Did you ever have the Rocket towed ?

[RicoSuave]

I was out riding with the local HD guys last week and quite unexpectedly (har, har), one of the older HD's, a wide glide I believe, just plain stopped running. Turned out it was electrical issues and we got it started but everyone started talking about tow truck horror stories. It kind of scared me as I like to run way out in the sticks and I don't have a clue what I would do if the R3 stopped dead or if I got a flat? Anyone ever need the services of a tow? Did you request a flatbed with a lift? Did you just sit and whimper like a beaten puppy until help arrived?

[mtnwinds]

No experience with towing.....however, if it's a flat that may cause towing I was wondering if anyone uses a flat repair kit of some kind??? I've heard about some that involve 'slime' and co2. Does anyone carry something like this and if so, where did you get it?

[Jamie]

Your question is a reality check, Rico. Pertinent and therefore utterly unpleasant. My answer is: I don't know. And I would rather remain ignorant!

Have a bike-specific Swiss Touring Club (TCS) card with a toll-free, pan-European road emergency phone#. Sounds good? Not really. The TCS vehicles (and their German counterparts) I have seen on the road are clearly meant to tow cars or vans, not bikes. And it would take more than a TCS driver to load the RIII up onto the truck bed and to safely anchor it there.

There's a bit of an Indian summer around Western Switz. right now. Perfect for riding.

And YOU had to come up with this towing- brainer- show- stopper :???:

[ This message was edited by: Jamie on 2005-10-28 14:40 ]

[Aussiebikerdave]

Now that we're all thinking about it, it might be a good idea to visit your local BMW dealer and purchase their tubeless tyre repair kit that comes with each new BMW. This is not bulky and would easily fit in you pocket... or could sit on top of your tool kit if the underseat air snorkel is removed.

Although I haven't put it to the test, after plugging the hole and using all 3 gas bottles in the kit, it should be enough to give 10 or 12 psi which is certainly enough to limp home (or to the nearest servo) at slow speed on a very gentle throttle.

Cheap insurance? Davo

[RocketEd]

I'm very thankful to have never needed my AAA Roadside Assistance plan for any of my bikes. I don't know how prevalent competent motorcycle towers are, but I assume there's enough bikes out there now to have created a few.
I do always carry a flat repair kit with plugs, glue, reamer, 6 CO2 cartridges and one of the little gizmos to dispense same. Bought mine from Competition Accessories if memory serves. I try to remember to switch it from bike to bike when I switch rides as I've had more than my share of flats. Ah yes, there's nothing like a rear flat at 6:00 on a Sunday night 200 miles from home.......

[SteveRed]

Here in Sydney there are a few very specific bike carrier companies... e.g "Ghostriders" comes to mind. They will pick up your bike in a big covered van and deliver it to wherever you wish for a reasonable cost. I always carry a card but do miss the BMW road side assist I had with the Beemers

SteveRed

[RicoSuave]

I came across this product and it seems like it has a pretty good history behind it. At least it would take care of the "flat out in the middle of nowhere" issue.
Ride-On

Unfortunately, I have had my rocket towed. A VERY large bolt found it's way into my big beautiful rear tire. Went completely flat within a few short minutes. I have the AAA motorcycle and RV towing plan, so I wasn't worried. Called AAA, gave operator my bike info and description, and waited. The first time they sent this little pickup with a motorized motorcycle ramp. Driver took one look at the Rocket and said no way. So I called again. They said they'd try to find another outfit that could handle it. I suggested they send a flat bed. They sent the same company, same truck, same driver, and his supervisor. They tried, but the motor couldn't handle the weight of the Rocket. So they wised up and finally requested a flat bed. When it finally arrived I had to ride my bike up on to the lift, and hold the brakes as they tilted it back to the flat position. 4 hours after getting the flat I finally had my bike at the dealer.

Good times.

Moral of this story is if you have to call for a tow, give the operator the size AND weight of the bike, and insist on a flat bed.

[RidinSunshine]

We haven't had to tow our Rockets yet. In the past when the Boss had to be towed we called family to go get our trailer and truck to tow it. And yes we had to build one specific for that bike. After almost having to send for someone from another state we bought the MTS package. They are supposed to only send motorcycle qualifing rigs, etc to pick up bike. Have been lucky and haven't had to give it a try yet. But it does make sense to me to go that route cause you have to handle it much differant than just towing a cage.

Get real motorcycle insurance from a specialty provider. They will only send a flat bed, and they will cover most of your sundry expenses too.

<A HREF=http://www.southbayinsurance.com/motorcycle/>http://www.southbayinsurance.com/</A>

This is a shameless plug for my wife's insurance agency. We got really frustrated with the kind of coverages available, and got her affiliated with several speciality underwriters so we could shop around and get the best coverages for us and our friends.

[ This message was edited by: RedondoPat on 2005-11-03 23:42 ]