BHPian Mrs&Mr_Shenu recently shared this with other enthusiasts: The Impeccable timing to get a Roadside Assistance (RSA). While it might feel like Dj vu because it’s happening so soon; it could also be a fluke as there was no underlying issue which may cause a breakdown. Part 1. Backstory A week before, I purchased a Roadside assistance program from Suzuki Motorcycles India in partnership with Europ assistance. Sharing details of the program here,Price: Rs. 349 /-validity: 1 yearConditions Covered: 1. Fuel Support for covering Out of Fuel, Incorrect / Contaminated Fuel. Limit is till 5 Litre as per my understanding. 2. Battery Support to cover on spot charging, jumpstart or dead battery (replacement as per the executive at Suzuki Showroom) 3. Breakdown Support for minor technical problems and repairs. 4. Legal & Medical Support for coordination , taxi assistance. 5. Transfer Support during accidental breakdown of the vehicle. 6. Key Support for loss, 7. Tyre Support for puncture, bolt or valve issues Contact Details: 022-67347489: Suzuki Scooter and Motorcycle up to 250cc022-67347490: Suzuki Big Bikes, 650cc and above Note: Terms and conditions apply for Sl #1 & 4. Part 2. Dreaded ORANGE Light and need for RSA As luck would have it, I hadn’t ridden my bike for almost a week due to a medical emergency. After a week-long stay in the hospital and enduring mundane days, I finally decided it was time to get some fresh air. I grabbed my helmet and gloves, ready to take my Stormy, out for a ride on a nice Saturday evening (The very same day I am writing this). Excitedly, I tried to connect the Suzuki app, but my excitement quickly turned to dismay when I noticed a new warning light on the dashboard: Orange light indicating “ENGINE”. The start button push was heart wrenching as Stromy did not answer. My heart sank to the bottom of an ocean which has no bottom. After all the build up and enthusiasm, it seemed like Stormy had other plans or he was not interested. I was not in a hurry and made a call to the first number (022-67347489). Call go connected to hotline immediately, asked for language of preference (Hindi / English). After the selection, call was immediately transferred to a staff. Very polite, gentle and informative guy on the other side. He asked few details for verification. Asked me to share my location details on a dedicated WhatsApp Number and then asked me to wait for the technician. The whole process took around 10 minutes or so. The Local team contacted me in another 5 minutes, took the same details for location, confirmed the fine details. Then the LONG wait started. While I was patiently waiting for the service guy to show, took some time to understand the issue. The indication says FI / F1. Seems the error is FI and usually caused by low battery, issue with wiring etc. There are couple of videos of Gixxer bikes having similar issues. A more Closer Look Finally after almost 3 hours, the local team said that, their technician wont be available as it was getting late and he vehicle too broke down (Good one. no one will suspect). I am already delayed for evening and not in a state to pursue further. Team called me to update that, they will send the technician positively by next day morning. The next day, I reached out to the local team, who were hesitant to call or message. Frustrated with their lack of response, I contacted the RSA hotline again. The Europa team was quick to act and connected with the local team immediately. Within two minutes, I received a call, and a technician was assigned to assist me. When he arrived, I was a bit apprehensive. He was a middle-aged man in his late 50s, riding a worn-out Activa with a makeshift helmet and carrying a spare battery with cables. To top it off, he was wearing a traditional Kerala dhoti (Lungi), reminiscent of SRK’s Lungi. He immediately diagnosed the issue as a battery problem.Now, here’s where it gets interesting. As you might know, V Strom 250 has split seats, and only the pillion seat opens with a key. The rider seat requires an Allen key to open. Surprisingly, he didn’t have an Allen key. He tried using a screwdriver, and by this point, I was at a loss for words. Sensing my concern, he reassured me with a “No worries.” He connected one cable to the battery terminal and the other to the starter motor (or so he said). Then, he attached another cable to the vehicle’s body. “Switch on the vehicle and give it a start,” he instructed. I followed his directions, and to my relief, Stromy roared back to life. He looked at me with a sense of accomplishment, offered some advice on battery maintenance, and suggested keeping the vehicle running for a few minutes. After that, I turned it off and restarted it to confirm everything was fine. All good. He thanked me for the opportunity, and I expressed my gratitude profusely Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.
