Tool Kit?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157,462
Likes: 57,017
From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
My 1992 came with a tool kit ... I put it in the 2009 and added a crescent wrench and a multi-meter .... Other than that the two things I never leave home without are a Credit Card and the Cell Phone in the Saddle bag
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
From: Tomball TX
When we've done some long rides with a few riders, we've kind of inventoried tools and emergency type stuff ahead of the ride to make sure among all of us we've got it covered. Meaning someone has a compressor, tire repair kit, someone else may have a very complete tool set. Duct tape, some spare wire, fuses etc. Just so we know we can handle pretty much anything that comes up. That way one guy doesn't end up using a lot of storage space
Of course over the years I've managed to aquire a pretty decent travel kit of my own. Plus I always have the roadside assistance if needed but you're not always going to be in area where you can get a cell phone signal so you need to be prepared.
Of course over the years I've managed to aquire a pretty decent travel kit of my own. Plus I always have the roadside assistance if needed but you're not always going to be in area where you can get a cell phone signal so you need to be prepared.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,711
Likes: 9,214
From: Snow Hill, NC
What came with the bike plus a plug kit, little compressor (got rid of the plastic shell) $10.00. tie wraps, Multi tool, tape, 36" piece of electrical wire, Steel wire. Sounds like a lot but it isn't, Oh i forgot a Hammer.
Most important a Credit Card.
Most important a Credit Card.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,386
Likes: 15
From: The City Of New York
The HD tools that came with the bike, plus Cruz Tools folding kit (they stopped making the one I have), compact DMM, a few open end wrenches, multi screwdriver, pliers, and a few extra Torx bits. I do need to add a tire plug kit and a small can of tire sealant.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 23,399
Likes: 8,509
From: Spartan Country, Michigan
I used to be a mechanic at an automotive dealership years ago, so i have a pretty well stocked tool box. I also raced dirt bikes, so I have "experience" on trail side repairs. I just went around my bike looking at things I might have to touch in case of a breakdown. I also paid attention to some of the things I had done and made notes of what tools I used. I looked for and found a first aid pouch on line that is used on the military vests and bought that. then loaded tools into that. I have wrenches to take the battery out (7/16 and 10mm) I have a screwdriver with changeable bits, plus torx and hex...but only the sizes I need. Have a couple combo wrenches (1/4, 5/16,3/8, 7/16,1/2, 9/16) small 6" crescent, multi-tool, plug socket, wire, tie wraps, tape, needle nose pliers, small adjustable pliers, and small vice grips. probably more i can't think of. Bottom line is look to see what you have/need and build. There was a listing of fastener sizes of various components for Sportsters I built mine from. Buy decent tools, but not the best for your travel kit. Buy the best you can for your home set. Nothing worse than a tool fail in use or damage of a fastener from a cheap tool!!!
Aside from the great suggestions above - duct tape, zip ties, vice grips, super glue & blue loctite.
If you keep them maintained, checked out before your trip, doubt you will even need them.
I have 3 HD bikes. In the last 4 years I have put on 45K between them. Done several LONG trips. They each have a tool kit, the bare necessities - the Cruz Tools. I keep my bikes in tip-top shape. I have not had to use my tools on my bikes yet. They have come in handy for some of the gents I ride with - who do not maintain their bikes, as well as a few side-of-the-road fellow biker strangers .
The zip ties and tape, those have come in handy, I also keep one of those self-crank-charging LED bright-*** flashlights as well.
Before I ever leave on a trip - I give my bike the once-over, check all the things I have read about here on this forum that others have claimed have come loose or off - you will see the common things, make sure they are all snug - and you should be good.
On One trip my buddy's trunk had cracked and came loose - gave his wife a scare as she was leaning against it... combo of zippy ties, super glue, duct tape and we were off!
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 323
Likes: 5
From: MA
Lots of great tips on tools here. I have the basic kit that came with the bike. The roll up is a bit tattered so I would like to replace that.
One thing that bugs me is where to store the tool kit on the Ultra. Mine seems to rotate around being stored in the saddle bags or the tour-pak. I would not mind finding an external leather bag to store the tool kit in, like a fork bag for an Ultra. Would let me save precious bag room.
One thing that bugs me is where to store the tool kit on the Ultra. Mine seems to rotate around being stored in the saddle bags or the tour-pak. I would not mind finding an external leather bag to store the tool kit in, like a fork bag for an Ultra. Would let me save precious bag room.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,306
Likes: 3
From: Vancouver, BC
This iw what I carry as well.... Augmented with en extra wrench or two
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