What You Get With an AMA Membership

The American Motorcycle Association (AMA) is a national organization that offers membership to motorcycle riders, and what you receive depends on which membership tier you choose. The basic membership includes a subscription to American Motorcyclist magazine, access to the AMA's website and member discounts at participating motorcycle shops and service centers, and representation in legislative matters affecting riders. Higher-tier memberships add roadside information, insurance discounts, and extended coverage for legal defense in certain situations.

The organization does not provide the motorcycle itself, training, or licensing — those are separate. What AMA membership does is connect you to a network of riders, give you a voice in motorcycle policy at the state and federal level, and provide practical benefits like discounts and roadside help. The specific benefits change slightly depending on which membership level you select and whether you add optional coverage.

Key Takeaways

  • AMA membership includes a magazine subscription, member discounts at shops, and representation on motorcycle-related legislation, with costs varying by membership tier.
  • Roadside information and legal defense coverage are available but typically require a higher membership level or an add-on purchase.
  • You can join online through the AMA website, by phone, or by mail, and membership begins when ready upon approval and payment.
  • The organization represents riders' interests in state and federal policy, which is one reason many riders join even if they do not use all the discounts.

Membership Tiers and What Each Covers

The AMA offers several membership levels, each with a different price and benefit set. The entry-level membership includes the magazine, member discounts, and legislative representation. Mid-tier memberships add roadside information — typically covering towing up to a certain distance and lockout service — and may include a small amount of accident forgiveness or legal support. The highest tier adds more extensive roadside coverage, extended legal defense, and sometimes additional insurance-related benefits.

Costs vary by membership length. You can join for one year, three years, or longer, and the per-year cost drops if you commit to multiple years upfront. The AMA also offers memberships specifically for students, military members, and lifetime members, each with its own pricing. You should check the AMA website or call their membership line to see current pricing, as rates change and promotional offers come and go throughout the year.

Some riders add optional coverage on top of their base membership — for example, a legal defense rider or enhanced roadside information. These are separate purchases but are only available to current AMA members, so you must join first before you can add them.

How to Join the AMA

You can join through three main routes: the AMA website, by phone, or by mail. The website is the fastest — you fill in your name, address, contact information, and payment details, select your membership tier, and your membership becomes active once the payment processes. This usually takes a few minutes.

If you prefer to speak with someone, you can call the AMA membership line. A representative will walk you through the membership options, answer questions about what each tier includes, and process your payment over the phone. The phone line is also useful if you have questions about whether a specific benefit applies to your situation or if you want to know about current promotions.

Joining by mail involves printing a form from the AMA website or requesting one by phone, filling it out, and mailing it with a check or money order. This route takes longer — typically one to two weeks for processing — but is an option if you do not have a credit card or prefer not to pay online.

What Happens After You Join

Once your membership is approved and payment clears, you will receive a membership card in the mail within one to two weeks. This card is what you show at participating shops and service centers to receive your member discount. You also gain when ready access to the AMA website's member-only section, where you can view discounts, find roadside information information, and manage your account.

Your first issue of American Motorcyclist magazine will arrive within a few weeks. The magazine covers motorcycle news, safety information, product reviews, and stories from riders across the country. If you joined online or by phone, you can also set up a digital subscription so you can read it on your phone or computer.

If you added roadside information, you will receive a separate card or document with the phone number to call if you break down. Keep this in your wallet or phone — you will need it if you ever need to use the service. Most roadside information plans require you to call before a tow truck arrives, so the AMA can dispatch the right service and track the claim.

Member Discounts and Where to Use Them

The AMA maintains a network of participating businesses — motorcycle dealerships, repair shops, insurance companies, hotels, and rental car companies — that offer discounts to members. The discount amounts vary by business. Some offer 10 percent off parts and labor, others offer a flat dollar amount off service, and some offer discounts on insurance premiums or hotel stays.

You find participating businesses through the AMA website's discount locator tool. You enter your zip code or the type of business you are looking for, and the tool shows you nearby shops that honor the membership. Before you go, it is worth calling the shop to confirm they still participate and to ask what the specific discount is — some discounts explore only to certain services or products.

Not every motorcycle shop participates, so if you have a favorite local mechanic, check whether they are on the list before you join. That said, the network is fairly broad in most areas, and even if your regular shop does not participate, you may find discounts at other nearby locations.

AMA Advocacy and Why Riders Join Beyond Discounts

Beyond the tangible benefits like discounts and roadside help, many riders join the AMA because of its work on motorcycle-related legislation. The organization monitors state and federal laws that affect riders — helmet laws, lane-splitting rules, licensing requirements, and insurance regulations — and advocates for riders' interests. When a state considers a new motorcycle law, the AMA often testifies or submits comments on behalf of its members.

This advocacy happens at both the state and national level. The AMA has state chapters in most states, and these chapters work with local legislators on issues that matter to riders in that region. If you care about how motorcycle laws develop in your state, membership gives you a voice in that process, even if you never use a single discount.

The AMA also runs safety and training programs, though these are separate from membership. Some members take advantage of AMA-endorsed riding courses, which can lower insurance premiums and improve your skills. Membership itself does not include a course, but it can make you aware of courses available in your area.

Canceling or Pausing Your Membership

If you decide membership is not for you, you can cancel at any time. Contact the AMA by phone or through your online account, and they will process the cancellation. If you paid for multiple years upfront, the AMA will refund the unused portion, though the refund policy varies slightly depending on how long you have been a member. Check the membership agreement or ask when you cancel to understand what you will receive back.

Some riders pause their membership temporarily — for example, if they are not riding for a season or are between motorcycles. The AMA does not have a formal pause option, but you can cancel and rejoin later without penalty. Your membership history and any accumulated benefits will be on file when you rejoin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need AMA membership to ride a motorcycle?

No. Membership is optional. You need a valid motorcycle license and insurance to ride legally, but the AMA is a voluntary organization. Many riders never join and ride without any issues. Membership is useful if you want discounts, roadside help, or want to support the organization's advocacy work.

Can I use my membership discount at any motorcycle shop?

Only at shops that participate in the AMA discount network. Not every shop participates. Use the AMA website's discount locator to find participating businesses near you, or call ahead to confirm a shop honors the membership before you visit.

What if I lose my membership card?

Contact the AMA and request a replacement. You can usually do this through your online account or by calling membership services. A new card will be mailed to you. In the meantime, you can show your membership number (which you can look up online) at participating shops to receive your discount.

Does AMA membership include motorcycle insurance?

No. Membership does not include insurance. However, some insurance companies offer discounts to AMA members, and you can find these discounts through the AMA website. You still purchase insurance separately from your regular insurance company.

Can I gift an AMA membership to someone?

Yes. You can purchase a membership as a gift through the AMA website or by phone. The recipient will receive a gift certificate or membership card, and they can set up it online or by phone. Gift memberships are available at most membership levels and lengths.