Stocking the onboard tool kit
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 31
From: Western Illinois, land of bad roads, and corrupt politicians
Plus.... anything you touch gets a drop of blue threadlocker...... even if it's some chrome doodad that doesn't do anything except look pretty.
I have to say that is a great idea, I cannot believe I did not even consider that and yet it seems to make the most damn sense when my biggest fear is all the things on the EG that I worry might loosen up/back off. Then again, most folks would agree that sense is not my most abundant item on a good day.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 31
From: Western Illinois, land of bad roads, and corrupt politicians
I have to say that is a great idea, I cannot believe I did not even consider that and yet it seems to make the most damn sense when my biggest fear is all the things on the EG that I worry might loosen up/back off. Then again, most folks would agree that sense is not my most abundant item on a good day.
That would be one of the MANY reasons Marines are called JARHEADS.
US ARMY 1971-1976
VietNam Veterans of America
Patriot Guard Rider
Disabled Vet
Did I mention A R M Y ?
I tried to join the Marines 5 times..... they kept turning me down..... I kept passing the IQ test.
No disrespect intended....... it just seems to work out that way.
Proud member of the 1000 yard club.
Last edited by shooter5074; May 19, 2012 at 08:35 PM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 31
From: Western Illinois, land of bad roads, and corrupt politicians
I hunkered down and bled with Marines...... glad you took it the way I intended.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,878
Likes: 17
From: The Desert SouthWest
As said, a small kit is all you need. I carry a multi-tip screwdriver with torx bits, combination wrenches of the common sizes for tightening things that may come loose, a set of hex head sockets for the same. A pair of pliers. A siphon hose in case you run lower on fuel than you (or someone in your group) realized. A tire pressure gauge also.
I use a 1/4" ratchet with extension, u-joint and the common size sockets and a 1/4" x 3/8" adaptor thrown in just in case you need 3/8" drive items.
A few zip ties. A couple bungee cords. It sounds like alot but it's not and fits in my right saddle bag with room to spare. That being said, these modern Harley's are incredibly reliable. Over the past 5 yrs I've put a combined 150,000 miles on two Touring bikes and had VERY FEW problems. The only thing I've had happen in this time is a broken kick stand spring (a $7 part and I carry a spare in my kit - takes 5 minutes to replace if you have pliers). The stock shifter linkage is a weak point so replace it with one that has Heim Joints. My first one wore out on me at 70 mph and I pulled over and replaced it with a spare I carry (took 10 minutes). That's it. No other problems.
Any common problems can be eliminated by checking your fasteners periodically and keeping up with maintenance. Also know your bike. For example if you know it uses oil be sure to have a quart of oil in your kit if you take a long trip. Keep an eye on the rear shock pressure depending on how you load the bike, if you ride with a passenger, etc. Use the H-D air pump only DO NOT use a standard air compressor or you'll blow it to pieces as the volume of air in that system is very tiny.
I also carry a spare tail light, passing lamp and turn signal bulb (I tape them to the inside of the saddle bag lid in bubble wrap).
PS: I use Captain Itch's leather tool wrap and it's great. Holds lots of stuff and rolls up very neatly for your saddle bag. Keeps them from rattling around and getting scattered too.
I use a 1/4" ratchet with extension, u-joint and the common size sockets and a 1/4" x 3/8" adaptor thrown in just in case you need 3/8" drive items.
A few zip ties. A couple bungee cords. It sounds like alot but it's not and fits in my right saddle bag with room to spare. That being said, these modern Harley's are incredibly reliable. Over the past 5 yrs I've put a combined 150,000 miles on two Touring bikes and had VERY FEW problems. The only thing I've had happen in this time is a broken kick stand spring (a $7 part and I carry a spare in my kit - takes 5 minutes to replace if you have pliers). The stock shifter linkage is a weak point so replace it with one that has Heim Joints. My first one wore out on me at 70 mph and I pulled over and replaced it with a spare I carry (took 10 minutes). That's it. No other problems.
Any common problems can be eliminated by checking your fasteners periodically and keeping up with maintenance. Also know your bike. For example if you know it uses oil be sure to have a quart of oil in your kit if you take a long trip. Keep an eye on the rear shock pressure depending on how you load the bike, if you ride with a passenger, etc. Use the H-D air pump only DO NOT use a standard air compressor or you'll blow it to pieces as the volume of air in that system is very tiny.
I also carry a spare tail light, passing lamp and turn signal bulb (I tape them to the inside of the saddle bag lid in bubble wrap).
PS: I use Captain Itch's leather tool wrap and it's great. Holds lots of stuff and rolls up very neatly for your saddle bag. Keeps them from rattling around and getting scattered too.
Last edited by Arizona; May 19, 2012 at 09:27 PM.
I have more good friends in the other services than I can count that I have shared many a beer and occasional bar fight with. And any man that served in Vietnam is a man I'd gladly share another cold one with.
As said, a small kit is all you need. I carry a multi-tip screwdriver with torx bits, combination wrenches of the common sizes for tightening things that may come loose, a set of hex head sockets for the same. A pair of pliers. A siphon hose in case you run lower on fuel than you (or someone in your group) realized. A tire pressure gauge also.
I use a 1/4" ratchet with extension, u-joint and the common size sockets and a 1/4" x 3/8" adaptor thrown in just in case you need 3/8" drive items.
A few zip ties. A couple bungee cords. It sounds like alot but it's not and fits in my right saddle bag with room to spare. That being said, these modern Harley's are incredibly reliable. Over the past 5 yrs I've put a combined 150,000 miles on two Touring bikes and had VERY FEW problems. The only thing I've had happen in this time is a broken kick stand spring (a $7 part and I carry a spare in my kit - takes 5 minutes to replace if you have pliers). The stock shifter linkage is a weak point so replace it with one that has Heim Joints. My first one wore out on me at 70 mph and I pulled over and replaced it with a spare I carry (took 10 minutes). That's it. No other problems.
Any common problems can be eliminated by checking your fasteners periodically and keeping up with maintenance. Also know your bike. For example if you know it uses oil be sure to have a quart of oil in your kit if you take a long trip. Keep an eye on the rear shock pressure depending on how you load the bike, if you ride with a passenger, etc. Use the H-D air pump only DO NOT use a standard air compressor or you'll blow it to pieces as the volume of air in that system is very tiny.
I also carry a spare tail light, passing lamp and turn signal bulb (I tape them to the inside of the saddle bag lid in bubble wrap).
PS: I use Captain Itch's leather tool wrap and it's great. Holds lots of stuff and rolls up very neatly for your saddle bag. Keeps them from rattling around and getting scattered too.
I use a 1/4" ratchet with extension, u-joint and the common size sockets and a 1/4" x 3/8" adaptor thrown in just in case you need 3/8" drive items.
A few zip ties. A couple bungee cords. It sounds like alot but it's not and fits in my right saddle bag with room to spare. That being said, these modern Harley's are incredibly reliable. Over the past 5 yrs I've put a combined 150,000 miles on two Touring bikes and had VERY FEW problems. The only thing I've had happen in this time is a broken kick stand spring (a $7 part and I carry a spare in my kit - takes 5 minutes to replace if you have pliers). The stock shifter linkage is a weak point so replace it with one that has Heim Joints. My first one wore out on me at 70 mph and I pulled over and replaced it with a spare I carry (took 10 minutes). That's it. No other problems.
Any common problems can be eliminated by checking your fasteners periodically and keeping up with maintenance. Also know your bike. For example if you know it uses oil be sure to have a quart of oil in your kit if you take a long trip. Keep an eye on the rear shock pressure depending on how you load the bike, if you ride with a passenger, etc. Use the H-D air pump only DO NOT use a standard air compressor or you'll blow it to pieces as the volume of air in that system is very tiny.
I also carry a spare tail light, passing lamp and turn signal bulb (I tape them to the inside of the saddle bag lid in bubble wrap).
PS: I use Captain Itch's leather tool wrap and it's great. Holds lots of stuff and rolls up very neatly for your saddle bag. Keeps them from rattling around and getting scattered too.
Last edited by Jarhead1988; May 19, 2012 at 10:10 PM.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 401
Likes: 2
From: Odenton, MD
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
From:
This is very nice kit. I put in the bottom of my saddlebag, never without it. They really put some thought into it.
http://www.amazon.com/Wind-Zone-EK-1.../dp/B000GZVIJG
http://www.amazon.com/Wind-Zone-EK-1.../dp/B000GZVIJG