The million-member Harley Owners Group

Published: 31 August 2017 Updated: 31 August 2017

The Harley Owners Group is more than a club, it’s a whole lifestyle

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With almost a million members in more than 90 countries, the Harley Owners Group is without doubt the biggest manufacturer-sponsored riding club on the planet. In the UK alone there are 17,000 members, making HOG the largest of its kind on a domestic level too.

HOG operates locally by way of chapters – in the UK and Ireland there are 38 and each is sponsored by an official Harley-Davidson dealership. The dealer works closely with their chapter and helps manages their activities by organising rideouts and events, supplying raffle prizes, assisting with chapter communications and so on. The dealership is the chapter’s home, their clubhouse so to speak; most host regular gatherings such as Saturday morning coffee runs and also act as the start point for ride outs. In the winter it’s also a place to meet for previews of the latest products.

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That said, there’s a common misconception that HOG equals HOG Chapters. More than half of those who join do so because they like the feeling of being closer to the big H-D and value the ability to network through their association with the brand – the HOG logo is instantly recognisable by members the world over. Perhaps the biggest benefit is having access to other people who ride – chapter activities are open to all HOG members and provide a great way to get active once you’ve joined up. The club is particularly active in supporting female members and operates Ladies of Harley as a sub group to do just that.

The emphasis is very much on riding and there are numerous well-attended destination events hosted by chapters throughout the year, including Ireland Bikefest, Thunder in the Glens and Wake the Lakes.

“Membership is not about rules, structure and chapters,” says Marjorie Rae, Regional HOG & Consumer Experience Manager for UK & Ireland. “It’s about engaging with this massive community of people who can teach you something or help to make your next adventure happen.

“HOG is about riding your bike, exploring the world and living life to the fullest.”

Where is it?

From local meets to global events

What does it cost?

Annual subscription is £55 for full membership.

When is it?

Regular meets and events throughout the year

Contact

www.members.hog.com

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By Justin Hayzelden

Products Editor, shed enthusiast and tournament winner. Justin has been a regular contributor to MCN since 2009, working as a road tester, roving reporter and feature writer. He has built up a wealth of experience in putting the latest machinery through its paces, as well as subjecting every aspect of motorcycle kit to the rigours of real-world riding. A lifelong two-wheel enthusiast with a deep passion for motorcycles, Justin first hit the streets at 16 on a Suzuki TS50X and has since owned more bikes than he cares to remember. A spell as a London courier saw him cut his biking teeth on some of the country’s busiest roads and as an instructor he has striven to give many a novice the grounding to do the same. Justin has ridden on four continents (so far), both as a solo rider and as a tour guide, tackling terrain from the perilous mountain roads of the Himalayas to rugged South African dirt tracks, sweeping North American highways and the glorious passes of the European Alps. He likes nothing more than an early start for a full day in the saddle and takes great pleasure in sniffing out those roads less travelled – to Justin, every bike is an adventure bike. When not testing products, Justin can usually be found in his shed, where he maintains, restores and rebuilds not just bikes, but anything mechanical that comes his way. He currently owns a 2010 Triumph Sprint 1050 ST, 1998 Yamaha TRX 850 and is running a 2024 Harley-Davidson Pan America CVO as a long termer.