Harley-Davidson and AAA to the rescue! Photos from www.hdforums.com

When one thinks about the American Automobile Association it natural to picture a diesel powered tow truck with barely functioning air conditioning. In the early days of road side assistance stranded motorists where aided by helpful gentlemen on Harley Davidson motorcycles. Panhead Jim opened our eyes to the early days of AAA with his article on HDForum.

Most people cringe when they think of motorcyles and bikers, but in the early days AAA sharply dressed Harley riders where there to save motorists from flat tires, busted fan belts, and overheated radiators.

These Harleys were equipped with sidehack toolbox that was loaded with tools necessary to get a motorist on their way. Along with basic wrenches and tire irons, these tool boxes contained a wide array of fluids and fuel to help out those poor souls who were stuck on the side of the road.

These AAA Harleys were outfitted with everything that they would need for a quick repair for stranded motorists.

Motorcycles were an efficient means to help drivers during the Gatsby era of motorists. These precursors to modern day tow truck drivers were concerned with the appearance of their bikes as well as that of their person. In the modern era, we are lucky if the tow truck has functioning air conditioning and the driver does not destroy your ride during the loading process.

AAA employed the Harley powered mechanics with great success during the early days of motoring.

Not to say all tow truck drivers are disheveled messes, but the meticulous appearance of the bygone motorcyclist savior is something that should be reinvented for the modern era. With the traffic jams on today’s freeways, it might be useful to have a few do-gooding bikers back on the road.