A Stranded Rider
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,172
Likes: 7
From: Clermont, GA, CSA
I always stop and check when I see a bike on the side of the highway. No one has ever needed my help, help on the way, just stopped to make a call, etc.
Several years ago 3 of us were riding to Thunder Beach in Panama City when my Sportster's lights started fading, then a few miles later it died. A man and his wife, who were trailering their bike, stopped to help. They unloaded his bike, loaded mine, then she drove to the HD dealer in Dothan, AL. A loose stator wire was the problem and it had killed the battery DEAD. A new battery and tightened wire and we were back on the road. The couple who stopped wouldn't take a dime from me for their trouble.
Like I said I always stop and check.
.
Several years ago 3 of us were riding to Thunder Beach in Panama City when my Sportster's lights started fading, then a few miles later it died. A man and his wife, who were trailering their bike, stopped to help. They unloaded his bike, loaded mine, then she drove to the HD dealer in Dothan, AL. A loose stator wire was the problem and it had killed the battery DEAD. A new battery and tightened wire and we were back on the road. The couple who stopped wouldn't take a dime from me for their trouble.
Like I said I always stop and check.
.
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 48
Likes: 2
From: Texas
Pulled into a station to get gas on a run to Ruidoso,noticed a guy standing by his FL drinking a water,he walks up and says hey can I borrow your key to get my gas cap open.I walk over with him and sure enouh it worked.Learn something everyday!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 11,730
Likes: 9,163
From: Georgia
I reattached a radiator hose on a BMW and tightened a battery cable on a Cadillac on my latest road trip. Unfortunately, all help offered was to people in cars so it doesn't count and I couldn't make a thread to get a few pats on the back.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 10,394
Likes: 1,868
From: California
I always stop and help I will go WAY out of my way too. I passed 2 patch holders from the area on side of road dead one had blown a primary belt. I lived about 10 miles away told em not to bother with a tow truck of whatever that I'd be right back. Went home got my Dodge and ramp loaded the down bike in the bed and drove the guy back down to SJ area with his buddy following. They were very appreciative.
Anyhow I always feel good helping stranded motorists. I feel less good though when it is someone who could have spared us both the "hassle" if they had bothered to learn a bit about fixing their bike and had some tools.
There is no harm or shame (I think) in being able to do some basic trouble shooting and knowing some work arounds for things that can and do break on bikes.
The last guy I helped was on a new Victory toruing bike. I was on way to HD in SF to pick up a clutch spring compression tool or whatever it is called and I stopped. He had clutch issues. I offered to take a look but I guess he didn't want anyone breaking his broken bike. His description sounded like a loose clutch cable. Probably a quick fix.
Went to SF and on way back poor dude was still there. So i drove down Ralston got him some bottled water and drove back up to give it to him and hang out while he waited.
He never let me mess with cable though
Anyhow I always feel good helping stranded motorists. I feel less good though when it is someone who could have spared us both the "hassle" if they had bothered to learn a bit about fixing their bike and had some tools.
There is no harm or shame (I think) in being able to do some basic trouble shooting and knowing some work arounds for things that can and do break on bikes.
The last guy I helped was on a new Victory toruing bike. I was on way to HD in SF to pick up a clutch spring compression tool or whatever it is called and I stopped. He had clutch issues. I offered to take a look but I guess he didn't want anyone breaking his broken bike. His description sounded like a loose clutch cable. Probably a quick fix.
Went to SF and on way back poor dude was still there. So i drove down Ralston got him some bottled water and drove back up to give it to him and hang out while he waited.
He never let me mess with cable though
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 10,394
Likes: 1,868
From: California
I am providing you some virtual pats on the back for your hard work and diligence. Very well done dude...
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Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 552
Likes: 1
From: Northern VA
Can't say I have had a chance to help any stranded bike riders yet, but have stopped before to help cars, RVs, etc. that clearly needed help, like a couple with kids travelling 3 miles away from my house (KOA in the area) who clearly had no idea how to change a tire. The way I see it, all actions good or bad come back to us in one way or another, and if one has time and means to help another person, why not take a few minutes out of the day and do just so?
Btw, I do assess the situation first, before stopping, just to at least see if it could be a trap of sorts vs. a truly stranded motorist.
Btw, I do assess the situation first, before stopping, just to at least see if it could be a trap of sorts vs. a truly stranded motorist.
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