Tools on the FJR: What additional ones do you carry?

[Lauren_TK]

Here you go...directly from the PNWet! I went to the Redwoods...

There is some good stuff there. I might take some of those items as start a "Things to Carry on an Multi-Day Trip" thread.

Taking a powerstrip, as one example, is briliant.

 

[Lauren_TK]

There has been some great feedback.

Based on what the forumites are saying, I have broken down the tool list into tiers. I've tried to group the tiers so that they pair up with an individual's "repair confidence."

Tier 1--Must Haves

• Cellphone
• Cellphone charger
• Credit card
• Some cash
• Towing plan*
• Good multi-tool (This isn't necessarily kept on the bike, and is helpful in many phases of life.)

*I get my towing plan through the company that furnishes my motorcycle insurance.

Tier 2--Really Should Have

• Tire pressure gage
• Tire patch kit
• Tire inflator (the smaller the better)
• Small flashlight
• Jumper cables
• Complete set of replacement fuses
• Gas siphon tube
• (edited to add) Cargo straps

Tier 3--Good Idea to Have

• Duck (duct, gaffer, 100mph) tape**
• Electrical tape***
• Zip-ties of various sizes
• WD-40
• Digital multi-meter
• Locking pliers (like a Vice-GripTM)

**Possibly rolled around a dowel or something else small to reduce volume.
***Possibly wrapped around wrench handles to reduce volume.

Tier 4--Probably Won't Ever Need, But You'll Be Glad You Have

• Front axel removing tool, adapter, thing
• Wires with alligator clips
• Replacement fasteners (windscreen, nuts, screws, clips, etc.)

Tier 5--Nice to Have
So far, this tier lists upgraded versions of the tools in the standard kit.

• Quality combination wrenches****
• Driver with bit selection (standard, Phillips, Allen, TORX)
• Ball-end Allen keys****
• Quality 3/8" ratchet wrench
• 3/8" 6 point Sockets (Do not use 12 point sockets)****
• 3/8" "Wobble" extension

****Same sizes as the ones in the kit

Of course altercations arguments suggestions (additions, deletions, changes) to tiers are welcome.

Can anyone post specifcs (sizes, types, etc) of the fasteners listed in Tier 4? It would be nice to have a list of the common fasteners so one could shop ahead.

As a side note, I posed this question to my Harley riding co-workers, and, unanimously, haven't given additional tools a second thought.

 

[mcatrophy]

There's no need to carry the "Front axle removing tool, adapter, thing", you can always use the pinch bolt(s) to stop the axle turning as you undo/do up the axle bolt, just a gentle pinch is sufficient. I always carry a small bottle of water, not exactly a tool, but very useful for cleaning grime off my visor. Essential during a British winter.

 

[Fred W]

Tools on the FJR?

I though this was going to be about some of our more prominent forum members!

Never-mind...

 

[Lauren_TK]

There's no need to carry the "Front axel removing tool, adapter, thing", you can always use the pinch bolt(s) to stop the axle turning as you undo/do up the axle bolt, just a gentle pinch is sufficient. I always carry a small bottle of water, not exactly a tool, but very useful for cleaning grime off my visor. Essential during a British winter.

I think the front axel adapter that others have refered to is designed to loosen the 19mm axle bot. Someone else is going to have to clarify, as I've only skimmed those threads, and I've never done that procedure.

As for the water, I'd like to make another list of "riding/touring essentials." The tool list is to help us get out of jams, the upcoming "riding/touring essentials" is to keep us out of jams and/or comfortable.

 

[Lauren_TK]

Tools on the FJR?
I though this was going to be about some of our more prominent forum members!

Never-mind...

Yes. I often make "on/of" typo quite a bit. :innocent:

 

[HotRodZilla]

Lauren, move your tire stuff to "Tier One." Reason being, as you travel, you should keep an eye on your pressure. Having sufficient pressure may keep you from having to break out any of the other tools.

Personally, I carry way less than some of you, but like Ray and others, I ride a well-maintained bike, and make sure stuff is done before I leave...Unless I happen to leave on a 3-4k mile trip with used up tires and have to install new ones before heading home. DAMHIK...

Normally:

Tire kit. This includes a pump, guage, string, glue, and a couple CO2 cartridges, just cuz they are there. It also includes needle nose pliars to remove the offending object.

Electrical tape. I never carried duct tape because it's so lunky. The Dowel thing is a really good idea.

Zip ties. Utilized correctly, these are almost as valuable as bailing wire.

I have a little Gerber Multi-tool that is awesome and fits under the seat.

Extra tail lights but no extra head lights...Maybe not such a bright idea, but the tail lights fit with the tape.

A couple extra fuses...Just in case.

A knife or two.

Flashlight.

A source for flame.

Cell phone and Credit card.

A small Glock 27 with one or two extra magazines. Maybe not a tool for you, but definately a tool for me. I may get lost or stranded, but with a flame source, a knife and my little buddy, I'm gonna eat but not get eaten. I'm not a big Glock fan, but if it gets dropped, wet, dirty, scratched, run over, whatever, I don't care; and its easy to pack.

I also make sure I have some granola bars or something to eat if things go bad. These days, that's probably paranoid, but it makes me feel better, so I do it.

I don't worry about WD40. It can be found in any gas station in the country, and whatever I need it for will probably get me to where I can buy it.

Oh...And I also always have extra keys. Again, not a tool, but if I lose my primary key, I won't need to get towed or have to use my other tools to hot-wire my bike. Besides, despite my Hispanic heritage, I have no idea how to hot-wire anything. What a loser right...

 

[Lauren_TK]

'Zilla,

My rational for putting the tire stuff in Tier 2 is:

If my plan of action is getting the bike towed in case of emergency, then I don't need to worry about fixing anything, thus I need no tools.

However, I will move up the pressure gage, as that is a tool for taking preventitive measures.

I own several pistols, but I lack a CWP, so carrying one on the road could cause more grief than it would prevent.

You are the first to mention spare bulbs and a source of flame. I'll add those to updated list of the future.

-L

 

[Eric L]

Im the biggest tool I carry on my bike.

 

[Niehart]

There has been some great feedback.
Based on what the forumites are saying, I have broken down the tool list into tiers. I've tried to group the tiers so that they pair up with an individual's "repair confidence."

Tier 1--Must Haves

• Cellphone
• Cellphone charger
• Credit card
• Some cash
• Towing plan*
• Good multi-tool (This isn't necessarily kept on the bike, and is helpful in many phases of life.)

*I get my towing plan through the company that furnishes my motorcycle insurance.

Tier 2--Really Should Have

• Tire pressure gage
• Tire patch kit
• Tire inflator (the smaller the better)
• Small flashlight
• Jumper cables
• Complete set of replacement fuses
• Gas siphon tube
• (edited to add) Cargo straps

Tier 3--Good Idea to Have

• Duck (duct, gaffer, 100mph) tape**
• Electrical tape***
• Zip-ties of various sizes
• WD-40
• Digital multi-meter
• Locking pliers (like a Vice-GripTM)

**Possibly rolled around a dowel or something else small to reduce volume.

***Possibly wrapped around wrench handles to reduce volume.

Tier 4--Probably Won't Ever Need, But You'll Be Glad You Have

• Front axel removing tool, adapter, thing
• Wires with alligator clips
• Replacement fasteners (windscreen, nuts, screws, clips, etc.)

Tier 5--Nice to Have

So far, this tier lists upgraded versions of the tools in the standard kit.

• Quality combination wrenches****
• Driver with bit selection (standard, Phillips, Allen, TORX)
• Ball-end Allen keys****
• Quality 3/8" ratchet wrench
• 3/8" 6 point Sockets (Do not use 12 point sockets)****
• 3/8" "Wobble" extension

****Same sizes as the ones in the kit

Of course altercations arguments suggestions (additions, deletions, changes) to tiers are welcome.

Can anyone post specifcs (sizes, types, etc) of the fasteners listed in Tier 4? It would be nice to have a list of the common fasteners so one could shop ahead.

As a side note, I posed this question to my Harley riding co-workers, and, unanimously, haven't given additional tools a second thought.

That's a great list.

 

[FJRay]

Just travel with Carver. He packs the entire shop with him and at times it's been handy.

Somebody needs to post Tylers picture of Don playing with his tool.

 

[Blind Squirrel]

Cell phone and a credit card.

+1

I admit that I do have a tire plug kit and a pump under the seat too.

 

[mcatrophy]

There's no need to carry the "Front axel removing tool, adapter, thing", you can always use the pinch bolt(s) to stop the axle turning as you undo/do up the axle bolt, just a gentle pinch is sufficient. I always carry a small bottle of water, not exactly a tool, but very useful for cleaning grime off my visor. Essential during a British winter.

I think the front axel adapter that others have refered to is designed to loosen the 19mm axle bot. Someone else is going to have to clarify, as I've only skimmed those threads, and I've never done that procedure.

As for the water, I'd like to make another list of "riding/touring essentials." The tool list is to help us get out of jams, the upcoming "riding/touring essentials" is to keep us out of jams and/or comfortable.

The axle adapter is used on the right side of the wheel inserted in the hex "hole" in the axle to prevent the axle turning while the left side screw is loosened/tightened (the left side uses a conventional socket to turn its hex-headed screw).

(Click on image for larger view)



Many people here have made their own, welding nuts on screws or such-like.

Ok, water is not a tool as such, but neither is rubber cement for a puncture repair. It is not for comfort, it is for safety. In autumnal [fall] and winter weather here the visor often gets covered with road grime/salt/diesel and makes vision difficult. If the sun does come out, impossible. Wiping the visor with a dry glove or cloth will instantly render it useless by scratching it. Carrying water is, to me, more important than a tyre pressure gauge, and if I'm going more than a few miles I will carry some.

 

[Donal]

I don't carry water but I do carry one of these. The kit includes a waterproof carry bag which fits easily into a pocket and is always ready to go. When the supplied microfibre sponge eventually wears out you can replace it with a piece cut off one of these. If you're lucky you may even find one in the household cleaning supplies....................

The short video is well worth a look.

 

[Fred W]

The axle adapter is used on the right side of the wheel inserted in the hex "hole" in the axle to prevent the axle turning while the left side screw is loosened/tightened (the left side uses a conventional socket to turn its hex-headed screw).

True only for 2006 and later 2nd & 3rd Gen bikes (and who knows what the deal is on 2014 ES'es?)

On 1st gens the axle itself is threaded into the left side fork lower and has to be tightened (or loosened) via that same hex hole. There's no additional fastener on the left side. Still has the pinch bolts on the bottom of the right leg.

 

[Lauren_TK]

The axle adapter is used on the right side of the wheel inserted in the hex "hole" in the axle to prevent the axle turning while the left side screw is loosened/tightened (the left side uses a conventional socket to turn its hex-headed screw).

Thank you for the pictures! I understand the issue much better now.

 

[Bounce]

1. Tire Plug Kit

2. 12v pump

3. Flashlight

4. CHL card & it's partner (because sometimes roadside problems aren't mechanical)

5. Roadside assistance

6. Credit card with enough of a balance

 

[FJRMGM]

I'm sure I'm jinxing myself but in 40+ years of riding I have never needed a digital multi-meter while on a ride. Or a spare fuse.

Its your bike and you can carry what you want but man, haven't you seen the memo that bikes are way more reliable than ever?

 

[ionbeam]

...in 40+ years of riding I have never needed a digital multi-meter while on a ride. Or a spare fuse...

Which is why the last line in my post about the DMM sez:

In the end a properly maintained FJR is quite reliable, with few weaknesses that would need a field fix other than tires and failed farkles.

Have you seen the electorfarkles that some of these Forumites have on their bikes? Worse yet, some wouldn't ride if they were broken. Even more worserer yet is how some of the electrofarkles were installed

 

[RossKean]

In an earlier response to this thread, I said cell phone and credit card. I was quite serious about that and rarely carry much more (other than a tire gauge and the stock tool kit) on a short (less than a couple of days) ride. For a longer ride/tour (especially riding solo), I am likely to add wrenches/Allen keys to enable an oil change or to get under the plastics - maybe some zip ties, duct tape and a can of WD-40 (sticky switches, sidestand etc). AAA card will get me towed back to civilization if necessary. For a long ride in sparsely occupied territory, I would probably add a tire repair kit. I always have a light source (headlamp) with me. In over 100,000 miles on the FJR, I have never been stopped for the want (need) of some tool or spare part that I didn't bring with me.