Outbackwack
Howard
I had a 120 mile ride to an account yesterday and needed to pull over to call another customer. I "assumed" I was in accessory mode and had the flashers on since I was on a major highway but off the shoulder. I took less than 5 minutes to make my call and the bike never started back up; not even a click. Lots of things went through my head, including many 4-letter words, since I immediately knew the battery was depleted (my carelessness was the issue, but that's another topic). :censored Time 8:15am
1) Dig in the wallet for the Honda Protection plan card...not there. Huh??? I look in my Givi where I keep the other docs...not there. Brush, spit, repeat. Nada. :censored
2) Call the wife at work to look up HPP phone number so I can get a jump. No phone number listed ANYWHERE on the web??? :censored Time 8:30am
3) Get phone numbers for dealer I bought the bike from and local one used for services...both open at 9:00am :censored
4) Start searching the web from smart phone...not so smart :censored
5) A guy pulls over to see if he can help He doesn't have jumper cables
6) Mass Highway Department rolls up just as the concerned citizen is leaving, and he can help! :bow1: I get out tools, unlock seat, remove saddlebag and panel and we jump the bike immediately
7) I look around at all the parts that now need to be locked using the key that's in the ignition with the bike running Got no choice...
8) Turn bike off, wait, and it starts right back up...good sign
9) MHD guy stands around and watches as I put everything back together. Try the bike again and it starts immediately
10) Hand the guy $20 for his help. Time 9:15am Total time lapse around 1 hour; probably faster than HPP or AAA
11) Bike sat for 6 hours at the account and started right up; another 120 miles home but feeling really good about everything all things considered
Lessons learned:
1. I have Bluetooth. Look up the number, make the call, start rolling again (I can't dial via Bluetooth)
2. Glad I pulled over on the highway or I may still be sitting there
3. 4-ways and lights suck the life out of a MC battery in short order when not running
4. Keep a spare key on board!
5. Keep HPP info on board! (The card was in my desk in with some other business cards :
6. Keep HPP info in phone!!!
Side note: Who carries jumper cables on the bike?
1) Dig in the wallet for the Honda Protection plan card...not there. Huh??? I look in my Givi where I keep the other docs...not there. Brush, spit, repeat. Nada. :censored
2) Call the wife at work to look up HPP phone number so I can get a jump. No phone number listed ANYWHERE on the web??? :censored Time 8:30am
3) Get phone numbers for dealer I bought the bike from and local one used for services...both open at 9:00am :censored
4) Start searching the web from smart phone...not so smart :censored
5) A guy pulls over to see if he can help He doesn't have jumper cables
6) Mass Highway Department rolls up just as the concerned citizen is leaving, and he can help! :bow1: I get out tools, unlock seat, remove saddlebag and panel and we jump the bike immediately
7) I look around at all the parts that now need to be locked using the key that's in the ignition with the bike running Got no choice...
8) Turn bike off, wait, and it starts right back up...good sign
9) MHD guy stands around and watches as I put everything back together. Try the bike again and it starts immediately
10) Hand the guy $20 for his help. Time 9:15am Total time lapse around 1 hour; probably faster than HPP or AAA
11) Bike sat for 6 hours at the account and started right up; another 120 miles home but feeling really good about everything all things considered
Lessons learned:
1. I have Bluetooth. Look up the number, make the call, start rolling again (I can't dial via Bluetooth)
2. Glad I pulled over on the highway or I may still be sitting there
3. 4-ways and lights suck the life out of a MC battery in short order when not running
4. Keep a spare key on board!
5. Keep HPP info on board! (The card was in my desk in with some other business cards :
6. Keep HPP info in phone!!!
Side note: Who carries jumper cables on the bike?