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Information for motorcycle riders by motorcycle riders and mechanics
A resource site about owning a motorcycle, buying a motorcycle, riding your motorcycle and fixing your motorcycle..
Motorcycle Camping !
~ Tools ~ |
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W hat tools you bring on a trip really depends on how much you can carry.
On the trip with a trailer, you can carry a lot more. You can see tools in these photos.
A percentage of your carrying capacity should be devoted to tools and maintenance gear.
You have to make a decision about how much space and weight to devote to tools.
My old Kawasaki 440LTD (above) was too small to carry a lot of weight, but I organized a small canvas bag with just the necessaries. |
Plastic zip lock bags:
Rain gets in all over the place and your things should be kept dry.
I use plastic bags and zip lock bags for everything even if they are in a pack or saddle bag. |
Socket wrench and sockets:
If you have limited carrying capacity then bring a wrench and just the sockets that fit your bike, including a spark plug socket. |
Screwdrivers.
Only what you need to save weight. |
Allen Wrenches:
Again just what fits your bike. |
The bike's standard tool kit:
A lot of bikes come with a tool kit specifically designed for on the road maintenance.
This can save you from organizing a hodge-podge of tools yourself.
The Honda Goldwings I've seen all have them as standard issue. I have had other bikes that had the tool kit, as well.
You can buy a motorcycle kit that
Includes tire gauge, sockets and a ratchet and combination wrenches, adjustable wrench, locking pliers, multi-tip screwdriver, flashlight and hex keys. |
Oil and grease:
If you can fit it somewhere a spare quart of oil is a good idea.
If you pull a trailer, you might want to bring some grease to pack the wheel hubs if you are going on a longer trip. Then there's chain lube for bikes with a chain, and brake fluid If you have room for it. |
Cleaning:
I have a windshield and bugs like to commit suicide on it.
I bring along a can of spray plastic windshield cleaner, also another of plastic cleaner for the body.
Use it with micro-fiber cloths. I get mine from Harbor Freight. |
Tires:
You need something to check tire pressure.
Tires have to be inflated at the recommended pressure, or there can be problems.
A tire pressure gauge is the size of a pen but very handy. To fill tires the service stations have an air pump. You can also use an air compressor that runs off of the battery. It is small and packs easily.
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Key:
Stash a spare key somewhere on the bike. |
Fire:
I carry a small butane cigarette lighter in a bag. I don't smoke, but it has come in handy |
Duct Tape:
Every body knows that you could build or fix almost anything with duct tape.
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Sorry to repeat a picture but it relates to this page.
It's not every day that you carry a spare starter around and then change it in a parking lot 500 miles from home. He suspected that it was going to fail, so he brought a spare starter in the trailer.
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All in one knife/tool:
These are just the thing to use for a lot of jobs.
In some places, it is illegal to carry large knives and machetes, and you most likely won't need them unless you are cutting firewood.
When crossing into Canada from the USA (yes you need a passport), I am always asked if I have knives or any weapons, guns etc..
They let me in with a small folding knife that was in a bag. |
| Pliers - Vice Grips: Good idea |
Rope:
Spare line strong enough to tie a tarp of tie gear down on the bike is a good idea. I always end up using some.
I have a really big spool of synthetic rope that is lightweight and so I cut what I need for a trip and put it in a plastic Zip Lock bag. I use it on all camping trips. |
Bungee Cords:
I use them everywhere. |
Flashlight:
I like to use a big one with 4 D cell batteries in it.
On the lighter side, you can get a LED flashlight that you shake, and it self-charges. |
Fuses and Circuit tester:
Look at your fuse box and you will find out what sizes you'll need for spares.
My fuse box has spares in it already, but I have extras, as well. Bring a continuity tester if you have room. |
Wire:
A spare length of electrical wire at least heavy enough for the heaviest load that your bike will need. |
Spare Bulbs:
Check your sizes and get what you need. |
| Gas Can: If you run out of gas a small one gallon plastic safety rated container should do.
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