Girlie need basic tools for new bike

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Aug 28, 2018 | 02:48 AM

#21

DonN

Road Warrior

Joined: May 2009

Posts: 1,760

Likes: 211

From: Manila, Philippines

You can ditch the plug kit. You have spoke rims so they have tubes, unless you have one of the rare tubeless rims. Should say on the wheel, disregard whats stamped on the tire. I used to carry a liter of gas, but have never used it and just stop whenever I see a station and I live where there may be no gas stations for miles. Rely on your trip meter instead of gauge. If you have a smart phone, they have pretty good flashlights as well so can eliminate the maglight in case your trying to save space. Same goes with quarters. Cant say we have that many payphones out there these days. If there is a payphone, then there is a place to change cash. Just my opinion. Pack all you can until you feel comfortable. Can always throw a day bag on back to pack the clothes.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dehammer

This is pretty helpful, especially the part of having the tools even if you don't know enough, someone will. It's good to have even while you get your skill sets up. This will take time.

In the limited bag space I have on my Softail I carry quite a few items. I have a KaBar Becker BK2 bush knife for utility and defense. I carry a 1.5 liter of gas in a fuel cell wrapped in a towel so no vibration wears through, this is important, my mileage varies and I don't trust gauges. I carry an emergency med kit with Celox in a Pelican case. Tool kit. Roll of quarters in a waterproof cylinder with compressed napkins. A bota bag of water due to the fact I live in the desert. A plug kit with CO2. Surefire flashlight, I prefer the large Maglites but I'm running out of room by now. A couple spare mags in a pouch. Probably forgot a couple things. All of this fits in my leather low side saddlebag. The other bag I keep clothing in.

I ride alone in the middle of nowhere, as Santana would say "I ain't got no one to depend on."

Aug 28, 2018 | 04:10 AM

#22

Dehammer

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2018

Posts: 3,872

Likes: 3,481

From: Arizona

Quote:

Originally Posted by DonN

Definitely tailor your loadout to your ride and environment. Arizona mileage can vary quite a bit. Altitudes and temps vary a lot depending on where your going. Phoenix to Flagstaff in the summer is a radical change. I always go by the trip. I've come up short a few times so I just carry what I can for gas. A whole lot of nowhere where I like to go especially at night. The quarters are for vending machines, I stared dry mouth at a lit Coke machine at 3am one time.

Always avoided spoke rims. Never thought about fixing a flat for one. Didn't know there were tubeless versions either. Learn something new.

Phone and card is right up there with putting on your pants advice wise. Always interesting to see the loadouts.

Aug 28, 2018 | 06:21 AM

#23

jkinner

Road Captain

Joined: Jul 2010

Posts: 560

Likes: 88

From: Gila Bend AZ

I would suggest a good pre trip inspection, oil level, tire condition/pressure, light's, also a post trip inspection, just look it over, leaks loose spokes etc. And as suggested cell phone, credit card.

Aug 28, 2018 | 07:34 AM

#24

NORTY FLATZ

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Jan 2015

Posts: 16,013

Likes: 7,137

From: Sandy Eggo's North County

Cruztools is the way to go for someone in the OP's situation. (She likely doesn't have a tool box full of tools to draw what she needs.)
Next thing is to buy a Service Manual for her specific motorcycle. Not cheap to buy but, it'll pay for itself many times over if used.

Ride safe, and wear your gear!

Aug 28, 2018 | 12:37 PM

#25

JustRose

Thread Starter

Novice

Joined: Aug 2018

Posts: 18

Likes: 2

From: Roseville, CA

This newbie has alot to take it in. I have a great idea of what I'll be traveling with in addition to the credit card. Happy riding.

I appreciate all of your advice and you sharing your knowledge/opinions. Thank you!

Last edited by ChickinOnaChain; Aug 29, 2018 at 06:45 PM. Reason: Multiple posts

Aug 28, 2018 | 02:30 PM

#26

hvacgaspiping

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2013

Posts: 32,851

Likes: 17,888

From: Newcastle, OK

Quote:

Originally Posted by vizcarmb

Aaa, tire plug kit with a CO2 filler if you run tubeless tires or a can of fix a flat. A t27 and t25 torx driver, philips screwdriver, or get the Harley multi tool. I think it is like 40 dollars and a quart of oil.

depends how much crap you like to take with you

Put Ride On in her tires.

Aug 29, 2018 | 12:19 PM

#27

Griff012FLHX

Club Member

Joined: May 2010

Posts: 1,834

Likes: 87

From: Stokton, CA

For home use, I just bought the Tool kit from HD, Made buy Snap on cost just under $300 All the tools ya need.

Aug 29, 2018 | 01:34 PM

#28

SIDECAR BOB

Road Master

Joined: Jun 2009

Posts: 932

Likes: 14

From: CENTRAL IL

get the harley 8 in 1 screwdriver , has slotted phillips and 4 of the more poplar torx bits 10 mm wrench 9/16 x 1/2 combo wrench adjustable wrence small set of vise grips roll of black electrical tape length of mechanics wire,zip ties ,extra fuses and a taillight bulb to fit your bike and mayby a set of allen wrenchs ( or at leat a few that fit the more common fasteners on your bike.. You can always add mor as you get more comfortable working on yur bike but that will allow you to tighten up things that sometime vibrate loose on the road or replace a burnt out bulb