What to do if stranded?

[dompel]

Hi guys,
If you don't have a trailer or truck, or a buddy with a trailer/truck, what do you do if you get a flat? In the couple seasons of riding I have under my belt, it has yet to happen to me, but I don't carry an emergency tire repair kit or anything.

Last NESR ride I attended we briefly touched on this. But as time went on, I was more worried that this would happen to me.

I guess some shops like Cycles 128 have services like this, but I'm pretty sure they are only during business hours. Does anyone know of any 24 hour services to tow a bike?

[WordTooYoMamma]

Wirelessly posted (Tilt: HTC-ST7377/1.59.502.3 (67150) Opera/9.50 (Windows NT 5.1; U; en))

AAA

[markbvt]

I've got the motorcycle coverage on my AAA membership. I've never needed it, but it's nice knowing I can call for a tow/assistance if I need to.

--mark

[dompel]

I had no idea that AAA has motorcycle assistance. I have it on my car and have used it before. I guess I'll look into that then.

Thanks!

[stoinkythepig]

I carry a plug kit and a small 12V compressor under my passenger seat. I've had to use them twice to repair flats on my bike in the last decade. I modified the compressor to plug into my battery tender/heated jacket connector. Total cost for the plug kit, the compressor and SAE connector is <$25, peace of mind and not being stranded is priceless.

[scubasteveRR]

I have AAA and I thought that they only towed motorcycles insured with AAA? And I have also have heard they only tow for 5 miles even if you have the AAA Plus with 150 miles of towing??

I am going to check it out right now and If I can't find the answer online I am going to call the number on my AAA card and tell them I need a tow on my Motorcycle.

That would be great if they did! I just renewed my AAA Plus.

Here's an alternative and it's a good one and covers the entire USA and Canada. If you're a member of the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) - $39/year membership (www.ama-cycle.org) you can get towing and other services for any bike you're riding. Here are the details:

Towing up to 35 miles by a vehicle equipped to handle motorcycles.

All dispatch and hook-up fees included.

MoTow pays; you don't have to pay first and wait for reimbursement.

Emergency fuel delivery.

No exclusions for older motorcycles

Have your disabled motorcycle towed to a shop or your home, at your choice.

Emergency Trip Interruption service: up to $100 in reimbursement for meals and lodging if your motorcycle is disabled in an accident.

800# assistance available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, from two national call centers.

Access to toll-free phone number that connects you to a discount hotel deal representative so you can find a bed for the night in the next town.

You can sign up for MoTow online, or call (800) AMA-JOIN.

[Rambunctous]

Stay on the bus route.

[Jaynnus]

Stay on the bus route.

Push!!

[DucDave]

I carry a plug kit and a small 12V compressor under my passenger seat. I've had to use them twice to repair flats on my bike in the last decade. I modified the compressor to plug into my battery tender/heated jacket connector. Total cost for the plug kit, the compressor and SAE connector is <$25, peace of mind and not being stranded is priceless.

Or at least ride with someone that carrys this stuff....

[TTD]

Here's an alternative and it's a good one and covers the entire USA and Canada. If you're a member of the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) - $39/year membership (www.ama-cycle.org) you can get towing and other services for any bike you're riding. Here are the details:

(800) AMA-JOIN.

We should all be AMA members anyway, so this is a great way to support motorcycling and get a great service.

I used this to tow my truck and trailer (with my bike in it).

[toocrazy2yoo]

Yeah, silicone plug kit and the tool, compressor. Kawasaki's protection plan will come get the bike, and I have AAA. They can't help you if you're broken down on the Cross Bronx, the bad guys will get ya before the rescue does, however.

Other than that, I'm covered!

[dodge1478]

three letters AMA

[benVFR]

I may join the AMA to get this..

In the past I had a HRCA membership as it included roadside assistance, and I used it once just for "information" (didn't need a tow, just needed to find the closest place to get a new rear tire.)

But anyway, I think HRCA was $40/yr, they shut off the roadside assistance a few years ago, and made it an optional extra...

Which would of course make AMA the better deal, cause there is practically no value in HRCA other then that roadside assistance.

But this is 2010.. all roadside assistance usually does is call a tow truck for you.. with everyone having smartphones, you can just as easily run a google search if you have a signal and find the local tow company yourself. If you don't have cell signal, you won't be able to call roadside assistance either.. so it's kind of a wash.

Ben

[Mike Qube]

I had no idea that AAA has motorcycle assistance. I have it on my car and have used it before. I guess I'll look into that then.

Thanks!

I tried to get motorcycle assistance from AAA last year, they told me that they dont have it in MA. I ended up getting roadside from Progressive added to my policy for something like $1 a month.

[whynot]

I've got the AMA -- membership AND towing for all your vehicles -- for $39 a year -- hard to beat.

[Fitz]

I got married. It's a little more expensive than $39 a month but comes with side benefits and no mileage limits.

Fitz

[snowcrossmxz]

I got married. It's a little more expensive than $39 a month but comes with side benefits and no mileage limits.

Fitz

i was gunna say some thing like that, haha.
her ring cost more then my bike.
some one please kick me so i can get my priority's straight

[Danno]

I've got the AMA -- membership AND towing for all your vehicles -- for $39 a year -- hard to beat.

And they will tow anyone in your family. The only thing I keep AAA for is the discounts (insurance discount alone pays for itself)

[qqac]

For flats, carry a small plug kit (sticky rope, insertion tool) and CO2 inflator made for bicycles, the schrader valve version.

[whynot]

For flats, carry a small plug kit (sticky rope, insertion tool) and CO2 inflator made for bicycles, the schrader valve version.

Looking at the CO2 inflators (nashbar.com), it says one cartridge will fill one bicycle tire -- have you tried it on a motorcycle tire? or maybe you have to reload?

[whynot]

I got married. It's a little more expensive than $39 a month but comes with side benefits and no mileage limits.

Fitz

haha, for sure. How much was the truck, van, or trailer?

[scottfromboston]

I think a typical rear will take three cartridges to get to a decent pressure (~20psi). That will usually get you to a gas station. Get a unit that works with the non-threaded cartridges (bb gun style). Threaded ones are much more expensive.

Lots of FZ1 guys carry a small pump with the case removed, or the "Tire Slime" pump made for bikes (really small).

I carry the rope style plugs and a StopNGo kit. Honestly, I wouldn't buy the SNG again, (I don't think it works any better than the rope plugs) but I have it, and it does work, so I carry it. I glue the plugs with the cement that comes with the rope kit.

I replace the ropes and glue every year. The rope style kit is cheap insurance, and it fits in a factory toolkit.

My Progressive insurance covers bike towing, but I've never needed it.

[rbrais]

I got one in SC on a Sunday. I was able to limp to a gas station and it was a pretty big hole from a sharp rock. No repair kits, so I used 2 cans of fix-a-flat. Hell of a mess, but it worked......until I hit 140. Not made for high speed.

If you do decide to use it, a little tape over the hole may help to keep it from spattering all over your bike. It should also piss off the guy who's going to change the tire.