Star Touring and Riding...

[Conleyevans]

i was thinking of getting my fiance' and i memberships for this group, but i am curious, outside comraderie, are there any truely beneficial reasons to be a member? We love our bike, but if i understand correctly we can go to all the rallys and whatnot on our own, whether we are members or not...right?
just curious, it looks cool.
ride safe

[Badlands-4-2]

I have never heard of them. Do they have a website?

[Conleyevans]

here is their website...
http://www.startouring.org/

[Goliath616]

yeah, it says you can ride with a chapter for 3 rides (after signing a waiver) after that you have to join. I don't know if I would want to join, but that's because I kind of prefer to ride solo. There are a few benefits (I just looked over the site, there is a lot of info in the FAQ, and there is a link there also for benefits and such) looks like a nice group, but I don't like rules LOL

[Conleyevans]

i mean, it looks interesting, in a networking kinda way, but i am very groucho marx in that, i don't want to be a part of any group that would have me as a member. lol.

[Badlands-4-2]

No wonder why I had not heard of them. There is no organized chapter in my state. If there was, it looks like something that would be worth checking out.

[NoRegrets78]

Oooooh, there's a chapter on Long Island! Nice!

[Goliath616]

Badlands, talk to some of the other riders in your area, see if they like the idea also, and then start a chapter. They give you the info on the site on who to contact and what you need to do.

[Cruzrat]

Originally Posted by Conleyevans

i was thinking of getting my fiance' and i memberships for this group, but i am curious, outside comraderie, are there any truely beneficial reasons to be a member? We love our bike, but if i understand correctly we can go to all the rallys and whatnot on our own, whether we are members or not...right?
just curious, it looks cool.
ride safe

Hey Conley
I've been a member of Star Touring for 6 yrs and road captain of my local chapter (298) This is our chapter site if you'd like to check it out http://bikerbudz.com
There are benefits to being a member other than the comradeship , but for me that's the important one.
As a member of Star you have access to the Star webpage and forums along wit numerous discounts from many companies, such as Barron's, Choice hotels, and insurance companies. My local Yamaha dealer also give all members a 10% discount on all purchases . I save the cost of my yearly membership off of that alone
The " National " rules and bylaws are a guideline for us to go by , but a chapter is as individual as the people who ride in it. We plan all our own activities without interference from Star National.
You can ride with anyone you wish and go to any rallies you wish, it's not not like being in the Hell's Angels.
If you'd like to talk more E-mail me and I'll give you my phone #

[Conleyevans]

very cool. thanks cruzrat. if i can ever get to where i have time to ride weekly i will definitely give you a hollar. i think it would be fun to find a group like that. and the discounts can't hurt... lol
ride safe

[mrmrsnctvstar1100]

Mrs and I just joined Star Touring and Riding. (I found the link while pookin around the Star website some time ago.) There was a Motorcycle Expo here last weekend, and the local chapter here had a booth set up. We got to speak to several members, answered our questions, and decided that this group is definately for us. (Note that you do NOT have to have a Star bike to join)

I just last summer started riding after many years absence. And I had never riden in a "group" setting. Needless to say, there is a lot to be learned there, and "Safety" is key. Like the website says, you join "Nationally" ($48), our chapter does not have dues and it is important to note that the people that run the local chapter are doing it voluntarily. They meet once a month at our local Star dealership. (They sponsor our local chapter, provide a nice confrence room at the dealership) During our "riding season" (ok....no snickers from the back row there) they hold a monthly meeting Sat morn, then its off to a "Planned ride", If you wish, which could be up to a few hundred miles at most, round trip, mostly secondary, country roads, (Stay off the highways as much as possible....nothing to see there anyway)frequent stops, dinning, etc.
After 3 rides with the group, during a 1 year period, (In our case, the "Riding Season".....ok...nuf snickers again) they can "Vote you into the Chapter".

Now joining ST&R doesn't mean that we will only ride with them. This is just another spect of the "Sport or Recreation" of enjoying our motorcycles to the fullest. Star chapters are involved in many community activities to benefit Veterans, Children, People less fortunate etc, just like many other Organizations. Each chapter runs the chapter as they see fit, within the guidlines of ST&R Assoc.

We are looking forward to being involved in not only the commeraderie of meeting new friends, but enjoying our motorcycle to the fullest and in the safety that these types of groups promote and teach you.

We suggest that if this sparks your interest, check the website for a chapter near you, and attend a meeting or two. Granted, its not for everyone, but they are definately worth a look.

[Conleyevans]

thanks a lot. mrmrsnct....good info. i am still considering it. i don't feel like i ride enough. so i am always looking for an excuse to get out there.
ride safe.

[edger]

I am a member only because as I bought my bike they gave me a free year membership. I am one of those that there this only a very small chapter in my state and it is quite a ways away from me so really can't get involved nor do I really want to. I like to ride alone and don't really care for organized rides. I'm more of the get me out there and let me do what I want where I want kinda rider. Oh, well, as they said, it's not for everyone. I can see some benefits though if your close to a larger chapter.