Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to STAR Touring and Riding (STAR) Chapter #123’s Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section.  We’re glad you’re interested in our organization - it is a social group whose main goal is to ride and have FUN!!!
 
Membership
What is STAR Touring and Riding?
STAR Touring and Riding is a family oriented group of motorcycle enthusiasts throughout the world. For more information please go to: STAR Touring And Riding.

What is STAR Chapter 123?
We are the local San Diego Chapter of the International organization and our primary intention is to ride and have fun. Chapter 123 supports the STAR Touring mission statement.

What are the requirements to ride with Chapter 123?
•    STAR Touring and Riding membership
•    M1 license
•    Proof of insurance
•    Driver and – if applicable - passenger ride waiver
•    The ride waiver will include an emergency number and although it is optional, we highly recommend that you complete this section.

Do I need to join STAR Touring and Riding before I can join Chapter 123?
Yes, you do. For more information please go to: STAR Touring And Riding.
Do you have to own a Yamaha / STAR motorcycle to be a member?
No, all types of motorcycles are welcome. 

What requirements do I need to fulfill to become a member of Chapter 123?
Participation in a minimum of three Chapter events.  This gives everyone the opportunity to get to know one another better.  You can then be voted in at the next Chapter meeting.

What are the chapter dues?
There are currently no dues to join STAR Chapter 123.

I have never ridden with a group before, can I still join?
Yes, please contact our Chapter president to find out more at info@sdstar123.com. Our rides are organized and structured with safety for all riders as the #1 objective.

STAR Chapter 123
Are there monthly dues?
No, your STAR Touring and Riding membership covers all dues.  We offer an optional 60/40 raffle on each ride.  You can purchase six tickets for $5 or one ticket for $1 and the winner receives 40% of the raffle money.  The other 60% is put into our chapter fund for various fundraisers that we contribute to throughout the year.

How many riders are there on each ride?
We have anywhere from 20-35 bikes and our rides are pre-ridden the week before by several of the chapter officers to ensure the route is clear and gas and lunch stops are available.

Do you ever do road trips out of town?
Yes, we do several a year.  We have a traditional ride to Kernville in June that is a 4-day trip and we have a 5-day trip in April or May depending on where we all decide we'd like to go.  STAR Touring and Riding has events throughout the year that we may attend as a chapter as well.

Are there safety rules and regulations?
Yes, upon your first ride, you will be briefed about the signals used throughout the ride and will also be assigned a ride shepherd for that ride.  You will ride behind your shepherd and will follow all hand signals and direction given by him/her.   We have an excellent safety record and safety is our #1 priority. 

Do you have a newsletter for informational purposes?
As well as this Web site we publish a monthly newsletter with updates about upcoming activities and rides, and general announcements.  The newsletter is handed out at each chapter ride or can be found as a link on this Web site.

Is there any way for my significant other to be involved if he/she doesn't ride?
Yes, we have quarterly meetings as a means to get together for those who don't ride as well as our annual Christmas party in December.  They are also welcome to join us on our road trips, they can follow along in a vehicle and enjoy our time spent at lunch and in the evenings after a day's ride.  We also have the LOS - Ladies of STAR - this is a group for the lady riders as well as those ladies who don't ride.  The purpose of the LOS is to keep those women who don't attend the monthly chapter rides in touch with those who do so they still feel as though they are a part of the chapter.  The LOS gets together every few months for shopping, lunch, overnighters, plays, etc.

Rides
How often does the Chapter meet and ride?
Chapter rides are held the 2nd Saturday of every month. Check out the Chapter Events section for  updates. 

Where do rides start?
Chapter rides start from North County Yamaha in San Marcos, CA.

How long are the rides?
Chapter rides vary from 6 to 7 hours, and sometimes longer during the summer months.  Ride details will be posted on the Chapter Events section prior to the day of the ride.

Is it OK to drink alcohol on a ride?
No.  As a family oriented association, we maintain a no drinking/no drugs policy.

Do I need to ride with a DOT helmet?
The State of California requires that a DOT helmet is worn by both driver and passenger.

What should I wear on the rides?
Weather and road conditions dictate apparel.  Leather is a protector, but not required.  For safety, all skin should be covered and good boots and gloves are recommended.

Patches and Rockers
What is the difference between rockers and patches?
Rockers identify Chapter, Chapter Location, names, events, etc.  Patches are the rest.
•    The large STAR worn on the back of the vest is considered a patch.           
•    The large San Diego, CA item worn underneath the large STAR patch on the back of the vest is an example of a rocker.
•    The small Chapter 123 item shaped like a half-moon worn on the front of the vest is a rocker.
•    The small STAR emblem worn on the left-hand side of the front of the vest is considered a patch.

Where do I get my patches/rockers?
All STAR patches are obtained from STAR Touring and Riding.  The small Chapter rocker and the large rocker on the back are ordered through your Chapter President once you become a Chapter member. You can order all STAR related products through STAR Touring and Riding yourself.  Click here for STAR mall.

Are there guidelines as to the appropriate placement of patches and rockers?
Yes.  Click here to download a guide.

Do I have to have a vest and patches/rockers?
No.

When can I wear my patches/rockers?
Most anytime, however, when wearing your patches/rockers, please be aware that you are representing STAR International, STAR Chapter 123 and that we are a family oriented organization.

Can I fly flags on my motorcycle?
Absolutely, as long as they are family rated.