Non-BMW Riders at the Rally ?

[dans58]

So, my riding buddy might be interested in attending the Vermont rally with me. Now here's the catch.... He doesn't ride a BMW.... He has a Honda VFR. What's the policy/practice/history of non-BMW riders attending?

p.s. I already told him that we wouldn't be able to teach him the secret handshake and that he'd have to deliver refreshments (be the beer waiter) to the rest of us real motorcyclist..

[SIBUD]

So, my riding buddy might be interested in attending the Vermont rally with me. Now here's the catch.... He doesn't ride a BMW.... He has a Honda VFR. What's the policy/practice/history of non-BMW riders attending?

p.s. I already told him that we wouldn't be able to teach him the secret handshake and that he'd have to deliver refreshments (be the beer waiter) to the rest of us real motorcyclist..

My understanding is that all are welcome. BUT....

he will have to be the beer waiter. :laugh :laugh

[kbasa]

Come on down, man.

[SIBUD]

Here is a quote from the official rally web site.

WHO IS WELCOME?


Do I have to be a member of the BMW MOA to attend?
The MOA International Rally is open to all BMW riders and their guests. Membership in the BMW MOA is not required for entry.
Are other makes of motorcycles welcome?
This rally is for BMW riders and their guests, when we use the word guest there is no specific brand noted, so yes other brands are welcome. All brands of motorcycles are welcome as long as they meet local noise abatement regulations. No straight pipes allowed.

Do I have to ride a motorcycle to attend?
No, this is not a necessity. Many riders find it easier to come by car, train or plane to the rally.

Can I bring a guest?
As the above statement notes - you can bring a guest and they will be made welcome.

[BradfordBenn]

So, my riding buddy might be interested in attending the Vermont rally with me. Now here's the catch.... He doesn't ride a BMW.... He has a Honda VFR. What's the policy/practice/history of non-BMW riders attending?

p.s. I already told him that we wouldn't be able to teach him the secret handshake and that he'd have to deliver refreshments (be the beer waiter) to the rest of us real motorcyclist..

Hmm lemme think... beer service sounds good. All are welcome... and I'll let you in on a little secret, Kbasa (you know the Poobah) has a VFR he rides.
:deal

[NurseRick]

Last year in Lima, I remember that the official count of non-BMW bikes registered for the rally was somewhere around 20% of the total number of registered bikes. I may be a little off on that percentage but it was very close to that number. I remember because it stood out to me as I didn't think the number would be that high.

I camped next to a family that brought three bikes and two were not BMWs. Many BMW riders also own other brands and will sometimes ride non-BMW bikes to the rally. I think another reason for the large number of non-BMW bikes is that our rally is a great motorcycle event that motorcyclists riding any brand would enjoy. Bring along a non-BMW riding friend and maybe they'll see the light and buy a Beemer!

[kbasa]

Hmm lemme think... beer service sounds good. All are welcome... and I'll let you in on a little secret, Kbasa (you know the Poobah) has a VFR he rides.
:deal

Guilty as charged.


http://kbasa.smugmug.com/photos/3136981-M-1.jpg

[redhot]

I think you're right Rick - I remember that number too. I also remember a number of Gold Wings and yes HD's plus I'm sure there were others that I didn't recognize. I'm told I'm pretty much a BMW snob - if it's not a BMW - I probably won't talk to ya :brad (lucky you :blah I'm a chatter box)


Tina

[The_Veg]

I think some also might own something like a /2 or earlier that isn't well-suited for making the trip in a reasonable amount of time. Sorta like the guy I know in CA who rides his Oilhead RS to Airhead gatherings in OK, because it would take a week each way on his /2 and he has to do the trip in a long weekend.

[RevWillie]

I have lured several Brand X riders to the Nationals. Every one of them complimented me on how well-run and fun our National Rallies are. (It's particularly nice to get these comments from H-D folks!)

I know that I was hooked on MOA and Nationals after participating in my first motorcycle event: the '74 National #2 in Table Rock, SC. I wonder if attending a MOA National Rally has attracted other riders to BMW and MOA? I think it is a pretty good recruitment tool myself!
:dance

[Unregistered]

There's no question, BMW people run the best rallies anywhere (Charleston excepted, and even that was better than most HD rallies). I plan to attend all three "Peaks" rallies on my ST1300 with the money I've saved on dealer visits (TOTAL Honda dealer maintenance, first 12,000 miles: $245 and one set of Battleaxe's). After I traded my R1100RT for this Honda, the BMW dealer had to sell his bass boat.

Terry

[Unregistered]

Honda Hoot!

[MCRyder]

I rode my 2003 Kawasaki Concours to the MOA Rally in Lima. Had a number of favorable comments from BMW riders. There were about a half dozen other Connies in attendance. Was also parked next to a fellow camper who rode his Honda ST1100. Beemer folk are an easy going lot about brands.

[Ralph McAlister]

I have been a member for numerous years,but because of forced overtime at work I wasnt able to have my beemer ready on time.Whats my choice, ride my FJR or not attend.I'll be there.Ride what you have and enjoy. See yoy there.

[SheRidesABeemer]

My non-MOA member guest will not be arriving the same time as I am - he's coming the next day. Should I register him as my guest when I arrive, or can he just register, and pay on his own? In other words, do guest need to be accompanied by a card carrying member?

[Unregistered]

No

[BradfordBenn]

SRAB-

Tell Mongo to ask for me if he has any problems :stick

All are welcome though :kiss :hug

[SheRidesABeemer]

SRAB-

Tell Mongo to ask for me if he has any problems :stick

All are welcome though :kiss :hug

Thanks, he has plenty of names to drop. He's leading a Hog ride before he gets there, he should be in full HD uniform. :D