tool kit?

[sabreED]

so i want to put together a more extensive tool kit now that i have a set of saddlebags. I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts or ideas on where to place it on the bike, what tools you think are needed for sure and if you even think its worth my time and money to put one together. One came with the bike but when i was putting the saddlebags on today i broke one of the freaking wrenches trying to get off a bolt. Obviously, not that great of quality. Thanks everyone.
-Erik

[Jester]

Originally Posted by sabreED

so i want to put together a more extensive tool kit now that i have a set of saddlebags. I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts or ideas on where to place it on the bike, what tools you think are needed for sure and if you even think its worth my time and money to put one together. One came with the bike but when i was putting the saddlebags on today i broke one of the freaking wrenches trying to get off a bolt. Obviously, not that great of quality. Thanks everyone.
-Erik

Cruz tools makes a range of good quality compact tool kits for motorcycles. Try here http://www.cruztools.com/

[shawn.m]

Originally Posted by Jester

Cruz tools makes a range of good quality compact tool kits for motorcycles. Try here http://www.cruztools.com/

look at the bike and think about what sizes you will need. probably only need 10, 12,14,15,18, 22,32 mm sockets, standard wrenches in same. 22 and 32 mm would be for adjusting rear axle or taking off rear wheel if you get a flat. so verify what sockets you need for that. think of a flat repair kit aerostich.com has a couple of great ones. 1 or 2 screwdrivers philips, quart of oil. maybe a 12v mini air pump. take all the plastics off and bungee it onthe frame someplace.

[Fastfar]

Originally Posted by sabreED

so i want to put together a more extensive tool kit now that i have a set of saddlebags. I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts or ideas on where to place it on the bike, ...Thanks everyone.
-Erik

I carry a small aftermarket tool kit geared toward my bike, first aid kit, and other similar seldom used (hopefully) stuff in the bottom of my saddlebags to keep the weight low on the bike. And don't forget the T.P., it can be a critical commodity on the road...

[sabreED]

Originally Posted by Fast_Far

I carry a small aftermarket tool kit geared toward my bike, first aid kit, and other similar seldom used (hopefully) stuff in the bottom of my saddlebags to keep the weight low on the bike. And don't forget the T.P., it can be a critical commodity on the road...

Hey thanks for the advice everyone. And you can never forget the T.P.

[Toyuzu]

The tool kit is a vital item! Never travel without tools. I was glad to have mine handy a couple of weeks ago. (even though one of my crescent wrenches was the offending item in my rear blow-out episode.)

I suppose I need to find a better spot for storing my tools. I had them bungied down in the factory tool-kit location, but the worn rear shock and shredded adjustment belt were contributors in the blowout.

Maybe the tire would have held if my tools were somewhere else, maybe not. I was just happy to be able to remove my rear wheel so I could get the new rear tire mounted. (Thanks again, Larry!) No tools - no tire. 'Nuff said?

In terms of exactly what tools you need, for now just go with a basic set, along the lines of what everyone has suggested. The more familiar you get with your bike, the more familiar you will be with exactly which tools you need to carry.

[DaleC]

One of the benefits of a larger motorcycle that has some storage capacity is the ability to handle and easily store the all important and sometimes vital tool kit. My bike (a GL1800 Goldwing) came with a token tool kit, but I have since added my own zippered leather shaving type travel bag to keep all of the various tools and items that I might need to work on my bike should I either break down or need to work on my bike while on some distant trip. I've found the tools needed are like a work in progress and whenever a situation comes along where I deem it necessary to add this tool (example - like a rachet) or that item (like plastic zip ties or replacement headlight bulbs) I can add them to my storage kit. More often I've used it to help other motorcyclists that have been stopped along the road (I always stop) and needed assistance, but I always finding myself asking, what if this or that happened - could I do this?

Aside from tools and some replacement parts I also carry a tire plug kit and have a $10. Campbell Hausfeld compressor that I have removed the plastic cover and it becomes far more manageable in size to store compactly in my bike. I also carry a gas syphoning line, but have since added the 33 oz. MSR fuel cell. Oh yes, some compact yet very useful battery cables have come in handy many times.

There is nothing worse than being stranded on the road and missing the all important tool (been there and done that) so it's far far better to be prepared for as many emergencies as possible and you'll never have to worry. Usually it happens where there is no cell service and few motorist (and they don't always stop anyway), but a couple of towing service options is also important to have if and when you can fix the bike and need to have it towed to a repair shop.

One last thing that I have to add is some kind of first aid kit to my bike, although recently I saw a great idea in a way to keep it on the bike. Here is a photo of the kit on another motorcyclist's FJR1300. The first aid kit stores in a small box where the rear license plate mounts and I thought it looked pretty slick. I didn't get a chance to ask where it came from or who makes it, but should have an answer shortly.

DaleC



Sorry that this one is so blurred and doesn't shoud the casing more clearly.

[pxl]

The photos appear to be of a "pelican case" that has been modified by the owner. They are water proof and can be found from a ton of dealers and come in a variety of colors.
Very creative of the owner of the FJR1300.