Ama

One of the many benifits of being a HOG member is discounts on many things - On the con side (at least in my area) it is run by the HD dealers not the riders.
AMA is also a good org. - they run a strong lobby in DC - but always have their hand out for money - lobbyists in DC get paid for what they do with your money. - They also are very strong in racing (think NASCAR for bikes) and are the convening auth. for rules and regs. for most of the races and offroad events.
ABATE is one of the best - but you only get out of it by what you put into it. in some states they are a force to reckoned with and are very active in support of Charities. - All ABATES are state chapters with a connection to DC. - Most of the rest follow along these lines to one degree or another so your best bet is attend a few of the different gartherings and find one that suits your life style.

cowboy,
I know texas has a COIR unit, probably several, Texas is where the US Defenders was started and from what I understand they have done a lot for motoryclelist rights in Texas. It doesn't cost any thing to belong. It's about our rights as American's.

I get a little fired up when talking about our rights, Please do check it out.

This is the type of group that I am looking for. I like to be autonomous, but still stand for the rights of all riders. Thanks for the information I will look at this information closely. I briefly scanned the site and I did not see a chapter for Minnesota. HMMMMM, that could change.

There is also the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF), which is a motorcyclists rights organization on the national level, like the AMA, but it's more for "our kind." They work very closely with the ABATE organizations, so it's almost like a national ABATE.

HOG is good for some things, but it is not a motorcyclist rights organization, so it depends what you're looking for.

In Colorado, ABATE also runs the largest training organization in the state, which is who I work for. I think they're outstanding for training. I almost wish I'd never gotten involved in the motorcyclist rights part though. They do well, but there are a lot of things that aren't done well that makes it really hard for me to be overly enthusiastic about it. I used to be the District Rep, but now I'm the Treasurer for my district, and I'll probably get out of that as soon as I can. I like the people in the district, but I feel that the state office comes up with ideas and then pushes things through the Board of Directors without proper planning or consideration. I should say that I like the people in the state office too, but after being left picking up the pieces on some things, I've soured on the whole thing.

That being said, they've done a great job working with CDOT. There was actually a report that went out on motorcycle fatalities and not once were helmets mentioned. It was about avoiding crashes altogether, i.e. training (or lack thereof) and alcohol use. So that's a really good thing.

I think money has gotten really tight thanks to the economy, and they are scrambling to find ways to raise funds, and it isn't pretty.

You have our heartfelt condolences! - But there's always hope.:roflmao:

get to have to???

I agree, and riding is why I own a bike. But that is also why I like the US Defenders, they don't ask for money just a little time writing letters, or sending emails. It has made a difference here and I know it has in Texas to.

JB - check out HD.com on the main page they have a run down of what you stand to gain by joining and a locater to help you find a chapter in your area or ju8st just ride on down to your local HD dealer and ask.

Considering that I bought a bike from a dealer, I was given a year of National HOG membership with the purchase. I thought about it pretty hard and I have decided that I am going to join a local chapter of HOG. I did decide that I am going to join the Chapter of Wild Prairie Harley Davidson..

I am really excited for all of the new things that are about to come my way. I am so glad that I decided to pull the trigger on this bike now instead of later, gives me something to look forward to in a big way for the upcoming season.

I'm a member of the National Hog Chapter, just doesn't fit my schedule to join a local chapter and the closest one is 70 miles away. I like the national magazine and benefits and have used the fly and ride.

Fly and Ride??

Discounted rates when you fly somewhere certain dealerships they pick you up at the airport take you to your rental bike and away you go, after the trip they drop you back at the airport to fly home.

I am ready for it that is for sure.

Hey Ultra, that is pretty cool too. I think that I would like the discounted insurance as well, but not sure that will that significant of savings for me though..

Been an AMA member for 22 years. I like the fact that they are lobbying for motorcyclists rights on and off road.