Topic: What type of Tool Kit do you carry when Traveling on your bike? (Read 7747 times)

catahoula58 · « **on:** April 17, 2015, 11:23:12 PM »

Is there a certain type of kit that you carry when traveling? Home made, Harley supplied or one that you purchase on EBAY or home town store. Not sure that the one supplied by Harley is sufficient enough for fixing issues on the road.
I know most of us carry: MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Harley Roadside Assistance, AAA, or other known roadside coverage.

rayson56 · « **Reply #1 on:** April 17, 2015, 11:46:54 PM »

Quote from: catahoula58 on April 17, 2015, 11:23:12 PM

Is there a certain type of kit that you carry when traveling? Home made, Harley supplied or one that you purchase on EBAY or home town store. Not sure that the one supplied by Harley is sufficient enough for fixing issues on the road.
I know most of us carry: MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Harley Roadside Assistance, AAA, or other known roadside coverage.

I have an older version of the one you have pictured. At the time it was the best deal on a kit I could find.

greglyon · « **Reply #2 on:** April 18, 2015, 12:23:11 PM »

cell phone

Fired00d · « **Reply #3 on:** April 18, 2015, 12:33:09 PM »

I have an older version of the CruzTools RoadTech Teardrop that I purchased back when I had my Fatboy w/the Chrome Teardrop Toolbox on the swingarm.

The kit now sits in the bottom of one of my saddlebags.

Ride Safe,
Fired00d

Twolanerider · « **Reply #4 on:** April 18, 2015, 01:17:49 PM »

One thought to keep in mind; the fits-all tool kits may help, and are certainly better than nothing, but they need some supplementing. The bikes aren't a one size fits all contraption.

Add a small spool of mechanics wire; just in case something loose needs tied up. Some electrical wire also, and maybe some t-taps or other connection aids along with a roll of electrical tape. Some small wire cutters and needle nose and whatever else may be specific to your bike. Also keep in mind that small basic socket and wrench sets from Craftsman or other vendors are often had inexpensively and may work better (i.e., not round out or round off) as easily as some of the "kit" tools might.

Take a walk-around around the bike during oil changes (when you're checking critical fasteners and eye-balling everything else [aren't you?]). Make note of what tools are needed. What size allen tool is needed for the crank sensor (for example) as that is a too often failed piece you can change on the side of the road. Won't have to carry a "large" tool box. But adding some supplement to a little universal tool pouch can't hurt and might help.

Sprintkid · « **Reply #5 on:** April 18, 2015, 03:21:57 PM »

Snap On offers a HD specific tool kit that I have added a few items to. My tour pack is the dedicated road trip essentials location. Included is the small cycle pump compressor with the rubber mushroom type plug kit, a very small cheapo DVOM, the new compact jump pack with an end that plugs into my battery tender lead. I have a 6 ft piece of hard plastic 1/4" air line for siphoning fuel, a set of spark plugs, tie raps, electrical tape, a pair of surgical gloves and small bottle of purell hand cleaner. Rain suits, spare clear helmet visors, small container of bugslide and microfiber cloth and rainx and lastly 2 spare remote batteries in with owners manual that I change out annually . All of this is loaded and ready at all times.

Jswerve · « **Reply #6 on:** April 18, 2015, 04:09:28 PM »

Quote from: Sprintkid on April 18, 2015, 03:21:57 PM

Snap On offers a HD specific tool kit that I have added a few items to. My tour pack is the dedicated road trip essentials location. Included is the small cycle pump compressor with the rubber mushroom type plug kit, a very small cheapo DVOM, the new compact jump pack with an end that plugs into my battery tender lead. I have a 6 ft piece of hard plastic 1/4" air line for siphoning fuel, a set of spark plugs, tie raps, electrical tape, a pair of surgical gloves and small bottle of purell hand cleaner. Rain suits, spare clear helmet visors, small container of bugslide and microfiber cloth and rainx and lastly 2 spare remote batteries in with owners manual that I change out annually . All of this is loaded and ready at all times.

Holy sheet Snap-on combined with HD I can only imagine the price of that thing lol.

Cat Eye · « **Reply #7 on:** April 18, 2015, 04:59:49 PM »

https://store.snapon.com/Service-Sets-Set-Motorcycle-Tool-P641504.aspx

This is the kit I carry...Snap-on Motorcycle kit.

el chuco · « **Reply #8 on:** April 19, 2015, 01:36:07 AM »

Quote from: Cat Eye on April 18, 2015, 04:59:49 PM

https://store.snapon.com/Service-Sets-Set-Motorcycle-Tool-P641504.aspx

This is the kit I carry...Snap-on Motorcycle kit.

Very nice tool kit to travel with, but, how much does that weight? I ask because I want to buy one to carry on my CVO Softail Deluxe, but, the saddle bags have a 10lb carry limit.

Sprintkid · « **Reply #9 on:** April 19, 2015, 10:51:40 AM »

Just guessing it weighs 6-7 lbs. I have added an axle nut sizes crescent wrench to mine..

D-N-D · « **Reply #10 on:** April 20, 2015, 06:14:14 AM »

That Snap-on is a Very Nice Set !!!

RonandJanet · « **Reply #11 on:** April 20, 2015, 10:49:17 AM »

I carry a home made version (I will get pictures later). I also carry electrical tape, small flashlight, a good rag and a can of fix a flat (I used that once on a friends bike). When in Daytona last month I saw a couple of metric bikes and several people looking around. I asked if they needed help and the guys chain and busted. He had a master link but his stock bike tool kit wasn't providing what he needed. So I offered to help. We went back to my bike and got my tools out (his first comment was wow I didn't know how much space these bikes had). Then we went back and got his chain taken care of in about 10 minutes. I care a similar kit on the boat as well. My wife and I typically either fix or haul/tow at least two broke down bikes/boats a year. Someday when this happens to me I hope someone like me helps out!

deldago · « **Reply #12 on:** April 20, 2015, 02:01:51 PM »

Quote from: RonandJanet on April 20, 2015, 10:49:17 AM

My wife and I typically either fix or haul/tow at least two broke down bikes/boats a year. Someday when this happens to me I hope someone like me helps out!

You have some karma in the bank! It's funny how much alike bikers and boaters are. I have never passed a bike or boat that appears in trouble without offering assistance. When in the cage though I have to know them. I guess my thoughts are if you are a biker or boater you have to be good people. Haven't been proven wrong yet and hope I never am.

CannonBall · « **Reply #13 on:** April 20, 2015, 02:10:26 PM »

The Harley kit that came with the bike is pretty good. I added a 1/4" drive, few common sockets and T's, tie straps and duct tape.

CVODON · « **Reply #14 on:** April 20, 2015, 08:33:37 PM »

I carry, Nothing tool related. I used to, had a Snap-on HD kit and added stuff that I thought necessary, bought the liners/compartments that fit the bottom of the saddlebags and everything was neatly contained. Then after not using any of that stuff for over 10 years, I took it out and left it at home. Still have not had a need. I do carry a Cell phone, charge cable and USB/Cigarette adapter to charge if necessary. But that is all.

Royalroadie · « **Reply #15 on:** April 20, 2015, 09:16:33 PM »

I found that I never leave home without my Nebo tool kit. It has saved mine and countless others bacon many a time. It quite small but is very handy.it has storeage in the handle for tourqe tips, Allen tips, and screw driver tips. A seat of metric and Asa sockets. I augment it with a 3" socket extention and a flat wratchet that will handle the tips. I also bring several feet of 14 gauge wire a set of forecepts and wire connectors, along with some zip ties and needle nose pliers. It will all fit in my back pocket. I love this set up so much I carry the same kit in all my cars also.

Royalroadie · « **Reply #16 on:** April 20, 2015, 09:17:29 PM »

Another image of the set.

VANAMAL · « **Reply #17 on:** April 20, 2015, 10:43:19 PM »

Ive been hauling around the windzone kit for years. Used it a few times. I also carry a 12 volt tire inflator thats been used too. Also a black jack tire plug kit thats plugged a couple bike tires and a dozen truck tires. While im at it i also carry a package of fob batterys after getting stranded in reno.last but not least a pushrod cover keeper,some tie wire,small roll duct tape,handfull of zip ties,bendryl for bees,one hitter,38 airweight plus p,ammo,

Chains · « **Reply #18 on:** April 20, 2015, 11:41:02 PM »

I carry the factory kit with extra tools for up to 5/8 inch. Also have electrical tape, wire, wire ties and Allen wrenches. A good pocket knife, motorcycle jumper cables and a flashlite. When I pull my Bushtec it has wheel bearings for the trailer, small air compressor, hand tire pump, socket set including metric up to 7/8. Also a can of slime for tube type tires. (It works) have used it before and no problem continuing my travels. Oh also a pistol.

Skillet · « **Reply #19 on:** April 20, 2015, 11:53:35 PM »

I took a tennis ball tube and filled it with the tools thought needed and put it in a leather round tool bag. It fit nice in there and enough room for elect.tape, wire and a few small items. Neat package and the tools stay water tight.

finn · « **Reply #20 on:** April 21, 2015, 01:27:06 AM »

torq. & screw driver bits, box wrench set, leatherman, plug kit, air comp. and I don't leave home without bailing wire, and duct tape.

RonandJanet · « **Reply #21 on:** April 21, 2015, 11:53:39 AM »

Quote from: deldago on April 20, 2015, 02:01:51 PM

You have some karma in the bank! It's funny how much alike bikers and boaters are. I have never passed a bike or boat that appears in trouble without offering assistance. When in the cage though I have to know them. I guess my thoughts are if you are a biker or boater you have to be good people. Haven't been proven wrong yet and hope I never am.

X2 and Very True!

FLSTFI Dave · « **Reply #22 on:** April 21, 2015, 08:33:04 PM »

I just carry the tool kit that comes with my CVO's and a good Leatherman tool

smkblwr · « **Reply #23 on:** April 22, 2015, 09:06:47 AM »

if you check my bike right now. Sunscreen 50+"the Highest SPF I can find in a spray", cyclepump, tire plug kit, factory tool kit, AAA led flashlight. for trips I add a second tool kit, wire, butt splices, tie wraps, extra tools not in HD kit, "torx & ect",qty=2 1" x 12in velcro strapes, tape, "C" size led light with red strobe, First aid kit. For Iron butt ride's add 1gallon saddle bag gas can. Cell Phone, Leather man, HOG roadside card on the hip always. 9mm & 380 usually, 45 & 380 sometimes depends on where I am going hahahaha

ultrarider123 · « **Reply #24 on:** April 22, 2015, 10:03:19 AM »

I have an old early '80's zipper HD tool pouch that I've filled with what I would consider essential tools for minor side-o-da-road repairs and have carried it with me for 25 years. The contents have been modified as the MoCo has updated their product (examples: I removed the Dynajet carb rebuild kit from the pouch...added different size zip ties...got a story for both...

) but the basic "kit" has stayed the same. I've considered purchasing a kit at different times but the old pouch has some sentiment to me and really, I've never needed anything different that I didn't already have in the kit (so far). It had the right tools to allow me to rebuild the carb (8 times), remove the tank, install a new coil, etc. on the '95 Ultra on our Sturgis and Canada/BC trip in '95.....turned out to be a factory installation error of the wire harness from the ignition to electronics....whoopee!

I like the Snap-on kit but not at $320 bucks.....

Good equipment but they know it and price accordingly.

As our bikes have changed, so is how much we can actually do to them ourselves. That's a double edged sword....great if you ride local/close to your home dealership and/or just don't work on them much. Not so good if you travel long distances and have an issue on the roadside in the middle of Bum-tussle, Iowa/Nebraska/Utah....

I like wrenching on mine as the more I know/understand/cuss it in the garage, the more I know/expect/possibly repair on the roadside to get me to a dealer without calling AAA. Therefore, my kit reflects what I know I can do....

Dr.D · « **Reply #25 on:** April 22, 2015, 10:10:25 AM »

I carry what ever comes with the bike. Between the wife and I we have logged over 170'000 miles on five different Harleys and the worst breakdown we have had is one flat tire. I did have a front brake go out on five day trip that detoured us to a dealer for a three hour layover but we have not ever put a tool to a bike on the road. How we have gotten away with this I do not know except I keep things checked and fixed before we leave out for a day ride or week.

I carry and use sunscreen, lip balm and eyewash solution.

Jswerve · « **Reply #26 on:** April 22, 2015, 11:42:12 AM »

Quote from: Haird on April 22, 2015, 10:03:19 AM

I have an old early '80's zipper HD tool pouch that I've filled with what I would consider essential tools for minor side-o-da-road repairs and have carried it with me for 25 years. The contents have been modified as the MoCo has updated their product (examples: I removed the Dynajet carb rebuild kit from the pouch...added different size zip ties...got a story for both... ) but the basic "kit" has stayed the same. I've considered purchasing a kit at different times but the old pouch has some sentiment to me and really, I've never needed anything different that I didn't already have in the kit (so far). It had the right tools to allow me to rebuild the carb (8 times), remove the tank, install a new coil, etc. on the '95 Ultra on our Sturgis and Canada/BC trip in '95.....turned out to be a factory installation error of the wire harness from the ignition to electronics....whoopee!

I like the Snap-on kit but not at $320 bucks..... Good equipment but they know it and price accordingly.

As our bikes have changed, so is how much we can actually do to them ourselves. That's a double edged sword....great if you ride local/close to your home dealership and/or just don't work on them much. Not so good if you travel long distances and have an issue on the roadside in the middle of Bum-tussle, Iowa/Nebraska/Utah....
I like wrenching on mine as the more I know/understand/cuss it in the garage, the more I know/expect/possibly repair on the roadside to get me to a dealer without calling AAA. Therefore, my kit reflects what I know I can do....

Bum-tussle Iowa? Never heard of it Howard!

ultrarider123 · « **Reply #27 on:** April 22, 2015, 11:56:09 AM »

Quote from: Jswerve on April 22, 2015, 11:42:12 AM

Bum-tussle Iowa? Never heard of it Howard!

Sure you have, Jesse....it's right next to Middle-o-nowhere, IA and just down from Yobuttb-lost, IA.....

Jswerve · « **Reply #28 on:** April 22, 2015, 12:26:22 PM »

Quote from: Haird on April 22, 2015, 11:56:09 AM

Sure you have, Jesse....it's right next to Middle-o-nowhere, IA and just down from Yobuttb-lost, IA.....

Haha. Yes sir. Hopefully I'll be relocating to where-the-hell-am-I, SC!

akodust · « **Reply #29 on:** April 28, 2015, 07:55:36 PM »

Quote from: Dr.D on April 22, 2015, 10:10:25 AM

I carry what ever comes with the bike. Between the wife and I we have logged over 170'000 miles on five different Harleys and the worst breakdown we have had is one flat tire. I did have a front brake go out on five day trip that detoured us to a dealer for a three hour layover but we have not ever put a tool to a bike on the road. How we have gotten away with this I do not know except I keep things checked and fixed before we leave out for a day ride or week.

I carry and use sunscreen, lip balm and eyewash solution.

+1 I carry the tools that came with my cvo plus another harley kit that came with my other bike...I got logged in for over 100,000 miles on my harleys and only had a flat tire and compensator problems...I was lucky, I also met a girlfriend...that another story. If my bike stops on me, I got HOG membership, Insurance and ESP to cover it. Oh and a cell phone.

Author Topic: What type of Tool Kit do you carry when Traveling on your bike? (Read 7747 times)

ultrarider123

ultrarider123