[jammydodger]

Hey Guys,

So after doing a few short trips recently problem free I'm embarking on a longer ride of 160 miles each way.

What in terms of 'on the side of the road repairs' would you suggest I pack in case of any faults? I'm not sure what the common problems are and what I could realistically do without having to call out a recovery van?

Cheers

J

[Ducati Scotty]

A can of Fix-A-Flat and a hand air pump are nice to have.  Wrenches so you can remove both wheels.  A spare spark plug.  A spare headlight.  Spare fuses.

Scott

[rvcycleguy]

I'm sure you'll be checking the bike over well before heading out, changing oil, clean air filter, top off fork oil, lights, bolts, nuts, fasteners, etc. 

After that, most issues on the road are generally electrical in nature.  So, fuses, electrical tape, then mechanically you may need chain oil, fix a flat, a few wrenches and screw drivers.  Credit card, road side assistance.  Small amount of cash.  1qt motor oil. 

I recently rode my vintage Bullet 150 miles and the coil went out.  Had to trailer it home.  Then after repair, headed out again for a full day and 220 miles.  No issues whatsoever.  A little more valve chatter was noticed after I got home. 

[Arizoni]

I'd take a few 20 amp fuses, some good tools that fit the more common bolt heads + some Vise Grips, a cell phone and a multimeter.

I found a little volt/ohm multimeter at Harbor Freight.  It's only about 3/4" inch thick X 2 " wide X 2 1/2" tall so it's easy to pack almost anywhere.
They wanted about $8 for it so I bought it and placed it into one of the pockets in my luggage.

I figure if a electrical bug attacks me while I'm riding, I'll at least be able to track the little bugger down so I can get back on the road.

[wildbill]

i always take my enfield flask - filled to the brim with water. get a few looks by the odd folk when they see me drinking from this 

[BadDP]

I always keep 2 bandanas. I have used them for so many things. Tied around a fork after blowing a seal to keep the brake clean. Protected my hand while manually pulling a broken clutch cable. Stopped bleeding from a rock to the shin. Face protection. Oh and zip ties.

[gremlin]

lots & lots of duct-tape.   

[D the D]

Cash and/or credit cards.

[jammydodger]

Hey Guys,

Thanks for the suggestions - Apart from the general feeling that cash can get you everything I think the suggestions that Fuses, tools, and flat tyre supplies are the best way to go.

Still a little nervous about the trip, but I'll be sure to plan regular stops so I'm not that far away from help if needs be.

Is it just 20amp fuses that I the bike requires?

[whoguy]

A can of Fix-A-Flat and a hand air pump are nice to have.  Wrenches so you can remove both wheels.  A spare spark plug.  A spare headlight.  Spare fuses.

Scott

+1

I always carry 250ml bottle of slime and small hand pump for trips. Add also cables ties, side cutters and long nose pliers... or leatherman instead.

Most important.... Mobile Phone... he he

Yes... 20A all of them!

Good luck!!!

[High On Octane]

All the tool suggestions are great.  But you're all going about flat tires the wrong way!   Put the Slime in the tires BEFORE you leave to PREVENT flats.  If Slime won't fix it the second it happens then you need to replace the tube anyways.  The only flats I've ever had were from me either giving myself a pinch flat out the lack of Slime in my you're in the first place.

Scottie

[D the D]

I was joking, but you'd be surprised at the number of people who leave home without a dime or leave their wallet.  Rescued my youngest brother several time because he just wouldn't put a wallet in his pocket.
Plus, you might want a snack or cold drink or something.

[Ducati Scotty]

Nice idea to put the Slime in before you go.  I may just have to do that!  Also, I prefer the Slime type tire fixes over the aerosol cans.

Scott

[barenekd]

When Jack and I took our 350 mile Epic rides, we didn't take anything other than the usual stuff that we would carry every day, except for a bottle of water and maybe a camera.
Bare

[Ducati Scotty]

But 350 mile epic rides were your daily rides   And some of us can't pack 50+ years of motorcycling experience, no matter how big our tank bags are.  Experience is always the best thing to bring.  I'd pick that over a cell phone and towing insurance any day.

Scott