Like any organization of its type, the experience with Star will change from chapter to chapter. They are very popular in CA and their events ar off the charts.

If you are thinking about joining, take the time to check out the local chapters and see if they are a good personal fit for you. See if there are folks there you would enjoy spending time with and if the leaders are folks you like.

I don't personally take issue with the dues. Its not a ton of money for a year of membership. The bigger question is if it has value for you and you won't know that until you meet the people and have some sense of whether you would participate in their activities or not. If you would (on a fairly regular basis) then the dues are not a lot of money.

If you don't think you would participate a fair amount, may not be a good value for you.

The chapters out here are great, and I enjoy whatever time I spend with any of them. But I am not a member. I just don't participate enough (no more than a few times a year) to make it worth it. I also prefer solo and small group rides to huge ones. Less folks around me to pay attention to and less folks I have to know the riding styles of.

Your experience with them, in your area, may be dramatically different. I would suggest you at least take the time to meet the folks in the local chapters and know who they are. I keep tabs on the southern cruiser chapters around here too. I like to know who I might run into out there.

Gram

I jined when i first got the bike thought it would get me a discount on my insurance boy was i wrong even with the membership the insurance companies they have wanted minimum 100 more for a year. got the patches kids like the little letter they got but the little papaer mag thing they send is almost impossible to read horrible printing so do not think i will be reuping whne it goes away

Also the chapter in carters ville lets everyone know what is going on so you can really participate for free just by riding by the shop every now and then and seeing what they are up to. I am trying to get hooked up with BACA right now at least they have a good purpose lol and do not charge fees to be part of just your time and attention

I'm a member of Chapter #262 Central, MD.

I like being a member of something that represents riders well. Lots of activities and rides, including visits to VA hospitals and charity events for Feed the Children and such. Now, I'm kind of new at and not necessarily keen on "formation riding," but I have to admit that I really like the folks in the chapter, and we have a good time, too.

Anything that sheds a positive light on folks who deck out in leather and
mount big cruisers, for me, is worth having to do the occasional tame ride.

I have to agree with Gram And Thumper it will vary by the Membership I personally don't have the time to devote to social riding every weekend with work scedule and family etc. I ride with PGR as much as I can also a good cause. It's all about Your personal Preference and the Local Riders.

I got a free year membership when I bought my Roadstar.Went to a couple of local chapter rides but really don't get into the large formation riding thing.As far as Star I did not pay for another membership when it came due as it pissed me off about the PGR patch crap the national leaders pulled.They did not want Star mixed in with PGR and that I don't get?I think it comes down to how well your local chapter runs things.

Gram said it best!
I belong to United Bikers of Maine-for thier work in the laws
I belong to PGR for final respects for our comrades
American Legion Riders for rides
RSC for fellowship advice and HELP!!!!!lol
find what fits your needs everyone and every place is a little different.
Dearman

I recently joined when I purchased my RS. I've gone on one ride with the local chapter and had a great time and plan on taking many more. The $48.00 a year doesn't seem like too much money. I've spent a lot of time on thier website/forums just reading. The information I've learned on that site is worth so much more than the $48.00. I've been in contact with some of the members and the knowledge of some of them is priceless. Luckly, the local chapter meetings is only about 1/2 hour ride.

Thanks for all the info guys, I was/am curious about joining. There is a Montgomery Chapter about about 75 miles away from me. I have never seen anyone wearing those patches at any of the events I have attended. I am still checking into it to see whats happening.

thanks...

FG

I have been a Star member for 4 years and I am a past officer. Star is a for profit organization and pockets a ton of money from it's members. There are free riding groups like the ISRA that offer everything Star offers without making someone rich. Any organization that calls the PGR, AMA, ABATE or the MMA an MC is not one that you would want to ride with, this why I left.