HOG Roadside Assistance
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,249
Likes: 565
From: Utah
I've had tows a couple(few) times. Never had 2 tow operators show up. I always supervise and assist with the loading/unloading of the bike. Nothing wrong with doing that, it's your bike. And if you are not a dick about it, I think the tow operator actually appreciates the assistance.
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: West Palm Beach
Seriously ? You can't make the distinction between your underwriter and the guy driving the goddamn truck ? I think I understand your problem. Its called the "real world".
If the guy has no experience securing your ride to his truck, help him out and show him how to do it right. How hard is that ?
If the rider doesn't know how to do this either, then call the HD Dealer and get instructions. They won't be difficult.
Life isn't a concierge service. Thinking it is is gonna cost !
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If the guy has no experience securing your ride to his truck, help him out and show him how to do it right. How hard is that ?
If the rider doesn't know how to do this either, then call the HD Dealer and get instructions. They won't be difficult.
Life isn't a concierge service. Thinking it is is gonna cost !
.
To everyone who mentioned about tow trucks not having two people on them, I understand that it isn't standard practice. Wasn't aware that they wouldn't do that or have a secure way of pulling the bike up onto the flatbed when only one person is with the truck. Good to know. But, one of you mentioned the skid that is used to pull the bike up onto the flatbed. Obviously this guy didn't have one and I didn't know to make sure he did. Lesson learned all around! Thanks for all the feedback.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,826
Likes: 1,047
From: Southwest Desert
If I am closer to home next time, when I need a tow, I plan on calling a friend with a motorcycle trailer. A case of beer and a bottle of Rum is our standing agreement. Double, if after midnight. And I will get a ride home. Seems like a deal... 
Last edited by SirHarley; Feb 6, 2020 at 03:20 PM.
Sorry you had a bad experience.
That said, my working assumption is that all of the various insurance companies (including HOG) are all fishing out of the same pond: In any given location, there are only so many tow operators, and only so many of them are interested in taking on these insurance company contracts. I wouldn't be surprised if there isn't some sort of national aggregator company in the middle as well. IE, HOG, AAA, StateFarm and all the rest don't want to be bothered finding a tow operator in every nook and cranny of the country, so they sign up with "Amalgamated Tow Consolidators" and Amalgamated is the one that actually does the leg work to find all the individual operators.
All of which is a long way of saying I wouldn't be surprised if it doesn't matter who you have your coverage with. The same guy is showing up no matter what.
That said, my working assumption is that all of the various insurance companies (including HOG) are all fishing out of the same pond: In any given location, there are only so many tow operators, and only so many of them are interested in taking on these insurance company contracts. I wouldn't be surprised if there isn't some sort of national aggregator company in the middle as well. IE, HOG, AAA, StateFarm and all the rest don't want to be bothered finding a tow operator in every nook and cranny of the country, so they sign up with "Amalgamated Tow Consolidators" and Amalgamated is the one that actually does the leg work to find all the individual operators.
All of which is a long way of saying I wouldn't be surprised if it doesn't matter who you have your coverage with. The same guy is showing up no matter what.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 5,815
Likes: 2,555
From: UK
I've used Harley assistance twice in the last five years and both times it has been perfect, motorcycle experienced and quick.
Last time was in the Black Forest two years ago when I lost a wheel bearing. The (one) guy was properly prepared and expecting a motorcycle, put it on the truck easily with no damage to the bike and took me to a hotel and the bike to the dealer.
Harley paid for my hotel, my dinner, my out of pocket expenses and the bike was the first in line to be fixed next morning when the dealer opened. I had a lovely evening and continued on my way.
I couldn't offer one criticism of the service. But I do live in Europe, so your mileage may differ.
Last time was in the Black Forest two years ago when I lost a wheel bearing. The (one) guy was properly prepared and expecting a motorcycle, put it on the truck easily with no damage to the bike and took me to a hotel and the bike to the dealer.
Harley paid for my hotel, my dinner, my out of pocket expenses and the bike was the first in line to be fixed next morning when the dealer opened. I had a lovely evening and continued on my way.
I couldn't offer one criticism of the service. But I do live in Europe, so your mileage may differ.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 5,895
Likes: 1,908
From: East Coast, USA
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 6,175
Likes: 1,966
From: Great State of Canada
Here's how the tow truck driver has done this with me in the past. Roll the bike X amount of feet behind the flatbed truck. You, the owner get on the motorcycle and shift into neutral. I'm assuming the bike isn't running. Tow truck driver pushes the motorcycle, gaining some speed, you just make it up onto the flatbed. You immediately grab the front brakes and steady the bike. Tow truck driver levels flatbed. Once the flatbed is level, you roll the motorcycle further forward. I don't think the flatbed is at a 45 degree angle when you ride on up. It is a bit nerve-racking.
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