If you’ve attended an annual BMW MOA National Rally, you’ve likely seen Norm Phoenix. More specifically, if you’ve attended any of the past 50 MOA National Rallies, you’ve likely seen Norm! Not only is Norm an MOA Pioneer, one of the MOA members who attended
each of the first 10 National Rallies, he is the only Pioneer who has not only attended all MOA National Rallies but has ridden to all of them.
Over the years, Norm has owned four BMWs: a 1970 R 75/5, a 1976 R 90 S, a 1987 K 100 RS, and his current ride, a 2001 K 1200 RS. All purchased new. He’s also got an R nineT on the way!
Through the years, Norm has ridden in 45 states, parts of Canada, six countries in Europe and New Zealand.
Norm Phoenix (right) with MOA Secretary Chad Garcia.
Norm joined the Chicago Region BMW Owners Association in late 1970 and the BMW MOA in 1972; to this day, he remains active with both. In the Chicago club, Norm has served as president, secretary, treasurer and director. Since leaving that board, he has
been an active member of Chitech, the club’s technical committee, serving four years as its chairman and many more as assistant chairman.
“I can’t be active in an organization without giving something back in time and effort,” Norm said.
During the 1970s, Norm co-authored a series of articles for BMW Owners News titled “BMW Electrics.” He has presented technical seminars at National Rallies on tune-up procedures and troubleshooting the Airhead charging system. Norm has also volunteered
at many National Rallies, assisting with Registration or Tally and Awards. Most recently, Norm has been the Committee Chair for Pioneer Events.
In the 36 years Norm worked as an electrical engineer, he moved around to five different companies in the Chicago area. As a result, he spent most of those years with just two weeks of vacation. BMW MOA National Rallies provided the theme and destination
for many of those vacations. Norm said he relishes his involvement with both his Chicago club and the BMW MOA as much now as I did when it all began back in the ‘70s.
Few other members of the BMW Motorcycle Owners of America have exhibited a higher level of dedication and support to our membership and the BMW marque than Norm Phoenix.
BMW has many fans and friends, and some of them are quite extraordinary. Their personal commitment goes far beyond the call of duty. For this reason, BMW acknowledges their commitment as passionate ambassadors of the BMW brand by
awarding them the
title of Friend of the Marque. The only requirement is that the person should be a member of a recognized BMW club, such as the BMW Motorcycle Owners of America.
One of the highest honors in the BMW community, only a small number of BMW MOA members have ever received this award. The title is so prestigious that there are fewer Friends of the Marque than there are former U.S. presidents.
