Common and not-so-common Tool kit items

[Shaq Diesel]

So, I'm thinking of preparing a tool kit for the bike. Instead of pillaging my home tool kit everytime I decide to venture far enough that I can't just call for a tow home, I thought it would be beneficial to create a special kit for the bike.

The original plan is to put common tools in it (and yes I have and will continue to search ADV Rider and other sites for the basics) but I also wanted to get an idea of what the not-so-common tools are. Hence my post...

For those of you who have hit the road and seen lands far, far away, what are some of the "weird" tools that you are glad you packed or wish you had? I'm not looking for this kit to fill up a pannier side or a tail bag, but I do want to give consideration to any potentially useful tool or item out there.

[Ritten]

Just to name a few weird items:

J.B.Weld
hose clamps
wire nuts
a couple of feet of bailing wire

I've had to fashion a fuel line out of an ink pen casing, a socket, and a bit of hose before but other than that most of my side-of-the-road-repairs were handled with basic tools.

Needle nose vice grips can be worth their weight in gold if you ever snap off a shifter.

[minig0d]

flashlight, duct tape, zip ties

[scootertrash]

flashlight, duct tape, zip ties

Is that what you take on all those long trips you take Greg?
.BS.

[Ritten]

Is that what you take on all those long trips you take Greg?
.BS.



Owned

[jason70360]

I will pass on the knowledge that has be bestowed unto me from a wise man.

Check out this site http://www.r1200gs.info/

There is some great advice about tools for a GS. They also explain how to use several "trick" tools that have dual applications instead of carrying two seperate tools.

Oh yeah, thanks for this info Ted.

[minig0d]

Is that what you take on all those long trips you take Greg?
.BS.

hey now merely giving advice :)

Only tool I carry is my AAA card... cuz I'm not fixing to try to wrench in the heat on side of the road :)

[Shaq Diesel]

Is that what you take on all those long trips you take Greg?
.BS.

When I saw Minig0d's post I said to myself "Oh, someone is going to rag him about tools for a long ride." Not more than 40 minutes later I was deemed correct... :)

To Jason, I still need to read through r1200gs.info a little bit more. Definately some old and good stuff there. Have you started creating a tool kit for your ride from Maine or is the owner hooking you up with that?

[iridefar]

hey now merely giving advice :)

Only tool I carry is my AAA card... cuz I'm not fixing to try to wrench in the heat on side of the road :)

+1. Many riders carry full blown tool kits because it is part of the "adventure rider" mistique. I do carry a tool kit when I am headed out beyond civilization (Canada or off road), but for the most part I carry road side on my BMWOA membership, my AMA membership, and my Progressive Insurance policy. I have a hydraulic lift and nice tools back home. I am not going to wrench on a bike beside the road unless it is minor stuff (fix a tire, etc.). It is just not neccessary in the world in which most people ride.

I may get kicked out of the adventure riders guild for saying this, but unless I am >200 miles from home I don't even put the panniers on the bike.

[Ritten]

I may get kicked out of the adventure riders guild for saying this, but unless I am >200 miles from home I don't even put the panniers on the bike.



I hope you don't but if you do get kicked out you'll be in good company. For the most part I don't ride with mine on either when I'm in state or just a couple of days ride.

[scootertrash]

I hope you don't but if you do get kicked out you'll be in good company. For the most part I don't ride with mine on either when I'm in state or just a couple of days ride.

I like leaving mine on, never know what I might pick up along the ride. I like to have room to put crap should I buy something.

[nickatnite]

If I don't carry my tool kit, which I do 95% of the time, I at least carry my MOA card, BMW Roadside Assistance card and a tire repair kit. Chance are one will have a flat more often than a mechanical failure.





That is someone that rides a Dual Sport bike.

[minig0d]

If I don't carry my tool kit, which I do 95% of the time, I at least carry my MOA card, BMW Roadside Assistance card and a tire repair kit. Chance are one will have a flat more often than a mechanical failure.

That is someone that rides a Dual Sport bike.

lol we should save up and buy juice a roadside assistance membership... and a couple spare tires to strap on his bike with the luck he has

[iridefar]

Chance are one will have a flat more often than a mechanical failure.

I agree. I usually carry tire repair stuff for the GS. Although I do ride >15K miles per year on touring and sport touring bikes and carry no more than the OEM tool kits. I would hate to have to fix a Gold Wing tire on the side of the road!
I guess I should at least carry plugs and my compressor when on the wing, but no matter where you are you are usually no more than 5 miles from a Honda dealership. My dad was looking for one to change a tire this weekend in Houston and there were 7 dealerships within 20 miles of his location.

[jason70360]

When I saw Minig0d's post I said to myself "Oh, someone is going to rag him about tools for a long ride." Not more than 40 minutes later I was deemed correct... :)

To Jason, I still need to read through r1200gs.info a little bit more. Definately some old and good stuff there. Have you started creating a tool kit for your ride from Maine or is the owner hooking you up with that?


That was the first thing I did when I was done with all of my exams.

I went to Wal-Mart and purchased a small air compressor that hooks to a cigarette lighter and a nice motorcycle tire plug/patch kit.

I also went to this huge pawn shop in Houma and purchased most of the tools from r1200gs.info for less than $20! Most of the tools I purchased were Craftsman, which has a lifetime warranty just incase they have some minor issues that I haven't seen with my own eyes.

Then I went to Sears and purchased a roll-up tool pouch to hold all the tools.

Once I have more time I might try "converting" some of the tools like they have on r1200gs.com.

I kinda feel like it is a peace of mind type of thing more than anything. I am sure that I won't be able to service/fix half the things that most adv riders can however if I am stuck in BFE and can't find any help I'll have to try.

I am sure you already have them but tie-straps and electrical tape could save your ass while out there.

[nickatnite]

Stu and Jason...

Word to the wise here. That 10 dollar air compressor that you bought and Stu will eventually buy WILL NOT run off of the BMW plug canbus system half of the time (the one under the seat).
I have the same one and I have a set of pigtails made up so I can hook it directly to my battery for usage.

The BMW uses an electronic fuse system (canbus) and the accessory sockets are set up to work with anything that draws less than 5 amps upon startup.

My factory BMW heated vest that BMW sells to hook directly into their fancy BMW plug will not work on my bike due to it draws 5.5 amps.


As far as my toolkit, I don't have a picture handy but this is my list. I keep this either in my Jesse or top case when I ride.

Air Compressor - Small compact one at Wal Mart for 10.00
Tire repair kit - Again the one I have you can buy at Wal Mart for like 10 bucks and comes in a yellow plastic box (good to store other items also).
Zip ties
Blade type fuses (5amp and 10 amp) for Blue Sea fuse box

Tools:
Bought the 100.00 "Motorcycle tool roll" from Sears click for tool roll (http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?cat=Mechanics+Tools&pid=00933035000&vertical=TOOL&subcat=Mechanics+Tool+Sets&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes). It has a good many tools. Inside the tool kit as follows:
3/8" ratchet and 4" extrension
1/4" ratchet and 2" and 4" extension
Mid size crescent wrench
Needle nose and regular pliers
Allen wrenches click for link (http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?cat=Hand+Tools%2C+General+Purpose&pid=00946704000&vertical=TOOL&subcat=Hex+Keys&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes)
Torx Male and female sockets.
Torx male link (http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?cat=Mechanics+Tools&pid=00947739000&vertical=TOOL&subcat=Automotive+Specialty+Tools&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes)
torx female link (http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?cat=Mechanics+Tools&pid=00947733000&vertical=TOOL&subcat=Automotive+Specialty+Tools&BV_SessionID=@@@@2038985315.1185924406@@@@&BV_EngineID=cccdaddlimejefgcefecemldffidfko.0)
The cool think about these 2 Torx sets that they come in a rubber storage housing and in the middle of the Tool roll is a zipper pouch that these can fit into so nothing is loose.

Now for the allen wrences - If you buy that tool roll, those allens come in there then you can buy the other allen set and have a handy set of American, Metric and torx sizes.

If I go on a Big road trip, I also carry my Torque wrench link for torque wrench (http://www.touratech-usa.com/shop/show.lasso?sku=N23351&-session=touratech:CCBE11CFC64A4E51D1093AF5A14AFE23 )and a set of tire irons. All of these tools fit perfectly in the bottom of my left Jesse Case. You want to put them on that side since the case will get a little warmer than the right side.

Hope this helps.

[jason70360]

All of these tools fit perfectly in the bottom of my left Jesse Case. You want to put them on that side since the case will get a little warmer than the right side.

Hope this helps.

Why does it matter putting them on the left b/c it gets warmer?qwer Or is it b/c they can take the heat as apposed to something else you might pack?

[Ritten]

With the stock can, the left side doesn't just get a little warmer, it gets fu*&$^ HOT!!! Enough to melt plastic. It's a good place to put tools that will hold up to the heat. An aftermarket can will solve the problem as well as the extension that Nick has though.

[jason70360]

AHHHHHHHHHHH, I see! So that is where you put your Idaho potatoe in the morning to have for lunch.

[thedrizel]

Fold up allen's
Plug kit
8,10,12,14mm wrenches
screw drivers
SPANNER WRENCH
wrench for axl's
Pliars
dykes
piece of 1/2 hose about 6' long (siphon fuel)
spare brake and clutch lever
replacement footpeg and clip-on bar


I know not all apply with ya'll.

I have had to pull carbs off on the side of the road due to a broken throttle cable 250 miles from home. I hooked the return (closing cable) cable to the open mount and had to ride home with the throttle working in reverse.

That was very interesting..........