Watch those club benefits...

[darthandy]

Early last spring, I joined the Gold Wing Road Riders Association since I had found myself hanging out and riding with the local chapter guys on a regular basis. We have a lot of fun and they don't care what you're riding as long as you're riding. Last month, while riding my '94 Triumph, an electrical problem stalled the bike (Can you believe it? An electrical problem on an English bike!!) and I had to pull over. As I couldn't diagnose the problem just then, I decided to use my new Honda roadside rescue service, included in my membership fee. I hadn't noticed when I joined up, but it turns out they will only take your bike to a repair shop ... they won't take it to your home! Now I know they have their reasons, but this put me in a difficult position. The nearest bike shop that I thought might even be willing to look at a Triumph (Independent shop - not a dealer) was 15 miles away while my house was about 6 miles away. The nearest Triumph dealer was 50 miles away. But, what was worse, it was nearly 8 at night which meant the shops were closed. I would have had to leave my bike parked in front of the store and in both cases, in an area that was, well, not exactly a high class area. Putting it bluntly, to have left the bike there would have meant about a 90% chance of severe vandalism or outright theft. And then, once the details would have come out, I wonder if the insurance company would have been willing to pay. Anyway, after talking with the rep and having him check with his supervisor, I gave up and called the C.A.A. (Canadian equivalent of the A.A.A.) since I have the "plus" membership. They were there in 20 minutes with a nice covered trailer with a low load floor, a wheel chock at the front and tie down straps. We were loaded up and ready to roll in 5 minutes and they took me straight home and helped me get the bike into my garage.

 

So, I'm not knocking the Honda Rescue Service, as I'm sure they have good reasons for operating as they do, but if anyone is thinking of joining the club, remember this fact. You may still need another service in some cases.

 

Then again, they may have heard of my little stunt at a local A&W bike night when a young guy asked me what the letters "GWRRA" on my crest, stood for. I said "Oh I'm with the Gold Wing Road Riders Association" then tipping my Yamaha cap, I added, "Brought to you by Yamaha." Did I mention the chapter president was in line directly in front of me when I said that?

 

Andy