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Tools
Posted: Mon Sep 01, 2008 4:45 pm
by Storm Rider
Relatively new to the site, and returning to riding after about 30 years. Great site, definitely learning a ton. Considering the "tool kit" that came with my bike (2007 Shadow Spirit 750) what tools would be considered essentials and what would be the best way to carry them? Thanks, appreciate any help I can get!
Posted: Tue Sep 02, 2008 4:01 pm
by Mr. Invisible
A cell phone, or satelite phone. That way you can call a tow truck, and get the bike to the shop, or home and work on it in your garage.
Posted: Tue Sep 02, 2008 7:35 pm
by Skier
Mr. Invisible wrote:A cell phone, or satelite phone. That way you can call a tow truck, and get the bike to the shop, or home and work on it in your garage.
It must be nice to never ride your motorcycle out of cell coverage. Or being able to afford a satphone.
I figure if it's anything I need more than the factory tool kit for, chances are the bike is totally humped and it's time to employ the help of other motorists to communicate to a tow truck. Or use your cell if you have coverage.
Posted: Wed Sep 03, 2008 1:21 am
by Ninja Geoff
Figure out the tools needed to fix/change everything on your bike that you know how to do. If its not in the factory tool kit, or is and sucks and you want a better one, buy it.
Posted: Wed Sep 03, 2008 5:45 am
by dr_bar
Get a trailer for your stand-up tool chest...
Posted: Wed Sep 03, 2008 3:56 pm
by Grey Thumper
I just went all over the bike with my "at home" tool kit to find out the correct sizes of various bolts, then bought the right bits (only needed 5-6) for one of those interchangeable bit screwdrivers.
I'm not really mechanically inclined, but my bike uses weird bolts (Security Torx), so in the odd case when a mechanic or good samaritan doesn't have the right tool, at least the bike's got them.
Posted: Wed Sep 03, 2008 5:26 pm
by Skier
Grey Thumper wrote:I'm not really mechanically inclined, but my bike uses weird bolts (Security Torx), so in the odd case when a mechanic or good samaritan doesn't have the right tool, at least the bike's got them.
Ugh. I'd take every one of those out and replace them with single size hex fasteners or Phillips head fasteners.
Posted: Thu Sep 04, 2008 8:36 am
by dr_bar
Skier wrote:Grey Thumper wrote:I'm not really mechanically inclined, but my bike uses weird bolts (Security Torx), so in the odd case when a mechanic or good samaritan doesn't have the right tool, at least the bike's got them.
Ugh. I'd take every one of those out and replace them with single size hex fasteners or Phillips head fasteners.
I'm with you on the hex, but you can keep your philips fasteners... Much like an adjustable wrench, should be in the top ten worst inventions...
Posted: Thu Sep 04, 2008 9:27 pm
by Nibblet99
Highly recommend cable ties (zip ties), gaffer tape, bungee cords, a bungee net, and pliers (with side cutters)
Its amazing the amount of things you can rig to get you by till you get home
Odd things like gaffer taping helmet visor back on, and cable tying the exhaust in place. The bungees are for things that come off, and can't be put back on at the road side.
Posted: Fri Sep 05, 2008 1:55 am
by koji52
I just bought myself a set of these off of eBay. By what I've heard, they are a really good set for emergencies and fit in most fork bags. I've heard that they are of decent quality to do your garage work as well.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... 0251789257