Breakdown Cover

**vaultertim** · 25 Oct 07, 08:22 PM

Hi all,

Does anyone know of a good company or does anyone have a specific type of breakdown cover for bikes that is tried and tested?

I had the misfortune of 'obtaining' myself a puncture yesterday

I had called into the services on the M42 and when getting back on the bike got a tap on the shoulder from a passer by that said my rear tyre looked 'a little soft'! Indeed it was so I trundled down to the air machine at the petrol station only to have my worst fears confirmed.

In my case I was lucky enough to have only been 3 junctions from home where I had a spare wheel/tyre in the garage. A couple of calls and an hour or so later my spare, my Abba stand and my socket set were with me and I got it swapped over in about 20mins (had to swap the sprocket onto the new wheel too) so other than being late for work yesterday afternoon, not too much bother really.

It just got me thinking ... what if I had been in the middle of nowhere, touring hundreds or even thousands of miles from home?

If anyone has any good suggestions then they'd be much appreciated

I've heard some horror stories about breakdown companies where bikes are concerned...

Cheers

T²

**bremalynchance** · 25 Oct 07, 08:32 PM

I have no idea on the recovery services but a major pat on the back for the passer by who was kind enough to inform you of the puncture.

Nice to know there are some good people still out there

**p11 rob** · 25 Oct 07, 08:34 PM

Dont join the AA they are rubbish took me 8 hours to get home and was only 20 miles away. they will first send a van to tell you they are not trained for motorbikes, then hours later send a sub-contract van who can only take you to the nearest services or safe place. Then just as your mobile battery is about to run out send another sub-contract van to take you home.

Think i am going to buy a trailer and tow bar. Would be much quicker.

**rockjock620** · 25 Oct 07, 09:08 PM

I've said it before and I'll say it again - Green Flag Personal Cover. Me, the wife, my son, all covered on one policy for: home start, roadside assistance, full recovery, in any car or on any bike. The principal named vehicle has automatic free continental cover. When you ring up, they listen, will bring you fuel, will fix it if they can or come with motorcycle specific recovery vehicle if you ask for it - ready to take you all the way home. Never waited more than an hour - indeed I once walked the mile home to call the breakdown in (fan belt) they were waiting at the car when I got back! They use local garages and pay them a good retainer - the guys are always polite, understanding and skilled. Try it. I have had bikes recovered on a flat bed capable of lifting a 4X4, a mini van with a drop down bike specific loading ramp and holding shoe, and a spectacle type frame across the rear of a winch truck - never so much as a scratch.

My mate had a seven hour **** up with AA ten miles from home recently - they said they couldn't recover the bike because it had fairings on - and there was nowhere to fasten ropes.......... I got him home in 40 minutes on my trials bike trailer, but he had to wait a couple of hours until I had finished work!

**NedLudd** · 25 Oct 07, 09:09 PM

The AA have had poor writeups here. One advantage of Carole Nash insurance is that the premium includes specialised bike breakdown recovery:

http://www.ducatisti.co.uk/forum/off...nightmare.html

**nogaromill999** · 25 Oct 07, 09:22 PM

AA arent worth the paper their contract is written on. I'd go for NCI everytime, half the price of the AA.......I've NEVER waited more than 20 minutes either, and none of this 'I can only take you so far then someone else will have to come out ' nonsense either.....

**Davieravie** · 25 Oct 07, 11:10 PM

Im self employed and I am a white van man! Transit Connect and I say it with pride. Ive got full RAC breakdown cover with it. The good thing is that it covers me and not just the van. Bike too, and if i breakdown in another persons vehicle then they are covered too. Ive used them also when a mate breaks down on a rideout. I just say it my bike. Nearly got caught out once trying to access the battery on a 600ss.........I didnt have a clue where it was or how to get the seat off!!

**NedLudd** · 26 Oct 07, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Davieravie

Ive got full RAC breakdown cover with it. The good thing is that it covers me and not just the van. Bike too, and if i breakdown in another persons vehicle then they are covered too.

That's pretty common, no? It's certainly true of AA coverage, ie that it's personal. Doesn't stop me paying extra to have the Carole Nash breakdown, mind, having heard about bikers' experiences with AA on this forum.

**rockjock620** · 26 Oct 07, 11:01 AM

forgot to say that Green Flag will also recover crash damaged bikes. Why pay the AA, then some extra for Carole Nash?

**Pax** · 31 Oct 07, 09:38 AM

Any body used these guys ? They are offering roadside assistance and recovery for £29. Have read the blurb and cannot see a catch. Any good or bad feedback ?

www.ICBreakdown.co.uk/Motorcycle