Spares and tools for touring, pcm reliability.

[Edgo897]

I'm going through my 98 V11 EV trying to make it as reliable as I can. I pack the simple stuff that can go bad, fuses, relays, cables, etc..., and I have tools to remove a wheel if necessary. Barring something catastrophic I think I have it covered. My big concern is the P8 pcm. If it goes bad one is really cooked. Does anyone carry a spare or is it not a concern? I'm thinking of getting a spare to keep in the bag.
Thanks, Ed

[Murray]

I doubt your 98 EV has the P8. TBH you are far more likely to have a voltage regulator turn itself inside out than an ECU. There are plenty of examples of these with 100 000miles plus. I have however seen a crank sensor bring a bit to a halt with no warning so that might be more likely. I wouldn't worry about it too much.

[Chuck in Indiana]

ECUs are as reliable as a bucket of hammers. Run a dedicated ground wire from your voltage regulator case to a bolt on the engine.

[Edgo897]

So I'll get a spare crank sensor and voltage regulator for the road tool kit. Cheap and easy to find now rather than trying to find one in the middle of nowhere. What else?

[Kiwi_Roy]

Front wheel bearings are the only thing that let my EV down, cheap as chips but unobtainable when you need them,
Change them out when you change the tires and carry 1 old one as a spare.

[Murray]

So I'll get a spare crank sensor and voltage regulator for the road tool kit. Cheap and easy to find now rather than trying to find one in the middle of nowhere. What else?

A generic accel HD or ATV voltage reg will do (for a fraction of the cost) 26amp or greater is the capacity required. TBH if it does wet itself you can still ride on batt power for a little while so not a complete show stopper.

[Edgo897]

Front wheel bearings are the only thing that let my EV down, cheap as chips but unobtainable when you need them,
Change them out when you change the tires and carry 1 old one as a spare.

I installed new front and rear wheel bearings. Can someone post up a link for a spare regulator purchase? And is there an inexpensive crank sensor replacement out there?
Thanks

[guzzisteve]

Have faith in your bike, you don't need 1/2 saddle bag for what if, just a card. I wouldn't have that stuff bouncing around for what if it breaks before you need it. Check bike before you leave, and join the Club.

[oldbike54]

I doubt your 98 EV has the P8. TBH you are far more likely to have a voltage regulator turn itself inside out than an ECU. There are plenty of examples of these with 100 000miles plus. I have however seen a crank sensor bring a bit to a halt with no warning so that might be more likely. I wouldn't worry about it too much.

 Don't all '98 EV's have the P8 ? Not really an issue except for it being large and clunky .

 Dusty

[ken farr]

Have faith in your bike, you don't need 1/2 saddle bag for what if, just a card. I wouldn't have that stuff bouncing around for what if it breaks before you need it. Check bike before you leave, and join the Club.

 :1:


kjf

[Wayne Orwig]

I have replaced a lot of clutch plates and voltage regulators, but never had to replace an ECU.
I did have a somewhat sudden TPS failure once.
You can get those parts shipped overnight. You would need to tow a trailer full of parts and tools for everything like that.
Join the MGNOC and carry the owners list in case you need to call about getting a part quickly.
Carry tire plugs and a pump. Spare fuses and relays. Reasonable tools. Enjoy the ride.

[Chuck in Indiana]

Don't all '98 EV's have the P8 ? Not really an issue except for it being large and clunky .

 Dusty

As far as I know they do.. and..I already said

ECUs are as reliable as a bucket of hammers.

As far as I'm concerned, I try to have a way to fix a flat. That's the most common "break down." I certainly don't plan on overhauling the motorcycle on the side of the road. 

[Edgo897]

My 98 EV has the P8 "big brain". I've got fix-a-flat and some tire plugs. As I see it an ounce of prevention is always worth a pound of cure. The bike has three bags, if half of one has a few parts and tools I think it's worth it to me. I do all my own wrenching so if a fifty dollar spare part gets me going I'd like to be able to do that. I do like the simplicity of this Beast.

Thanks

[oldbike54]

 I carry a small repurposed soft bag originally intended as an ice bag filled with some basic tools . Those tools have come in handy more than once , usually in helping another motorcyclist who can't be bothered to carry any tools at all 

 Seriously , don't get carried away , honestly a supply of water and a candy bar or a bag of trail mix , and a cell phone along with some very basic tools will usually suffice .

 Oh , a couple of crimp connectors , a small roll of wire , and zip ties are really handy .

 Dusty

[Edgo897]

 If I carry a lot of stuff then won't it make it likely that those parts will not
fail?

[malik]

Quite likely, but carrying a couple of spare pistons is a little over the top.

Do what you can to make it reliable, subscribe to a decent roadside assist service, and carry less. Enjoy the adventure.