OMG I just saw a snap-on kit for Harley's $300.00 CRAZY!

 

300 is a bit pricey. When i put mine together I did want quality tools, I went with used craftsman tools that i picked up at a garage sale. I think i might have 30 bucks in mine total.

 

Attaboy!

No sense leaving hundreds of $ worth of tools in a saddlebag or tool roll.

 

Why all the tools? I've been riding street since 1972 and never had to turn a wrench. I believe that's because I regularly service my bikes. When I was younger, I did it myself. Now that I'm able, I let the dealer do it. I guess I could understand a can of fix-a-flat, but tools? I just bought an '11 FLHTK and honestly, if it broke, am I really going to "tear in to it" and fix it? I guess guys who use the crimp type wire splicers should plan on being on the side of the road but tools?
How many have been down on the side of the road and repaired their bike? Now the next and most important question; how many have been down on the side of the road twice on the same bike??

 

I looked at one of the Harley kits and gathered all my tools, Snap-On, from my own tools to make up the kit. Then I laid all the tools out, got some heavy canvas and made my own tool rolls with pockets for each individual tool. I used a small plastic fish-food container to hold the small sockets, screwdriver bits, leather eyes (for my chaps, jacket, etc.), small zip-ties, etc.
I think altogether, the rolls measure about 12" long and maybe 6" in diameter, total and hold more than the HD tool kits, including collapsible tire tools.
When it warms up in my garage and if I remember, I'll break it out and lay everything out and take some pics.

 

Many (maybe most?) riders nowadays wouldn't have a clue what to do if their bike broke down. Besides call for a tow truck.

But some of us insist on being self-sufficient (try, anyway); travel to remote wilderness areas beyond ready help and cell coverage; take time to learn how to inspect & maintain our own bikes and provide ourselves with basic tools and supplies so that we are prepared to make emergency repairs in the field. In the last 8 days of riding, I have used the tools I carry both on my own bike and to help a rider along the roadside.

You can depend totally on others to help you, if you'd like. Good Samaritan or lone survivor, it's an honored biker tradition to carry an emergency tool kit.

 

Windzone has made this real easy for Harley riders. I've had my tool kit for about 6 years and used it many times between my own bikes and friends...usually just tightening up loose shifter levers and stuff like that.

Anyway, I bought this kit back when it was $89 and it was a steal at that price really. The tools seem to be of good quality and everything you need for roadside repairs is included.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/WINDZ...Q5fAccessories

 

what i do is everytime i work on the bike in the garage, i use my bike tool kit. if i don't have the tool to do the job, i get it out of the toolbox, and then buy a new one to replace it in the toolbox. now i do temper this with some common sense, if it is a job that i won't be performing on the side of the road or a motel parking lot, then i don't bother with adding that tool.

i use a 14 pocket tool roll from harbor freight, roll that up, and stick it in a canvas tool bag i got from my military days. holds everything i need, and doesn't take up a lot of room in the saddle bag.

and while i may maintain my bike, you never know when something will give way. or how well someone else on the ride maintains theirs. i've used my tools more on other people's bikes than i have mine.

 

EXACTLY!!! I drive new cars and still throw a tool kit in the cars for long trips. I am old enough to remember when cars broke down (sometimes frequently) and AAA was the only road side assistance and I couldn't afford it.

And for those that say they have a cell, wallet and roadside assistance... Try that in western Kansas, the desert SW, the northern plains, or the mountains... I guess they can play games on their cell phone while they walk for help!!! They need to get out of Baltimore and ride where there is truly open road.

And for the record my bike is in PERFECT condition, and maintained far better than manufacturer standards. It has never left me on the side of the road, but I have helped others that only had a wallet and phone...

 

+1 My experience as well...and usually on long trips where the toll of the road tends to loosen up fasteners a bit.