The AMA.

[jb]

I'm not an AMA member anymore. I let my membership lapse a few years back (almost 8 or 9 now), and never considered renewing.

Here's the reason: I think the AMA's stance on helmet laws is endangering riders lives.

If they put the amount of effort in to pushing for lane sharing rights that they put in to fighting helmet laws, I'd be much more willing to renew my membership.

So. Give me a motorcycle rights organization that doesn't actively try to kill its members, that I can donate money to.

 

[budman]

I don't like the no helmet thing either, but they are talking law.

They do great work and deserve the support. Your hard line view is to narrow IMO.

 

[budman]

Their official stance is to wear one btw.

 

[jb]

I don't like the no helmet thing either, but they are talking law.

They do great work and deserve the support. Your hard line view is to narrow IMO.

Perhaps, but for my opinion the AMAs push to repeal helmet laws is a push against motorcyclist safety. Why object to seatbelt laws as well?

In reality, why doesn't the AMA fund PSAs to raise driver awareness of motorcyclist vulnerability, rider education (sponsored motorcycle handling courses), and encourage more riders to attend street skills schools?

I get that the AMA sponsors racing, racers, and does otherwise good work. I'm just insulted that their board and members seem focused on repealing safety law in every state that keeps their very constituency safe.

Their official stance is to wear one btw.

Then why fight against that law in the name of "freedom"? I'd rather be able to lane 'share' in the same states that permit helmet-less riding.

I admit this is my pet peeve. I'd rather see the AMA push to encourage the use of motorcycles as day to day transport, an alternative to driving a huge ass cage. Perhaps I'm just a bit discouraged by the needless deaths related to helmet-less riding.

 

[budman]

I assume it is like the religious right in politics. There is a huge anti helmet coalition that is out there supporting the AMA... And any law imposed on our moto community is another.. one will hit your belt way and when the AMA comes to help ..then you may feel differently.

 

[jb]

I assume it is like the religious right in politics. There is a huge anti helmet coalition that is out there supporting the AMA... And any law imposed on our moto community is another.. one will hit your belt way and when the AMA comes to help ..then you may feel differently.

Perhaps.

When lane sharing/splitting came up during some of the tensions a few years back - specifically the radio DJs advocating "dooring" riders on the highway while they split, and some legislators starting to fine tune legalese against splitting by civilians; I donated then. But, that's the only time I feel like the AMA has effectively represented my interests.

Otherwise, I feel like they're the motorcycle version of the NRA. Embarrassing, yet doing some good for the rights of motorcyclists.

What other work does the AMA do that would convince me to renew my membership?

 

[budman]

That will take some work to post, but I will next week. :thumbup

 

[jb]

It's appreciated.

 

[kevin 714]

Perhaps.

When lane sharing/splitting came up during some of the tensions a few years back - specifically the radio DJs advocating "dooring" riders on the highway while they split, and some legislators starting to fine tune legalese against splitting by civilians; I donated then. But, that's the only time I feel like the AMA has effectively represented my interests.

Otherwise, I feel like they're the motorcycle version of the NRA. Embarrassing, yet doing some good for the rights of motorcyclists.

What other work does the AMA do that would convince me to renew my membership?

this is exactly how I feel about the NRA and AMA. Im theoretically a constituent of both, yet I want nothing to do with either.

honestly I feel like the AMA is more about harley culture, than true bike culture. representing a sterotypical middle american version of what bikers are. Im annoyed to no end that they, like the NRA(whom I want NOTHING to do with, as a gun owner) are the only real game in town.

I firmly believe there should be helmet laws, and I think the ama's stance on fighting that is ridiculous.

I also believe loud bikes, both on the road, and on the dirt, are among the greatest threats to moto rider's right. and the ama, as far as I know, does nothing to deal with the very real fact that loud as fuck four stroke bikes are among the biggest threat to off road access.

 

[Jello_Biafra]

The AMA and NRA are both lobbying groups that happen to have paying members as well. The AMA works for motorcycle manufacturers, not its members.

 

[planegray]

It's appreciated.

What other organization is there, with as much political clout, for moto riders?

 

[kevin 714]

The AMA and NRA are both lobbying groups that happen to have paying members as well. The AMA works for motorcycle manufacturers, not its members.

Exactly. I don't feel like the AMA serves the interests of riders as much as Harley Davidson

 

[Maddevill]

I tell you one thing the AMA gives me that I love. MOTOW. For electronic renewal you get coverage for your bikes and cars. Gas delivery, battery boost, towing all included. I've had the bad luck to need the towing service a couple of times and it is a great benefit. Also, consider that the AMA is the ONLY group representing us in Washington. They ain't perfect but it's way better than nothing.

 

[Jello_Biafra]

The AMA doesn't "represent us" in Washington, they represent the manufacturers that they lobby for. The interests of "us" and "them" are bound to be similar from time to time I guess.

 

[tankerman]

Amen to that sentiment. I too was an AMA member back when I raced off road mostly because you had to be in order to register. I have never really been able to figure out what point there is to the organization. They will tell you all day that they represent our interests in national and state capitols-in which case they are not very effective. Riding without a helmet is as silly as running around with an assault rifle, actions for which there is no reasonable argument to be made. If they were to change tack and promote lane sharing as well as the benefits of riding a motorcycle I would change my opinion but I see no signs of that. As far as I'm concerned they can take that bullshit organization and shove it where the sun don't shine.

 

[jb]

What other organization is there, with as much political clout, for moto riders?

As other folks have said, I'm no longer certain the AMA represents actual riders.

I tell you one thing the AMA gives me that I love. MOTOW. For electronic renewal you get coverage for your bikes and cars. Gas delivery, battery boost, towing all included. I've had the bad luck to need the towing service a couple of times and it is a great benefit. Also, consider that the AMA is the ONLY group representing us in Washington. They ain't perfect but it's way better than nothing.

I get that through my insurance company for a whopping $10/yr. Given that I live in the bay area, there are a a dozen towers around here, who're cheap as hell and provide great service. I'd rather throw them my money anyway.

I want to have another national organization that would represent the needs of actual riders, and I still haven't found one.

 

[Maddevill]

So...

As other folks have said, I'm no longer certain the AMA represents actual riders.



I get that through my insurance company for a whopping $10/yr. Given that I live in the bay area, there are a a dozen towers around here, who're cheap as hell and provide great service. I'd rather throw them my money anyway.

I want to have another national organization that would represent the needs of actual riders, and I still haven't found one.

So you'd rather have absolutely no one representing motorcyclists in Washington at all, vs one that may not tailor itself to your specific wants. Seems pretty short sighted to me.:thumbdown

 

[jb]

So you'd rather have absolutely no one representing motorcyclists in Washington at all, vs one that may not tailor itself to your specific wants. Seems pretty short sighted to me.:thumbdown

Not exactly what I said.

I'd rather there were a lobbying organization that wasn't outright trying to kill its constituency in the name of "freedom." I don't see the AMA posting rider safety or awareness adverts on TV during high viewership times. Even that little gesture would improve my view of them.

Every motorcyclist awareness ad I see on youtube comes from Australia or the UK. Street safety and skills training? I don't see the AMA sponsoring that either. Instead that comes from CHP's CMSP and the MSF. But, neither of those present continued training outside of their basic and advanced (technically a refresher/intermediate) courses. Do I see advertisements on TV about that training? Not really, no.

Instead, there's this focus on removing helmet laws in all 50 states, increasing the death rate for beginning and experienced riders. I can't in good conscience donate money to that.

So. Again, answer my original question: What does the AMA lobby for that I should provide them with cash? What do they do that actually does the greater good for motorcyclists and motorcycling?

 

[packnrat]

where was the ama when nevada tried to get lane sharing "approved"?????

bucket law or not i like haveing the thing on my head. helps keep my eye glasses on. :teeth

never paid them a cent. never needed a bike towed (only good for under 40 miles). not worth it for that. and most of my rides (even local ones- i live in the hills. city's are 40+ miles away from here). are for a bit more miles than that. (member of a phone tree help line arty).

my medical has full coverage (through my union dues) for any reason to be seen by a Dr. covered IN FULL.
full coverage by my insurance co. (and not at rip-off rates).

so $50.usd for a cheap rag mailed to you once a month..(after being read by people working for the usps. (dog eared, worn, torn, and late :wow ).

ama = American motorcycle manufacturers association.

never seen any of them around here...just like the nra, cal association of 4x4 clubs, and many other so called for the members...right sure. what ever.
just send money and shut up.
.

 

[machete]

I get your angst, op, but...
Question, though, have you even emailed/written to the AMA those specific gripes that you have placed in your postings?

Have you asked them for a clear answer on why they have not done more for lane sharing, etc....(per state).

What are the responses you are getting, if any?
btw, I'm also waiting for Texas to put it on the ballot, again (3rd time).

it's been 8-9 years since you've been a member, and now you are complaining about them? Why now? :confused

The AMA is "actively trying to kill it's members", really? come on man, why the melodrama, when that's not true at all. You simply don't agree that they should put so much resource into that subject, but that hardly translates into this organization trying to "kill it's members".