Roadside repairs for relatively new bikes?

[alexol]

I've been revising tool kits recently and was thinking to myself that I carry all these tools - almost certainly too many - and have just about never used them.

I'm considering eliminating just about everything except flat fixing solutions (including a small hammer for dented rims - a personal experience issue!), a credit card & cel phone.

For bikes more recent than say 2015, what roadside repairs have been needed, other than fixing flats?

 

[robsryder]

The tool kit provided with my 2018 R1200RTw was pretty limited. For longer trips I carry a few more items. These include a gallon zip-lock baggie with an assortment of fuses, several pair of nitrile gloves, a couple of shop rags, some zip ties, a bit of electrical wire (black and red), some posi-tap / posi-lock connectors, a bit of electrical tape, some self-sealing silicone "tape", some baling wire, and a few m5 and m6 screws and nuts. I also carry a small VOM (multi-meter) similar to -
https://www.amazon.com/ALLOSUN-Digi...258102&sprefix=small+volt-ohm+,aps,148&sr=8-5

I carry a smallish battery booster / jump device (don't recall which specifically, but the link below shows similar) This has been used along with the VOM on other folks' bikes -
https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/rf-buying-guides/best-battery-booster-packs-reviews

I have the WiFi GS-911 and I made sure that I could pair it to my iPhone (which is also carried in tank bag) -
https://www.beemershop.com/product/gs-911-wifi-obd-ii-for-2017-on-models.html

The large Motohansa tool kit is carried and has added supplemental tools comprised of 6-inch adjustable wrench and leatherman tool -
https://www.beemershop.com/product/motohansa-pro-series-tool-kit.html
https://www.leatherman.com/rebar-8.html
https://www.harborfreight.com/6-inch-steel-adjustable-wrench-67149.html
https://www.walmart.com/ip/6-in-Wid...0001205&wl14=6-inch adjustable wrench&veh=sem

I also carry a CyclePump and 90 degree chuck with air gauge and tire puncture repair kit -
https://bestrestproducts.com/product-category/cyclepump-ez-gauge/
https://bestrestproducts.com/shop/c...tion-tire-inflator/cyclepump-tire-repair-kit/

Other than the GS-911 the tools generally comprise my long-trip kit regardless of the bike I am riding. I have enough of the prior paper copies of the Anonymous Book for each bike to have its own in a tank bag, but I did download the electronic version to my iPhone. My RTw has an iPhone cable in the right side fairing pocket (which is too small to accommodate my iPhone plus!!). I also have a do-dad that plugs into the accessory socket and has a USB charging port which can be used with separate cable to charge an iPhone. And for good measure I have a small, solar rechargeable, battery that can run the iPhone.
https://www.amazon.com/Cllena-Power...+for+bmw+accessory+port&qid=1607259659&sr=8-3
https://www.amazon.com/Cllena-Charg...+for+bmw+accessory+port&qid=1607259659&sr=8-2
https://www.amazon.com/24000mAh-Wat...sprefix=solar+powered+battery,aps,163&sr=8-13

I have not needed to use anything on the 2018 RTw (yet!). I have used these tools on other folks' bikes. This has been for pretty minor stuff, e.g., tightening loose bolt or tweaking some adjustment, jump starting bike. I reckon some folks carry tow straps, but at that point I figure it is time for a proper towing vehicle to be involved.

 

[ccolwell]

I still carry a pile of tools on each bike. But I'm old and grew up on bikes that needed them. On the one hand, I almost never use them. On the other, I'm always the guy that has a tool when others need something.

That said, tire repair and inflator, a couple of screw drivers and wrenches is probably more than enough. The latter could probably be replaced with one of the big Swiss Army knives. The road side repairs I remwmber making in this century all involved tightening battery connections and turn signals.

 

[strataj]

I was one of the first to get the "New" Wethead in 2014, when I took delivery I quickly realized it didn't have the space to store tools like the tail of my 02R1150RT. The few tools that came with the bike seem like a joke. I turned to my salesman and asked what no tools and no space? He was quick to say you have all you need, he pointed to one of the glove boxes and said your credit card fits nicely in here.

To date I've only used tire repair the tools all the others I carry have been only used to help others. I'm going to continue to carry tools

 

[motormike]

Like many here, I used to carry a heavy tool roll. But back then I was riding EVO Harley Davidsons, and bolts would shake loose from time-to-time, so the tools got some use. I remember once riding down the highway only to look down at my fairing in time to see a windshield mounting screw slowly unscrewing itself! Today all I carry are a tire flat kit, a few zip-ties, a roll of electrical tape, and a torx for the small fasteners in the unlikely event one comes loose. If I intended to venture off the pavement very far, my tool kit might be more elaborate. The reality is, on a modern bike, any component that fails will be beyond a roadside fix. That being said, having a 911 tool handy will at least let you check for any codes to give you an idea of where the problem might be. That and a cell phone are todays best "tool kit."

 

[PGlaves]

I'm considering eliminating just about everything except flat fixing solutions (including a small hammer for dented rims - a personal experience issue!), a credit card & cel phone.

I think you can forget the hammer. I bent a rim in Montana several years ago. We stopped at a motel with a hardware store across the highway. I bought a two-pound hand sledge and it had no affect of that F650 rim whatsoever. I would up riding on a borrowed wheel while sending mine to Woody's Wheelworks in Denver.

 

[cap]

Sometimes its nice to have tools

 

[lee]

For bikes more recent than say 2015, what roadside repairs have been needed, other than fixing flats?

I would carry whatever it takes to remove both wheels in case you ruin a tire on a trip.
I'm not much of a mechanic but like to carry tools hoping a good mechanic will stop and help

 

[PoorUB]

For bikes more recent than say 2015, what roadside repairs have been needed, other than fixing flats?

I have put on close to 200,000 miles in the last 15 years on newer motorcycles, no flats and only one break down on the road that I would have needed a shop full of tools to repair so it was not an "on the road fix" anyway. After that I carry a tire plug kit, air compressor credit card and cell phone. I am done carrying tools.

As much tools as some of you carry, where do you store your clothes and such?;-)

 

[105258]

Repair kit for on road repairs

New bikes can fail as easily as high mileage bikes. My rule is I carry all the tools necessary for maintenance and on-road repairs. If I am working on my bike and I use a tool that is not in my road kit I purchase one and put it in the road kit. Specialized tools I use in the shop from the road kit. I also carry a tablet, 911 tool and tire repair kit with compressor, tire irons, etc. I carry a few spare parts, mostly metric bolts, and body screws and clips. Also in the kit is a small multi meter, wire, elec tape, and various connectors. On the tablet is a copy of the BMW service manual.

This will not necessarily ensure that you can solve all issues, like the time my DWG module quit, there is not too much that I cannot handle, but I doo all maintenance and repair work on my bikes The trick is to work on your bike so you understand and know how your bike works. You will also gain confidence in making repairs and save money in the process. But there is no point in taking tools that you don't know how to use.

 

[alexol]

My conclusion...

When I get in my car, I never think about breakdowns although I have a flat repair kit and Noco battery booster. A newer model bike should be as reliable.

From this site and the three others to which I posed the same question, the answers are, with one or two exceptions:

• fixing flats
• loosened mirrors
• adjustments to farkles, windshields, cameras, etc etc. It usually seems to be the add-ons that go wrong, not the OEM stuff.
• light bulbs

A few people mentioned catastrophic failures - rear drive etc - which are most definitely not roadside repairs. They may need fixing mid-trip but they are something that is either going to require a dealer or something you are going to do at base (home, tent, motel etc) but not by the side of the road. In general, I'd probably include light bulbs here too, especially if it is the main beam on an RT (thanks for nothing, BMW - what an unforgivably stupid design!) as a fix-at-base item.

Seems to mean that a minimal (optimist's?) tool kit can reasonably safely consist of:

• specifically and correctly chosen Torx & Allen wrenches & tools to remove wheels & T25,27 & 30
• wrenches or sockets for mirrors, battery cables and any non-OEM farkles
• flat fixing components including air pressure gauge, pump & pliers to pull a nail or whatever out of a tire
• mini roll of duct tape
• selection of zip ties
• multipurpose knife. Leatherman, whatever
• "Buddy Tow Strap" or similar
• Noco GB20 battery boost or similar
• manual/documentation on your phone & credit card
• spare CO2 for air vest

Of course, if you are going around the planet, things are different, but 99% of us just go on day rides with the occasional few days away.

My days of 10 pound tool kits are done, I think.

 

[lee]

As much tools as some of you carry, where do you store your clothes and such?;-)

Why do you need to carry all those clothes

 

[PoorUB]

Why do you need to carry all those clothes

I'm married, not for me, I can do with a spare pair of jeans and a few t-shirts. Mama wants to bring her closet.

 

[PGlaves]

I'm married, not for me, I can do with a spare pair of jeans and a few t-shirts. Mama wants to bring her closet.

That explains it. Here, Voni has her own bike and carries her own clothes.

 

[brownie0486]

I carry tools, am no mechanic, but hope someone can help that does on the side of the road.

Of course tire patch kit, jump starter, simple tightening of sundry bolts/nuts I can work through.

Err on the side of caution, if you don't have it, you or someone else can't use it to maybe get you back in the saddle.

 

[lee]

I'm married, not for me, I can do with a spare pair of jeans and a few t-shirts. Mama wants to bring her closet.

We started off riding two up and Debbie was used to only having one saddle bag for clothes.
Now with her own bike she thinks it's great to have two saddle bags and a 30 liter soft rack bag.
I carry my tools in a small seat bag.

 

[bicyclenut]

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podca...st-travel-stories/id892129995?i=1000501275450

Bike Specific Toolkits and Roadside Repairs, podcast on Adventure Rider Radio was just released regarding this topic.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[OldNuke]

I carry a spare battery for my ignition fob. I've rescued two stranded riders with dead ignition fob batteries, one on a K1600 GTL and one on a R1200 GS.

 

[bigjohnsd]

A newer model bike should be as reliable.

Seems to mean that a minimal (optimist's?) tool kit can reasonably safely consist of:

• specifically and correctly chosen Torx & Allen wrenches & tools to remove wheels & T25,27 & 30
• wrenches or sockets for mirrors, battery cables and any non-OEM farkles
• flat fixing components including air pressure gauge, pump & pliers to pull a nail or whatever out of a tire
• mini roll of duct tape
• selection of zip ties
• multipurpose knife. Leatherman, whatever
• "Buddy Tow Strap" or similar
• Noco GB20 battery boost or similar
• manual/documentation on your phone & credit card
• spare CO2 for air vest

What he said, but I don't have the air vest.
I do carry a small volt meter, several internal tire patches, and my Motoscan/OBD adapter cable.

MOA Anonymous Book - don't leave home without it!

 

[orforester]

Repairs

I carry a ton of tools, like all air pump and tools to remove wheels, but then I thought why? I never use them. Now on my Airhead and GS Yes a lot, but wethead RT, nope, just ride it

Bob