Evolution of a tool kit...
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Evolution of a tool kit... - 5/5/2008 1:55:24 AM
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61panhead
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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:
Here, is an example of micro-fiber towels, polish, chrome polish, Harley Glaze, etc. fitting in one side pocket.
[font="times new r
< Message edited by 61panhead -- 5/19/2008 9:34:08 PM >
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"A golf course is a willful and deliberate misuse of a good rifle range."
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RE: Evolution of a tool kit... - 5/5/2008 5:05:01 AM
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turczytj
Posts: 42
Joined: 2/14/2008
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you've got a thing with guns, eh?
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RE: Evolution of a tool kit... - 5/5/2008 5:48:01 AM
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Big D Harley
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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.
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RE: Evolution of a tool kit... - 5/5/2008 6:11:53 AM
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IndyRider
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From: Indianapolis, IN
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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.
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2006 Road King Peace Officer Edition
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RE: Evolution of a tool kit... - 5/5/2008 12:30:26 PM
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61panhead
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quote:
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. 
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RE: Evolution of a tool kit... - 5/5/2008 12:44:07 PM
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SA315B
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How much do you want for the 1897?
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RE: Evolution of a tool kit... - 5/5/2008 1:25:43 PM
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petemac
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Wow, that's a lot of guns.  
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RE: Evolution of a tool kit... - 5/5/2008 1:40:18 PM
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iann8ik
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From: Northern Virginia
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If i needs some parts I know whose bike I'm not taking them off of.
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2008 Road King Classic FLHRC
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USMC 1978-1990, Cobra Pilot
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RE: Evolution of a tool kit... - 5/5/2008 1:40:20 PM
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MarkandMary
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Im still trying to figure out what he needs the latex gloves for................lmao.............
Nice tool kit, also nice weapon collection..............
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RE: Evolution of a tool kit... - 5/5/2008 2:42:39 PM
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61panhead
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quote:
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.
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"A golf course is a willful and deliberate misuse of a good rifle range."
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RE: Evolution of a tool kit... - 5/5/2008 3:08:56 PM
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xxxflhrci
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I carry more, better suited tools in less space.
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RE: Evolution of a tool kit... - 5/5/2008 3:11:30 PM
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johnboy1958
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From: Waco Texas
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I like the tool kit but I like the signature line best of all
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RE: Evolution of a tool kit... - 5/5/2008 4:03:34 PM
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flakdog
Posts: 458
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From: North Texas
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Not bad! but what about the flask of Jack D. and the condoms? (Shown here with a AK47 for scale... JK)
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RE: Evolution of a tool kit... - 5/5/2008 4:20:53 PM
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swilsondds
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From: Phoenix, AZ
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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
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1995 Road King, Stage I
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RE: Evolution of a tool kit... - 5/6/2008 8:31:00 AM
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61panhead
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quote:
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
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"A golf course is a willful and deliberate misuse of a good rifle range."
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RE: Evolution of a tool kit... - 5/6/2008 9:05:23 AM
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oldbie
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quote:
ORIGINAL: 61panhead
quote:
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)
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RE: Evolution of a tool kit... - 5/19/2008 6:47:36 PM
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Jim Dawson
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From: East Alton, IL
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quote:
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?
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RE: Evolution of a tool kit... - 5/19/2008 8:47:51 PM
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chrls
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That was a really well thought out presentation, thanks for posting your work.
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RE: Evolution of a tool kit... - 5/19/2008 9:23:39 PM
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fishheadsaid
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From: Willkillya County, FL
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quote:
ORIGINAL: chrls
That was a really well thought out presentation, thanks for posting your work.
Ditto that.
I'd add a small multi-meter. I seem to have more electical problems (than strictly mechanical) out on the road.
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RE: Evolution of a tool kit... - 5/19/2008 9:45:28 PM
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61panhead
Posts: 643
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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 trips is also a possibility.
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"A golf course is a willful and deliberate misuse of a good rifle range."
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RE: Evolution of a tool kit... - 5/20/2008 1:08:59 AM
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jblksmith1
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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.
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RE: Evolution of a tool kit... - 5/20/2008 12:03:09 PM
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big cahuna
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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.
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