Trip out west.......
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,314
Likes: 376
From: Mississippi
Just wondering. How often do you go on a "long" road trip?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 9,568
Likes: 7,936
From: Long Island, New York
We took a six week road trip last summer. I purchased the HOG upgraded Road Side Assitance, less than $100.
Shifter spline stripped out at the Canadian-Maine border. Limped the bike stuck in fifth across the border and called the 1-800 #. Flatbed was on site within the hour, get towed all the way to Bangor ME, at least 1.5 hours from the border. No cost to me, gave the driver a $20. He also brought us to a truck stop instead of the dealership, which was closed on Sunday (and not opening till Tuesday). We had another buddy from NH drive up to get us at the truck stop, real convenient all things considered.
Bottom line, it was nice to call an 800 number, someone answered on a Sunday and a truck was with me quickly. The driver being aces after that was all bonus for me.
Shifter spline stripped out at the Canadian-Maine border. Limped the bike stuck in fifth across the border and called the 1-800 #. Flatbed was on site within the hour, get towed all the way to Bangor ME, at least 1.5 hours from the border. No cost to me, gave the driver a $20. He also brought us to a truck stop instead of the dealership, which was closed on Sunday (and not opening till Tuesday). We had another buddy from NH drive up to get us at the truck stop, real convenient all things considered.
Bottom line, it was nice to call an 800 number, someone answered on a Sunday and a truck was with me quickly. The driver being aces after that was all bonus for me.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 13,402
Likes: 941
From: Illinois
I've never even thought about it. I have done 49 States and most of Canada. Always start with new tires. My HD's have gotten me home without issue for the past ten years.
The only thing that has ever come to mind is when I'm booking along in a remote area I think "Yikes I'm only on two wheels".
The only thing that has ever come to mind is when I'm booking along in a remote area I think "Yikes I'm only on two wheels".
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9,982
Likes: 5,220
From: Michigan
Lately, not as much as I'd like.
Family issues, my wife's job, etc. has put long trips on hold but even so I try to take at least one or two trips each season.
Last year a friend and I managed a trip around Lake Superior in June and in July we got down to NC and done Maggie Valley, the "Tail of the Dragon" and we toured the "Wheels thru Time Museum".
This year we're planning a trip to Dallas and then on to Las Vegas.
Hopefully my wife will be able to get some vacation time and if so, she gets to choose the trip destination. She loves the BRP so that may be where we'll go.
My preference would be up the eastern seaboard to Maine and then Nova Scotia and I'd like to go to N.F. and PEI but that will probably be another year or two.
Family issues, my wife's job, etc. has put long trips on hold but even so I try to take at least one or two trips each season.
Last year a friend and I managed a trip around Lake Superior in June and in July we got down to NC and done Maggie Valley, the "Tail of the Dragon" and we toured the "Wheels thru Time Museum".
This year we're planning a trip to Dallas and then on to Las Vegas.
Hopefully my wife will be able to get some vacation time and if so, she gets to choose the trip destination. She loves the BRP so that may be where we'll go.
My preference would be up the eastern seaboard to Maine and then Nova Scotia and I'd like to go to N.F. and PEI but that will probably be another year or two.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9,982
Likes: 5,220
From: Michigan
Road service usually isn't very expensive.
Hey, take it from me, when you're broke down ANY flatbed wrecker service will do!
Heck, even a farmer with a trailer can get you to town, dealership, or a bike shop.
I carry two tie-downs, a siphon hose, a tire repair kit, a mini air compressor, and some extra cash just in case.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9,982
Likes: 5,220
From: Michigan
I've never even thought about it. I have done 49 States and most of Canada. Always start with new tires. My HD's have gotten me home without issue for the past ten years.
The only thing that has ever come to mind is when I'm booking along in a remote area I think "Yikes I'm only on two wheels".
The only thing that has ever come to mind is when I'm booking along in a remote area I think "Yikes I'm only on two wheels".
I did have a flat on my rear (tubeless) tire in Yosemite in '91.
A nice little Park Ranger in a pickup trip went to their garage and got a portable air tank and I managed to get to a service station (on a nearly flat tire).
It was a hoot watching the two kids try to "plug" my tire.
I finally asked them if I could "help" them so we could be on our way.
Great folks though and I appreciated all of them.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,348
Likes: 247
From: Florida
First make sure bike has been fully serviced before embarking on a long road trip.
I carry roadside assistance insurance, plug repair kit (plus electric pump) and a few tools but the one most important item is a Hogs member map book I was given with all the HD dealers locations and phone numbers, it was a godsend when I needed to find a dealer in a unknown area.
I carry roadside assistance insurance, plug repair kit (plus electric pump) and a few tools but the one most important item is a Hogs member map book I was given with all the HD dealers locations and phone numbers, it was a godsend when I needed to find a dealer in a unknown area.