I've been a HOG member since 2005 and for the first time had to use the HOG Roadside Assistance to tow my bike to my mechanic. You would think that using HOG Roadside Assistance they would send you someone that actually knows how to correctly transport a motorcycle. After all, it is "HARLEY" Owners Group, not CHEVY owners group. The driver was surprised to find out it was a motorcycle he was assigned to tow. He was the only one who showed up with the flatbed truck. He asked me to help him load the bike onto the flatbed. In hindsight, I should have sent him on his way and called HOG back and told them to send a tow truck with TWO people so they can load the bike. I straddled the bike as he connected the strap around the front forks. Once he got it up on the flatbed, there was a huge dent on top of the front fender from the metal ring he had the strap run through. Cut a long story short, it has resulted in about a $900 front fender replacement and repair and he is being a real d$%k disputing the cost. I finally settled with him today and will be out of pocket $85 just so I can put it to bed and have my mechanic fix it.

If you ever find yourself in a situation where you need a tow and you call HOG Roadside Assistance, 1) I would shy away from doing that and use AAA, AARP, or your own insurance if you have it, or 2) insist that they make sure the company KNOWS it is a motorcycle they are towing and they have the proper people (not person) in the truck that know what they are doing. Should probably do this regardless of who you call!

Lesson learned, I will NEVER use HOG Roadside Assistance again and I will NOT be renewing my membership when it runs out this year. Don't know if I can state the towing company that did the damage on this forum but they are in Lake Worth, FL and their name means Greek God of the Sky!

As an aside, the claims adjuster I dealt with at Road America was extremely helpful but her hands were tied dealing with the tow company too.

 

I've broken down a couple of times over the years and had to call for roadside assistance. I've never had the flatbed driver arrive with two people in the truck. I've always helped the driver load and tie down my bike and I was happy to do it.

 

Unfortunate situation.
I have experienced unpleasant situations with other towing programs too.
I learned that in the end the towing program is just a call center that directs your request to a local service provider.
Basically they hand off the request.
The local service provider might perform great, not show up or something in between.
In your case it would appear that individual providing actual towing service might have been inexperienced.
Not everybody knows how to tow a motorcycle and not all trucks carry the skate required to roll the bike up onto flat bed.
I have not seen a truck with two employees but maybe that exists someplace.
Tow companies in some jurisdictions require a license.
If the individual does not make situation correct then i would review options with their local operational license regulator.
Settled and being paid might mean two different things.

 

Agreed. And good luck finding a tow company that specializes in motorcycles. They'd be out of business in no time, just not enough call for it.

 

Been many a thread on this subject, and I've never seen two men in a tow truck ever. Thanks for posting your situation, brings an awareness to breaking down needing a tow.

 

Sorry folks,I have no use for HOG.No use for their stupid pins/ patches or pack on miles to boost our profit center ( service department) program.Dont need the stupid map or tow service either. I remember what the MoCo did to the flag rider and how they threw that big party after closing down the KC plant.Lastly, I wouldn't belong to any organization that would have me as a member. (Ducking secondary missile hazards!)

 

So far I've never needed my bike towed. But years ago when I was preparing for maybe needing a tow at some future date I noticed, on several forums, the reviews about HOG towing were mixed. I went with AAA with their optional RV/Motorcycle coverage. They seemed to have the best overall reviews.

If and when I ever need to call them I will be sure to let them know I am riding a 900+ lb. Harley, and I will get the operator's name. And I won't mind helping the driver load her up cause like others have said, I've never seen a tow truck with anyone other than just the driver show up.

 

I have not had to have a bike towed, but have had cars and trucks towed using my insurance. The bold part above is important - the call center has a list of towing providers it calls. I know each time I used the service, I got a survey a few days later. My experiences have all been positive as far as the towing services. I would call and/or email and let HOG know that the towing company screwed up and what happened. If a company gets multiple complaints I would hope that they would get taken off the list.

I also have not ever seen a tow truck with two people.

 

spit it out who was it?? so some of us dont end up calling them

 

You're best bet is to contact a dealership. They are equiped to handle motorcycles.