Motorcyclists. What tools, or gear would you put in a saddle / tank bag? - Page 1

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Posted: 4/23/2014 6:29:00 PM EDT

I'm getting ready for riding season here in North Dakota, and will be packing a small bag with tools, maybe a small med kit, emergency rain poncho...

What all do you keep with you either on your bike or in a backpack?

Posted: 4/23/2014 6:37:26 PM EDT

[#1]

Take the tool bag that came with the bike and replace wrenches with quality wrenches.

Part of a roll of black tape and a tire plug kit.

6 foot hose that screws into spark plug hole, so you can air your flat tire back up.

Air pressure gauge.

Small tin of aspirin.

Posted: 4/23/2014 6:42:41 PM EDT

[#2]

co2 inflation kit.
tube patches.
tire spoons.
tow strap.
some money.
butane torch/cigar lighter.
SOG multitool.
hex/socket tool.
T handles 8/10/12 or Tri-handle.
AA batts for GPS.
Advil.
siphon hose.
tie wraps.
spare spark plug.
spare chain master link.
small vice grip tool that will work as a brake pedal, shifter pedal, or clutch handle.
spare camelback bite valve.
darker/lighter Scotts google lens inserts.

ar-jedi

Posted: 4/23/2014 6:46:49 PM EDT

[#3]

AAA membership card with "recreational vehicles" endorsement . AAA Plus.

Posted: 4/23/2014 6:50:23 PM EDT

[#4]

Are you doing any offroad riding? Or just highway?

A bit of cash, I like to pack an MSR camp fuel bottle (see below) with a quart of gas in it (this is offroad), some 8mm cord a few prusik loops and some carabiners (so I can rig up a 3:1 or even 9:1 haul system).

Maybe tire spoons and a tube?

Posted: 4/23/2014 6:54:30 PM EDT

[#5]

Poncho I meant Rain Suit (make sure not next to muffler or it can melt)
Straps/Rope
Jumper Cables
Tools (to get to battery)
Fix-a-Flat (don't put next to muffler due to heat)
First Aid Kit
Assuming your bike doesn't have a gas gauge, strap a spare gas can on the back (if possible)

Cold season (an extra pair of warm gloves had head gear)

Posted: 4/23/2014 6:56:45 PM EDT

[#6]

Rain suit. I can't imagine a poncho working out so well at 60 MPH.

Posted: 4/23/2014 6:56:54 PM EDT

[#7]

Cell Phone (Harley rider)

Posted: 4/23/2014 6:58:29 PM EDT

[#8]

Quote History

Quoted:
AAA membership card with "recreational vehicles" endorsement . AAA Plus.

View Quote

This

Posted: 4/23/2014 6:59:40 PM EDT

[#9]

Cell phone, credit card, and some cash.

Posted: 4/23/2014 7:00:01 PM EDT

[#10]

If Harley. Everything.
Sockets, crow bar ,tow truck

Japan bike.
Oem tool kit.
Earth tire plugs and air.
Spare fuzes.
3ft 12games wire
Silicon tape..

Posted: 4/23/2014 7:04:41 PM EDT

[#11]

A couple feet of wire in case you need to rewire, jump, splice, tie, etc.

Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile

Posted: 4/23/2014 7:06:35 PM EDT

[#12]

Quote History

Quoted:

If Harley. Everything.

Sockets, crow bar ,tow truck

Japan bike.

Oem tool kit.

Earth tire plugs and air.

Spare fuzes.

3ft 12games wire

Silicon tape..

View Quote

I have been riding only Harleys for the last 29,years and I have never been stranded with a break down. I can not say that with two of the jap bikes I owned.

Posted: 4/23/2014 7:07:44 PM EDT

[#13]

For my Guzzi, I had:

Quart of oil
Spark plugs
Various springs that commonly fell off
Nuts and bolts
Complete socket set for the sizes on the bike, same with allen wrenches
Valve cover gaskets
Gloves
Fuses
Wiring diagram
GPS since odometer was broken
Hammer
Threadlocker and antisieze
Spare oil drain plug
And some more junk I can't recall

Never used the wiring diagram or fuses on the road

Edit - never stranded me, unlike my KTM (or my ancient Yamaha that one time when it was -10 and it wouldn't turn over.)

Posted: 4/23/2014 7:09:56 PM EDT

[#14]

Rain gear
Oversize dishwashing gloves (rain)
Multi tool
Flashlight
Spare key
Tire repair kit

Posted: 4/23/2014 8:03:40 PM EDT

[#15]

Good ideas!

Never tried the spark plug / cylinder method of inflating a tire. Does that pump gasoline into the tire too???

I have an old 1978 Honda with electric & kick start both. Mostly ride on road, and some gravel roads. To/From work is 7 miles gravel, 42 miles paved for a round trip.

I will be putting together a good kit that stays on the bike and a backpack that goes into work with me.

Any other ideas & suggestions?

Posted: 4/23/2014 8:28:31 PM EDT

[#16]

I adventure ride, and that probably requires some overkill in the tool department, but here's what I carry.

1. 12v compressor (case split so it stows flatter)

2. Tire repair tools...patch, string plugs, gorilla tape.

3. Flash drive with bike repair manual and tool fiche on it

4. Auto ranging micro meter.

5. Jumper cables

6. Credit card tool.

7. Fuses

8. Connectors for quick wire repair.

9. Mechanics wire

10. Hose clamps

11. Big section of duct tape (it's an 18" circle of it)

12. Disposable funnel

13. LED head lamp & torch

14. nitrile gloves

15. Tire gauge

16. Carabiner & tow strap (flat webbing)

17. Hot hands (in case heated grips fail in the cold)

18. Assortment of zip ties & oxide paper

19. Speed wrenches

20. Allen heads

21. Set of sockets/wrench

22. Tire repair tools, quik-weld, JB-weld and pieces of wire.

Posted: 4/23/2014 8:51:24 PM EDT

[#17]

Quote History

Quoted:

http://www.localnumber69.com/temp/Strom_Toolkit_V1.jpg

I adventure ride, and that probably requires some overkill in the tool department, but here's what I carry.

1. 12v compressor (case split so it stows flatter)

2. Tire repair tools...patch, string plugs, gorilla tape.

3. Flash drive with bike repair manual and tool fiche on it

4. Auto ranging micro meter.

5. Jumper cables

6. Credit card tool.

7. Fuses

8. Connectors for quick wire repair.

9. Mechanics wire

10. Hose clamps

11. Big section of duct tape (it's an 18" circle of it)

12. Disposable funnel

13. LED head lamp & torch

14. nitrile gloves

15. Tire gauge

16. Carabiner & tow strap (flat webbing)

17. Hot hands (in case heated grips fail in the cold)

18. Assortment of zip ties & oxide paper

19. Speed wrenches

20. Allen heads

21. Set of sockets/wrench

22. Tire repair tools, quik-weld, JB-weld and pieces of wire.

View Quote

AB

Posted: 4/23/2014 8:55:40 PM EDT

[#18]

Quote History

Quoted:
I have been riding only Harleys for the last 29,years and I have never been stranded with a break down.

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
If Harley. Everything.
Sockets, crow bar ,tow truck

I have been riding only Harleys for the last 29,years and I have never been stranded with a break down.

Take it off the trailer and ride it

Posted: 4/23/2014 8:57:36 PM EDT

[#19]

Quote History

Quoted:
AB

View Quote

I see you have never ridden an adventure bike or gone out in the boonies on a motorcycle for any length of time.
I pack most of that stuff on my dirt bike split between a vest and a tail pack.

Posted: 4/23/2014 9:13:28 PM EDT

[#20]

Quote History

Quoted:

AB

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:

http://www.localnumber69.com/temp/Strom_Toolkit_V1.jpg

I adventure ride, and that probably requires some overkill in the tool department, but here's what I carry.

1. 12v compressor (case split so it stows flatter)

2. Tire repair tools...patch, string plugs, gorilla tape.

3. Flash drive with bike repair manual and tool fiche on it

4. Auto ranging micro meter.

5. Jumper cables

6. Credit card tool.

7. Fuses

8. Connectors for quick wire repair.

9. Mechanics wire

10. Hose clamps

11. Big section of duct tape (it's an 18" circle of it)

12. Disposable funnel

13. LED head lamp & torch

14. nitrile gloves

15. Tire gauge

16. Carabiner & tow strap (flat webbing)

17. Hot hands (in case heated grips fail in the cold)

18. Assortment of zip ties & oxide paper

19. Speed wrenches

20. Allen heads

21. Set of sockets/wrench

22. Tire repair tools, quik-weld, JB-weld and pieces of wire.

AB

<shrug> I don't see what's so funny, I mostly just ride to the corner store to buy beer.

You can fit a LOT of beer on a Goldwing.

I carry about 1/4 of this just for beer runs.

Go hit a trail sometime and actually ride in muck and shit and in water and over logs in in remote areas, places where your cell phone might not even work and get back to us about what a comedy it is.

We'll be laughing with you, not at you.

Posted: 4/23/2014 9:19:48 PM EDT

[#21]

Well done preps Swingset, I have a very similar list of items in the saddlebag of my Road King. I also spy one of the in bag gas cans and think they are worth their weight in gold whenn needed.

ETA ..Dont sweat the hate Swingset, when something breaks, some feel its someone elses problem. Then there are those of us that can dress ourselves without assistance.

Posted: 4/23/2014 9:23:38 PM EDT

[#22]

expect to buy a WR250R this weekend.
What kind of fuel economy should I expect ?

Posted: 4/23/2014 9:39:30 PM EDT

[#23]

For local trips around 1-200 miles out, I just toss a basic kit fron Cruz tools in the tank bag.

Longer trips and the kit gets a bit more involved, especially if the trip is outside of the main routes like crossing the Dakotas, Northern Mich/ U.P. or southern Ohio.
Tire quick fixes, patching wires, spare plugs and light bulbs, safety wire and an expanded tool kit makes sense.

Cruze tools has a bunch of neat purpose made tools for motorcycles, that save weight and space.
The OEM tool kits are shit, and it's not just the Jap bikes that come with crap kits.
They will piece together a kit to fit anyones specs.

Cruze tools

Posted: 4/23/2014 10:11:54 PM EDT

[#24]

As suggested, replace the factory tool kit with quality tools. Make sure your spark plug socket will actually fit down the hole, some regular sockets are too thick and will not fit. (BTDT)
I also carry an extra litre of oil and small container of brake fluid and a small tube of good quality RTV silicone sealer.
Tire plug kit for tubeless and some pressurized fix-a-flat.
First aide kit and a flash light and a decent rag to wipe oil off your hands.

Lot's of good advice in this thread.

Posted: 4/23/2014 10:22:30 PM EDT

[#25]

wow, tons of shit.

hose sections with couplers
hose clamps
spark plugs
plug wire
jb weld
tools
tire spoons (real sized ones)
tube
patch kit
Chain stuff
oil
fuses
wire
terminals
zip ties
tire pump
etc. etc.

I 'adventure ride' though, so a tow truck isn't so easy. The goal is to get to a place to fix it properly, not actually repair the thing totally.

Posted: 4/23/2014 10:43:37 PM EDT

[#26]

Quoted:

I'm getting ready for riding season here in North Dakota, and will be packing a small bag with tools, maybe a small med kit, emergency rain poncho...

What all do you keep with you either on your bike or in a backpack?

View Quote

Rope, duct tape, chloroform, you know... the usual shit.

Posted: 4/23/2014 11:26:08 PM EDT

[#27]

Quote History

Quoted:
Cell phone, credit card, and some cash.

View Quote

Plus a $5 imitation leatherman, a handfull of small zip ties and a minimag flashlight.

Posted: 4/24/2014 12:23:52 AM EDT

[#28]

a bronson rock

you can fix most anything with a bronson rock

Posted: 4/24/2014 12:32:18 AM EDT

[#29]

I also ride in ND. The weather changes pretty quick. Fill your bags with clothing. There is nothing worse than riding cold.
I keep my chaps, leather jacket and vest in one bag. My rain gear goes in the trunk. (Buy good quality rain gear. It will shred if you dont). In the other bag i carry several pairs of gloves, a couple bandanas, a balaclava, clear eyewear. This still gives me plenty of room for odds and ends like money, first aid kit, sunscreen, etc.

Posted: 5/19/2014 6:35:07 PM EDT

[#30]

Excellent information...

Got a good start on a bag. Still a work in progress.

I have to save up more from my next paycheck to get some more diversified tools in the kit.

THanks for all the great advice! Any other advice is greatly appreciated!

Will get a couple changes of clothes. The temps have been swinging quite a bit here...

Lots of rain, cold, hot, sleet / hail, and sunshine... Farmers still don't have much of their crops in the ground here in Eastern ND yet.

Posted: 5/19/2014 8:11:17 PM EDT

[#31]

Quote History

Quoted:

AB

View Quote

I'm laughing too.

Posted: 5/19/2014 8:26:11 PM EDT

[#32]

Hopes and dreams?

The farthest I have done on my bike is 600 miles. Otherwise I mostly toodle around town. On the occasion that I do a long trip I usually take a small tool kit in a roll up case and a good leatherman.

I have been lucky so far. I put 10,000 miles on my rocket last summer and probably close to 2500 on my bobber with no issues.

Posted: 5/19/2014 8:35:55 PM EDT

[#33]

My street bike? Cell phone and a tire plug kit with a Co2 set-up.

My dirtbike? Cigarette lighter, spark plug (2-Stroke), aluma-seal, water in my camel back (to hydrate or refill the radiator), duct tape(rolled around a pencil), safety wire, assorted screws/nuts, fuel hose for siphoning, combo wrenches 8-14mm, a compact socket/driver set, Schrade multi-tool, a couple cliff bars, JB Weld, and a clip style master link.

I have fixed a ton of bikes on the trail. None of them have been mine. I found that proper preparation prevents piss poor performance out on the roads/trails. I have had to make adjustments to levers, etc. after minor mishaps, but little else on my 13 year old bike that has hundreds of hours on it.

Posted: 5/19/2014 8:47:30 PM EDT

[#34]

I've made the bold decision to completely ditch my underseat emergency kit.

I'm just going to ride with swingset.

Actually, I think I'm going to hold onto the awl from my tire repair kit, because it looks better suited for tubeless tires. And, wow, #3, the flash drive shop manual ... I should do that.

Posted: 5/19/2014 9:09:06 PM EDT

[#35]

I would not use a tank bak. Dirt gets under it and destroys the finish on the tank. You can fit some tools under the seat. A handlebar bag will hold some other stuff and do less damage.

Find out what tools were in the manufacturer's tool kit. Don't buy one. Those tools tend to suck. But now you know what sizes you need. Get wrenches, ratchet tools, and correctly sized screwdrivers from your favorite tool company. Find a bag to hold the tools. Be creative.

Posted: 5/20/2014 5:48:58 AM EDT

[#36]

When I travel, I utilize my left side case for spare stuff

OEM toolkit
Tire plug kit
Spare visor (clear if I'me wearing my tinted and vice versa)
Cheap-ass Academy rain jacket and pants
Bungie net
Two bottles of water
If I'm wearing one of my jackets without its liner, I put the liner in there
Ancient thin plastic motorcycle cover that was sitting in the side cases when I bought the motorcycle, haven't gotten around to throwing it away yet

Posted: 5/20/2014 6:06:02 AM EDT

[#37]

My load for a 2000 mile dirt bike ride. Everything on the carpet except the tin snips:

Front and rear tubes. For short rides I'll only take one
6, 8, 10 and 12mm sockets and ratchet drive and extension
Two short tire spoons, pump, patch kits, pressure gauge
KTM wrench that came with the bike, 8, 10, 12 and 13mm wrenches, Swiss Army Allen wrench
The container by the zipties is full of spare screws
Travel size chain lube, and WD40 for the tire changes.
Thing of JB Weld putty. I don't know if this stuff works as well as the regular epoxy stuff, but I do know that it doesn't break open and coat all of my other tools with it.
Quart of oil, Bag with three pre-oiled air filters and a few sets of rubber gloves for changing them. No air filters for a day or weekend ride.

This was a couple of years ago, since then I've changed the sockets and ratchet to sockets and a T-handle, taken out some wrenches, and changed the KTM axe wrench for a new one that includes a tire spoon (removed one tire spoon)

On a two stroke ride, I'll exchange the quart of oil for some spark plugs.

All of that fits goes into either the orange bag under the wheel, or the one behind the tent if I leave out the air filters:

Posted: 5/20/2014 6:14:53 AM EDT

[#38]

Quoted:
I'm getting ready for riding season here in North Dakota, and will be packing a small bag with tools, maybe a small med kit, emergency rain poncho...

What all do you keep with you either on your bike or in a backpack?

View Quote

I keep enough tools to remove both front and rear wheels, adjust the chain and sockets to tighten most every bolt on the bike. Luckily that is only about 5 sockets and 2 allen wrenches. I also keep a small bottle of lube and a couple rags.

Then I keep a simple first aid kit with a scrub brush, antiseptic spray, bottle of water, gauze pads and tape for treating road rash.

Since I ride with a tinted shield I also carry a pair of clear safety glasses in case I end up out after dark.

Posted: 5/20/2014 6:29:56 AM EDT

[#39]

Condoms.

Posted: 5/20/2014 6:30:11 AM EDT

[#40]

I take nothing along except what I normally carry on my person. I just ride on the street though.

Posted: 5/20/2014 6:32:53 AM EDT

[#41]

Tire plug kit and CO2 inflation kit saved me.

Posted: 5/20/2014 6:33:52 AM EDT

[#42]

Quote History

Quoted:
AAA membership card with "recreational vehicles" endorsement . AAA Plus.

View Quote

This and a Harley road side assistance (HOG) card. I keep rain gear, rain boots, vice grips, leatherman tool, safety wire, wire ties, a spare long sleeve shirt, spare gloves, helmet locking cable.......in a saddle bag. I usually have a ball cap in there too. The other bag would have bottled water.

Posted: 5/20/2014 6:43:10 AM EDT

[#43]

Quote History

Quoted:
Tire plug kit and CO2 inflation kit saved me.

View Quote

If I began to carry fix-it stuff, those would be the first items.

Posted: 5/20/2014 6:48:57 AM EDT

[#44]

Posted: 5/20/2014 7:55:21 AM EDT

[#45]

Quote History

Quoted:
Good ideas!

Never tried the spark plug / cylinder method of inflating a tire. Does that pump gasoline into the tire too???

I have an old 1978 Honda with electric & kick start both. Mostly ride on road, and some gravel roads. To/From work is 7 miles gravel, 42 miles paved for a round trip.

I will be putting together a good kit that stays on the bike and a backpack that goes into work with me.

Any other ideas & suggestions?

View Quote

Buy a newer bike. I don't think that any component of a 1978 Honda was designed to provide 36+ years of service. Old bikes are cool, but they're gonna break. For local riding: carry a light rainsuit, basic tool kit, small vise grips, master link, electrical tape, flat tire repair kit, roadside assistance plan, credit cards and a cell phone.

Posted: 5/20/2014 8:04:26 AM EDT

[#46]

Points and condensor
Spark plugs
Wrenches, sockets, and hex wrenches for most everything on the bike
Wide jaw monkey wrench
Electrical wire, connectors, and electrical pliers
zip ties
bailing wire
A few bolts with lots of nuts screwed on them

I can fix most anything that goes wrong on my '69 with that stuff. If I was headed 12 hours or more away I would include more stuff, like a set of head gaskets, throttle cable, med kit, extra socks, poncho, sunscreen, and et cetera.

Posted: 5/20/2014 8:08:46 AM EDT

[#47]

A pair of soft ties so you can strap your bike down for a ride home in the back of a truck. It's easy to find someone willing to help out. It's darned difficult to find someone willing and equipped with proper soft ties. I never got in that shape but quite of few of my riding buddies did. One of them had a bike that had a propensity for barfing out huge slicks of oil in a random fashion. The ignition would also shut down from time-to-time. Some times the lights would quit working as well. Ever see a Big Twin just start dumping the contents of it's gas tank through the carb? I have. I loved to hate that bike. It spent a lot of time on the crash truck.

On my last belt-drive bike, a Buell. I didn't carry any tools. Never needed them. I miss that thing.

Posted: 5/20/2014 8:10:45 AM EDT

[#48]

A semi-tractor lug nut, somewhere you can reach it anytime.

They're about as big as a steel golf ball. You WILL find a use for it, plus you have plausible deniability if you have to.

Man, I ducked just in time to miss it. Did you see that thing flying straight at me?

Posted: 5/20/2014 8:26:49 AM EDT

[#49]

Quote History

Quoted:
If Harley. Everything.
Sockets, crow bar ,tow truck

Japan bike.
Oem tool kit.
Earth tire plugs and air.
Spare fuzes.
3ft 12games wire
Silicon tape..

View Quote

EDIT: Not even worth the energy.