Roadside assistance

[Konrad]

If this has been asked/discussed before, I apologize for not being able to find it.

I'm very interested in a roadside assistance plan, particularly the one provided by Honda for $120 for 5 years (unlimited distance to dealership). :yes:

1. where does one buy it online? Website?

2. for those of us who are deaf, using a telephone/cellphone for anything other than text messaging is useless. So, if I'm stranded somewhere I need to be able to contact the service by texting. Does the Honda plan allow that?

3. what plans do have texting?

Forget AMA - even though I am a member I have never received a response from them when asking this question. I am now an ex-member.

GWRRA says they will answer a text but sounded a little indefinite about it.

I look forward to your advice!

 

[Calman]

There are several programs out there to choose from. Punch "motorcycle roadside assistance" into your search engine to get a listing.

 

[Saltywheels]

Konrad: Recently I had drive shaft problems while on I-10 near Palm Springs, CA & called the GWRRA nbr. Yes we politely screamed at each other to compensate for the roar of the f'way till I was hoarse. Sorry, no texting available! Everyone was very nice etc, but sure would have helped if they had texting!! And the AA, well they don't either.

 

[Maria]

Well this brings up an interesting point - since we have TT and TOI members all over the place, what about some kind of membership list with phone, fax, text, email contact info that we could each print before we go on a long trip? Sort it by state. That way, If I know I am going to be in, say, Texas, I can print it before I go (since I don't have mobile internet) -and I will have a list with me of all you Texans that I can call on for help if I need it - or a meet & greet if I don't ---? Just a thought! I would be happy to be a southern Az contact. It also occurs to me that we should include on the list what we can offer - I don't currently have a trailer that could handle a trike, for example, but could easily wrangle one if need be if someone were stranded near me. I CAN offer meals, showers, a comfy sofa bed, and a garage with lots of tools!

 

[Blondie Gal]

Maria, I'm pretty sure that Bazooka, trikeleader and Nana are working on our own "Blue List" (for lack of a better name) and hope to have it completed by the time of the rally for those who attend. I would think that it could be either emailed to or downloaded by members at some point. We'll ask admins to keep us posted!! Thanks!

 

[Konrad]

Konrad: Recently I had drive shaft problems while on I-10 near Palm Springs, CA & called the GWRRA nbr. Yes we politely screamed at each other to compensate for the roar of the f'way till I was hoarse. Sorry, no texting available! Everyone was very nice etc, but sure would have helped if they had texting!! And the AA, well they don't either.

It would only cost them a text-only monthly cell phone bill and these people could pick up a lot of business from the deaf community. They may feel that because we can't hear therefore we can't think.

The Americans With Disabilities Act is kinda screwed up - they have braille on drive-up ATMs but very few businesses can receive texts from the deaf.

 

[Boscoporp]

I belong to GWRRA and they include a roadside assistance plan with their $50.00 membership. It covers all your vehicles for $50.00 a year! I have used it and it worked well. I was out in the middle of nowher and I had a dead battery and they came in 30 minutes and started me up NO COST!

 

[Konrad]

I belong to GWRRA and they include a roadside assistance plan with their $50.00 membership. It covers all your vehicles for $50.00 a year! I have used it and it worked well. I was out in the middle of nowher and I had a dead battery and they came in 30 minutes and started me up NO COST!

I have no doubt it works well - if you can HEAR! But if you are deaf and can only send texts, it's worthless.

 

[docweb]

the spot, satellite device, you choose how much assistance you need and pay for, push a button, everything is pre programed and works anywhere, i mean anywhere and you can change how you want picked up.

tell you need a trailer, a tow, a helicopter what ever.

people can follow you on google

you can send an "ok" msg

call 911,
or

send the marines.

 

[DonFor]

Triple A has a new plan, if you already belong to AAA,you can add the motorcycle or trike.

 

[Konrad]

Triple A has a new plan, if you already belong to AAA,you can add the motorcycle or trike.

Once again: The problem is not with the plan! the problem is with the companies refusing to have a cell phone contact to receive text messages from deaf members requiring roadside assistance.

 

[meredog]

:Computer: hope if u find a company who accepts texts that they have found folks who can read

 

[Southern Man]

We belong to a group called U.S. Rider, this group covers you when you pull a trailer loaded with livestock so it is good for us with horses. It also covers us in our motorhome or on the motorcycle at no extra charges. $119 a year.

If you was on the road towing your trike it would cover breakdowns of the tow vehical or trailer. Also when we are ridding with someone else the plan covers whatever vehical we happen to be ridding in.

 

[trucker]

People are sooooooooooooo dense.
People read and still do not understand..................DEAF is DEAF ..........CAN'T HEAR!!!
That is why Konrad is looking for a plan WITH texting!!!
Hope all is well Konrad and you do find a a service with texting.

 

[Don 1800]

konrad I known what you are going throught I been thier 5 months ago I had a hearing inplant put in works pretty goog had to make some changes on my helmet but I can hear good luck on finding text road side help

 

[Paul_Trike]

konrad I feel your pain, I am not deaf but my wife is. Her tty broke awhile back and we needed to have some changes made to her retirement plan so I called and explained I was her husband and she was deaf so could they please give me a number to fax a power of attorney to so I can speak on her behalf. They said they would have to ask her questions first so if I could just give the phone to her and they would talk with her. If you find a answer to your delima please share with the rest of us. I have been looking for her the same thing.

 

[Woolie]

Texas has this service Relay Texas - don't know about other states. My niece worked for them at one time and said they get all kinds of calls. When their service is called they call the terminating number and act as a go between for the call. From their website it looks like they also do internet and IM connection. Google for your state and see what you can find.

 

[Paul_Trike]

Yes relay texas is a great service, however will do you no good if your on the road. It works using a TTY so if your broke down on the side of the road your still stuck.

 

[Konrad]

FOLLOW-UP!
GWRRA has a mobile number for the roadside help service they provide that DEAF riders can text to for help! Here it is: (226) 268-4430. I've tested it and it works. The people are very polite.

 

[Duck]

Konrad, if you find one that does use texting, please let us know. I also have a hearing problem and have faced the same problem several times. I have ended up texting my wife and she would do the talking for me.

 

[Konrad]

Konrad, if you find one that does use texting, please let us know. I also have a hearing problem and have faced the same problem several times. I have ended up texting my wife and she would do the talking for me.

Check my post directly before yours - your question is answered! GWRRA roadside assistance is the way to go!

 

[Scott1]

Do you have someone that can take your text message and place the call for you? I know it is inconvenient but this may be your best solution to the problem. You could setup a preplan with the person taking your call and then you would just have to send the address or location that your are at. The GWRRA as far as I know has the best roadside help with the use of there Gold Book. Hope this helps.

 

[cscsonny]

Motorist and cyclist today rely all too much on cell phone service (which can be iffy out on the highway or rural areas) and seem to forget some old school rules of the road that can be used and stll work.
One.if a motorcyle is stranded on the side of roadway and the riders helmet is on the ground near the rear of bike,he/she wants you to stop and help.They then could get the help you need.
I NEVER ,pass a bike and rider on the side of the road,no matter what brand,to offer any assistance they may need.If they are just taking a break than I'm on my way and they think I was a nice guy for stopping.
Second,motorist used to be advised to carry a small plastic sign in their vehicles that simply stated "SEND HELP".A passing motorist was then to contact local police and tell them you were stranded and needed help.Then PD could get assistance for you.
Not everyone is a GWRRA member for the Road Assistance Plan.
If everything else fails,at least you have these options that still work.
Hope this helps a little.

 

[Konrad]

Thanks for that info and suggestions - I had NO idea about the "helmet-on-the-ground" signal. In all my years I have never heard of that! And if a biker is not aware of it, I'll bet most cagers are not, either. Hence the plastic "SEND HELP!" sign is a darned good idea on those back roads.

 

[trucker]

Where do you find a sign that reads "send help"?
I have not seen any in my travels.

 

[DakotaTG]

I have never heard of the "helmet on the ground" signal before but have heard and seen numerous times that a "bandanna or hankerchief tied to the left handlebar or antenna is the universal motorcycle signal for help. Actually American Iron Magazine and Motorcycle Bagger has that in everyone of their issues. Hopefully a passing motorist will stop and you can communicate thru them. Like cscsonny mentioned I too will stop and check on a motorcycle pulled over on the side of the road. They may be taking a break or they may have a breakdown but you don't know if you don't stop. Besides it's alway nice to met another biker and take a little break yourself.