What do you think of this?

I checked the national HOG site and there is no mention that associate members can't ride a non-Harley. It also does not say that they must ride a Harley either.

I believe it says 4 closed events per year not just rides. Surprised you side with the dealer Abby especially after all that you went through. The dealer in this case is wrong. We all here have proven that, sure he can do what he wants he is the owner of the chapter. What that will mean for him is lost revenue and that will effect him in the long run. When he see's that and feels it in his pocket book then he may step back and say, whoops. However, I really don't think he will care now that he just introduced Triumph into his store.

Just found out another good friend of ours and his wife quit the chapter for that reason and because of that new women director who he really tried to support in the beginning but she really crapped all over him. I will probably drop out and ride mostly with friends and possibly other groups. Have joined as I said with another local chapter, Sunset HOG but still may just ride mostly with friends.

It's to bad to as it used to be a really good chapter to belong to and had some really great rides. A lot of those people that made it that way are gone now and those that are now running it simply do not have a clue as to what it takes to make it, friends and fun.
I would look at riding with the local Abate chapter but to much drinking and riding to suit me.

I think what you and many here are not understanding is this. I am not talking about any non Harley motorcycle. I am referring to this, associate members only who are rhe spouse of a full chapter members and a card carrying full HOG member. They are a associate member that rides a non-Harley motorcycle. It has always been allowed and not disallowed by HOG national. This dealer who is being duped by his dictator women new director she wants to keep certain members out. We know that and it is causing a split in the chapter. Anyone who opposes her she finds ways to get rid of them. That is what many of us believe was the factor in her going to the dealer owner about this issue. Why was this not an issue prior in the chapter, because the other directors did not feel it being a threat to them and the chapter. Don't get me wrong I have nothing against having a women as the chapter director and would have supported another lady in the chapter who was also being considered. This women that got the position is very phony has so much bling all over her body and trike it's scary. I know that should have nothing to do with it but it's just an extension of her personality. She does not even know how to ride very well but she does know how to ma***ulate her way.
I am starting to think your way towards HOG and all other large motorcycle organizations.

That's right, it is a Dealer supported and run organization,
and that's the way they are setup, to help new riders meet others
have organized rides (some folks like that) and meet n greet events
at the dealer, they are not really "clubs" like a private club and are not
meant to be as such.

I agree the dealer is short sighted and taking the advice of one person
who thinks it should be exclusive HD. Perhaps you should bring him/her
aside and nicely mention that there are several members, who are voicing
their opinions that the HD only bike rule is of concern, they are members who
have two bikes, generally a spouse on a metric, and feel the new rule is
too restrictive, they feel singled out.

Also mention that it is short sighted from a marketing perspective
to limit the type of bike for "members" on rides, that in fact they should
have an open ride twice a year for charity and invite non HD bikes to show
the dealer welcomes others, and perhaps generate interest in the HD offerings

Let him know many are talking about either switching hog groups or dropping
out completely, maybe mention it might seem a small and petty deal overall but
to some folks it eliminates the riding time with a spouse completely and it's not
going to make them buy a new HD just to stay in hog....

Unfortunately not to many will stand up to the dealer and you ask why, to many are afraid of him and that he will ban them from coming to the dealership. He is a very black and white no in between guy. He has in the past given a lot for the chapter in money and support but that was under different chapter leadership. Might be that his empire has grown so big that he now simply does not care.

I guess I have been venting to much about this because it has effected so many of my friends. I know venting here does not help the chapter cause I know there lost. A person in the chapter said when she took over "It's the beginning of the end". Like I said when it is not fun anymore, time to go someplace else.

so he starts tossing people out,
more will quit.

Just vote with your money and time
and go to another.

It's good to get it out, but at some point
ya gotta get over it and move on...

Yep, several of us are moving on

That's the way it should be, it also helps encourage a non Harley rider to want to purchase a Harley. Telling someone your not welcome just slams the door in their face.