AMA membership

[He Man]

Anyone here an AMA or AAA member?

Compared to a AAA membership  is it any better/worst? (Im pretty sure many of their services have overlaping with local service providers).

I know AMA will cover cars as well as bikes, but i cant find any thing about AAA covering bikes.

Also, does AAA provide more benefits for someone road triping across the U.S. (discounts on hotels, and such).

Im asking because I plan on a cross country trip and im not sure if i should rely more on the AAA/AMA service package, or rely more on full insurance to get myself out of trouble (towing, gas, breakdowns, things of the motorcycle nature). As a side benefit, i'd also like some discount on hotels, movies, etc.

[lazylightnin717]

When my bike broke down, AAA could not do anything for me. I believe I would have needed something special from them other than my basic membership.

That said, my Progressive insurance covers all of the lacking benefits.

I do get discounts with certain hotels, railways, restaurants, etc. with AAA. Just make sure you ask when you make a reservation.

No experience with AMA

[Speeddog]

Being a AAA member can get you better hotel prices, and other perks as well.
It's a very reasonable yearly price compared to just one short tow.

More info here:
http://www.calif.aaa.com/home/membership/become-a-member/benefit-comparison.html#meminfo

Click on the "See Eligibility Requirements", if you're new to AAA, you can only get the Classic level.

Even if the only benefit was being able to do nearly all DMV stuff at AAA, it's still be worth every make the beast with two backsing penny.

[Triple J]

I have AMA. Their roadside service is a steal, and I think my wife used it once for a flat tire on her car...and it worked well.

I'm sure AAA has other perks, but AMA is a great deal if roadside is all you're looking for.

[hbliam]

AAA covers motorcycles if you pay for the RV /Motorcycle add on. You can also pay for "Plus" which covers tows up to 100 miles instead of 7.

[red baron]

I have both, AAA, AMA for different reasons.

The AMA membership allows me to race, includes roadside for my bike, and supports industry related things like fighting ethanol. Comes with a pretty nice magazine each month as well as member discounts at many places like hotels, rental cars, and even some parts places.

[duccarlos]

I had AAA with the RV/bike. I used them twice, once I ran out of gas on the highway and the other my bike simply would not turn over. The second time the tow truck had an attachment specifically for bikes. AAA also has great rates across the country in hotels.

[Ducatamount]

I agree with RB.
AMA membership is more about all of us (motorcyclists) than me, me, me.
You would be joining for the wrong reasons.

[hbliam]

AAA regularly fights against laws that affect the driving public. Many other organizations offer towing services; USAA, Ducati, AMA, and I'm sure hundreds of others. AAA just seems to be better at it.  

[Privateer]

the post above about the RV coverage is what you want for AAA motorcycle towing.


That said, I've found it can be real hit and miss on AAA towing.  When I called AMA roadside, it was a guy who only transported motorcycles, in a GMC Sierra with one of those sleds in the back, canyon dancers, and everything fleece padded.  And a bottle of water in a cooler.  The two times a friend has had AAA tow his bike, it was some yahoo on a flatbed who had to be told where to put the tie downs.

That said, I didn't join AMA for the roadside, but it was a nice perk.  AAA has lots of good perks that you don't need their roadside service for (registration services, travel agent, insurance (car/bike, home, life).


YMMV

[DucHead]

I have both, AAA, AMA for different reasons.

The AMA membership allows me to race, includes roadside for my bike, and supports industry related things like fighting ethanol. Comes with a pretty nice magazine each month as well as member discounts at many places like hotels, rental cars, and even some parts places.

+whatever.

[1.21GW]

Let me AAA lapse and just joined AMA, based on this thread.  I don't have a car so any cross benefits of AAA car towing were not a consideration.

[jsanford]

I've been an AAA member since I had my driver's permit, and upgraded to RV when I started riding. I've towed motorcycles several times with them--usually due to a flat tire.  Usually I request a flatbed tow and I get it.  Granted, I live in an urban area.  There is a limit to the number of tows you get with AAA (probably everyone) I think it's three within a calendar year.  Afterwards though it's just a $50 flat fee.

Only had one negative tow experience, with rigging up my BMW on a T-bar (not suspended). I remember all of the mechanics coming out of the shop when we pulled up and watching us unload with large eyes;  they'd never seen that setup before.

There's also a towing benefit through my insurance carrier, but I've never exercised it.  I also had a tandem tow with a buddy one time--both our bikes on a single flatbed--after someone cut our helmets off his seat hook.  The towing provider took both my AAA and his Progressive.

[1.21GW]

Good to know.  I have Progressive and should really figure out if towing is included in mine as well.

[He Man]

Good to know.  I have Progressive and should really figure out if towing is included in mine as well.

Ya, i have towing in mine seperate from Comp and Collision, i also have progressive and its a flat $10 a year for towing only. I think its first 25 free, or something like that.