Motorcycle Emergency
Here's the 411 for the 911
Cell phone:
Basic survival gear for the 21st century.
(Smart phone even better)
GPS:
Will tell you where you are.
Stranded on the roadside:
There is no excuse for not having a cell phone. If you are out of your home country be careful of the really high roaming and international charges.
My phone company will allowed me to make a temporary change to my plan for a specific amount of time during my vacation so I could save money when calling from Canada.
My cell phone service is based in USA.
Whom to call?
Many motorcycle associations have roadside assistance.
Goldwing Road Riders Association has an excellent program of volunteer members all over the world.
If you are a member, you should carry the book.
It will also list all of the Honda repair shops in the world, as well. So you can find the nearest one.
Here is a good resource American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) It costs $39.00 a year for the membership (www.ama-cycle.org) they have towing.
If you need towing, you need a flatbed tow truck. Ask ahead of time if they have experience with motorcycles. Otherwise, you could end up getting your bike trashed by mishandling.
 Gas can:
On the market, there are collapsible gas containers, pre-filled sealed spare fuel containers in small (1/2) gallon size.
Cabelas sells a 33 oz. aluminum bottle that is marked "fuel".
Note: If you use the cardboard box/plastic gas container be sure to dispose of it correctly.
Do not put it into the trash can at the pump area where people empty ashtrays - Kaboom! - fire.
Repair shop:
If you are out of town and in unfamiliar country, ask a local biker or a cop.
If you can find an authorized dealer for your bike, he will have a good chance of having your parts available, or can get them quicker.
You may pay more, but who wants to sit in some motel, in a miserable town, for 5 days waiting for a part. (I've been there)
Mechanical:
If you can carry a repair manual for your bike, you will be very happy to have it when you need it.
Again you have your tools with you. Learn to do your own basic maintenance and repair. |
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Medical: call 911... also
If you fall ill or are somewhat incapacitated and need help, do your best to alert any one nearby.
People are basically good and usually want to be
"Good Samaritans". Again don't forget to use your cell phone - 911.
A good idea is the medical alert bracelet, and now there is a USB bracelet that can be plugged into any computer.
I just saw one at Walgreens for around $20.00
You can put your important medical info in the program included with it, and anyone can access it with a computer.
Keep the same info on an Arial type face, laminated list in your wallet.
Here's what to put on the list:
- Your name address
- All contact numbers especially your "ICE"
(In case of emergency) number.
- Your physician's name, address and phone number
- All medications with quantities and schedule to take them.
- Don't forget allergies and medications to which you react badly.
- Any major surgeries that you have had.
- Any handicap that you have.
This info can be crucial for emergency responders and the emergency department at a hospital.
First Aid Kit:
There are many small portable first aid kits that are pre-packaged. Look for some designed for hikers if you want one that is small and lightweight.
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Tire Repair - For tubeless tires:
A flat tire or leak on a motorcycle is more dangerous than a 4 wheeled vehicle, so be sure to deal with it soon.
If you are riding and realize that your tire is going flat, ease off of the throttle, and do not brake quickly. Any jolting action can cause the tire to come off of the rim, and you are going to have a bigger problem.
A hole or break up on the sidewall probably can't be plugged. You need to get a new tire before you ride again. It is really dangerous to ride with a sidewall that could blow out on you at speed.
For a hole on the tread area:
When you first notice the cause, and if it is a nail or whatever leave it in there so that you can find the hole when you fix it..
You can get a plug kit to plug your tubeless tire while on the road. That will hold you until you get to the nearest motorcycle repair shop that can repair or replace tires.
Meanwhile, get into a safe place to do the job. Remove the nail or whatever it is. Use the rasp tool to clean out the hole, and make it easier to plug.
The repair kit has a tool to insert the rubber plug into the hole. The plugs need to have glue on them. Some have a glue on them already.
The plugs that are provided are usually too soft and weak to last very long so
make a plan to get a tire ASAP.
It's easier to fix the bike on the center stand while on a hard flat surface.
Follow the directions on the repair kit.
It is better to deflate the tire a bit if it still has a lot of air pressure in it.
You can use "Slime Tire Sealant" (available at most auto parts stores).
Use a small battery powered compressor to
re-inflate and seal the tire.
Get the tire to the recommended pressure. With Slime, you have to rotate the tire to spread the Slime using centrifugal force.
For tube tires
Try the Slime for tube tires. Most bikes don't use tubes now, but if you have one this is the emergency repair product for you. |
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