F.A.Q.s -
All your frequently asked questions answered and more
Welcome to STAR Touring and Riding (STAR) International Napa Chapter #445’s F.A.Q. Page We’re glad you’re interested in our organization. We are a social group whose main goal is to ride and have FUN!!!
We hope that the following FAQs help answer some of your questions about STAR Chapter #445. Feel free to click here and “Ask the President” if you have additional questions.
RIDE SAFE
Come Join Us and Have Some Fun
MEMBERSHIP
RIDES
PATCHES AND ROCKERS
Ride Rules
Hand Signals
Membership
1.1 What is STAR Touring?
STAR International is a family oriented group of motorcycle enthusiasts
throughout the world. For more information please see:
www.startouring.org.
1.2 What is the Napa STAR Chapter #445?
We are a local Chapter of the International organization and our primary
goal is to ride and have FUN. Chapter 445 supports the STAR Touring
Mission Statement: to pursue, promote and protect the interests of
motorcyclists, to develop better and more enthusiastic relations between
the general public, the media and the operators and riders of
motorcycles, to encourage rider participation in events, to promote
motorcycle safety and camaraderie among its members, to promote
organized events, and in general, perform them in a lawful manner.
1.3 What are the requirements to ride with the Napa STAR Chapter #445?
- 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.
1.4 When and where are the Chapter meetings held?
Chapter meetings are held the 2nd Wednesday of every month, starting at 6:30 p.m. Please check the website calendar for current location. Other social event(s) are also posted in the Calendar section. Click here for STAR Chapter #445 Calendar.
1.5 Do I need to join STAR International before I can join
the Napa STAR Chapter #445?
Yes, you do. For more
information please go to:
www.startouring.org.
1.6 Do you have to own a Yamaha / STAR motorcycle to be a member?
No, all types of motorcycles are welcome.
1.7 What requirements do I need to fulfill to become a member
of the Napa STAR Chapter #445?
Attend 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.
Sometimes we even vote in people who have expressed an interest to be a
part of the group while out-n-about on a ride.
1.8 What are the Chapter dues?
$30 per family
per year and $20 for single riders.
1.9 Can my children join the Napa STAR Chapter #445?
Children under the age of 18 and living at home with you are included in
the $30 family membership.
1.10 What are the requirements for attendance and meetings
once I become a Napa STAR Chapter #445 member?
40%
participation of meetings and rides (mix and match) is required to
maintain a voting Chapter member status.
1.11 I have never ridden with a group before, can I still
join?
Yes, and highly encouraged. Our rides are organized
and structured with safety for all riders the #1 objective.
Rides
2.1 How often does the Chapter meet and ride?
The 2nd Sunday (February, April, June, August and October), and the 3rd
Saturday of every other month (January, March, May, July, September and
November). Depending on Chapter interest and participation, we also try
to support other STAR Chapter’s events, and attend other non-STAR events
on the other weekend days.
2.2 Where do rides start?
Check the website’s
Calendar for start times, location, and other ride information.
Chapter #445 Calendar.
2.3 How long are the rides?
Chapter rides vary
from 4 to 6 hours, and sometimes longer during the summer months. Ride
details will be posted on the Calendar at least three weeks prior to
ride.
2.4 Where do I find Ride and Safety Rules?
The
Napa STAR Chapter #445 rides in a staggered formation and use standard
hand signals in addition to turn signals. Click here for
Ride Rules. Click here for
standard hand signals.
2.5 Is it OK to drink alcohol on a ride?
No. As
a family oriented association, we maintain a no drinking / no drugs
policy.
2.6 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.
2.7 What should I wear on the rides?
Weather
and road conditions dictate apparel. Leather is a protector, but not
required. Whenever traveling east into the foothills, you should be
prepared for colder weather (layers are suggested). For safety, all skin
should be covered and a full face helmet is recommended.
Patches and Rockers
3.1 What is the difference between rockers and patches?
Rockers identify the 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 Napa, CA. item worn underneath the large STAR patch on the back of the vest is an example of a rocker.
- The small Chapter #445 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.
3.2 Where do I get my patches/rockers?
All STAR
patches are obtained through STAR International. The small Chapter
rocker and the large rocker on the back are ordered through the Chapter
President once you become a Chapter member.
You can order all STAR
related products through STAR International yourself.
Go to www.startouring.org and
look for the STAR Mall
3.3 Are there guidelines as to the appropriate placement of
patches and rockers?
Yes. This vest placement is included in the
STARtouring.org FAQs, at the bottom of the page.
3.4 Do I have to have a vest and patches/rockers?
No.
3.5 When can I wear my patches / rockers?
Most
anytime, however, when wearing your patches/rockers, please be aware
that you are representing STAR International, the Napa STAR Chapter
#445, and that we are a family oriented organization.
3.6 What patches / rockers can I wear before I become a
Chapter member?
Any patch obtained through STAR
International.
3.7 What other patches can I wear?
Any that are
appropriate, however, please remember that this is a family
organization. If you have any patches that may be in question, please
check with the Chapter President.
3.8 Can I fly flags on my motorcycle?
Absolutely.