Posted: 2/15/2014 5:51:52 PM EDT
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What gear do you carry with you in a pack or saddlebags to deal with whatever issue you feel are probable?
Personally, I have a large set of saddlebags and inside one of those I have a backpack (all of these are frequently filled with groceries/goods), tire plug kit with CO2 to re-inflate, and a stand rest. I haven't loaded it up with a ton of SHTF gear or even a GHB, but maybe a miniature version is possible...? Now in my jacket I've got combat gauze and a sponge in case of any serious bleeds following a crash. Is it a full FAK? No, just a compact option that's always on me. Although one poor bastard last year blew threw an intersection going so fast that when he connected with the truck it severed his aorta from the impact and killed him within a minute or so. So I'm curious what you carry with you while riding to deal with whatever? Also, have you ever had to use any of it? Another issue I've been struggling to get an answer for is something that'll hold my S3 (in an otterbox Armor) in front of me. I've seen small magnetic tank cases but I'm not sure they'd work well. Again, what do you use? Thanks -Emt1581 |
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I don't ride a Harley, but if I did, I'm sure I'ld carry tools. I usually pack a bottle of water in case I get a bit parched though. Happens when you actually wear correct riding gear and a helmet in the summers around here. I hear ya. And under my CL-16 my skull bakes. But I'd rather be hot and sweaty than cold and dead. -Emt1581 |
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I ride a Nighthawk 750 to commute to work.
Under the seat I keep a laminated insurance card, a few basic tools, a plug kit, a small hand pump,a vinyl rain suit, and a nylon strap to tie down the occasional load. In my Maxpedition "purse" I keep a Nalgene size large mouth bottle with basic first aid stuff, superglue, a compass, small knife, Bic lighter, $5 bill and $2 in change, space blanket, N95 respirator, LED light, para cord, signal mirror, and duct tape. I have had to empty the bottle and hoof it to a gas station after forgetting to reset my fuel valve from reserve when I filled up. |
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This is what I carry and it fits into an old army "CLS" bag that goes in one of my panniers:
Extensive tramal kit (bike accidents are always bad Small set of tire irons Full size screw driver (1 Phillips 1 flat) Emergen-c tape (repair any rubber hose to 150psi of pressure) Ratchet strap (to hold handle bars strait if I'm pulling/pushing myselfout of a bad spot and many other uses) Small needle nose vise grip (a million uses especially if your throttle or break cable breaks and you need a temporary solution to get to the next town) Small compressor that plugs into cig lighter (can also get clips to clip it to battery) two smallish hose clamps headlamp lighter Tire plug kit Motor oil (in a small old hand soap container then in a zip lock maybe 1/3 quart) Small can of WD-40 Torx wrench set Other speciality tools for tire/break removal 4" adjustable wrench Extra fuses Bailing wire (that's big safety wire to those of u unlucky people) Other stuff that isn't in the CLS bag: I carry two water bottles with the intention of sacrificing one to carry gas if needed. Extra key stashed on the bike. Gun (if not already carried for legal reasons) Cash ($100 on the bike and you could dang near buy gas to get home from the other coast) Second headlamp This doesn't count the stuff I carry on me like lights, knives, multi tools etc. |
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This is what I carry and it fits into an old army "CLS" bag that goes in one of my panniers: Extensive tramal kit (bike accidents are always bad Small set of tire irons Full size screw driver (1 Phillips 1 flat) Emergen-c tape (repair any rubber hi se to 150psi of pressure) Ratchet strap (to hold handle bars strait if I'm pulling/pushing myselfout of a bad spot and many other uses) Small needle nose vise grip (a million uses especially if your throttle or break cable breaks and you need a temporary solution to get t the next town) Small compressor that plugs into cig lighter (can also get clips to clip it to battery) two smallish hose clamps headlamp lighter Tire plug kit Motor oil (in a small old hand soap container then in a zip lock maybe 1/3 quart) Small can of WD-40 Torx wrench set Other speciality tools for tire/break removal 4" adjustable wrench Extra fuses Bailing wire (that's big safety wire to those of u unlucky people) Other stuff that isn't in the CLS bag: I carry two water bottles with the intention of sacrificing one to carry gas if needed. Extra key stashed on the bike. Gun (if not already carried for legal reasons) Cash ($100 on the bike and you could dang near buy gas to get home from the other coast) Second headlamp This doesn't count the stuff I carry on me like lights, knives, multi tools etc. WOW!! So a lot of repair items there! That's a great idea with the water bottles/gas. I'm wondering if there are any highly compressible containers that'll carry a little bit of fuel? Personally I've never had an issue running out of fuel but it would definitely be nice to have a container. I guess during normal times you could just pay $1-$2 for a bottle of water and use that so long as the gas station clerk were willing to look the other way. Something stuck out to me with your list though...the extra key stashed ON the bike. I know I have one on my vehicle. I use one of those magnetic hide-a-keys with gorilla tape over it. But how do you do that on a bike...and where?? I'm thinking maybe under a saddle-bag liner or something like that. Thanks -Emt1581 |
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I am heavy on tools and honestly have never used any of those tools on a ride in 16 years of riding but I've read about other bad situations and what fixes I've done at home so I figure that list would fix just about anything that didn't kill me.
My key is chipped so it has to be approx 48" from the ignition so it doesn't interfere...that gets tricky. But I have it burried deep in the bike on a piece of frame with a piece of duct tape that has a tab so if I reach in and pull the tab it should all come out...pending the duct tape not disintegrating guess it's about time to check on that tape. |
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I am heavy on tools and honestly have never used any of those tools on a ride in 16 years of riding but I've read about other bad situations and what fixes I've done at home so I figure that list would fix just about anything that didn't kill me. My key is chipped so it has to be approx 48" from the ignition so it doesn't interfere...that gets tricky. But I have it burried deep in the bike on a piece of frame with a piece of duct tape that has a tab so if I reach in and pull the tab it should all come out...pending the duct tape not disintegrating guess it's about time to check on that tape. Oh ok. My key isn't chipped, but if I do lose it (as with all keys) I have to find a dealer and have them order me one. I figure keeping it at home is probably a better idea. But maybe I'll order another one now just for a spare...spare that I can hide on board. As for the magnetic phone case....thoughts? Case Thanks -Emt1581 |
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Oh ok. My key isn't chipped, but if I do lose it (as with all keys) I have to find a dealer and have them order me one. I figure keeping it at home is probably a better idea. But maybe I'll order another one now just for a spare...spare that I can hide on board. As for the magnetic phone case....thoughts? Case Thanks -Emt1581 Quoted:
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I am heavy on tools and honestly have never used any of those tools on a ride in 16 years of riding but I've read about other bad situations and what fixes I've done at home so I figure that list would fix just about anything that didn't kill me. My key is chipped so it has to be approx 48" from the ignition so it doesn't interfere...that gets tricky. But I have it burried deep in the bike on a piece of frame with a piece of duct tape that has a tab so if I reach in and pull the tab it should all come out...pending the duct tape not disintegrating guess it's about time to check on that tape. Oh ok. My key isn't chipped, but if I do lose it (as with all keys) I have to find a dealer and have them order me one. I figure keeping it at home is probably a better idea. But maybe I'll order another one now just for a spare...spare that I can hide on board. As for the magnetic phone case....thoughts? Case Thanks -Emt1581 Looks fine, I just use tape because it will also stick to aluminium as required depending on your bike that may or may not be helpful. |
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Looks fine, I just use tape because it will also stick to aluminium as required depending on your bike that may or may not be helpful. You literally stick a piece of tape to the phone and gas tank?...and that works? With the phone case I just worry about the magnets screwing up the phone/screen as well as whether or not my otterbox armor case would fit inside the case. Thanks -Emt1581 |
| Oops thought we where just talking about spare keys still. I use the RAM mount and really like it Linky |
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Oops thought we where just talking about spare keys still. I use the RAM mount and really like it Linky Ha! Ok that changes things. I just didn't know anyone that would put tape adhesive on their gas tank on a daily basis. Ok, so you use that and a handle-bar mount yet? That might work. I have a DC jack on the right side but on the left side might have enough to mount to. Just saw the price...$50 for both the mount and the cradle. A little steep but I guess you get what you pay for. Thanks -Emt1581 |
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I use the handlebar mount with a sleeve and have it on a piece of farme close to my wind screen. I think I got the RAM mount for a bike not a motorcycle and paid like $20 at REI if I remember correctly. See I don't have a wind screen. Mine is an 86 Intruder so it's pretty bare bones but I LOVE it! This is why I figured a magnetic bag would be better. Here's another one I found... Phone case -Emt1581 |
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Some good advice in here...
I normally keep pretty extensive tools & preps in my cars / truck to help me always be able to limp the vehicle home... I definitely need to step up preps for my motorcycle! A more specific get home bag for the motorcycle would be incredibly useful in the event of an emergency. I guess having a rain poncho or some other water proof gear would be helpful in keeping me a bit more dry if there is an unforeseen storm that comes up. Excellent information here! Keep the ideas flowing! Definitely need to add a FAK / Trauma kit. |
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See I don't have a wind screen. Mine is an 86 Intruder so it's pretty bare bones but I LOVE it! This is why I figured a magnetic bag would be better. Here's another one I found... Phone case -Emt1581 Quoted:
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I use the handlebar mount with a sleeve and have it on a piece of farme close to my wind screen. I think I got the RAM mount for a bike not a motorcycle and paid like $20 at REI if I remember correctly. See I don't have a wind screen. Mine is an 86 Intruder so it's pretty bare bones but I LOVE it! This is why I figured a magnetic bag would be better. Here's another one I found... Phone case -Emt1581 If your riding a Suzuki Intruder, you don't need a dealership to order you a spare key. Just go down to a locksmith he can cut you a key from the key you already have. Nothing special about the stock key other than the "S" on the head. My experience? I have worked at a motorcycle dealership for the past 14 years. |
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If your riding a Suzuki Intruder, you don't need a dealership to order you a spare key. Just go down to a locksmith he can cut you a key from the key you already have. Nothing special about the stock key other than the "S" on the head. My experience? I have worked at a motorcycle dealership for the past 14 years. Seriously?? I didn't know that. I know that the big box stores couldn't do it. Never considered a locksmith or a smaller hardware store. I'll give it a try though. Thanks! -Emt1581 |
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I use the handlebar mount with a sleeve and have it on a piece of farme close to my wind screen. I think I got the RAM mount for a bike not a motorcycle and paid like $20 at REI if I remember correctly. Be careful if you follow this advice. Think about it. Does a bicycle mimic the same actions as a motorcycle? There is a reason the motorcycle Ram mount is $50 and the bicycle was $20. Difference in quality and materials. A motorcycle can exceed speeds of 100 mph and have vibration to match. Do you really want to trust your $600 smartphone to something made for a bicycle. You do what you want and it may be working out fine for the other guy. But here in the survival forum we preach all the time "Buy once, cry once" and the importance of quality gear. Like I stated I work in a motorcycle dealership. I personally have seen the failures and the pissed off people who have come in to buy quality mounts after the eBay cheap Chinese knockoff cost them a smartphone. |
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Seriously?? I didn't know that. I know that the big box stores couldn't do it. Never considered a locksmith or a smaller hardware store. I'll give it a try though. Thanks! -Emt1581 Quoted:
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If your riding a Suzuki Intruder, you don't need a dealership to order you a spare key. Just go down to a locksmith he can cut you a key from the key you already have. Nothing special about the stock key other than the "S" on the head. My experience? I have worked at a motorcycle dealership for the past 14 years. Seriously?? I didn't know that. I know that the big box stores couldn't do it. Never considered a locksmith or a smaller hardware store. I'll give it a try though. Thanks! -Emt1581 Absolutely. I work at a smaller dealership. We don't even cut keys. We have a referral system with a local locksmith to send people his way. I have had others I told about and they mentioned they used other locksmiths as well. In a town of 50k people there are at least 3 locksmiths in my area that cut motorcycle keys. Like $6 bucks to cut a copy on the average. |
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See I don't have a wind screen. Mine is an 86 Intruder so it's pretty bare bones but I LOVE it! This is why I figured a magnetic bag would be better. Here's another one I found... Phone case -Emt1581 Quoted:
Quoted:
I use the handlebar mount with a sleeve and have it on a piece of farme close to my wind screen. I think I got the RAM mount for a bike not a motorcycle and paid like $20 at REI if I remember correctly. See I don't have a wind screen. Mine is an 86 Intruder so it's pretty bare bones but I LOVE it! This is why I figured a magnetic bag would be better. Here's another one I found... Phone case -Emt1581 These magnetic tank bags you linked to work pretty good. Just be sure you get a quality one, as again, I have seen Chinese knockoffs that the magnets are shit and they don't hold for crap. But if you get a good one they work really well and they free up real estate in the handlebar area. |
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Be careful if you follow this advice. Think about it. Does a bicycle mimic the same actions as a motorcycle? There is a reason the motorcycle Ram mount is $50 and the bicycle was $20. Difference in quality and materials. A motorcycle can exceed speeds of 100 mph and have vibration to match. Do you really want to trust your $600 smartphone to something made for a bicycle. You do what you want and it may be working out fine for the other guy. But here in the survival forum we preach all the time "Buy once, cry once" and the importance of quality gear. Like I stated I work in a motorcycle dealership. I personally have seen the failures and the pissed off people who have come in to buy quality mounts after the eBay cheap Chinese knockoff cost them a smartphone. Quoted:
Quoted:
I use the handlebar mount with a sleeve and have it on a piece of farme close to my wind screen. I think I got the RAM mount for a bike not a motorcycle and paid like $20 at REI if I remember correctly. Be careful if you follow this advice. Think about it. Does a bicycle mimic the same actions as a motorcycle? There is a reason the motorcycle Ram mount is $50 and the bicycle was $20. Difference in quality and materials. A motorcycle can exceed speeds of 100 mph and have vibration to match. Do you really want to trust your $600 smartphone to something made for a bicycle. You do what you want and it may be working out fine for the other guy. But here in the survival forum we preach all the time "Buy once, cry once" and the importance of quality gear. Like I stated I work in a motorcycle dealership. I personally have seen the failures and the pissed off people who have come in to buy quality mounts after the eBay cheap Chinese knockoff cost them a smartphone. You've never seen me ride my bicycle 
Agree with the fleebay/Chinese crap avoidance. |
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Forgot Some stuff so decided to delete post and list it out , Factory tool kit + other tools that have been found needed while doing maintenance on the bike Tire patch kit Hand pump Tire gauge 2 tire tools Aluminum tube to use like a center stand lifting the back or front tire off the ground . bottle of water MSR 32 oz bottle of gas First aid kit Sometimes a front spare tube , going to get a tube bag for the front fender to carry it full time . Zipties Electric tape Ram X mount + ram Garmin 60 mount Spare plug in a mentos container Small bottle of locktight Small bottle of oil for cables and chains 50 ft of para cord Sometimes a small tarp . When dualsprting ot long rides Ill wear my hydration pack Ill have to go look at the bike to see if I forgot something else BTW I have a 250 super sherpa dual sport . |
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Other than the factory tool kit, patch kit, slime, pump (small motorcycle electric), multi-tool, headlamp, bungie cords, gloves, shop towels, lighter, paracord, garbage bags, and a bottle of water for cleaning the windsheild. Long haul in rural conditions, I throw one of my smaller GHBs into the saddlebag. I almost always armed and also have glasses for both day and night, maps and sometimes GPS. Or course in one bag, I keep a double layer rain suit which doubles for warmth when its cold.
On a trip, man I have the gear and take all that plus about everything you'd take on an airplane including a laptop. Heck, I even having folding chairs that fit in the saddle bags and very often, you'll find pack fishing gear. Almost always I have a thermos bottle of hot or cold drink. I often ride out to the Dragon and watch the bikes go by. Sometimes I'll fish in Chillhowee lake. Often my thermos is popular. People will notice my local tags and stop asking me directions. That happens a lot. Many times, I offer them a cold drink from the thermos. I got this one cop that routinely asks me for cup. I think he likes tea and lemonade which are my summer favorites. I have four bags. The two large saddle bags, one round back rack/rest bag, a handlebar bag, and small tank bag. One saddlebag has permanent gear, the tools, folding seat, and rain suit (its a real heavy rain suit) and the other I leave open for just stuff I want to take even a half shell helmet. The back round bag, that holds shop towells, gloves, water, and my thermos. Handle bar bag, spare glasses so I don't have to stop to switch. The tank bag registration, proof of insurance, map, and either or spare glasses or GPS. Since smart phones, GPS doesn't go much unless I know I'll be in the mountains with no cell service. That's my street bike. My trail bike, if I'm riding alone, I tie a GHB on the back rack. I also have an ATV bag which kind of a combination GHB and tool bag (slime, patch, pump, headlamp etc) that I throw in the trail bike for long trail rides, basically everything you need to fix the bike or spend a night comfortably with hot food. Though I don't do it as much these days, I do enjoy motorcycle camping. There I add a ground pad, bread loaf sleeping bag, candle lantern, and pack tent. Amazing how comfortable you can be camping on a bike. I can't over emphasize how neat bike life is with modern cell phones. I have music, movies, books, and the internet. Beats the hell out of the old walkman with external speaker days. Tj |