What your bike's toolbox contains?

[Arctic Fox]

I just have original tools (looked like ... never used). Should I add something? Of course I can not do much by myself; hopefully little by little more as time goes. But just to be prepared (or if someone would stop to help me).

[fotoguzzi]

Most common on Guzzi's 10, 13, 17 & 19mm . I always carried both sockets and open end wrenches of those sizes and o good set of hex/allen wrenches.

[Perazzimx14]

I mean no disrespect as I do not know your mechanical abilities so another question is can you use all the tools you carry?

I've seen lots of threads where folks post tool rolls that would rival Jeff Spicoli's dads tool box. They post questions how to perform the most very basic maintnenace. Adventure bikes riders are some of the worst. They deck their bikes out with tire levers, beads breakers tubes, patches, plugs, pumps, CO2 inflators but have never changed a tire in the safety and convenience of their home but somehow if tasked with the job along a busy roadway or 20 miles back in the mountains the tire changing gene will kick in?

Most modern motorcycles have very spartan tool kits and that because other than possible snugging up the occasional fastener there not a lot else you can do on the road. With modern electronics a computer and way to access the onboard computer is as important or more important as a bag wrenches.

I do carry tools with me but not a lot and bike specific. A chain drive bike will needs some different tools than a shaft drive bike. Same with tube and tubeless wheels  The most important is a way to plug and inflate tires and a credit card.

[Dirk_S]

Should you add tools? Absolutely. How much / what tools depends on how independent you want to be and how much you want to carry. I have two sets of tools--one set stored in the OEM tool pouch for my 'everyday essentials', and a bigger tool roll that goes with me on longer journeys.

* NOTE that I am one of those aforementioned adventurers who like to carry tools... but I do work on my bike by myself as much as I can. You learn by doing. OEM tool pouches are Spartan because A) it trims expenses, and B) most people would rather just call for service. I'm a fan of self-reliance.

Inside my nearly overstuffed OEM Guzzi pouch:
* Tire repair kit: Are you happy enough to call a tow service if you blow a tire, or do you want to change it yourself (30 minutes to a couple hours of roadside work in the weather elements).
* Wrenches: I like the ratcheting type, have sizes from 6mm to 14mm.
* Magnetic grabber and mirror (both extendable)
* Allen wrenches
* OEM screwdriver
* Cable ties

Inside my larger tool roll - much of my maintenance can be done with this roll:
* Tire levers (Motion Pro Bead Breaker model)
* Stubby ratcheting wrench
* T-handle socket wrench and extensions - I prefer breaking and tightening bigger nuts with this than with the ratcheting socket wrench.
* Axle wrenches - I have a couple of the lightweight variety with each end a different size. I pair the socket wrenches with these.
* Hex sockets - I have these for hex heads that require heavier torque.
* Sockets
* Socket adaptors --1/4", 3/8", 1/2" (my digital torque adaptor is 1/2" but I use 3/8" socket wrenches.
* Flashlight
* Stubby adjustable wrench -- currently using a Stanley... extends to 24mm, I believe.
*Leatherman multi-tool
* Spark plug socket
* Hook/pick set
* More cable ties
* Small bottle of lubricant
* Blue threadlocker

I also keep a bicycle hand pump on the bike.

Good to also get a torque wrench or digital torque adaptor (my preference), although I've yet to ever carry one with me on trips.

[Lannis]

I make sure that I have screwdrivers and hex keys to fit the available screw heads, the appropriate tools to remove either wheel, a crescent wrench on a belt sheath, a few cable ties, a spark plug wrench, and a spare master link on my chain bikes.   This normally all fits in the bike's tool tray.

In all these years of riding old Brits, Guzzis, modern bikes, etc, with no more than the above, I've never gotten stuck somewhere because I wasn't carrying the right tool.   You don't need all that much.   If it's a major job, you won't be doing it on the roadside anyhow, you'll be in someone's shop.   People are very helpful when it comes to a broken-down traveler.

Lannis

[Ncdan]

I have what tools comes with a given bike and my Leatherman tool in my right pocket, as always. If anything’s happens to the bike I can’t fix with that I retrieve my do all tool from my wallet, a AAA (triple A) card and off to an appropriate motorcycle garage.

[Arctic Fox]

I see.

Well, perhaps there might be another angle to look at this?

With my car (Mini Cooper)  ... I for example have taken extra / voluntary insurance (one kind of all risks/full comprehensive insurance) which will compensate much more cases & issues than normal car's traffic insurance (the latter one is only mandatory here). For example if my car will break down middle of nowhere ... compensating direct costs of that (tow car etc.). If some small stone will break my windscreen ... I will get that changed new free of charge. If I would cause the traffic accident ... also get my car repaired (or its value compensated to my) etc.

I have not checked but perhaps there are similar once with motorcycles? With my Guzzi ... I took mandatory traffic insurance but actually also something extras (still light version of those). There was large version as well (which I have with my Mini). Perhaps time (before next riding season) study bit more of those  . 

PS: We have bonus system here ... what a more you have ridden (years ... without accidents) the more cheap your insurances will be (of course bike type & size influences as well). Me as a newbie? The insurances felt quite expensive (having low bonuses). So I ended to that light version.

 

[guzziart]

I don't really know what I have in the way of tools on any of my bikes.  All my rides have the factory tool kits but I've never needed to use them.  During my Superglide years ('78-'83), I carried a lot of "extra" tools but nothing extra since.  FWIW, my newest bike is eight years old, has been cross country twice in the last three years, no tools needed.  I guess I've been lucky.  Thank goodness they don't make'm like they used to.

Oh, I carry WW tire pluggers on all the bikes...have needed them off & on over the years!

[malik]

I carry one set under the seat - the more commonly used stuff, plus a few cable ties, a length of wire, a tyre valve tool. For long trips, there's a more extensive set in the luggage, including the Beakbrkr & a spare tube. It all depends on how much work you're prepared to do at the side of the road. The kit under the seat can change - recently I've been adjusting the rear brake master cylinder rod, so have temparily added in the 11mm & 5mm open end spanners. If I'm playing with the mirrors, then I'd need the 17, 19 & maybe the 21mm open end.

I have found that subscribing to a (national) roadside assist service is invaluable - ideal when you don't have the parts and/or tools needed. But then I do a lot of touring, and have used their towing service on several ocassions. Gets you out of strife simply & easily.

[ozarquebus]

When on a road trip, for piece of mind I now like to take overkill to fix a tubeless tire flat. Wheel removal wrench, good hole plugging kit, can of fix a flat, mini 12V air pump. Then basic regular toolkit, but also a tiny voltmeter with alligator clip leads.

[Guzzistajohn]

 BFH alignment tool 

[wymple]

Since I use side cases with plenty of room, I carry more than needed, after all, I'm not usually the only biker and who knows? In addition to basic hand tools I carry such things as fuses, flashlights, black tape, etc. I might toss in a small roll of 14 gauge electric wire. Standard paranoia.

[larrys]

 BFH alignment tool 

When your only tool is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail..

Larry

[twowheeladdict]

It really depends how far away from help will you be if you break down.

In 300,000 miles on Japanese motorcycles I have never needed a tool for my bike while away from home. I have helped other riders out with my tools.

I also don’t leave on a trip without going over the bike and making sure it is ready for the trip.

Carry tools to do what you feel comfortable doing on the side of the road.

If your bike is that unreliable that you have to carry a lot of tools, maybe that bike needs to just be used around the neighborhood.

[fotoguzzi]

If your bike is that unreliable that you have to carry a lot of tools, maybe that bike needs to just be used around the neighborhood.

or carry all the tools you can and then you won't ever need them.

[ampm7]

I carry most of the tools that are specific to the bike. I don't go overboard. Tire puncture repair kit (tubeless), adjustable crescent, 1/4" drive metric sockets, screwdrivers, hex keys, tie downs, zip ties, electrical tape, wire for lashing, pliers, etc. If the bike is properly maintained, you shouldn't need to use them. However, on a recent trip the left handlebar bar end mirror loosened and I pulled over, got out my trusty hex keys and tightened the errant screw and was back in business in less than 10 minutes. So, if the bike is maintained, the tools are extra insurance.

[malik]

 BFH alignment tool 

We call that an American screwdriver.

[LowRyter]

Plenty of the mentioned tools to prioritize.  I'd 2nd the air pump and flat kit.  Along with a few allen wrenches, small crescent, and multi tools.

Also bring a spare spark plug (this helps to troubleshoot ignition problems without removing a plug from the engine), fuses and a spare relay.

And some spray cleaner polish and a rag (to clean your helmet visor).

[Sasquatch Jim]

 My favorite tool was my crescent hammer.  It started as a 12 inch crescent then I made a bronze hammer head and milled a slot to fit on the end of the wrench where it was silver brazed.  The bronze head was just soft enough to not scar things up and when an axle nut was really stuck  Would put the wrench on and hit the hammer head with a heavy hammer or some other heavy object.
This was my go to tool when I needed a bigga hammer!

[Canuck750]

Depends on the bike, I can fix my KLR myself so I pack most everything I will ever need in a side case including spare control cables, a length of drive chain, chain splitter, JB weld etc....

My BMW K160O - a couple spare fuses, a small flat blade screwdriver and that's it, I can't fix much of anything on it myself.

Vintage bikes, a couple spark plugs and a simple tool kit.

[Gappy]

 A few Trojans and my 81 r100rt tool wallet, Guzzi never made a decent tool kit.

[sign216]

I have found that subscribing to a (national) roadside assist service is invaluable - ideal when you don't have the parts and/or tools needed. But then I do a lot of touring, and have used their towing service on several ocassions. Gets you out of strife simply & easily.

Malik,
Re roadside assistance, I belong to the Amer. Auto Assoc (AAA), but they only provide a tow, jump start, or fuel.  Do the Aussie services do more?

Joe

[tris]

This

.........
Inside my nearly overstuffed OEM Guzzi pouch:
* Tire repair kit: Are you happy enough to call a tow service if you blow a tire, or do you want to change it yourself (30 minutes to a couple hours of roadside work in the weather elements).
* Wrenches: I like the ratcheting type, have sizes from 6mm to 14mm.
* Magnetic grabber and mirror (both extendable)
* Allen wrenches
* OEM screwdriver
* Cable ties
.......

Plus
 
* A pair of pliers
* A small roll of jungle tape

For anything more than that lot will fix

*Credit Card
*Mobile phone

[Guzzi Gal]

What it came with.

[antmanbee]

- One forty-five caliber automatic
- Two boxes of ammunition
- Four days' concentrated emergency rations
- One drug issue containing antibiotics, morphine,
  vitamin pills, pep pills, sleeping pills, tranquilizer pills
- One miniature combination Russian phrase book and Bible
- One hundred dollars in rubles
- One hundred dollars in gold
- Nine packs of chewing gum
- One issue of prophylactics
- Three lipsticks
- Three pair of nylon stockings.

[egschade]

- decent set of allen wrenches
- small battery pack w/ jumper cables
- wad of duct tape
- assorted length zip ties
- tire plugs & small compressor
- small and medium adjustable spanners
- Leatherman like multi-tool
- mechanic's gloves
- LED flashlight
- SnapJack (I don't have a center stand)

[ozarquebus]

Oh, others' remarks reminded me. Since we are mentioning items besides tools.  I do take AAA type tow insurance, a home made miniaturized version of Jumper Cables and a spare spark plug as well as flashlight, fuses, gaffer tape, piece of wire, a spare clutch cable, couple of sheet metal screws, tire gauge, 1 pr latex gloves, couple of bulbs, a shop rag and a partridge in a pear tree.

On cross continent trips I would take a large 1+ liter aluminum SIG bottle full of gasoline.
 Its funny, at one time or another I have been on the side of the road wishing I had every one of these items, but almost never needed any item after I began carrying it. Its like Karma insurance.

Most frequently needed: Jumper cables, air pump and tire gauge. Most wished for when not carried: bottle of gasoline.

[Dirk_S]

Most frequently needed: Jumper cables, air pump and tire gauge. Most wished for when not carried: bottle of gasoline.

I carry all of those as well on my longer trips.

For the jumper pack, mine doubles as a power/ charging bank. which I use both on and off the bike. Many of these multi-purpose power packs come with alligator clips that plug in via EC5 port. In lieu of carrying clips around, I’ve installed a y-adaptor that remains on the battery, similar to how so many of us keep an auxiliary SAE adaptor hooked up. Makes it easy enough to just plug and jump.

[ozarquebus]

antmanbee,
 are you talking about riding a motorcycle or piloting U-2?

[Lannis]

antmanbee,
 are you talking about riding a motorcycle or piloting U-2?

I've got a bag that's spookily similar to antmanbee's, except that item 9 is missing ....

Lannis