Did a search on this and didn't find a thread specifically on this subject (could be wrong).

What do you keep in your tool kit? What are the essential items?

 

Set of allen wrenches, pliers, flathead & philips screwdrivers and motorcycle jumper cables. But most importantly, a cell phone and my AMA card.

 

Tubeless tire repair kit plus a car size can of flat-fix. And the little multi tool than comes with some Harley's now. I will add a pair of pliers, adjustable wrench and lock tite for this summer's three week trip.

It's not an AMF Shovelhead anymore.

 

The most thorough list I've ever seen:
http://www.ironbutt.com/tech/aow.cfm?AOWID=28
Add to it, a set of torx bits.

Or, just carry what you are comfortable using on the side of the road or outside your tent/motel room.
If you are most comfortable with a cell phone, packing just got easier.
Always carry a flashlight.

Somewhere between the list above and a flashlight are the right amount of tools for you.

 

what i do is everytime i need to do some work on my bike, i break out the bike toolkit. if i can do the job with the included tools, great. if i can't, i take the tool out of my garage toolkit. if i think it is a job that i would be doing on the side of the road, i keep the tool in my bike kit and buy a new one for the garage. if i don't, then when i'm done, i put it back in the garage kit.

don't forget the 'expendables'. zip ties, extra bulbs, etc.

 

a set of allen keys. a set of torx, 5 various sockets, small rachet, 2 wrenches, pliers. It all fits in a small hard case i have in my saddle bag.

also some spare copper wire, electrical tape, and zip ties.