Thank you for your message. We appreciate your feedback and suggestion regarding motorcycle coverage. Even though motorcycles are not covered as eligible vehicles in the AAA Southern New England territory, we often do try to help a member with something basic, like fuel delivery, as a courtesy.
The issue has been discussed among AAA management here at AAA Southern New England; some of which are motorcycle enthusiasts.
There are several reasons why we do not provide motorcycle coverage at this time:
1. Some older motorcycles use 6-volt batteries and should not be jumped with the standard 12-volt equipment used for automobiles. The newer bikes that use 12-volt batteries require different amperage than car batteries and can easily be damaged if the procedure is not done correctly.
2. A common tire change cannot be performed as a light service event for a motorcycle since there is no spare. The simple light service call for an automobile therefore turns into a more complicated flatbed tow for a motorcycle.
3. Some people feel that since motorcycles can be towed with “automobile servicing equipment,” a flatbed, they should be considered as eligible vehicles. However, as you probably know, a motorcycle requires additional equipment such as stabilizing straps and guides for the wheels, along with additional skills required of drivers to strap them down correctly.
4. Finally, the only way we can keep the annual cost of membership as low as we do is that we provide road service for our members at special discounted member rates. We negotiate these contracted rates with independent garages which, in order to justify providing discounted service to AAA members, fully expect to be able to tow a vehicle back to their own garage once in awhile and provide basic repairs. This is also an added convenience and benefit to members. However, 90% of garages that do towing and automobile repair do not repair motorcycles. Virtually all tows of motorcycles are to a specialty shop and rarely result in any repair business for the facility providing the extended service.
If you should need further information or assistance, please let me know. I apologize for any inconvenience.
Charlene Fletcher | Web Services Coordinator, Web Services AAA Southern New England | 110 Royal Little Dr | Providence, RI 02904 T 401‐868‐2000 x2119 | F 401‐868‐6595
internet@aaasne.com | AAA.com