What's everybody's take on toolbags?I like the bike clean,but they do have a purpose. So do I run with it, or without?

 

I have a soft HD fork bag strapped between my windscreen and forks. I carry a couple of crescents, allen wrench and torx set, a couple of screw drivers, a roll of electric tape, some spare fuses and bulbs and my insurance and registration. Most importantly, my garage door opener sits on the top. I push on the top of the bag and magically, my garage door opens. Since I have a windscreen, it isn't that noticeable.

 

I know this sounds silly, but if you know how to work on the bike, you should be carrying tools. Find a spot someplace. I can't tell you how many times I've kept some part from falling off, or helped someone else just by carrying some simple stuff. Don't forget the plastic wire ties. I lost a shifter bolt on a trip to Nashville one year. Held the shifter to the spline with a ziptie, made the trip to the nearest hardware store just fine.

One word of advice, never mount one on your forks, under the headlight. Amazing what damage a couple of wrenches can do to the front fender. ;-)

Gregor

 

My thought on tools is to carry generally enough to tighten most of the fasteners on the bike. Crescent wrenches, also known as "Oklahoma Socket Sets" will generally get most hexhead bolts and nuts. For you Okie's, don't be offended, I was born in Oklahoma. Zipties are a good idea as well.

 

I've carried a tool bag since first starting to ride over 30 years ago. Usually mounted it on the back of the sissy bar, but sometimes on the front down tubes. Now I keep the tools an one of those nylon fanny packs, and it hangs on a couple hooks I mounted inside my saddlebag.

I've seldom used the tools on my own bike for emergency repairs, but have used them quite a bit on other's bikes. Did use 'em for regular maintenance when on the road for extended times.

 

I just bought the Sears Kit for Domestic Bikes. I'm adding a few things, but overall it's a good kit in a handy container. It was on sale on the web for $90. Beza Windzone also has what I hear is a good kit.
Around town, who cares? I've got a cell phone and a HOG membership. On a trip or even on a poker run or a ride to a restaurant with the local chapter, I figure carrying some basic tools is part of being a responsible rider. It may keep me from having to leave my bike on the side of an interstate or on a mountain roadway or it may just help someone else out some time. I hope for the latter. I happen to like being there when someone has a problem and that's the main reason I'll carry tools and the modern day equivalent of bailing wire.

 

i think theyre ugly! but! theyre definetly worth having one on the bike!!

 

I have a tool kit with everything I need for general maintainance and minor repairs. I do fluid changes on the road if they are needed, as I am very **** about such things. If you can do any work on your bike, a tool kit is essential if you are going to be more that 50 miles from home.

Regards,

Bill