Ditto, I go one step further with a multitool, Leatherman, which lets me tighten a screw, snug a nut, ect.. but just the basics. Also carry a couple zip ties and a roll of elect tape and a tire plug kit with small slime compressor. Other than that there really isn't much on these bikes that you can repair on the road. If fuel system its all in the tank and nothing you can repair easily. If ignition, you probably don't have a spare ECM... So get good roadside plan, I use RoadAmerica thru HOG with the upgrade package. That and your cell with credit card is your best bet.

 

On top of the tools, cell phone & credit card listed above include a first aid kit too but also throw in a few of your OLs new tampons and hygiene pads, super glue, 100mph tape, protein/granola bars, iodine tablets and 6 large unused ziploc bags, a sharp knife and a fire starting flint.

Dont forget across north america there are still massive areas withou cell coverage you may have to survive in the wilds if your not in a high traffic area.

 

Snap on makes a nice tool kit for our bikes. About 150$ and it includes most of what you might need to do a minor roadside repair. I have one and have used it several times. Aside from that, I also have a 12v air compressor and a bottle of slime tire repair that has luckily never been opened. Shock air pump. And the oe harley tool kit. And a few zip ties.

 

Thanks to all replies! I am in the midst of assembling an essential tool kit and all replies have been most helpful. See you on the road!

Guido

 

Why these? I need to know.

 

Always handy to have for their original purpose, ("see how I consider your needs babe" kinda ****) but as emergency equipment they are also great.

Tampons dipped in your fuel tank make a great firestarter in desperate times.

Pads with a bit of gaffa/duct/100mph tape make great emergency dressing/bandages, just dont wrap the tape too tight around a limb as it cuts off circulation.

Just IMHO.

 

My suggestion is to do a very thorough inspection of your bike and check torque on critical fasteners listed in the Service Manual. Most fixable problems on the road could have been avoided with a better pre-ride prep--shift lever loss, toe or heel loss, and the like. You aren't going to repair a stator failure, clutch failure, and the like on the side of the road or at your destination.

Also, even if it means doing a service on the bike 1K miles early or so, just do it. Ditto on tires.

I've carried a very complete tool kit since I bought my bike eight years ago--Windzone on Ebay, and never used it on my own bike, but supplemented with duct tape, zip ties, etc. Have helped a few riders over the years.

I like to say I wasn't riding Harleys when it was SOP to carry a quart of oil and two spark plugs. Today's bikes are very reliable, but there is preventive maintenance that is required. That preventive maintenance is far more valuable than any tool kit you are likely to carry.


Carl