyhow.
So, here I am again nosing around HOG, and finding nothing of real interest after all..
I've no use or particular interest in the towing and such, and get better discounts via other things. So none of that has any appeal to me.
I'm a solo rider, but I'm not opposed to meeting and riding with others. So this has some interest to me. That said, there is apparently none of that happening in my area. While the semi-local dealerships do have events, they are not inherently HOG events. HOG lists only one event this coming year in my state, but its web page is dead. The other states around me list nothing. So.... Seems that's a wash.
Magazines are interesting, as are travel books and such. But, it's a lot of money for a magazine that seems fluffy in its content. Travel books and such, like others have said, there are better for less money elsewhere. And honestly, I frequently just follow my nose as I go wandering off anyhow.
So, here I am again nosing around HOG, and finding nothing of real interest after all..
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 895
Likes: 27
From: Outside Dover, OH
I've thought about joining, and have even looked into it a few times. I've yet to actually try it.
I've no use or particular interest in the towing and such, and get better discounts via other things. So none of that has any appeal to me.
I'm a solo rider, but I'm not opposed to meeting and riding with others. So this has some interest to me. That said, there is apparently none of that happening in my area. While the semi-local dealerships do have events, they are not inherently HOG events. HOG lists only one event this coming year in my state, but its web page is dead. The other states around me list nothing. So.... Seems that's a wash.
Magazines are interesting, as are travel books and such. But, it's a lot of money for a magazine that seems fluffy in its content. Travel books and such, like others have said, there are better for less money elsewhere. And honestly, I frequently just follow my nose as I go wandering off anyhow.
So, here I am again nosing around HOG, and finding nothing of real interest after all..
I've no use or particular interest in the towing and such, and get better discounts via other things. So none of that has any appeal to me.
I'm a solo rider, but I'm not opposed to meeting and riding with others. So this has some interest to me. That said, there is apparently none of that happening in my area. While the semi-local dealerships do have events, they are not inherently HOG events. HOG lists only one event this coming year in my state, but its web page is dead. The other states around me list nothing. So.... Seems that's a wash.
Magazines are interesting, as are travel books and such. But, it's a lot of money for a magazine that seems fluffy in its content. Travel books and such, like others have said, there are better for less money elsewhere. And honestly, I frequently just follow my nose as I go wandering off anyhow.
So, here I am again nosing around HOG, and finding nothing of real interest after all..
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 895
Likes: 27
From: Outside Dover, OH
One other thing, I've rode over 45 years with MANY different clubs /organizations. HOG has by far the most competent riders + best organized rides I've ever attended, nothing else even comes close!
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,664
Likes: 184
From: Indiana, USA
OK, I forgot the free towing which is why I keep membership up. I have only used the towing 1 time and it was local so my local dealership drove 50 miles to pick me and the bike up and haul us to the home dealership.
I have 2 bikes, the oldest is 12 years old now and both are covered with the towing. For the 110th my son rode the 100th ANV and I rode the 110th ANV to Milwaukee. He rode the 100th home with twisted flywheels and we didn't worry about being stuck on the road.....
I just renewed my membership.
I have 2 bikes, the oldest is 12 years old now and both are covered with the towing. For the 110th my son rode the 100th ANV and I rode the 110th ANV to Milwaukee. He rode the 100th home with twisted flywheels and we didn't worry about being stuck on the road.....
I just renewed my membership.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,306
Likes: 39
From: Everywhere
OK, I forgot the free towing which is why I keep membership up. I have only used the towing 1 time and it was local so my local dealership drove 50 miles to pick me and the bike up and haul us to the home dealership. I have 2 bikes, the oldest is 12 years old now and both are covered with the towing. For the 110th my son rode the 100th ANV and I rode the 110th ANV to Milwaukee. He rode the 100th home with twisted flywheels and we didn't worry about being stuck on the road..... I just renewed my membership.
45 + 19.95 = 64.95/yr. discount $15/month on AT&T = $180/yr . Net profit = $115.05/year.
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Club Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 11,469
Likes: 3,572
From: Idaho
By all means, just drop by your local dealership and ask. They will have all the info you need.
Btw, our dealership gives a 10% discount on any parts purchase during a HOG meeting. Just picked up a front turn signal relocation kit and smoked lenses at the meeting last night.
Btw, our dealership gives a 10% discount on any parts purchase during a HOG meeting. Just picked up a front turn signal relocation kit and smoked lenses at the meeting last night.