There have been several threads recently regarding tool kits carried on a bike. I’ve seen some people make lists that include everything but the kitchen sink. Others seem to think the only thing they are ever going to need is a cell phone and a credit card.
Those who make the long lists are apparently stocking a tool kit for an RV. Those who carry nothing are the irresponsible sheeple who are destined to rely on other people when they need any kind of help.

I do certainly understand that some people are complete mechanical imbeciles and apparently did not evolve from tool bearing species. I also understand that carrying an extensive tool kit on a stripped down bobber or chopper or even a Dyna are going to have limitations.
Even those who pull a trailer with a bike are also limited. It just doesn’t make sense to carry a milling machine. No one is going to tear down an engine and install a big bore kit on the side of the road.
Somewhere between these two extremes, there has to be a workable compromise.

The onboard tool kit is an evolving endeavor.
Having been an avid backpacker for over 40 years, my backpack and camping gear has evolved. Technology, high-tech materials, and my own knowledge and experiences have evolved over time. When I was a young stud I carried a 90 lb pack with canned food and heavy gear. As I got older, new gear became available, and I got smarter. Today I can spend a week in the woods with an ultra-light rig weighing 20 lbs. I didn’t shave 70 lbs off overnight, it was an evolving process.

And so I see the comparison with developing my own tool kit for the bike.
Back in February as I was planning my ride to Daytona for bike week, I approached the prospect as I would a lightweight backpacking trip. But instead of a backpack, I was packing saddle bags and a tour bag. I quickly realized that my rain gear and a spare helmet took up one saddle bag. My clothes, shoes, and laptop filled the tour bag. This left me one saddlebag to play with.

I knew that by the time I got to Daytona the bike would be dirty. Who wants to ride a dirty bike all week? I had already been putting micro-fiber towels, polish, spray detailer, etc. loose in the bag. After having the top come off a bottle of Pig Snot inside the bag I got serious about organization!

While at Wal-Mart on an unrelated mission I happened to stroll by a shelf where a toiletries bag made by American Tourister caught my eye. The side pockets jumped out at me as being just right for the size of bottles, polish, Pig Snot, etc. The bag was under $20 and I bought it on impulse. Shown here with 1911 pistol for size comparison purposes:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff143/61panhead/Tool%20Kit/IMG_0453.jpg

Here, is an example of micro-fiber towels, polish, chrome polish, Harley Glaze, etc. fitting in one side pocket.
[font="times new r

61panhead: Neat, compact, well-thought out. I might have to add something like this to my cell phone/credit card kit. Thanks for sharing.

For 45 years I've worked on everything I've owned, cars, bikes and boats and I'll always wrinch on something. Butyou calling people an "imbecile" because they don't wrinch on the side of the road, now thats just planstupid.I don't need to wrinch on the roadside to prove anything. I don't need to carry a ton of tools on a bike.I stillwrinch, but on the side of the road, I use a cell phone and a Triple A card.

you've got a thing with guns, eh?

Thanks for the ideas, great small tool kit. The .38 would be a good pistol to take on a long trip, I think better than the shotgun.

Good post 61pan.

I, like you, try to do most of my basic bike work from my carry along bag. If I am doing something like tightening up a road peg and I don't have the correct size Allen I grab an extra from my garage tool box or buy one to put in the bag.

I don't take anything to remove a wheel for a flat. If a plug and some air won't fix it then it 1-800-call for help time.

ORIGINAL: Big D Harley

Thanks for the ideas, great small tool kit. The .38 would be a good pistol to take on a long trip, I think better than the shotgun.



Well yes, the .38 is better so long as I don't need a gun at all.
But it wouldn't be better should I have need for a REAL gun. ;)

How much do you want for the 1897?

Wow, that's a lot of guns. :eek: :D

If i needs some parts I know whose bike I'm not taking them off of. :D

Im still trying to figure out what he needs the latex gloves for................lmao.............

Nice tool kit, also nice weapon collection..............

ORIGINAL: MarkandMary

Im still trying to figure out what he needs the latex gloves for




I'm allergic to the Harley chrome polish.
Makes my hands break out with a rash.
When polishing the chrome only, the gloves go on. Problem solved.

I carry more, better suited tools in less space.;)

I like the tool kit but I like the signature line best of all

Not bad! but what about the flask of Jack D. and the condoms? (Shown here with a AK47 for scale... JK):D

Sweet kit. You're like McGvyer. Somehow the firearms make the tools more attractive..kinda like a good lookin' women on a RKC. I need a kit of my own...will use some of your ideas. Nice post

Doc

ORIGINAL: turczytj

you've got a thing with guns, eh?



A "thing" ?
I guess that depends on what you mean.
I work with guns for a living. That "thing" pays for my Harley habit.
http://www.guntactics.com

ORIGINAL: 61panhead

ORIGINAL: turczytj

you've got a thing with guns, eh?



A "thing" ?
I guess that depends on what you mean.
I work with guns for a living. That "thing" pays for my Harley habit.
http://www.guntactics.com


I think turczytj is the one with the "thing"...(hoplophobia)

ORIGINAL: 61panhead


A "thing" ?
I guess that depends on what you mean.
I work with guns for a living. That "thing" pays for my Harley habit.
http://www.guntactics.com



Want another Winchester '97?

That was a really well thought out presentation, thanks for posting your work.

ORIGINAL: chrls

That was a really well thought out presentation, thanks for posting your work.


Ditto that.

I'd add asmall multi-meter. I seem to have more electical problems (than strictly mechanical) out on the road.

Thanks, guys.
As I said, it's still evolving.

I have since removed the toiletries items and found a separate bag for them.
That created enough room in the main compartment for the kryptonite cable and lock so now nothing is rattling around loose inside the saddlebag.

The multi-meter is a good idea. I also want one of those little cig lighter/power port powered air compressors for airing up a tire.

I agree, majors repairs are not going to happen roadside.
I also agree that electrical gremlins are the most likely show stopper.
But I think it prudent to be able to tighten up any fasteners that rattle loose along the way. Having my header bolts vibrate off made a believer out of me.
Basic maintenance such as an oil change while on long tripsis also a possibility.

Thanks for the all the info. Your presentation was excellent. All I kept thinking though was if things go really bad he can always shoot the bike.

I believe in traveling light. alot of your stuff would be left home. before I take long rides the fluids get changed and last till I get home again. no filter wrenchs, funnels, shave cream.one of those 4 way screwdrivers, a pair of plyers and a adjustable can tighten most things. a can of tire fixer will save the day. after a few trips I found out what you need and whats just excess baggage.