H.O.G. is Harley-Davidson's official owner club, not a separate organization you join elsewhere

H.O.G. stands for Harley Owners Group. It is run directly by Harley-Davidson Motor Company and is the brand's official membership club for motorcycle owners. When you buy a new Harley-Davidson motorcycle, you typically receive a free one-year H.O.G. membership as part of the purchase. After that first year, membership costs money and you decide whether to renew.

The club exists to connect Harley riders with each other, provide access to exclusive events and discounts, and give members a way to participate in local riding groups. H.O.G. is not a separate business — it is operated by Harley-Davidson itself through its dealership network and a central membership office.

Key Takeaways

  • New Harley-Davidson motorcycle purchases include one free year of H.O.G. membership; renewal after that year requires paying an annual fee.
  • H.O.G. membership gives you access to local chapter events, group rides, and a national community of Harley owners organized by region.
  • Members receive discounts on Harley-Davidson merchandise, riding gear, and services at participating dealerships.
  • The membership includes a subscription to Enthusiast magazine, roadside information coverage, and access to H.O.G. travel packages.
  • You can join H.O.G. without owning a Harley through associate membership, though benefits and cost differ from owner membership.

What comes with an owner membership

An owner membership — the standard tier for people who own a Harley-Davidson — includes several concrete benefits. You receive a monthly subscription to Harley-Davidson Enthusiast magazine, which covers new models, riding stories, and club news. You get a membership card and patch that identify you as a member, and you can wear the H.O.G. logo on clothing and gear.

Roadside information is included. If your motorcycle breaks down, H.O.G. covers towing to a Harley dealership within a certain distance (the exact distance varies by region). You also receive discounts on Harley-Davidson branded merchandise, apparel, and parts when you shop through the H.O.G. website or at dealerships that honor the discount.

Members can book travel packages through H.O.G.'s travel partners, which are pre-arranged group rides and motorcycle vacations. These range from weekend rides to multi-day trips to destinations like Sturgis, South Dakota or Daytona Beach, Florida. You pay for the package itself, but the membership gives you access to organize and join these trips with other H.O.G. members.

Local chapters and group rides

H.O.G. is organized into local chapters, usually by city or county. Each chapter is run by volunteer members and holds its own events — monthly group rides, charity fundraisers, holiday parties, and social gatherings. The chapter structure is how most members experience H.O.G. day-to-day, rather than through the national organization.

When you join, you are assigned to a chapter based on your location, though you can attend events at other chapters if you travel. Chapters vary widely in how active they are and what they do. Some chapters ride together weekly; others meet monthly. Some focus on charity work; others emphasize social events. You can find your chapter's schedule and contact information through the H.O.G. website or by asking at your local Harley dealership.

Attending chapter events is optional, but it is the main reason many members keep their membership active. The rides and events are free to attend once you are a member, though some special events or trips may charge an additional fee to cover costs.

Associate membership for non-owners

If you do not own a Harley-Davidson but want to join H.O.G., you can purchase an associate membership. This tier costs less than owner membership and gives you access to many of the same benefits — magazine subscription, roadside information, merchandise discounts, and the ability to attend local chapter events and rides.

The main difference is that associate members do not receive certain owner-only perks, and the roadside information may be more limited. Associate membership is a way for spouses, family members, or friends who ride other brands to participate in the H.O.G. community without owning a Harley.

Annual cost and renewal

Harley-Davidson does not publish a single fixed price for H.O.G. membership renewal. The cost varies by region and changes year to year. When your membership is about to expire, Harley-Davidson sends renewal notices to your address on file, and the renewal price is stated in that notice. You can also contact your local Harley dealership or the H.O.G. membership office to ask the current renewal cost for your area.

Renewal is handled through the H.O.G. website, by mail, or at a Harley dealership. You do not have to renew if you choose not to — membership is optional after the first free year. If you let your membership lapse and want to rejoin later, you can do so by paying the current membership fee.

How to find your local chapter and join events

To locate your H.O.G. chapter, visit the official H.O.G. website and use the chapter finder tool. You enter your city or zip code, and it shows you the chapters in your area along with their meeting schedules and contact information. Many chapters also have their own Facebook pages or websites where they post upcoming rides and events.

Once you have your membership card, you can show up to a chapter event and introduce yourself. Chapter officers are used to new members and will help you get connected. If you are not sure whether an event is open to new members, call or message the chapter ahead of time — most welcome newcomers.

Some chapters require you to attend a certain number of events or complete a form to be officially listed as a member of that chapter, but this is not universal. The chapter structure is informal in many places, so expectations vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to join H.O.G. when I buy a new Harley?

No, but you receive one free year of membership with most new Harley purchases. After that year ends, you decide whether to renew. Some dealerships may bundle H.O.G. membership into the purchase price or financing, so check your paperwork to see what you received.

Can I use H.O.G. roadside information if I break down far from home?

Yes, roadside information is available nationwide. The coverage includes towing to a Harley dealership, but the distance covered varies by region. When you need information, you call the number on your membership card and provide your location. The service will arrange a tow to the nearest participating dealership.

What happens if I do not renew my membership?

Your membership straightforward ends. You will no longer receive the magazine, your roadside information coverage stops, and you lose access to member discounts. You can still ride your Harley and attend public events, but you will not be part of the official H.O.G. community. You can rejoin at any time by paying the renewal fee.

Are H.O.G. chapter events only for experienced riders?

No. Chapters welcome riders of all skill levels. Many chapters organize rides at different paces — some fast, some leisurely — so newer riders can find a group that matches their comfort level. Talk to your chapter officers about rides that fit your experience.

Can I transfer my H.O.G. membership if I sell my motorcycle?

Owner membership is tied to you as a person, not to the motorcycle. If you sell your Harley, you can keep your membership and renew it as long as you want, even if you do not own a Harley at that moment. If you later buy another Harley, you can continue your membership without interruption.