I do believe brand communities like Harley-Davidson result in greater involvement with the brand because brand communities (or Fans Club) can inspire incredible levels of loyalty and consumer identification.  There is an area where members have the same topic (same product) to discuss, share or comment with each other. They can build up their faithfulness to the product.  On the same time, the producer can collect the data from the communities to modify their product.  The members know their voices to be heard.

Elements of the Posse Ride enhance the meaning of the brand for the riders:

- have same taste/preference

-show off their unity by using the same products, and their loyalty to Harley-Davidson

I think sometimes company has to step back a bit to allow the consumers have freedom to enjoy their products they buy.  Some formal activities are hosted by Harley-Davidson, such as HOG State Rallies. Some informal activities are hosted by fans themselves.  During the activities, fans can have their adventures together.  In the informal activities, Harley-Davidson can save their budget because they are hosted by fans only.

In HOG (brand communities), one of the major events established to generate enthusiasm for the brand and stimulate consumer involvement was the Posse Ride.  It has the State Rallies, the Anniversary Party, the Local Chapters and many other events for the USA members and an international members as well from time to time.

For me, Harley-Davidson has already had a good involvement in the brand.