Roadside assistance?

[900LT]

While taking a break from riding recently, 2 friends left the key switch "on". As expected both bikes were suffering from dead batteries. Not to worry though, they weren't far from home so up comes a wifey to save the day with jumper cables. It was expensive as you can imagine

This moment of "stupid" made us all question, what do you do when you're out enjoying a great rural ride and you run over a nail, break a cable or some other breakdown and help is nowhere around?

Are roadside assistance plans beneficial for bikes or are they limited to towing?

Who do you use and how much?

[GeorgiaRider]

I use AMA (American Motorcyclist Association) and it's $39/year for coverage on all bikes and cars in the family. I had to use it once with a stranded bike with a flat and the wrecker arrived within an hour (on a Sunday).

[Hot Cruiser]

The AMA coverage sounds like a great deal. But in our area Kawi dealers are all 80 - 120 miles away and the AMA program covers towing only for up to 35 miles, according to to their website. We have AAA (American Automobile Association - Oregon/Idaho) Premier coverage, costing (Ouch!) $162 per year, allows for one tow of 200 miles per year plus the usual shorter tows and covers cars, pickups and motorcycles for towing and roadside assistance. A lot of the rides here put riders near the 200 mile distance from Kawi dealers, or any bike repair shops.

[LuckyArmpit]

I have progressive ins. on my bike and there is a rider on the policy for roadside assistance. The 1 800 # is right on the insurance card.

Lucky...

[rbentnail]

It's a little different in the FJR community: folks sign up listing contact info, available services (trailer, tools, etc.) and anything else they can offer like tent space, spare bed, etc. All 50 states are represented as well as about half of Canada, and several other countries as well. Thankfully I've never had to use it, and I've never had anyone call me, but I just print out the sections of the country where I'll be traveling. We get updated .pdfs emailed usually monthly.

But IMHO it's also a "live and learn" kind of thing. For instance, I learned the hard way to never buy a bike with spoked wheels. They use tubes inside the tires. You can't plug tubes. But with cast wheels I can plug a tire. So on my bike I have a plug kit and an air compressor.

[riding2up]

You may want to check into the Sams/Allstate motorclub. My understanding is they tow the bike to the closest place that can repair the bike. There is not a 'mileage' limitation.

[messer00]

I'm a member of ROK (Riders of Kawasaki) and I get towing as part of that membership. You also get treated like a king at Kawi-sponsored AMA races, which was great when I went to the Superbike races at Infinion this year.

[dwayneb236]

I use AAA. Cost about 100 bucks a year for me and the wife. Covers whatever vehicle we're in, including motorcycles. Pretty much limited to gas, battery jump and tow. Not really a mechanic service..The level I'm at the tows are for 100 miles.

[snickerdoodle]

I think Rok is a good plan. I was going to join and keep forgetting, I'm going to do that today! Aaa is ok, but they don't guarantee a bike repair area Everywhere, but ROK does.

[Sun357]

Originally Posted by messer00

I'm a member of ROK (Riders of Kawasaki) and I get towing as part of that membership. You also get treated like a king at Kawi-sponsored AMA races, which was great when I went to the Superbike races at Infinion this year.

$39.95/Year

* Personalized ROK™ membership card, clothing patch and decals.
* 24/7 Roadside Assistance (up to $250 per incident). Call toll-free 1.877.ROK.CLUB for service.
* One-year subscription (4 issues) to Accelerate™ magazine, the Official Publication of Riders of Kawasaki.
* Custom Rand McNally road atlas (fits in your saddlebag, backpack or tank bag).
* Exclusive ticket package offers for ROK members.
* Free gear check and V.I.P. treatment at selected events.
* A $50 Kawasaki Gift Certificate for completion of MSF class. Click here for details.
* Lodging and rental car discounts.


Wow! First i've heard of that. Sounds nice indeed for that price! Thanks for the heads up from a newbie.

~Fred

[davidlw]

Do they have a website that you can join thru?

[S.D.Willie]

Originally Posted by davidlw

Do they have a website that you can join thru?

Do you mean the AMA?

AMA Membership Join/Renew

i joined for a few reasons. It gave me a $50.00 insurance discount on my new bike, comes with roadside so therefore i dropped progressive's roadside on my vulcan plus they give you discounts on other stuff. Stuff i havent looked at yet on their site. I think im supposed to get a magazine as well although the $39.00 dollar one might not................not too sure.

[davidlw]

I just joined ROK, it is right on the Kawasaki motorcycle website. Joined online and they will be sending me patches etc within 7-10 days.

[OrlandoArbie]

I've got motorcycle insurance through AARP, which has towing / roadside service as part of the package. Great rates but you do have to be 50 yrs young!

[GeorgiaRider]

Originally Posted by OrlandoArbie

I've got motorcycle insurance through AARP, which has towing / roadside service as part of the package. Great rates but you do have to be 50 yrs young!

Since I'm an old fart now I need to start checking out the old fart rates.

[OrlandoArbie]

There ya go!

[usttobee50]

Originally Posted by LuckyArmpit

I have progressive ins. on my bike and there is a rider on the policy for roadside assistance. The 1 800 # is right on the insurance card.

Lucky...

++++10000............Progressive Insurance, just added it to my policy. Cost.....$ 10 a year, can't do without it.