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I don't get the whole "HOG" thing. If your dealer is closing & you're losing your "clubhouse", can't you still go on group rides together? Or do you just HAVE to wear a HOG patch to be able to get together & ride?
The economy is a big $hit sandwitch that we all have to eat. I bought a Harley because its American made and supports the American economy. Times are tough and people are having a hard time buying things like new HD's. Thats why the dealerships are closing. If the funds arn't comming in, how can HD support non-profiting buisinesses. Get out and vote this November if you care about change in this country and the freedoms our veterans have paid blood for. Just my two cents.
Closing of dealers is a business decision not a personal one. I would think members are what makes up a HOG chapter, not a dealer. Grant it, it's nice to have the support of a local dealership and access to accessories and service but a closed dealer shouldn't deter the camaraderie of a well organized HOG chapter.
I remember going to a meet n greet for new owners when I bought first HD in 08. I liked the discount but all the "family" talk never set right. Kept national HOG membership a couple of years for the mag and towing but let that go this year.
Love HD's, wife and I both ride our own. Not a fan of the HOG family/groups so can't share that pain. Others before have said it, get your group together and ride. You don't need the permission of a vehicle manufacturer to bond together and ride.
Each HOG chapter has a HOG regional manager. Did you reach out to him? I'm guessing you have the same guy we have. He's the person I'd have spoken to about this since I doubt the MOCO will even read your letter. It's his job to take your complaints to the MOCO.
That being said, I wouldn't be as jammed up about it as you are. Create your own riding group and move on. And if anyone EVER believed the MOCO nonsense about being a "family", well...........
Interesting - Very Interesting.......
If this issue is in regards to how poorly the national and international HOG organizations are being administered than I agree entirely; if it's about failing STEALERSHIPS then I say - You brought it on yourself with poor quality, terrible engineering and overpriced product; in other words GREED!
All one has to do is READ the publications that are published by the "national HOG" organizations. I have NEVER read such gribbish; like what's published in these magazines, anywhere else. Anybody read the article about how to prepare for meeting "game" on the road - absolutely UNBELIEVABLE!
At one HOG event; we had a NATIONAL Director FLY in, TAXI to the event, participate (eat) the evening meal, tell everyone how GREAT HOG is and then admit to the attendess she had never ridden a motorcycle and that this was her 1st time attending such an event, left by taxi, stayed at a 5 star hotel and flew out the next morning.
This is the NEW HOG leadership.
And with this type of leadership and direction; "You expect what to happen?"
ONLY when you as a HOG member DEMAND a stop to this type of nonsense will HOG become better.
It up to us to change it......
well i have to say i spent the lousy 45.00 per year this year after having my membership lapse. then i spent another 90.00 for me an the wife to attend the hog rally in new jersey.no one to blame but myself i didnt know to much about it, but im not going to blame anybody or cry about it . what i will say is the rally sucked to say the least . the wife and i love to just go to different events and enjoy what they have to offer love walking through all the vendors just to see whats new.love the rides to and from i am not a member of the local chapter never felt the need but i will say, after this hog rally and seeing everybodys comments looks like im not the only one not happy.when my membership expires thats it for me i will spend my HARD EARNED CASH ON SOMETHING WORTHWILD. GOOD LUCK TO THE OTHER MEMBERS. ride safe
We did form our own riding club, so that's not the issue.....
For the current active HOG members on here, I think you get my point....
For the others, what's that saying, If I have to explain it, you wouldn't understand...
If the MoCo would respond to at least one letter, good or bad, it would go a long way in our books.
As a fellow Hog Member, I understand your frustration. Even though the Dealerships are individually owned, I think the MoCo has a responsibility to it's customers. This letter should not have needed to be written. The MoCo should have contacted members up front. That being said, I think a lot of Dealer problems are self inflicted. I have a large number of Dealers within 150 miles of me. I travel around and stop in to chat. You almost get different stories and advice from each Dealer. I have one Dealer within 10 miles that all I buy is oil filters because of their attitude. When you go in the door, there's no welcome. You have to practically wait on yourself. I started to ask the cashier one day, if I get a discount for waiting on myself. I love my Harley and will continue to ride until I can't.
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