What tools/equipment should a rider carry?

[Wigwam Jones]

Most motorcycles have some kind of basic toolkit under the saddle for doing basic roadside repairs. Back in the day, we were encouraged to also carry a universal throttle cable, because a busted throttle cable means a long push home. You can maybe get by without a front brake (back in the day of drum front brakes) but if you lose your throttle or your clutch, you've got problems. And of course, back then, no cell phones, no way to easily call AAA.

So. What does the smart rider carry on their bike or on their person when out riding, besides basic protective gear? What tools? What items?

[BlackBike]

You may laugh, but a couple of these do a lot of work...and cheap

[Wigwam Jones]

Definitely not laughing! That looks like a good idea. Size and weight are certainly considerations when you are on a bike and can't carry the rolling toolbox with you.

[BlackBike]

[cheesy]

Besides a credit card and cell phone?

Pretty much an abbreviated version of what you have at home; allan wrenches, 1/4" socket set, combination wrenches (8mm-19mm), clutch and throttle cables, zip ties, pliers, screwdrivers, pocket knife, electrical tape, spare bulbs, spark plug wrench and an extra spark plug. Now you need someplace to put it all, but better to have and not need it than to not have it and walk home.

[bogieboy]

Everything mr cheesy said, plus a masterlink for your chain.... ask me how i know ( i now carry 2 in my toolbag)

[BillR]

Originally Posted by bogieboy

Everything mr cheesy said, plus a masterlink for your chain.... ask me how i know ( i now carry 2 in my toolbag)

Ditto on Mr. Cheesy's recommendations.
If I use it for routine maintenance, I have some version of the tool in a small tool bag.
I have something like this for cables (don't remember the brand I have and it's packed away):
Emergency Cable kit
Tire patch/plug kit and a frame mount bicycle pump.
I also include a headlight and taillight bulb (wrapped in foam)...
My current bike has saddle bags, so I have a place for all this.
Haven't needed them much, myself, but there were times when I pulled out the bag to help a couple of stranded riders who didn't have what they needed to fix their ride...
Bill R

[Sport Rider]

Originally Posted by bogieboy

Everything mr cheesy said, plus a masterlink for your chain.... ask me how i know ( i now carry 2 in my toolbag)

+1 to mr cheesy and to bogieboy. !!!

[leo in wv]

slime also makes a patch kit called "scabs" you just peel the backing off and slap it on. no glue, heat, or chemicals required. all you need is a set of spoons to get the tire out of the way, and of course a frame pump....

[RockyDS]

As well as the above items, I carry a spare spark plug and slime.

[Wigwam Jones]

Originally Posted by RockyDS

As well as the above items, I carry a spare spark plug and slime.

Pardon my ignorance, but what is "slime?"

[humanbeing]

Originally Posted by Wigwam Jones

...what is "slime?"

https://fortnine.ca/en/slime

[Wigwam Jones]

Originally Posted by humanbeing

https://fortnine.ca/en/slime

OK, so 'Slime' is a brand name. Thanks. However, it appears to be a brand name used for lots of tools. I would have to repeat my question in that case. To what is the 'Slime' suggestion referring?

[katoranger]

My guess is tire slime. You put it in the tire/tube to seal punctures. I use it on mowers and tractors, but have never put it in a road vehicle.


Shows on the bottle that you can use it in cars, trucks, and motorcycles.

[Wigwam Jones]

Originally Posted by katoranger

My guess is tire slime. You put it in the tire/tube to seal punctures. I use it on mowers and tractors, but have never put it in a road vehicle.


Shows on the bottle that you can use it in cars, trucks, and motorcycles.

Thanks! I had no idea. The last experience I had with any such product was the old 'Fix-A-Flat' stuff that came in a pressurized can. It was worthless, a joke. I thought when you got a hole in an innertube, you patched it. But I have been away from motorcycles for a very long time, so live and learn.