Preparing a tool kit for road trip
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 129
Likes: 0
From: Cheyenne, WY
Preparing a tool kit for road trip
I am trying to put together a small tool kit to pack on the bike for a road trip I am planning. I would like to get some input from you experienced guys on what I should include in my kit.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9,982
Likes: 5,220
From: Michigan
Yep!
A cell phone, a major credit, and an AAA Plus card!
Seriously, since my ""Shovelhead" days, I've carried my tool kit.
Even when I blew a transmission in Texas in 1980, I only had to borrow one tool (for the compensator sprocket bolt).
If you're trying to just have the minimum amount of tools, I'd suggest an adjustable wrench, channelocks, flat & Phillips screwdrivers, electrical tape, a small flashlight, plastic zip ties, and a piece of rubber hose for syphoning gas.
I also carry an extra set (possibly used) spark plugs just in case.
A cell phone, a major credit, and an AAA Plus card!
Seriously, since my ""Shovelhead" days, I've carried my tool kit.
Even when I blew a transmission in Texas in 1980, I only had to borrow one tool (for the compensator sprocket bolt).
If you're trying to just have the minimum amount of tools, I'd suggest an adjustable wrench, channelocks, flat & Phillips screwdrivers, electrical tape, a small flashlight, plastic zip ties, and a piece of rubber hose for syphoning gas.
I also carry an extra set (possibly used) spark plugs just in case.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 12,986
Likes: 715
From: NE Philly
I got the WindZone tool kit. The quality sucks. I've had several of their tools fail on me. However, if you go on their site you can duplicate the set with quality tools like Craftsman. Which is what I've been replacing the WindZone junk with. I've also added a sunglasses kit, a needle nose, a 6" adjustable, regular pliers, spare spark plug, and a tire repair kit.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 564
Likes: 9
From: Texas gulf coast
Snap on socket set, hex wrench assortment, torx bits, adjustable wrench, interchangeable bit screwdriver set, tape, zip ties, a couple feet of 12 ga wire, three feet of hose, mini air compressor tire patch kit,vise grips, leatherman and afore mentioned credit cards and cell phone. The last two fit in my pockets the remainder in a surplus canvas tool tote in the left saddle bag. I know it seems like a lot of stuff but it takes a small amount of room. Oh, and don't forget a few fuses. Enjoy your trip and hope you never have to use your tools.
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,126
Likes: 51,453
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
Yep!
A cell phone, a major credit, and an AAA Plus card!
Seriously, since my ""Shovelhead" days, I've carried my tool kit.
Even when I blew a transmission in Texas in 1980, I only had to borrow one tool (for the compensator sprocket bolt).
If you're trying to just have the minimum amount of tools, I'd suggest an adjustable wrench, channelocks, flat & Phillips screwdrivers, electrical tape, a small flashlight, plastic zip ties, and a piece of rubber hose for syphoning gas.
I also carry an extra set (possibly used) spark plugs just in case.
A cell phone, a major credit, and an AAA Plus card!
Seriously, since my ""Shovelhead" days, I've carried my tool kit.
Even when I blew a transmission in Texas in 1980, I only had to borrow one tool (for the compensator sprocket bolt).
If you're trying to just have the minimum amount of tools, I'd suggest an adjustable wrench, channelocks, flat & Phillips screwdrivers, electrical tape, a small flashlight, plastic zip ties, and a piece of rubber hose for syphoning gas.
I also carry an extra set (possibly used) spark plugs just in case.
This is the most practical for todays bikes , only thing I'll add is roll up a few feet of bailing wire and long pair of needle nose or forceps . Those can be real handy for the little reach in things that do pop up , small vise grips aren't a bad idea either . An allen wrench or Torx set maybe .
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 614
Likes: 1
From: Houston
Beside the tools...
I have the service manual in a PDF that is saved on my smart phone. I also carry the instructions that allows me to disarm my alarm if I loose my security Fob.
But beside that if you have an iPhone
You want apps that will show you weather Radar and where the closet gas is.
I think today the most important thing is the smart phone and a way to keep it charged off of the bike. But thats for quick trips and long trips.
I have the service manual in a PDF that is saved on my smart phone. I also carry the instructions that allows me to disarm my alarm if I loose my security Fob.
But beside that if you have an iPhone
You want apps that will show you weather Radar and where the closet gas is.
I think today the most important thing is the smart phone and a way to keep it charged off of the bike. But thats for quick trips and long trips.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 12,359
Likes: 74
From: WI
I have a Cruztools multi tool, adjustable wrench, a Leatherman, and some misc stuff. For the most part, that has served me well on the road.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 4,933
Likes: 11
From: Kentucky
I carry what I can fit in 1 of my teardrop toolboxes - torx bit set and allen wrenches of everything on the bike; screwdriver (4 bits) 10mm wrench, 1/2" and 9/16" sockets and spark plug socket, zip ties, 2 ratchets with extensions, small knife, and a few other things I can't remember right now. Basically, anything I commonly use on the bike. I also throw some wrenches in a saddlebag to fit my barebacks and clutch cable.
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Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 641
Likes: 0
From: Down the road a bit in Texas
Snap on socket set, hex wrench assortment, torx bits, adjustable wrench, interchangeable bit screwdriver set, tape, zip ties, a couple feet of 12 ga wire, three feet of hose, mini air compressor tire patch kit,vise grips, leatherman and afore mentioned credit cards and cell phone. The last two fit in my pockets the remainder in a surplus canvas tool tote in the left saddle bag. I know it seems like a lot of stuff but it takes a small amount of room. Oh, and don't forget a few fuses. Enjoy your trip and hope you never have to use your tools.