By Brian Dutcher, President of the BMW MOA
When I think about the BMW MOA, the first thing that comes to mind isn’t BMW motorcycles. The brand has a much richer history and a strong presence all its own. Instead, I think of the members whom we are celebrating as the heart and soul of the MOA in every issue of BMW Owners News.
Our members come from all across North America and around the world. Some belong to multiple local clubs, while others are individual riders seeking the peaceful solitude of the lone rider. We have members whose passions involve honing split-second twitch muscles to shave a tenth of a second off their lap times, all while trying to apply the full power of the RR bikes and maintain traction. In contrast, there are touring, sport-touring, and adventure-touring riders with their beloved K, F, and R bikes, taking them on cross-country rides. Then, there are those skilled–or even artists–in maintaining the heritage and mechanical prowess of 40- to 60-year-old Airheads. “Keep ‘Em Flying,” right? Lastly, we welcome new, younger members who may not be able to afford today’s high-tech wizardry but can afford an Airhead. They share a passion for two wheels and a fascination with the mechanical mystery of machine art that fuels it. Whether through classic restorations or modern custom builds, they remain dedicated to BMWs, riding their motorcycles, and enjoying the camaraderie of their tribe.
Many say our club, or organization, has changed over the years and that we are aging. When you look at the demographics of the founders and everyone who joined during the 1970s and ‘80s, you can’t help but notice the large number of 30- to 40-year-old Baby Boomers and the few members over 60. Today, our demographics have shifted: The youngest baby boomer is now in their 60s, and the 55–to-65-year-old age group is our largest demographic.
While the average age of our members has risen, and the overall size of our membership has fluctuated over the decades, two aspects of our membership remain unchanged.
If you compare our membership map from the March 1987 issue of BMW Owners News (our 16th year) to our November 2025 membership map, the distribution looks about the same. Some states have grown, others have declined, and some have remained steady. What I see is a resilient membership base that endures economic fluctuations and population shifts.
The character trait I still observe today across our membership, no matter where I travel or what event I attend, is the passion for motorcycling and the spirit of camaraderie. I was around during the early years of the MOA, and it’s safe to say I didn’t have a clue what a BMW was while wearing a different kind of onesie (not the Aerostich type), but I will make an assessment: it was the very combination of these traits that fueled the passion of our members right from the start.
I witnessed firsthand at our 2025 National Rally complete strangers from different parts of the country helping each other, brought together by the desire to be with others from their tribe. I saw it again at the AMA Vintage Days event, where riders of all ages came out in force to share stories about their beloved BMWs. Most impressive were the 20-something riders who enthusiastically spoke of their not one, not two, but three or more Airheads they have in various stages of rebuild and riding. They had no idea who the BMW MOA was when they approached, but all left as the newest–and, more importantly, the youngest–members of the MOA. This was reinforced during our inaugural SoCal Road Trip event, when 22 members gathered for a weekend of camaraderie and great riding. What was impressive was the group’s spirit and how a little cold, wet weather couldn’t dampen their enthusiasm. Fueled by our shared passion to ride, we adjusted our schedule and routes, witnessing the contrast of a cold, wet desert on day one and a sunny, dry, warmer mountain ride on day two.
These kinds of encounters with members are what I truly value. Not only to see our membership come together, but also to witness our growth and the genuine spirit of the BMW MOA community. I am confident that as long as we have the chance to ride on two wheels, this spirit will continue.
