38 Comments:

• Wow! What began as a bit of satire and a "poke with a stick" has gained a bit of momentum as the word spreads about people's experiences in Star Touring.
  
  Thanks for the plug!
  kate

  By  kate, at 12/23/2006 03:27:00 AM  

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• Anyone can create a website these days, especially on Delphi. These folks on the GMAKOOS site seem to have too much time on their hands. Ten or so negative voices out of a reported 50,000 plus membership is to be expected; these types of clubs aren’t for everyone. As for Star Touring; I think the 50,000 memberships speaks for itself.

  By  Anonymous, at 12/23/2006 07:13:00 AM  

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• "bit of satire?" "poke with a stick?"
  
  Not hardly. From observing the events that took place, the people that formed GMAKOOS, good people that they are, got themselves in a bind due to personal issues and a blind disregard for the guidelines set forth by the organization. They don't wish to take responsibility for their actions and are on the forefront to pass the blame. They remind me of the little children that always say, "It wasn't me," or "I didn't do anything."

  By  Anonymous, at 12/23/2006 07:25:00 PM  

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• Hey Anonymous
  If you think we have to much time that may be the case here but we tell the truth about Star and we do not pull the wool over peoples eyes.
  You may want to look in a mirror.I do not know were you got the 50,000 people from but all I here is Chapter after chapter are quiting. So our small group I think is starting to grow.The writing is on the wall and people are starting to see what we say and will get out just like we did.
  Bikenut

  By  Anonymous, at 12/23/2006 10:27:00 PM  

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• Bikernut,
  
  Your claim that “chapter after chapter” is quitting doesn’t quite ring true. I saw the list that was compiled on the GMAKOOS website and it’s as inaccurate as can be. I know for a fact that several of the chapters that were listed as being defunct (Modesto, Las Vegas, Inland Empire (high desert) just to name a few, are still very much in business.
  
  The 50,000-membership number I’m referring to comes from the Star’s published mailing, which was approximately 45,000 pieces. Those 45,000 mailings only represent one person per each mailing address, and do not take into consideration any multiple memberships per household. In reality, 50,000 may seem a bit conservative.
  
  Now lets be realistic, Star Touring isn’t for everyone. I don’t think that there is any organization that can truly boast a 100 % satisfaction rating from all of its members. Industry annalists tell us that an acceptable number for negatively fueled members in any organization can be as high as 10 %.
  
  The Star Touring & Riding Association recently celebrated its ten-year anniversary, which is quite an accomplishment for any company these days. Star Touring also has the distinction of being the “officially recognized rider’s association of the Star Motor Corporation (formerly Yamaha Motor Corporation USA).
  
  Want more evidence? Go to any of the IMS (International Motorcycle Shows) appearing across the USA. Star Touring’s kiosk is prominently featured alongside Star Motorcycles.

  By  Anonymous, at 12/24/2006 12:27:00 AM  

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• Just to chime in about Star Touring's membership.
  
  It's automatic when you buy a new Star motorcycle. When I bought my Road Star, I was given a free one-year membership, which includes their newsletter. But, I didn't participate in the club, nor associate myself with a specific chapter. I didn't pay the renewal fee, because I already with another club.
  
  I think clubs like Star Touring and HOG get so many members because they are easier to find and join, than the smaller clubs, or clubs that require you to know someone to get in.

  By  Steve, at 12/24/2006 08:38:00 AM  

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• Hey Anonymous
  First my name is bikenut not bikernut and I would like to hear from you what have you gotten from the man of Star for the past 10years?
  You do not get the so called newsletters on time and sometime you never get one and sometimes you don't even hear from the national office for a year. How is that new web site running that was announced about 2 years and 5 months ago and still not running. People stabbing other people in the back is not my cup of tea either.
  All you ever hear from the national office is they want the members to give them some information for the so called newsletters or for your time that you give up to help them run Star Days for free. People get sick of all that over and over each year. The man that runs Star ALAN is making a lot of money like 2.5 mil per year and could go out and pay someone to make a magazine that could be sent out each month but No he spends nothing to improve the club. All he wants is all the free things from the members and walks to the bank each day with a big old smile on his face.
  I got very sick of it and I was a president of a chapter for 3 years and was in the club for over 5 years.
  I worked the IMS in Chicago one year and yes they are with the Star motorcycles but so what.
  All I know is the the local Chapter here Chapter 126 Green Bay has folded and we had 48 people in that chapter and all said the same thing they was sick of all the promises that we never got.All of this also started with a stupid comment from The president of Star Touring Himself that and I quote " All you people from 126 are trouble makes"
  This is what was said to a member that went to Star days right from the man himself. That was not a very nice thing to hear after we all worked very hard to make him some money.
  I could keep going on here but I said enough. So don't try and make Star sound like they are the greatest thing out there. They are NOT and we have 48 people in Wisconsin that will back that up.
  I also wonder why so many people get so mad at us was they here the truth about Star. Could it be that they do not want to hear the truth?
  Bikenut

  By  Anonymous, at 12/24/2006 10:25:00 AM  

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• Bikenut,
  
  I can't begin to tell you how much I've gotten from over the past 8 years of Star membership. I've met people and have gone to places I've never been to before. I've got countless miles of smiles with my local chapter. We've bettered our community through charitible works. I've got drawers full of newletters and mailers from Star, all on time I might add. I've used their member discount card for hotels for a great savings during my travels. I've got quite a few discounts through their list of vendors, and yes, I even helped out at the local IMS. I guess you get what you put into it. It sure works for me and the hundreds of chapter members in our local area (Southern California). I don't hear anyone of them complaining.

  By  Anonymous, at 12/29/2006 11:03:00 AM  

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• The reason you don,t hear any of your chapter members complaining is because they would end up like us.
  You sound like someone I us to know.Are you sure you are not Alan Cease . That may be why you do not use your name on your posts.
  I have not said one thing about the members because I agree that they are the best but I am talking about the top people running the club. If you got the newsletters on time you must be writing them and keep them to your self because no one else ever got them. I have everyone that was sent out and I have a total of 9 so that is under one per year when you are to get 4 per year and now I think is is down to two times a year.You can say what ever you want but I know different. I have been there and will not go back.
  I also hear that more and more people are getting letters sent to them from the moderators on the web site because National does not like ANY negative comments on the web site. The people are getting very sick of all the BS. If you can not give your oppion on a post what good is the web site.
  I know you will come back with a reply but I will not waste my time with this post anymore. All I can say is if you want to belong to a club that is run with all this BS and get NOTHING back from National then this is for you. I like the freedom of speech to much to give it up.
  Ok now you can reply with all the comments of how good Star is.
  bikenut

  By  Anonymous, at 12/29/2006 04:50:00 PM  

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• Bikenut
  
  You obviously stepped on it really good and got the boot. What's wrong, didn't you get your way? And no, I'm not Alan Cease, just a another satisfied member.
  
  By the way, I don't see your name on any of your posts!

  By  Anonymous, at 1/01/2007 03:20:00 PM  

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• 50,000 members????? Basing your membership on your magazine distribution is not how to count your memberships. Because I am sure you send magazines to dealerships, etc. Also there are numerous "former" members who are still getting the magazine. 50,000 may be your magazine distribution numbers but it has NOTHING to do with how many members of star there are.
  
  Now, Debi, Ron, Alan - go back to work. You've got a website you need to get working.

  By  Anonymous, at 1/18/2007 06:21:00 AM  

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• Web site Ha ha ha ha
  You will never see it.
  Just one more thing they like to say and not live up to it.

  By  Anonymous, at 1/21/2007 05:19:00 PM  

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• Hey Bikenut
  I just stumbled onto this forum as I was trying to find the starchapter 126 website. (it dissappeared) Wow am I ever supprised to find the club has folded. I was one of the charter members. I don't have your e-mail
  address around anymore and would like to chat with you about what some of the former members are upto knowadays. So if you could email me or give me a call here in
  Kewaunee it would be appreciated.
  I would also like to get Randy's
  email address as his former one no
  longer works. Thanks here's my
  address in case U forgot.
  ddworak@itol.com

  By  Anonymous, at 2/19/2007 06:00:00 AM  

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• For By Anonymous, 12/23/2006 07:25:00 PM
  
  You noted that folks got in a bind due to personal issues and a blind disregard for guidelines set forth by the organization.
  
  I disagree... the 2 biggest problems that I have pointed out are inconsistent application of the guidelines and an unwillingness to accept feedback. The guidelines are inconsistent, internally conflicted, and apply differently to different folks.
  
  This is the heart of the controversary. My Chapter submitted proposed changes to the Charter immediately upon receiving it, we received no response from National but were notified via phone by our National Director that our chapter 'license' had expired (about a month and a half sooner than it would have had we not questioned the contact we were signing. As far as my membership, the rules for a 'comp' membership (having been a Chapter president last year) were changed mid-stream.
  
  To Anonymous, 12/24/2006 12:27:00 AM
  
  You said "I saw the list that was compiled on the GMAKOOS website and it’s as inaccurate as can be."
  
  I compiled that list personally based on information that was currently displayed on the STAR website's Chapter listing. I have a hard copy and backup information as well.
  
  My observation was that quite a few Chapters were not listed on the website, and that they must have folded or were on some sort of probation.
  
  If you wanted to challenge my findings, why didn't you post on GMAKOOS? Fortunately, I found this blog and was able to respond to you here.
  
  I am hearing an increasing chorus of negative voices, and most of them have never been to the GMAKOOS site.
  
  We've met a lot of great folks in STAR, this is true of virtually any organization. We have no concerns with the majority of STAR (e.g., most members and Chapters). However, we do reserve the right to call a spade a spade.
  
  My Chapter has moved on, found an organization that is a much better fit for us, it's not a for-profit corporation, and it allows the Chapters much more autonomy.
  
  Feel free to drop in GMAKOOS on delphiforums anytime... folks who are straight up and have a sense of humor are welcomed!

  By  Ol' Dirtbeard, at 5/09/2007 08:36:00 AM  

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• I find it interesting that the GMAKOOS folks have no problem identifying themselves, posting under real I.D.s and stating their concerns clearly and consisely. While the people who question the accuracy of information posted on GMAKOOS or this forum do so annonymously or under false identitys... Such as was pointed out on the GMAKOOS forums in the folder "Posers Exposed".
  
  We know who you are. And we find your antics amusing and entertaining. You should find your antics embarassing. For YOU are shedding a poor light on your own organization. Not us. All we've done is turn on the light so everyone can see.
  
  What are you saying in your private forums now??? At least our forum is public. We are willing to stand behind what we say and do it publicly so others can decide for themselves.

  By  "Legs" McLeod, at 5/11/2007 09:46:00 AM  

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• GMAKOOS IS A GREAT SITE AT LEAST THEY TELL THE TRUTH AND THEY DONT LIED LIKE VINNY

  By  Anonymous, at 5/28/2007 06:29:00 PM  

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• Way back in 1999 a number of people were complaining about the fact that the newsletters were not being as regular as they should be. Many also didn't care for the new guidlines for having a charter, even though they may have existed for a while. It was basicly to sustain and protect the for profit business that is Star Touring.
  
  I made a series of posts on the forum of Star at that time, I asked only simple questions such as, Can the books be opened to the general membership so that they can see where the money is going and how it is being spent. (ABATE, and many other motorcycle related organizations do this at their monthly meetings, why was this a bad question?)
  
  I also asked, why, if a new rule was coming down that all charter presidents had to be elected every year, why not the national president. (this is when I found out the true nature of Star, not an actual RC but a for profit business)
  
  I also asked if it was ethical for the President to also be the treasurer which was the case at that time.
  
  I soon found myself locked out of the forum, on the phone with national and ultimately out of the group. The others in my chapter, hearing and seeing for themselves what was going on with myself, and a few of them, decided at that time to leave, all except one rather self serving person that was feeding info to national and became the new chapter president.
  
  In America, you are allowed to voice an opinion publicly, even protest. This does not seem to be the case where Star is concerned.
  
  Numbers are inflated by the automatic membership when buying a bike of a certain class from Yamaha. What strikes me as interesting is the fact that people who have been kicked out or left when buying a new bike of that class from Yamaha are not allowed to join. The price of that membership being built into the bike, they can not get a refund either, and Yamaha will defend their position as NOT AFFILATED WITH STAR and that they can do nothing about anything having to do with Star. Wonder why I switched to Harley, each dealership there has full responsiblity for their HOG chapters and help folks work things out.
  
  From my observations of how I was handled, how others have been handled, and recently visiting the GMAKOOS Star site I was both surprised and sadded to see that nothing had changed since 1999, that in fact, there have been more changes in some area's and the same ole gag and shut up the disenters rather than work on the issues.
  
  While like it is said that there are many good people that are Star members, there are also a certain number of sheep in any segment of life, and they seem to have their share of those that will follow the herd just in order to have that sense of belonging.
  
  What I find most interesting, is the same people who find fault with GMAKOOS would loudly complain themselves about any other defective product. I have to wonder why it is so many Star people visit the GMAKOOS forum, reading, copying what is written, but never posting. And, what would make them create false names in order to do so? Even here they post under annonymous rather than their online screen names or actual names. One must wonder exactly why it is they are afraid of being identified.

  By  Windy Joe, at 7/01/2007 08:47:00 AM  

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• Ya know, When people that run a chapter come to you and say, "Dave, why don't you start your own Club?". That tells me something.
  
  The President of the Chapter that I started told me that along with his Sergeant at Arms.
  
  You see, they would not have their little breakfast club now if it weren't for me, yea, I was a Charter Member of 260.
  
  They do not realize that. So....after a hiatus of a couple years, I went back to the chapter. What a big mistake.
  
  No open book policies, if you ask a question, be prepared to get lied to and accept it, or challenge it and get hostility in return from the little girl that is the guy that is the guys girl in which the guy is the President.
  
  Ask about the money in the chapter, and you get told, "We don't talk about that", right PEARL? AM I RIGHT? yea, YOU SAID THAT!
  
  Ask about a chapter specific event, and get told, "We will think about it after another cup of my head up my ass."
  
  RATS is run from the top down like this.
  
  Yea, I started Chapter 260, Started Remembrance Wall, Created the Memorial Pin, and Created the Memorial Bell, I was the first Remembrance Officer.
  
  They cannot stand it if it isn't their idea.
  
  Narrow-minded. Self-Centered. STAR. That is what it is all about.
  
  Sign my name....Sure.
  David Lupton

  By  Anonymous, at 7/03/2007 09:07:00 PM  

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• LET ME TELL YOU ABOUT STAR I GOT SUSPENDED FOR A VIDEO AND FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND A SURVEY OFF THE FORUM. I GOT SUSPENDED FROM EVERTHING AFTER I BUT A PICTURE OF ME AND NIKKI than ron have the nerve said i could come back but i could not be on the forum at all. they must be hurting for members.it is not a big happy family as they want you to believe

  By  KATLP, at 7/10/2007 02:03:00 PM  

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• All I am going to say on this matter is that Star Touring & riding let me down, and I am Glad there is GMAKOOS.. When I first quit Star Touring & riding, because they wanted me to act like a little kid, and not be myself, I thought I was the only one.. Then I met the guys and gals at GMAKOOS and found out I wasn't the only one.. I was suspended because I gave my opinion.. Then I heard a bunch of crap from the chapter Pres. because I went on the forum in the first place, and I shouldn't go there again because there a bunch of idiots there, and all you'll get is problems... When I served my suspension, I went back, and was reprimanded for posting my Star Parts & Trade Forum on there site. All this site is, is a place to go and swap your Star parts for your bike, not a porn site, or an add for Honda??? I couldn't believe it! the Pres was right! LOL
  Then the chapter let me down on a Memorial ride, I was working my as* off for my daughter that passed away.. You can have you Star Touring & Riding Club, because I don't want anything to do with it, I don't need it, thanks to the Southern Cruisers, and last but not least, all of you Star Supporters with get it one day, and then GMAKOOS will be there for you to! LMAO!!!

  By  Bully Dozer, at 7/11/2007 03:06:00 AM  

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• Just as an update, GMAKOOS is now over a year old and is going strong.
  
  In contrast to "Ten or so negative voices", GMAKOOS has over 1,700 members who have made over 27,400 visits to the site, and made over 19,400 posts.
  
  The experiences cited within GMAKOOS in the early days have been affirmed by folks who were involved in STAR ten years ago, and recent events bear witness the the fact that things haven't changed within the organization.

  By  Ol'Dirtbeard, at 11/30/2007 09:18:00 AM  

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• Exampel of inconsistant application of the charter and bilaws
  
  I have received the letter of intent to re-charter, to be given to the new Preisdent after the election.
  
  To answer a few of the many questions I have got in email and phone calls. The Vote will be Yes, or no. A yes vote will be for the President/VP team of Dick Young and Barry Burdett, a no vote will be to not elect the team. new president must win by a majority ( even if the only nomination). Regardless of the vote, the chapter will continue. A no vote does not mean the chapter will fold. National can make all kinds of waivers, it's their company.
  
  The Feed The Children account will NOT disappear. The account was established in my name, long before most of the current members, and we know Shauna Jones from that organization. Along with the fact that Jody and I will still be State Directors regardless of the vote.
  
  At the election you will need the Membership card from Star, or a printout from the start page on National showing your expiration date. Only members of Star, and the chapter will be eligable to vote.
  After the election, all materials from the chapter will be handed over to the new team, along with the letter to the incoming team. If there is no majority, we will schedule another meeting for three weeks from that date.
  
  I hope this has addressed all the concerns.
  BobCatBob 291 President 2007
  MA State Director

  By  Anonymous, at 11/30/2007 10:31:00 AM  

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• My comments are to Anonymous, who posted on 12/29/2006 at 11:03:00 AM.
  
  "I can't begin to tell you how much I've gotten from over the past 8 years of Star membership."
  
  My wife Joyce and I were members for close to 5 years, and we got a lot out of the people that we met. You can find good people anywhere.
  
  "I've met people and have gone to places I've never been to before. I've got countless miles of smiles with my local chapter. We've bettered our community through charitible works."
  
  Yep, that happened as a result of riding with our Chapter and our friends. That would have likely happened whether we were members of STAR, HOG, ROK, the CMA, or ISRA.
  
  "I've got drawers full of newletters and mailers from Star, all on time I might add."
  
  I can't really vouch for that... my experience was that the quarterly magazine was delivered more and more infrequently, and the content eventually appeared to be largely a printing of postings from the STAR forum.
  
  "I've used their member discount card for hotels for a great savings during my travels. I've got quite a few discounts through their list of vendors..."
  
  The member discounts seemed pretty commensurate with the other discounts that I'm eligible for, and I don't need to be a STAR member to receive discounts from the local dealer who I purchased 2 bikes from, or from our sponsoring dealer.
  
  "...and yes, I even helped out at the local IMS. I guess you get what you put into it."
  
  Hmmm.... we helped out at the local IMS. We supported other Chapter Charter signings... participated in the IronAZZ rides... we were among the top 10 STAR chapters in Feed The Children donations... we hosted STAR folks who traveled in from all over to participate in Rolling Thunder... coordinated escorts for the Gold Star Mothers... supported Rolling Thunder's POW/MIA Remembrance Ceremony... coordinated STAR parking at the Pentagon parking lot for STAR, brought a Feed The Children truck into town for a local charity... I was on the STAR Veteran's Council, my wife and I received the Order of the STAR for our efforts during the Memorial Day weekend... we were both Chapter Officers (she was Chapter Secretary and I was STAR Vet Rep, Vice President, and President). We arranged a new loaner bike for the National STAR Vet Chair to ride during Rolling Thunder, and arranged a new loaner bike for Alan and Ginger Cease to ride in Rolling Thunder the following year.
  
  "It sure works for me and the hundreds of chapter members in our local area (Southern California). I don't hear anyone of them complaining."
  
  It worked for me until the honor and integrity of my friend was impugned, and implications were made that he lied about his service in Vietnam. Given a choice between supporting the integrity of a dear friend who I supported as Vice President (he was the President at the time), and the administrative acumen of an organization that confuses Frederick, MD with Fredericksburg, VA, and that can't satisfactorily provide the correct size rockers or keep track of who the current Chapter president is, the credibility test is pretty straightforward to me.
  
  A common theme has always been efforts to exert inappropriate levels of control over members - I've seen members placed on secret probation for making posts on other public forums that didn't concern STAR at all, and in which they didn't identify themselves as STAR members or cite their positions in STAR.
  
  Our Chapter Charter was pulled because we asked questions about the document, we've since affiliated with another organization (a non-profit riding club) that is far less concerned with control and with raising money for the parent corporation.
  
  During our first year of operation without the benefit of STAR's "help", we've raised more money for charity than ever before, seen our membership continue to grow steadily, and have been invited by the USO, local charities, and the local Head Start program to support their special events. Joyce and I are MSF instructors, and we've increased the emphasis on ride safety. We've logged an accident-free year, which is a far cry from how the Chapter rode under a previous regieme, and actually had a fatality on one ride.
  
  We put a lot into everything that we do. We do what we do because of who we are, and that is not defined by the purchased backpatch that contains a modified Seattle Seahawks logo.
  
  You may be wondering why we don't let it go? After all, my friend was disrespected over a year ago, the inane demands made of the State Director for reporting (e.g., copies of ALL Chapter correspondence - sorry, you ain't gettin' my private emails, you ain't gettin' our website administrator passwords and you already had passwords to the member's area but never used it as far as I can tell), refusal to even respond to our concerns about the Charter, then changing the rules concerning my comp membership (for last year's service as President) so that I could be KOOSed (Kicked Out Of STAR).
  
  It's all been a riot, and now that we aren't members, we are completely free to tell our story - it's not slander or libel if it's factual and can be proven - and we have all of the evidence.
  
  We have seen numerous STAR members making posts at GMAKOOS under false pretenses, and have exposed a few. You can read all about it in the "Posers Exposed" folder.
  
  We still have STAR members lurking and pulling information from the forum, then threatening folks who have made posts.
  
  So... I'm just reporting the news.
  
  Jim McLeod
  aka Ol' Dirtbeard
  
  Former STAR Chapter 127
  - Webmaster
  - STAR Vet Rep
  - Vice President
  - President
  
  - Order of the STAR, 2004
  - IWMAOFS (I Worked My Ass Off For STAR), 2004
  - Member, STAR Vets Council
  - Coordinator, Metro DC Area
  
  Anonymous? Hell no, I ain't anonymous.

  By  Ol' Dirtbeard, at 12/12/2007 06:37:00 AM  

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• After all, my friend was disrespected over a year ago, the inane demands made of the State Director for reporting (e.g., copies of ALL Chapter correspondence - sorry, you ain't gettin' my private emails, you ain't gettin' our website administrator passwords and you already had passwords to the member's area but never used it as far as I can tell), refusal to even respond to our concerns about the Charter, then changing the rules concerning my comp membership (for last year's service as President) so that I could be KOOSed (Kicked Out Of STAR).
  
  Maybe not anonymous, but you certainly aren't telling the truth.

  By  Anonymous, at 1/02/2008 11:07:00 AM  

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• Dear Anonymous who posted at 1/02/2008 11:07:00 AM...
  
  It appears that you subscribe to a different version of events than I have documented.
  
  I have emails, copies of certified correspondence, and the word of former National Officers.
  
  Perhaps you are short of a few facts, in which case I recommend that you conduct your research and identify yourself before you accuse me of not being truthful.
  
  Perhaps you're just smarting because STAR has once again fallen out of favor with the Arizona Corporation Commission because of yet again failing to submit their annual report properly (despite my reminder). This information is publicly available according to the laws of Arizona.
  
  At the end of the day, it becomes a question of credibility - and I have noted, on numerous occasions, who I find credible, and who I do not.

  By  Ol' Dirtbeard, at 1/02/2008 06:18:00 PM  

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• Once again, some "anonymous" Rat doesn't have the testicular fortitude to put their name by their comment.
  
  Sign me "Legs"

  By  Legs, at 1/02/2008 06:37:00 PM  

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• WOW! After reading all this all I can say is that Star Touring and Riding needs a new PR guy. You're failing miserably Vinnie, and it's nice to see your ego and head up your ass attitude hasn't changed! Who's acting childish now? You can't get your way or someone doesn't agree with your perception so you start saying that they aren't telling the truth which is basically calling them a liar. If you've got an alternate version or documents, then show it.
  
  Yeah, I can be Anonymous too! But the difference tween me and you is that I am happily not a rat and don't have to hide behind a bought backpatch to ride or badge and title that no one cares about to feel like I am somebody.

  By  Anonymous, at 1/02/2008 09:29:00 PM  

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• What now, Anonymous? Got no proof? I see you're like the rest of them rats... all talk and no substance. Except... you're so pathetic that you don't even qualify for "Rat" status... you're just a lowly little scared mouse. Shooting blanks.
  
  No balls.
  
  Typical response from the same ol' people. Spouting off at the mouth with no real facts.
  
  Interestingly, those here who have the cajones to post their names also post the facts. (Yeah I have cajones too! I took 'em from my ex-husband in the divorce settlement).
  
  You're pathetic.
  
  You're sleezy.
  
  God you probably lived with your mama till you were 30 eh?
  
  Put on your big girl panties and be a man!
  
  All joking aside, put up or shut up.

  By  Legs, at 1/03/2008 02:16:00 PM  

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• You guys should take your differences before your local COC!
  
  HA HA HA

  By  Dongerous, at 1/03/2008 04:58:00 PM  

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• I didn't really get my ass kicked out of *, just wasn't impressed with it. Of course, the fact that there are no * Chapters within 300 miles didn't help any. BUT, there was no correspondence to me from ANY one from *, especially after sending E-Mails to as many on the list as I could find. Then there was the "Magazine" that came a few times. And few, if any benifits. The * organization could use quite a few lessons from "Honda Riders Club of America" to see how it's done right.

  By  ACRanger, at 1/08/2008 09:06:00 AM  

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• It's funny how the only one who appears to be supporting the Star org is always anonymous could it be they are an employee asked to blog only good things. I got a star membership when I bought my R* and never kept it since the closest club was 40 miles away. Never get calanders anymore even though I bought a new Raider. If you can't keep up with support for the folks who buy your products you won't last take it from the Harley folks even with substandard products the club atmosphere is really the only thing they have going and it's working...

  By  Pat, at 1/12/2008 10:23:00 AM  

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• I think the whole concept of GMAKOOS is rather pedestrian. The title acomplishes nothing more than highlight the fact that the former Star members are hurt by the disassociation.
  
  In short, the GMAKOOS screams "lack-of-confidence".
  
  Rename your club, start new, and stand proud. It's that simple.

  By  RogerD, at 1/17/2008 01:37:00 PM  

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• Roger,
  
  First of all, nice to see someone post their name who has an opposing view.
  
  Secondly, GMAKOOS is not a club. Its the name of a forum. Its members are made of folks who use to belong to a particular riding association, as well as folks who have never been members of that organization.
  
  The members of GMAKOOS that once belonged to Star belong to an assortment of riding clubs.
  
  GMAKOOS does not have rides or meetings. We simply get on the forum and discuss lots of things (very rarely do we even mention a "certain riding association" unless they come on our forum and start poking the hive, then we have a tendency to respond.)
  
  The name "GMAKOOS" was actually a sort of "parody" of "IWMAOFS" which was an award most of us earned before getting kicked out or leaving on our own accord.
  
  If you would like to know more I would encourage to stop by gmakoos, request access and find out for yourself.

  By  Joyce, at 1/18/2008 02:02:00 PM  

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• Ah, RogerD, I disagree.
  
  You see, STAR is a business, and as paying members, we were customers. Why is it that folks who would be the first to raise hell about a defective product or business practice seek to squelch complaints about this particular business?
  
  And, GMAKOOS is not a club, never has been. You might learn something if you actually read the Start page.
  
  Hurt by the disassociation? Actually, I think it is refreshing to be free of the controls and nepotism. However, I do take umbrage when my friends and I are accused of lying (as has happened on this very thread).
  
  We simply state the facts as we see them, the reaction that we receive implies that the "lack-of-confidence" label might more properly be applied elsewhere.
  
  Roger, I am proud that we live in a free country, where we have the freedom of speech, and we can both express our respective opinions. This is our right as Americans. I appreciate your right to express your opinion, in return I expect you to respect our right to express ours.

  By  Ol' Dirtbeard, at 1/18/2008 02:50:00 PM  

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• Oh, I don't know Roger D,
  
  I think that paying $48 a year to a group that isn't even a true Star/Yamaha M/C organization but rather is just one of the many sponsored Star/Yamaha M/C organizations is rather pedestrian.
  
  Star Touring doesn't own the market on being the only ones helping communities or by being a non bar to bar hopping group. Rather, you pay to be told who your friends can be, who to associate with, what you can wear, and what you can think. Bunch of wanna be posers trying to be bikers. It's that simple.

  By  Anonymous, at 2/25/2008 06:30:00 AM  

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• I don't see what y'all so upset with them Star folks for... they seem to have lots of fun! Like that chapter 345 their women like to drink beer and talk a little trash!
  
  http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=31406037

  By  Anonymous, at 4/01/2008 03:30:00 PM  

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• Awww that didn't work. Trying a gain heres the address
  
  http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=31406037

  By  Anonymous, at 4/01/2008 03:38:00 PM  

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• Recently have seen on more than one occaision Star folks wearing their bottom rocker well off their logo patch, making it almost looks like a hmmmm, territory claim. I guess the days of Riding Clubs flying under the real deal are over. The new, "I'll wear what I want when I want" mentality seems to be rapant.
  
  Someone suggested bringing differences to the CoC. LAMO, well, I imagine we get to many groups of Riding Club folks wearing territory rockers thats exactly where their officers will end up. Explaining to the CoC why the little fish decided to come swim in the big fish pond.
  
  WJ

  By  Anonymous, at 4/05/2008 10:43:00 AM  

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