Motorcycle Roadside Assistance?

[bmweerman]

Originally Posted by Thisisme

Cameron,

You could also check out http://www.bmwmoa.org/index.html

Good Point. I have been a member of BMWMOA off and on. In fact, during the last incident I was talking about I used the BMW Anonymous book and got some great help. In face the beemer sat in another members garage for over a week while we waited for parts and rebuilt the rear-end from mail-order parts. We were lucky though that the final drive and drive shaft failed in such a way we could get somewhere before we were stranded and, in the final analysis it probably would have been cheaper to just have it towed to a dealer.

I did not know though that they offered the roadside assistance option.

Thanks for you input.

[bmweerman]

Originally Posted by Marco

My version of roadside assistance is a good tool kit and the 1-800-number to U-haul (1-800-GO-U-HAUL (1-800-468-4285)). Doesn't cost me a dime unless I have to rent a U-Haul. An all-day U-Haul truck rental costs $20 and up... a lot cheaper than most roadside assistance programs.

That has always been my plan too. See above.

I think that makes more sense if you own a bike that is NOT a BMW or other brand with limited dealer support. If you can get parts and tools just about anywhere then that is great. But, with a brand that has few dealerships and requires some odd metric tools, you have to order parts, then wait. If you need something else, order, wait.. etc. I know you can take your own tools and I do, a lot of them, but where do you draw the line? Do you go out touring with a four foot torque wrench strapped to your bike? (hmmmm, I wonder?)

10 days of hotel bills, food costs, frustrated garage owners etc. take a fast drain on the pocket book and spirit. Ever try to buy a 12mm hex tool in the boonies? Well, that is a story in itself.

Thanks to everybody for the great suggestions. Just FYI, I ended up going with the AMA option. $39 to join for a year and $25 for the roadside coverage. That is $64 worth of stuff I don't have to worry about...a good deal even if I never use it. If I ever do I'll let y'all know how it works out.

Cameron

[joe2wheels]

I am interested in knowing if anyone has had experience with AMA roadiside assistance. I am thinking about joining, but would like some real-world advise first.

[Darth Lefty]

After studying up I sprung for the Good Sam / Allstate RV package. Covers every vehicle you own, and limits on towing / trailering are few.

[kanjiwa]

Originally Posted by Marco

My version of roadside assistance is a good tool kit and the 1-800-number to U-haul (1-800-GO-U-HAUL (1-800-468-4285)). Doesn't cost me a dime unless I have to rent a U-Haul. An all-day U-Haul truck rental costs $20 and up... a lot cheaper than most roadside assistance programs.

Will they bring the truck to you stranded on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere?
And how would you get the bike into the truck?
Unless I'm missing something...

[David 1]

I have heard nothing but the best on the AMA service, but have never had to use any service myself. (What luck, and I'm old)
Just recently, the AMA is offering their roadside assistance FREE (my favorite price) with auto renewal on your yearly membership.
If you are going to join, or renew anyway, just put it on auto renewal, they tap into your card, and FREE service, along with their other benefits.
dc

[FishWitch]

I have Progressive and they offer $250 worth of towing. Well trust me that aint far. I also have my Vic Rider's Association that offers another $250. Between the 2 I'm golden.

A tow from the top of Donner Summit to Reno Cycles & Gear last year was $400! 35 miles! (I broke a belt going across the Rainbow Bridge heading into the rest/vista.)

I even knew the guy and groveled! Needless to say every time one of their trucks came thru my road block they got held up. HEHEHE Made me fell a little better.

[Tree Doc]

I have AAA's Premier RV/Motorcycle membership. 250 miles tow range for my bike or my trailer/truck plus all the other AAA benefits. It runs about $145/yr for my wife and I.

Fortunately, I haven't had to use it, yet.

[Karl C.]

Originally Posted by Marco

My version of roadside assistance is a good tool kit and the 1-800-number to U-haul (1-800-GO-U-HAUL (1-800-468-4285)). Doesn't cost me a dime unless I have to rent a U-Haul. An all-day U-Haul truck rental costs $20 and up... a lot cheaper than most roadside assistance programs.

The only thing I would change to that description would be to have ALOT of friends scattered across the U.S.

[JimmieS]

Originally Posted by Karl C.

The only thing I would change to that description would be to have ALOT of friends scattered across the U.S.

Interesting answer here.... I'm also a contributing member of the GL1800 Riders board, as well as a GWRRA member. Now, the Gwrra membership comes with a book published annually of all the members that are willing to help out fellow goldwing owners with tools, towing (Trailering), touring, rooms, etc. Pretty good deal... except it does cost us a yearly membership fee.

Someone on the GL1800 riders board said why don't we do the same thing... So they did -- now, we have another whole group of folks with trailers - tools - bike specific knowledge - and a fine community of helpers. Maybe we should do the same here at Pashnit?? Just a thought?

Cheers!