Motorcycle Roadside Assistance: Expect the Unexpected

Question: What’s worse than a stranded motorcyclist?

Answer: When that motorcyclist is you.

Motorcycle roadside assistance can be a lifesaver. It's one of those things that you don't think about until you need it, but having it is a good thing to make sure you're safe on the road.

One of the best ways to avoid the need for roadside assistance insurance is to not break down in the first place.

Three ways to avoid motorcycle roadside recovery

1. Punch T-CLOCS

Sure, you get free Roadside Assistance as a H.O.G.^® member. But why use it if you don’t have to? Even with all that help on tap, getting stranded is still a massive pain. One you can avoid with a simple inspection.

Yes, we’re talking T-CLOCS – the pre-ride checklist developed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. Learn it. Live by it.

Tires, Wheels, & Brakes

Carefully inspect tread depth, wear, weathering, bulges, and embedded objects.
Check air pressure. Check wheels for loose or bent spokes, or cast wheels for cracks.
Check rims for out of round. Check bearings for free play in tires.
Check brakes to determine that each brake alone keeps the bike from rolling.

Controls

Inspect levers and pedals for broken, bent, or cracked parts.
Be sure mounts are tight.
Check cables for frays or kinks.
Check hoses for cuts, cracks, leaks, bulges, chafing, or deterioration.
Be sure hose routing doesn’t interfere with steering.
Check throttle to be sure it moves freely, snaps closed, and doesn’t rev when the handlebar is turned.

Lights & Electrics

Check battery terminals for clean and tight connections.
Check headlamp for high and low beam operation and aim.
Check tail lamp for operation and activation with both front and rear brake application.
Check left and right, front and back turn signals.
Adjust mirrors and check that horn operates.
Check wiring for pinching or fraying wires, and be sure wiring doesn’t interfere with steering.

Oil & Other Fluids

Check fluid levels.
Check for leaks.

Chassis

Check frame for cracks.
Check accessory mounts.
Check handlebar movement for full travel.
Check front forks for smooth travel.
Check the belt for tension and embedded objects.

Stand

Be sure the spring is working correctly.
Check for cracks or bends.

2. Read the owner’s manual

As advice you’ve heard too many times, it’s right up there with “eat your vegetables.” But if you don’t do it and you do get stuck, who’s the joke on? A little reading can spare you many headaches.

Take key fobs, for instance. Many riders lose them on a trip, can’t disarm their bike’s security system, and have to call for assistance. But if they’d cracked open the manual and practiced a couple of times at home, they’d know the sequence of control activation that disarms the system. And they’d be on their way.

Also noted in the owner’s manual are the maintenance schedules. Follow these for added assurance that your bike operates like new. In addition to reading the manual, just like your motorcycle insurance card, bring the manual with you on every ride.

3. Bring a “just in case” kit

Here’s a list of some useful stuff to bring along on your rides to deal with roadside trouble:

Swiss-style pocketknife or multi-tool
Bike lock
Tire pressure gauge
Tool kit
Rain gear
Sunglasses
Energy food bar
Water
First-aid kit
Duct tape
Cell phone + charger
Utility light
Emergency contact numbers
List of current medical conditions and medications
Bike registration and insurance information
Motorcycle owner’s manual
Sidestand board
Sunscreen + lip balm
Bathroom tissue
Credit card
Emergency cash

What is Most Commonly Included in Motorcycle Roadside Assistance Plans?

Here are some of the basic motorcycle roadside assistance coverages most often included in motorcycle roadside assistance coverage.

Motorcycle Towing

Towing is the most common roadside assistance service, and it can be used for motorcycles, cars, and trucks. Usually, an actual tow truck will come out to your location and tow your vehicle to a repair shop or auto body shop for you—or you can have them drop off at home or work instead.

In some cases, the cost of roadside assistance may be included as an add-on coverage in your motorcycle insurance policy. If not, though, the driver may be able to call for help from their own insurance company – costs vary by policy. Otherwise, there’s likely a fee associated with getting towed somewhere else (especially if they use an independent tow company).

Battery Jump Start

A battery jump start is when you connect a vehicle to another vehicle's battery or to the cables of a portable battery jumper. It's performed whenever the engine won't turn over, and there are signs that the vehicle needs a boost of power from its own battery.

Fuel Delivery

Fuel delivery is a good thing to have when you are out riding, especially for bikers who like to ride to nearby motorcycle rallies or travel long distances.

Lockout Service

Lockout service is a roadside assistance benefit that covers the cost of unlocking your motorcycle, helping you get back on the road quickly. If your keys are locked in your bike or if it’s otherwise immobilized, an agent will help you get back on the road.

Flat Tire Change

It's not a good feeling to be stranded on the side of the road with no car in sight, but it can happen. Luckily, most motorcycle roadside assistance plans cover flat tires.

You may find this option only included as an add-on feature by certain providers, and often, the coverage will be limited to a certain time period (usually 24 hours).

How Roadside Assistance can help

One great thing to travel with is the peace of mind provided by a Standard Roadside Assistance package. Harley-Davidson Insurance provides Roadside Assistance coverage which can be purchased for a very reasonable annual rate whether or not the rider is a HOG^® member.

H.O.G. members may purchase upgraded coverage as well through the membership.

Standard Roadside Assistance Package

Standard Roadside Assistance (included with full H.O.G. membership) provides for one assistance per calendar year for one registered H-D® motorcycle (learn more about the brands and types of bikes we cover), with $100 U.S. maximum coverage.

Covers roadside needs such as fuel, oil, fluid, and water delivery; lost (or locked) key assistance; and help to extract your motorcycle when stuck in a ditch or other inaccessible areas.

A tow to the nearest H-D dealership or another location of your choice is provided for flat tire or battery assistance. You’re responsible for any non-covered expenses or expenses in excess of $100 per calendar year.

Deluxe Roadside Assistance Package

Deluxe Roadside Assistance will extend coverage to two H-D motorcycles registered to an active full member. It also offers unlimited services per year, with all covered towing/roadside costs paid in full.

Ultra Roadside Assistance Package

Upgrading to Ultra Roadside Assistance will add emergency travel reimbursement when the H-D motorcycle is disabled due to a collision or the mechanical breakdown of a warranty-covered component.

Ultra Plus Roadside Assistance Package

Get ultra-level coverage for up to two H-D motorcycles and three personal vehicles, including automobiles and light-duty trucks.

Bottom Line on Roadside Motorcycle Assistance

Having motorcycle roadside assistance is a good thing to have. Let’s face it, things happen. Some breakdowns are impossible to prevent and sometimes you need help with peace of mind and protection from costly repairs.

It can help you out in a pinch, save money on tow truck fees and save time and frustration. It can also save you from getting stranded in the middle of nowhere!

Contact us or call toll free at 800-909-8393 for more detailed information on Roadside Assistance options.