Tow guy screwed my bike up

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Aug 3, 2009 | 10:30 AM

#21

Heals

Intermediate

Joined: Jul 2009

Posts: 26

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From: NW Washington

I have AAA, the one time I've had to use 'em. The agent from AAA told me most towing companys here in the NW do not have alot of business from motocycles. The key to a good company is that the cmpany have what's called the "Falcon" system for towing motorcycles. My agent called around for me whilest I waited along side the road. IMO having AAA is my piece of mind, while on long rides.

On a different occasion, I had towing from my insurance company, my wife went off the freeway during a snow storm (imagine a woman from TN doing 70 miles an hour in a snowstorm because that is the speed limit). The insurance company sent a pair of keystone idiots who didn't give a hoot what they put the straps to and tore off the bumper of the car. (insurance fixed but still...)

So long story longer, you still have to supervise, pictures are great during the event.

Aug 3, 2009 | 11:26 AM

#22

XL50#674

Elite HDF Member

Joined: May 2009

Posts: 4,904

Likes: 9

From: Streetsboro, Oh

I work in the vehicle fleet industry and I have to say Chimps are smarter then about half the tow truck drivers out there. I would make them pay for a new seat and pipes. This is why it's always good to have a friend with a trailer.

Oh and the call center people have no idea what there talking about and have set quetions to ask.

Aug 7, 2009 | 02:38 AM

#23

bk43

Advanced

Joined: Jul 2009

Posts: 79

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Quote:

Originally Posted by poppa cooter

i had one come out to get my bike one time i told them i had a bike so they send out one for cars the driver wanted to hang my bike from his boom and tie the bottom of the frame where the car tires would rest on the back of his truck. could you imagine that, what if he went to far with the boom he would of pulled my bike into 2 pieces or stretched the sh@t out of my frame. and i sent him on his way and called another company finally got a flatbed. then the flatbed guy said i should of let the other guy hang my bike from the boom it would of been ok. i don't think so.then he wanted to run a strap over my seat i said nope, this is how you do it. and had to show him how to do it. never give these clowns full control over your property, cuz they will mess it up.

Carrying your bike with the boom. This is actually a good way of towing motorcycles. Safer in alot of ways than a flatbed. So you dont really make sense here. Ive been towing for awhile now and both the flatbed and the wrecker are good. Ive towed tons of harleys (more than most other brands damnit, I OWN ONE), I actually enjoy towing cycles. Like some of you have said, some drivers are definately dumbasses. If and when your towed give your opinion to the driver loading your bike, and if you dont like something that is happening, tell him. Request the type of truck, and be clear and concise FLATBED if thats what you want. Lastly, be nice being a jerk isnt cool, we are there helping you. Tips always welcome in the business.

Aug 7, 2009 | 06:09 AM

#24

scottwilliamson

Road Master

Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 1,181

Likes: 12

From: Dayton, OH

[ Tips always welcome in the business.[/QUOTE]

Yet another person being paid to do a job who is begging for tips. I'll start tipping people like you when people like you start tipping me for doing my job.

Aug 9, 2009 | 10:44 PM

#25

emwolb

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Aug 2008

Posts: 5,413

Likes: 17

From: eastern oklahoma

well it's good that at least the outcome was good anyway. it'd have been better if the driver had a clue as to how to lock down a harley, but he wasn't.

Aug 9, 2009 | 10:45 PM

#26

emwolb

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Aug 2008

Posts: 5,413

Likes: 17

From: eastern oklahoma

by the way this was a good thread, it gives some of the rest of us a heads up to know what to look for in case we need a tow.

Aug 10, 2009 | 07:08 AM

#27

walkerinin

Road Master

Joined: May 2008

Posts: 909

Likes: 29

From: Indiana

I have had (unfortunately) 2 occasions to have my bike towed in the past month. One was a flat tire and the other an electrical problem. Both times the tow truck driver knew what he was doing and got the bike safely loaded and transported. I did request a flatbed from AAA. I would not have let them put a hook on it.
Oh, and I did tip the drivers each time. They don't own the shop and they seemed to appreciate it.

Aug 10, 2009 | 10:07 AM

#28

TMair

Road Captain

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 619

Likes: 2

From: Midway, UT.

I have never had to have a bike towed but I have helped with two, the first one of the riders we where with parked his bike in the middle of a ditch, had to have it extracted, when they put it on the truck the guy wanted to put the kick stand down, I jumped up in the truck and helped tie it down, the tow guy watched and did it how I explained, nice guy, the second was at the grand canyon stopped to take photos and the truck pulled up to load an Ultra, we helped put it on the trailer, the guy knew exactly what he was doing, but I am sure he gets a lot of bikes considering where it is.
Terry

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