The Scoop On The AMA’s New Programs
Cycle News Staff | February 13, 2009
In a press conference today, preceding the Indianapolis Dealer Trade Show, the AMA made some major announcements regarding member benefits, namely the introduction of a roadside assistance program. As of 9 a.m. EST this morning, the service will be provided to AMA members (read on for specifics…) and applies not only to motorcycles, but to the cars and RVs of each member – as well as spouses and family members.The slight stipulation that comes with the membership is that it requires you to enroll in the online sign-up auto-renewal, which will also aid the AMA in their “green initiative.” There are several different types of memberships available that include the roadside assistance free of charge, and the costs range from $39 to $49 per year. For those who are already lifetime members, the roadside assistance package will be available at $35 (which will also include 12 issues of AMA magazine).”The last 12 months have been a time of change and corrective action,” AMA Chairman Stan Simpson said at today’s press conference, adding that the AMA has evolved to “refocus on our members.” The new membership package also includes 12 issues of American Motorcyclist Magazine, the same discounts on hotels, parts, insurance and other benefits. In addition, the first 25,000 members to sign up for the new membership will receive a $10 gift card to Bike Bandit.”Today is a great day to be an American motorcyclist,” said a proud Rob Dingman.The service is effective immediately at AmericanMotorcyclist.com and is provided by Nation Safe Drivers (the same provider as before). Motorcycle owners and riders tend to have significantly lower loss ratios than Joe Public, hence the cheaper price tag than roadside assistance covering motorcycles and RVs typically goes for.Check out all the details of the membership below, or in the March issue of American Motorcyclist Magazine or online at AmericanMotorcyclist.com.Other announcements made by the AMA include three major endowments to the Motorcycle Hall of Fame, government relations and amateur racing, each totaling $1 million a piece.The third and final announcement made was the partnership of KTM with the Dual Sport Trail Riding Series. KTM has inked a three-year deal with the AMA to be the national sponsor for the series, which will host 21 events in ’09 alone, and will be called the 2009 KTM AMA Dual Sport National Trail Riding Series.
