Topic: Join the AMA. You won't regret it.

[thelowmax]

Just wanted to make sure everybody knows that when you join the American Motorcycle Association (AMA) for $49 a year, you are eligible for free towing and roadside assistance. I just had to tow my bike yesterday. The tow would have cost over $150, but I paid nothing. My AMA membership paid for itself with one use. They also support all the bike related issues that effect us but the savings and assurance alone is reason enough for me. See you on the road!!

[ChopSticks]

Is it any different from roadside assistance through your auto insurance? Cause that only costs $17 a year for me...

[chewbacca5000]

Did they have a wheel chuck for the bike, or just "throw" it up there?  That is my reservation with tow companies.  Do they have experience with bikes?  Don't want to see it on it's side or hanging off a flatbed.

[thelowmax]

Did they have a wheel chuck for the bike, or just "throw" it up there?  That is my reservation with tow companies.  Do they have experience with bikes?  Don't want to see it on it's side or hanging off a flatbed.

First, I would never just let some knucklehead do anything to my bike if I thought he didn't know what he was doing. I would question anything and everything that made me uneasy (before it happens), and I would do my best to guide them to secure my bike properly. I don't care who is towing it. It's my bike. I dictate what happens to it.

That being said... theey specifically tow bikes and sent a flatbed tow truck (I wouldn't have it any other way). The guy knew what he was doing. Front wheel against the winch (acting as a chuck), with four winch straps on the forks and frame. When I expressed concerns or offered suggestions to secure the bike, he listened, we discussed options and he made sure I was satisfied before attempting to move the truck. Having moved many bikes before, I would say, not only did he know what he was doing but he also went above and beyond to make me feel that he knew what he was doing as well.

If you need to have a tow, your choices are few. AAA doesn't do bikes and won't even come out to jump a battery on one. Needless to say, they have little experience towing bikes. I wouldn't use them, even if I could. Considering price alone, the AMA membership is a no-brainer. Having your bike towed by somebody that knows bikes only makes it better.

Ultimately, if you spend $49 a year, you never have to think about what your options might be, if you ever need them. My membership paid for itself 3 time over, the first time I used it. Two tows would equal the 6 years I have been a member. I can't recommend it enough.

[thelowmax]

Is it any different from roadside assistance through your auto insurance? Cause that only costs $17 a year for me...

I'm not sure what your roadside assistance covers but I know that AAA doesn't cover bikes and won't even come to jump a battery, never mind tow a bike. I have AAA also but know how they work and like having options. Also, your AMA membership fee also goes to a lot of bike related issues and support of the motorcycle community.

[70CB750]

AMA is for sïssies 

[chewbacca5000]

AMA is for sïssies 

Not all of us can throw it up on the shoulder like you and carry home!

[becken]

AMA is for sïssies 

It's interesting to see a link to pure gas in your signature as the AMA seems to be the only organization fighting against E15. They are also fighting against motorcycle discrimination by insurance, parking, land closures, motorcycle only police checkpoints and many other things which tend to make motorcycling more difficult for us. I've been a member since 1975 and recommend it for anyone who enjoys motorcycles.

[ChopSticks]

Is it any different from roadside assistance through your auto insurance? Cause that only costs $17 a year for me...

I'm not sure what your roadside assistance covers but I know that AAA doesn't cover bikes and won't even come to jump a battery, never mind tow a bike. I have AAA also but know how they work and like having options. Also, your AMA membership fee also goes to a lot of bike related issues and support of the motorcycle community.

My roadside assistance covers bikes... It is under my bikes insurance... I got a tow before all expenses paid to the nearest garage or up to 16 miles anywhere you want. They bought a flat bed, but I was in a very particular situation where the key broke inside the disc lock and couldn't just roll the thing up. I specifically told them to bring a trolley to put under the rear wheel 3 different times, and the last guy that showed up just said #$%* it and dead lifted (500+lbs) getting it up there without the wheel moving. Some hulk type #$%*

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

All 3 of my cars are covered under AMA too.

[BomberMann650]

...motorcycle only police checkpoints...

THAT IS A THING?!?!?!

[70CB750]

AMA is for sïssies 

It's interesting to see a link to pure gas in your signature as the AMA seems to be the only organization fighting against E15. They are also fighting against motorcycle discrimination by insurance, parking, land closures, motorcycle only police checkpoints and many other things which tend to make motorcycling more difficult for us. I've been a member since 1975 and recommend it for anyone who enjoys motorcycles.

I was referring to bike towing options.

Chewie:  If you know your bike, and if you are ready for it, most of the time you can fix it on the road.  My biggest was replacing chain link on the way back from Barber.  It is state of mind more than anything - either I will get home on my own or I can always call tow service.

I dont have AAA, never had, why would I pay for AMA?

I rode my Honda cross half of Europe, before that I tramped around on 2 stroke CZ, always on my own with no back up.  When exactly did motorcycling became arrive time guaranteed?

[becken]

...motorcycle only police checkpoints...

THAT IS A THING?!?!?!

Checkpoints set up by police targeting motorcycles only.

[przjohn]

What is the difference between teets on a Bull and the AMA? Not much.

Yes, I am a member but let's not get all gaga over this organization. In 2004 the Red Fox Turkey Run in Townshend VT. was shut down by some local politicians and a corrupt Sherriff. The ride was on state roads with registered Dual Sport bikes. 300 riders were sent packing under threat of arrest. The AMA was contacted by the hosting club and The New England Trail Rider Association. The AMA did nothing. The club and the riders who were in attendance pursued a law suit and raised $30,000.00 for the legal fees. Long story short, we won and each rider got a check for about $1,300.00 each if I remember correctly, the Sherriff was fired, and the back room politics of Jamaica VT were brought out front and center. Guess what happened then? The AMA shows up for the photo shoot and writes about it in their magazine. Never once does the article mention the grass roots effort or lack of involvement by the AMA. Unless you need the membership to join events or like the magazine a AAA membership will get you much better roadside assistance.

[thelowmax]

What is the difference between teets on a Bull and the AMA? Not much.

Yes, I am a member but let's not get all gaga over this organization. In 2004 the Red Fox Turkey Run in Townshend VT. was shut down by some local politicians and a corrupt Sherriff. The ride was on state roads with registered Dual Sport bikes. 300 riders were sent packing under threat of arrest. The AMA was contacted by the hosting club and The New England Trail Rider Association. The AMA did nothing. The club and the riders who were in attendance pursued a law suit and raised $30,000.00 for the legal fees. Long story short, we won and each rider got a check for about $1,300.00 each if I remember correctly, the Sherriff was fired, and the back room politics of Jamaica VT were brought out front and center. Guess what happened then? The AMA shows up for the photo shoot and writes about it in their magazine. Never once does the article mention the grass roots effort or lack of involvement by the AMA. Unless you need the membership to join events or like the magazine a AAA membership will get you much better roadside assistance.

That's a bummer but, ultimately, it sounds like you didn't need them anyway. Maybe they thought so too. I'm not campaigning for them. I'm just suggesting an excellent option for roadside assistance specifically geared towards motorcycles. And no offense but... what part of "AAA doesn't do bikes and won't even come out to jump a battery on one" makes AAA a good alternative for motorcycle roadside assistance?

[przjohn]

What is the difference between teets on a Bull and the AMA? Not much.

Yes, I am a member but let's not get all gaga over this organization. In 2004 the Red Fox Turkey Run in Townshend VT. was shut down by some local politicians and a corrupt Sherriff. The ride was on state roads with registered Dual Sport bikes. 300 riders were sent packing under threat of arrest. The AMA was contacted by the hosting club and The New England Trail Rider Association. The AMA did nothing. The club and the riders who were in attendance pursued a law suit and raised $30,000.00 for the legal fees. Long story short, we won and each rider got a check for about $1,300.00 each if I remember correctly, the Sherriff was fired, and the back room politics of Jamaica VT were brought out front and center. Guess what happened then? The AMA shows up for the photo shoot and writes about it in their magazine. Never once does the article mention the grass roots effort or lack of involvement by the AMA. Unless you need the membership to join events or like the magazine a AAA membership will get you much better roadside assistance.

That's a bummer but, ultimately, it sounds like you didn't need them anyway. Maybe they thought so too. I'm not campaigning for them. I'm just suggesting an excellent option for roadside assistance specifically geared towards motorcycles. And no offense but... what part of "AAA doesn't do bikes and won't even come out to jump a battery on one" makes AAA a good alternative for motorcycle roadside assistance?

I have never had that experience with AAA, they have always come out for my bike related problems. You have to get the right AAA policy for motorcycles though, the auto policy does not cover bikes. The Wife gets our AAA so I am not sure of the type we get but it does all vehicles including campers and motorcycles. I have had very good luck with it on a bike, more than a few times. Just last October they towed my new KTM 1190ADVR to a KTM dealer from a parking garage in downtown Harrisburg PA, quite a show for onlookers it was. I won't even get into why a 3,000 mile bike needed a new motor,  The wrecker was prepared with all the bike towing equipment and he was quick and efficient. I am not saying that the AMA roadside assistance isn't as good, but AAA is by far and wide THE leader in that business. Same as you though, I have no Horse in this race just stating my personal experience.

[thelowmax]

What is the difference between teets on a Bull and the AMA? Not much.

Yes, I am a member but let's not get all gaga over this organization. In 2004 the Red Fox Turkey Run in Townshend VT. was shut down by some local politicians and a corrupt Sherriff. The ride was on state roads with registered Dual Sport bikes. 300 riders were sent packing under threat of arrest. The AMA was contacted by the hosting club and The New England Trail Rider Association. The AMA did nothing. The club and the riders who were in attendance pursued a law suit and raised $30,000.00 for the legal fees. Long story short, we won and each rider got a check for about $1,300.00 each if I remember correctly, the Sherriff was fired, and the back room politics of Jamaica VT were brought out front and center. Guess what happened then? The AMA shows up for the photo shoot and writes about it in their magazine. Never once does the article mention the grass roots effort or lack of involvement by the AMA. Unless you need the membership to join events or like the magazine a AAA membership will get you much better roadside assistance.

That's a bummer but, ultimately, it sounds like you didn't need them anyway. Maybe they thought so too. I'm not campaigning for them. I'm just suggesting an excellent option for roadside assistance specifically geared towards motorcycles. And no offense but... what part of "AAA doesn't do bikes and won't even come out to jump a battery on one" makes AAA a good alternative for motorcycle roadside assistance?

I have never had that experience with AAA, they have always come out for my bike related problems. You have to get the right AAA policy for motorcycles though, the auto policy does not cover bikes. The Wife gets our AAA so I am not sure of the type we get but it does all vehicles including campers and motorcycles. I have had very good luck with it on a bike, more than a few times. Just last October they towed my new KTM 1190ADVR to a KTM dealer from a parking garage in downtown Harrisburg PA, quite a show for onlookers it was. I won't even get into why a 3,000 mile bike needed a new motor,  The wrecker was prepared with all the bike towing equipment and he was quick and efficient. I am not saying that the AMA roadside assistance isn't as good, but AAA is by far and wide THE leader in that business. Same as you though, I have no Horse in this race just stating my personal experience.

So ultimately, you have to get a seperate policy from your auto AAA and pay more for AAA to service a bike, which they only very recently started to do. The last (the very last) time I called AAA, I was told they wouldn't even come to jump my bike. While the AMA policy covers autos too. As I said, its just an option but one I have found to be very beneficial for me.

You do also get a discount at places like BikeBandit and such. Yeah. i've got no horse either. i've just got a bike that's real heavy to push.

[hsas.69]

I work for an auto shop that also operates a wrecker service. We are contracted through many companies for towing and roadside assistance. Who shows up and what equipment they have is dependent upon the tow service itself not the companies they are contracted through such as AAA or insurance companies. Just because you had good service and a motorcycle knowledgeable driver once doesn't always mean you'll get someone that does. They call down the list of contracted providers and the first company to take the call with a reasonable ETA they get the call.

Sent from my SM-N900P using Tapatalk

[thelowmax]

In my opinion, they're all the same. However, I've never had a bad experience through AMA and have had several with AAA simply based on the fact that they refused to come out. (though if you tell them that you are driving the closest car parked nearby, and only need a jump, the guy may begrudgingly help you. Guess how I know that

Ultimately, I learned the hard way about AAA and thought I might share a bit of useful info. Frankly, I hope you never need it.