As riders, I know we’ve all felt it. The almost tribal recognition that happens when two riders meet. We may not know each other’s names, jobs, politics, or where we’re going, but we do know a few things. They’ve chosen exposure over comfort and the wind in our faces.
When I meet other BMW riders on the road or at a rally, I will eventually typically ask whether they’re an MOA member. Listening to their answer and always looking to help what we do get better, I might ask them what brought them to the MOA and what keeps them there.
Typical responses include BMW Owners News, the National Rally or a source for information on their bike. Others might say they joined because a friend suggested it or because of the BMW Owners Anonymous book and the services and security it provides.
More often than not, the members I speak with don’t mention the long list of benefits they receive as MOA members, or how their tiny $59 investment in their BMW MOA membership provides value far beyond that amount through all the member benefits they receive.
Perhaps because, as MOA staffers, we’re so close to the organization and deal with it every day, we believe our MOA brothers and sisters know about every MOA member benefit just as well as we do. Sadly, they don’t, but it’s not because of a failure on their part. We didn’t explain them often enough.
In marketing, the rule of three says that people need to encounter a message at least three times before it really sticks. When an idea is first presented, it creates awareness. With a second exposure, they may begin to understand it, and with a third exposure, the message starts to find a place in their memory.
Simply put, a BMW MOA membership helps all riders save money through exclusive discounts, insurance programs, and member-only deals. It helps members ride more through roadside assistance, travel support, and other trusted resources. And, for lack of a better term, it helps members belong better by connecting them with the BMW community and sharing their knowledge and experiences.
To me, a small $59 membership investment in a BMW Motorcycle Owners of America membership opens the door to saving hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars each year.
One of the most significant member benefits offered to BMW MOA members is the 10% rebate program on original BMW parts, gear, and accessories. Do you change your own oil? Are you looking to add any accessories to your bike? Is the gear you wear ready for another season?
Through a special arrangement with the MOA, every purchase of original BMW apparel, motor accessories, parts, classic parts, service parts and replacement OEM parts made at a BMW Motorrad dealer in the United States or online at shopbmwownercycles.com qualifies for the rebate. Though there are a couple of exceptions, in most cases, if it has a BMW part number, MOA members will earn a 10% rebate.
Skeptical about the validity of the program? In 2025, more than $108,000 in rebates were returned to BMW MOA members who submitted more than 1,500 receipts, averaging $81 per member. While I’m not a mathematician, if you do this simple math, it means that (on average) an MOA membership paid you $22 last year.
The list of MOA member benefits is long and includes things like a 30% off Carpuride products, 25% off Carplay Motorcycle products, and 20% off Cardo Systems products. Add to the list 10% off Wunderlich products, 15% off rider training at the BMW Performance Center. Then there’s the $200 Paul B. Rider’s Safety Training Certificate. Our newest member discount involves Continental Tires and includes a free annual MOA membership with the purchase of a set of Continental Tires. The list goes on and on and on and is available on our website at bmwmoa.org
Answering the question “Why are you an MOA member?” is easy for me, because beyond the camaraderie, magazine and fun I have, it’s the money I save!
