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Below are our links to the Club Corner Motorcycle Clubs featured in RoadBike Magazine:
Gold Wing Road Riders Association
RoadBike Nov/Dec 2006
By Jon Langston
If the Honda Gold Wing is truly the standard-bearer when it comes to motorcycle touring, the Gold Wing Road Riders Association can certainly be held to the same lofty ideals, for the GWRRA is one of the oldest and largest motorcycle groups in the world. It’s comprised of over 80,000 members tied together with one common interest: their unabashed love of the Gold Wing (and the Valkyrie -- more on that later).
“We’re not a ‘club’,” any GWRRA member will happily correct you. “We’re an association.” And it’s an important distinction: A “club” implies a loosely knit collection of individuals with a common interest, whereas an “association” comprises a mammoth organization with worldwide connections and benefits beyond the common thread that binds its members.
The GWRRA was started in 1977, and so far, it boasts more than 900 chapters in 52 countries. Member benefits include the annual “Gold Book” Service Directory, which contains contact information for GWRRA members around the globe who offer services to fellow bikers; credit union services; credit card programs; health insurance options; rider education and training courses; discounts at Honda dealers, hotels, and select insurance providers; emergency roadside assistance; an interactive web site; and a monthly subscription to Wing World magazine. Most members we spoke with, however, claim that the greatest benefit is the camaraderie. (Note: Valkyrie owners are also welcome in the GWRRA. In fact, anyone who doesn’t own a Wing or Valkyrie can join through associate individual memberships. However, associate members are not allowed to hold office.)
Info: Gold Wing Road Riders Association, 21423 N. 11th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85027, 800/843-9460, http://www.gwrra.org/
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International Star Riders Association
RoadBike Nov/Dec 2006
By Jon Langston
For all you highway stars out there, the International Star Riders Association provides a place where Yamaha Star owners can enjoy benefits of membership and the feeling of belonging to a club, or, as they like to call it, a “constellation.” Begun in 1998 with just a web site, the ISRA now boasts 26,000 members on five continents. Anywhere there’s a Star, chances are you’ll find an ISRA constellation. Membership is free, and the ISRA council is made up of volunteers. The ISRA supports itself through the time-honored tradition of selling merchandise, so rather than paying annual membership dues, members support the ISRA by purchasing stuff from the organization. It makes for an interactive process; the more that ISRA members give, the more they receive. Considering the group’s growth, that approach has worked rather well.
Being free, membership in the ISRA doesn’t give you, say, a credit union, but you will discover deep discounts on things like hotels and road services as well as parts from manufacturers and distributors who endorse the club.
In addition, the ISRA holds three or four big rallies a year, hosted by the various constellations. These events are more than just rallies; they’re also fundraisers and symposiums -- though for some, they’re simply a great excuse to get together and shoot the breeze (or the twisties). In addition, the ISRA also puts out a monthly e-zine called Star Cruiser, where you can find everything from political commentary to motorcycle comparisons to poems and fiction to a comedy page called “ Humor Me.”
Info: International Star Riders Association, 848 N. Rainbow Blvd. #793, Las Vegas, NV 89107 USA
http://www.international-star-riders.com/
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BMW Motorcycle Owners of America
RoadBike Jan/Feb 2007
By Jon Langston
With over 37,000 members, BMW Motorcycle Owners of America (MOA) claims to be the largest brand-specific motorcycle club in the world that is not owned and operated by the marque. Started in 1972 “to foster communications and a sense of family among BMW motorcycle enthusiasts,” the MOA is a nonprofit organization affiliated with over 230 chartered clubs all over the world.
BMW MOA publishes a monthly magazine called BMW Owners News as well as a handy annual reference book of member telephone numbers called BMW Owners Anonymous to provide support for touring members worldwide. In addition, the MOA web site is a handy place for BMW owners to learn about events and keep up to date on all things Beemer.
Each year, the BMW MOA International Rally brings together more than 7,000 like-minded riders of all styles, ages, and sizes of BMW motorcycles. The rally site rotates throughout North America; previous rallies have been held in Montana, Colorado, Oregon, Illinois, New York, Connecticut, and Ontario, Canada. The rally gives Beemer owners and riders the opportunity to meet and greet each other as well as visit with vendors who manufacture many specialty items for BMW motorcycles. BMW Motorrad, the corporate motorcycle arm of Bavarian Motor Works, is a fixture at the annual rally, often bringing along more than two dozen motorcycles for demo rides.
Membership in BMW MOA costs $32 a year and includes emergency roadside assistance, endorsed insurance programs, lodging and rental car discounts and upgrades, and many more perks.
Info: BMW Motorcycle Owners of America, PO Box 3982, Dept. RB, Ballwin, MO 63022, 636/394-7277, bmwmoa.org (http://www.bmwmoa.org/)
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Rider’s Association of Triumph (R.A.T.)
RoadBike March 2007
By Jon Langston
Don’t be a square; chances are there’s a swingin’ R.A.T. Pack near you. The purchase of a new Triumph gets you an automatic membership into the Rider’s Association of Triumph. With the resurgence of this legendary British marque -- Triumph claims that sales are up almost 60 percent since 2005 -- the R.A.T. population has reached infestation proportions.
R.A.T. is the only official factory-run riders club for Triumph motorcycle owners. R.A.T. focuses on creating a community based upon the experience of owning, riding, and celebrating the bike company that English construction magnate John Bloor resurrected in 1990.
Of course, there’s a R.A.T. hierarchy. So-called R.A.T. packs -- organized groups of Triumph riders -- troll the streets under the direction of a pack leader. These motivated owners, who are usually appointed by local dealerships, organize other Triumph enthusiasts to participate in a variety of group activities sponsored by R.A.T. Monthly meetings, newsletters, organized rides, bike nights, dealer events, and track days are all part of being a R.A.T.
Membership also includes R.A.T. Weekend Raids, National Day Rides, and even T-shirt design contests. A subscription to Torque, Triumph’s official magazine, is another benefit. Torque is packed full of Triumph news and information such as R.A.T. Routes, new product reviews, and in-depth features about riders and their bikes.
SOURCES
Info: R.A.T., Triumph Motorcycles ( America), Ltd., 385 Walt Sanders Memorial Dr., Ste. 100, Dept. RB, Newnan, GA; 30265, 678/854-2010; triumphmotorcycles.com/usa/ratHome.aspx
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Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club
RoadBike April 2007
By Jon Langston
Love the whine of a tiny two-stroke struggling to gain velocity? Can’t shake the distinctive growl of grandpa’s SOHC CB750 from your memory? Does the smell of oil-rich exhaust make you long for the days of yore, long before disc brakes, fuel injection, and tribal graphics? Then Club Corner has got the group for you.
Celebrating its thirtieth year in existence, the Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation, restoration, and enjoyment of vintage Japanese motorcycles. This nationwide organization participates in events such as the Japanese-bike-only White Rose show, Bike Week and Biketoberfest in Daytona, the northeast-based MotoGiro USA, the AMA’s Vintage Motorcycle Days in Ohio, and the Concours d’Elegance in California. The club also holds an annual National Rally for its members, complete with sponsored rides, bike shows, technical and historical seminars, and field events.
And membership, as they say, has its privileges. The VJMC publishes a bi-monthly magazine called, cleverly enough, VJMC, which is free to members. The magazine features stories related to vintage bikes and the people who ride them, coverage of bike shows, rallies, and local events, technical and restoration tips, a calendar of events, and a host of classified ads. VJMC members also receive discounts at Red Roof Inns, along with other perks.
The VJMC website is a fantastic resource for the vintage Japanese motorcycle enthusiast as well. While much of the content is available only to club members, non-members are welcome to drop by and check out various bits of info, which connects vintage Japanese motorcycle enthusiasts from all over via email, and lets them ask questions and read responses from experts and amateurs around the globe. Enthusiasts have established quite a support network here, swapping technical information, sharing parts and knowledge, and discussing and appreciating vintage Japanese motorcycles.
The corporate headquarters of the Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club of North America, Inc is based in Indiana and has more than 2500 members in the US and Canada with associate VJMC groups worldwide. Annual membership is $25.00.
Info: Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club, 813/961-3737, VJMC.org
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RoadBike May 2007
By Jon Langston
Rocking and rolling. They just go hand in hand. To this end, Kawasaki started its owner’s club 16 years ago to provide members the opportunity to “join together in organized activities and share their enjoyment for the sport of motorcycling.” Originally called the Good Times Owners Club (after Team Green’s slogan, “Let the Good Times Roll”), Riders of Kawasaki (ROK) is currently affiliated with more than 260 chartered chapters, and these ROK’ers roll all over the United States.
“ROK is continually adding exciting new benefits for our members,” said Teri Conrad, ROK’s communications coordinator, “so there are many reasons to join. You don’t even have to ride a Kawasaki. It’s a unique opportunity to ride and meet other enthusiasts.”
There are two different membership packages. Basic membership costs $29.95 per year and includes a subscription to Accelerate magazine, a personalized membership card, clothing patch, club decals, and a road atlas. Premium membership costs $39.95 per year and includes all of the benefits of basic membership, plus emergency roadside assistance, travel routing service, lodging and car rental discounts, MSF skills class rebates, and much more. Additional benefits are provided by ROK partners such as GEICO (insurance), JC Motors (transportation, accessories), and MASA (emergency air services), and are available to all members.
You’ll also see ROK hospitality booths at major motorcycle events throughout the year, such as Daytona Bike Week, where ROK members enjoy complimentary soft beverages and snacks, gear check, VIP parking, prizes, and priority sign-up for Kawasaki demo rides.
As a special bonus for 2007, ROK has partnered up with Sportbike Track Time to offer its members -- and all Kawasaki owners -- the opportunity to participate in three exclusive track day events at discounted rates. There will even be a free “tryout” lap at these events for those who just want a taste of the track. The track days will be held at Infineon Raceway, Road America and Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.
And don’t forget to let the good times ROK!
Info: Riders of Kawasaki; Membership: $29.95 - $39.95; 877/ROK-CLUB; www.Kawasaki.com/ROK
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RoadBike June 2007
By Jon Langston
Established in 1940, one of the oldest motorcycle clubs in America is featured in this month's Club Corner. Its first formal convention was held in Columbus, Ohio, in 1944. The first president of the club held the position for the next 25 years. Many of its members served in the armed forces during World War II, when getting together was difficult because of gas rationing, and formal business was conducted at a steak house. But the club's charter today is the same as it ever was: The Motor Maids want to unite women riders, and prove that you can ride a motorcycle and still be a lady.
Back in the late 1930s, a young enthusiast named Linda Dugeau wrote letters to dealers, riders, and anyone else she could think of who might know women who owned motorcycles who might also be interested in getting acquainted. She ended up with a list of 51 female motorcycle owners. Each of these women soon became charter members of Dugeau’s club, and, in 1941, the American Motorcycle Association Charter #509 was issued to the Motor Maids. The first constitutional article establishing the requirements for membership has remained the Motor Maids’ hallmark since that first meeting in 1940: Membership shall only consist of women who own and operate their own motorcycle or one belonging to a family member. That’s it. Backseat riders need not apply. The Maids don’t even allow members to trailer their bikes to events; if you can’t ride it, then you can’t ride.
The Motor Maids hold a convention each July in a different part of the country. When a member has attended two conventions and has 10 consecutive active years of membership, she can apply for life membership status. Silver Life Membership requires 25 years of active membership and attendance at 5 conventions; after 10 conventions and 50 years of active membership, Golden Life Membership is awarded.
Today, as much as 8 percent of all new riders are women. Motor Maids members “must be of good character” and be willing to work for the betterment of motorcycling in all possible ways. Club dues are $20 per year.
Info: Motor Maids, Inc. PO Box 157, Erie, MI 48133 MotorMaids.org.
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Honda Sport Touring Association
RoadBike July 2007
By Jon Langston
So you’d like to join a touring club but aren’t fond of riding with cumbersome crowds? Want to be part of the group but can do without the dirty looks if you don’t have the “right” bike? Are you looking to enjoy the benefits of membership but don’t want to feel too obligated? Do you long for a relaxed, laid-back bunch of folks who just want to get out there and enjoy the open road? The Honda Sport Touring Association (HSTA) prides itself on being exactly that: informal, friendly, and adventuresome.
Some clubs are known for being stuffy. This is something the HSTA will never be accused of. Despite the H in its name, the organization doesn’t discriminate against riders of other marques. There are no attitudes here, and no strict regulations, silly rules, or corny uniforms. The HSTA welcomes anyone who just wants to enjoy the motorcycling experience. Further distinguishing the club is that most of its members prefer not to ride in large groups; they often split into twos and threes, with each group choosing its own pace and perhaps even taking a different route. No big deal -- it’s about the ride, not the fashion statement.
Founded in 1982 as the Honda V-4 Sport Touring Association, the first newsletter went out to the group's nine members in August of that year. By the time the second edition came out in October, organizers had to lick about 100 stamps. The May 1983 edition was mailed to 296 members in 44 states and 3 foreign countries. By now, the group's focus had shifted to include not only other Honda models but also other brands of bikes, and, by December 1986, the group had ditched the V-4 moniker to reflect this inclusive approach. The Honda Sport Touring Association (its connection to the American Honda Motor Company is a casual but important one, reflecting corporate affiliation but not allegiance) was born.
Today, the HSTA has members throughout the US and Canada, and in a number of foreign countries. There’s no such thing as a stereotypical HSTA-er; association members range from teenagers to octogenarians, with a median age of 40, and come from virtually every walk of life. Membership is $35 per year. This includes the monthly newsletter, a membership directory, rider assistance, car rental discounts, and more. Local chapters gather each month, and the annual national rally, the Sport Touring Association Rendezvous (STAR), is set to take place June 24-27 in Asheville, North Carolina.
Info: Honda Sport Touring Association; 828/437-4360; www.RideHSTA.com
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STAR Touring and Riding Association
RoadBike August 2007
By Jon Langston
Why do motorcycle riders join clubs? Is it the camaraderie? The benefits? Or because we want someone to commiserate with? Regardless of the reason, most riders ultimately join a club because we want to have someone to share the experience with. Many riders would like to share that experience with their families. It is for these riders that the STAR Touring and Riding Association was formed.
Open to all brands, STAR, which is formally recognized by Yamaha and Star Motorcycles, prides itself on being a family-oriented motorcycle organization. In fact, STAR claims on its website a membership of “over 40,000 families in 235 chapters.” STAR features a galaxy of subgroups such as Ladies of the Star, a facet of the association consisting solely of women, and STAR Kids/Star Teens, whose objective is to promote responsible motorcycling among children and teens up to 17 years old. Tin STARs are members who have special training in things like fire fighting and EMS, and STAR Vets are members who have served their country in the armed forces.
Celebrating its eleventh anniversary in 2007, STAR offers its members plenty of benefits. They include discounts on parts from companies like Baron Custom Accessories and Cycle Care Products to breaks on insurance rates from providers such as Dairyland and ANPAC. Members get automatic enrollment in the STAR Roadside Assistance Program, access to one of the largest motorcycle discussion groups on the web at www.StarTouring.org, the exclusive Star Motorcycle Custom Calendar in the mail, and, of course, arm patches and decals to show your pride.
STAR also maintains a fully staffed office to help with your questions and needs during business hours. Finally, members receive STAR NEWS, the official periodical with the latest in tech, accessories, gossip, and rider tips.
Perhaps the most renowned aspect of being a STAR member is the annual STAR Days Rally, a nationwide gathering of STARs and their families. This year it will take place on July 24-27 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Festivities include shows, contests, family fun, and great rides. It’s important to note that STAR rides are run within all traffic laws, including speed limits, meaning riders of any skill level can ride along and not worry about being left in the dust or, worse, the subject of ridicule.
Info: Hard Data STAR Touring and Riding Association 800/422-1041, www.STARTouring.org
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