I've used AAA RV + for my bike. Here in NJ tow companys must be issued a permit to tow on the Garden State Parkway or the NJ Turnpike.
I broke down on the parkway, called AAA and they told me to call the State Police. I did and they sent out a permitted tow truck. A roll back with a wheel dolly and the proper (clean) straps. The driver did an excellent job. But, because it wasn't AAA he could only tow me to his shop.

I called AAA when we got there and they had another roll back there in 30 minutes. He took me home. AAA paid for both tows.


Another time a buddy had a rear tire shred at 70 mph. We were on a super slab and it was 7 a.m.. After successfully getting the bike to the shoulder without getting killed we called AAA. They said it would be about 2 hours until the truck showed up. Ten minutes later a trooper pulls up to check on us. We tell him what AAA said and says 'Hold on a minute". He went to his car, 5 minutes later he comes back and says that the truck will be here 30 minutes. It was there in 20. lol
The truck had the proper wheel dolly and straps to transport a bike.

So, I've had good service with AAA. Both in cars and on bikes.

 

Expect this response:
"Driver not allowed to talk on cell phone as their primary directive is to drive and follow assignment as directed. So sorry..."
And, there are Wrecker Services around here that their policy is CASH ONLY.
And, to feel the green before they even touch your ride. You gonna be ready?

 

It seems that your bike actually left you stranded and AAA let you down in getting reasonable service. I've had them for over 30 years and always had great luck... with my automobiles. But just like HOG, AAA only contracts out to the local towing service and picking up a motorcycle is a lot different than a car. Plus, I'd bet that all of us bitch and moan about anything and everything when someone else has to touch our bike. Tow truck drivers probably don't even want to take the call from broken-down Harley owners...

I've had to use HOG a couple of times and was pretty disappointed too, but I think it really comes down to the towing companies in the area where you break down, and neither HOG or AAA can do much abut that. My bike is insured with GEICO and it's the same thing... they don't own tow trucks either.

 

OK....Let me respond to a few things here. First, I thought bike was repaired. After replacing in tank fuel line, took it out for a test ride. Rode approximately 50 miles round trip with no issues. So, just like anyone who thinks they have their vehicle fixed, you drive (ride) it. And yes, I have called for AAA in the past for my truck (wheel bearing blew out) and they did provide excellent service. But the fact remains, known issue or not, anyone can breakdown at anytime regardless. It is at this time that when you have paid for a service, call it dispatch, or insurance or whatever, you expect to get what you pay for. And if you don't, you at least expect to be able to speak with someone directly or receive a call back from someone in a position to make decisions and authorizations to let the customer know " Hey, we dropped the ball on this one. We're gonna make it right by blah,blah,blah". Not add "insult to injury" by saying " all we can do is offer you a gas card for 20 dollars". And, no, haven't been in this area too long. Don't know ANYONE with a trailer. But if I did, that would make having paid for AAA services stupid on my part if I could just get a friend to come out for gas money. THIS IS WHY I PAID FOR AAA!!! It goes to the original statement-do not offer a service you cannot provide in that area. If you have someone pay for a service you can't provide you could be looking at all kinds of legal headaches in the future from such unethical and unwise business practices. And AAA doesn't own their trucks??? Uh, yes, in Gainesville, Florida they do. They have about 5 of them there. Clearly marked as AAA roadside assistance vehicles on the hood and both doors with license number. No other tow companies name on them. I realize they often do contract out to other tow companies, but yes they do own and run their own trucks. And it is now Saturday morning. This all started Sunday night. I have yet to talk to ANYONE in a position of authority with the company regarding this issue, even though I have repeatedly requested to either be tranferred to them or receive a call back from them. So, with all that in mind, I have a right to be fuming right now. I just renewed my policy with them, and they won't even give a refund to satisfy me. I know, policy is no refunds, but DO something to make it right by the customer. Not insult them.

 

I am sure every area is different, but where I live AAA contracts with some tow company I never heard of, and AMA uses the best company that tows everything from motorcycles to semis.
I was paying $89/year for AAA for my wife. When I called them for a tow, they only covered the first 5 miles, with a no name company. I called the AMA towing, which comes free with membership, and they gave the first 35 miles free, with a Premium company.
And it's only $49/year to join the AMA.
http://www.americanmotorcyclist.com/membership/join


I don't agree with all the second guessers on here. And the point of the thread is that AAA has lousy towing, not how roadworthy the OP's bike is. He would have had to wait just as long, if he had a brand new bike he just rode out of the dealership.

 

No not always in my state, one time 100 miles outside of Vegas in the middle of no where (They where there in an hour) took me into Vegas.

Do they have problems maybe i don't know since I've never experienced all i know is after 30 years i have not one issue with them.

 

He would have had to wait just as long, if he had a brand new bike he just rode out of the dealership ... Geez Ron, we actually agree on something. Well said :>)

 

Here's my story: Blew a fanbelt in my VW van, going up the 'Grapevine' in So. Cal. A big, shiny, tow truck with the AAA logo on the side was coming up the hill stopping at disabled cars on the way up. When he got to me I showed him my AAA club card. 'Sorry buddy, it's cash only today.' I fashioned a semi fanbelt out of fishing line and made it to the top. Coasted downhill into a service station couple hours later. Never renewed with A**holes Anonymous Again!

 

i've thought about AAA service in the past but we have roadside assistance through our insurance (Allstate). not a plug for them but i had an incodent where i ran out of fuel, i called the assistance and within an hour they were there. in full disclosure, i had already gone and gotten fuel for my diesel truck. i sent the fuel delivery on their way and waited for a tow truck. one came about 40 minutes later and towed me about 20 miles to home. point being, look into your insurance companies, they have assistance also. might be an alternative.

 

I have both HOG & AAA and am happy to say that I have not needed either one as of yet!