Tools for the journey

[Rob H]

Hi
I would be interested as to the tools that you guys take with you on a journey? I understand it's not practical to tow the snap-on trolley behind you. So having said that give me your opinions please.
I don't really rate the standard motorcyle tool kits. Have you ever tried to remove the rear wheel with the standard wrench supplied?

Thanks
Rob

[littlebeaver]

Well, tools...hummm
1. Socket set
2. screwdriver set
3. allen wrench set
4. open wrench set from 8mm on up to 23mm
5. electrical side cutters and hardwire for wire connectors, tape
6. Needle nose pliers and a adjustable wrench
7. Multimeter or voltmeter, test light
8. Flashlight
9. tire stem tool, plug kit, patch kit
10. extra fuses and bulbs, funnels for oil, paper towels
You shouldn't need any of this stuff as you Sir are riding a Goldwing, you won't have any problems, don't for the duct tape...LOL

[ct1500]

In addition to the factory tool kit and air hose. Flashlight, multimeter, hardwired volt meter, MC specific jumper cables, mechanics wire for tying up something hanging off, carb clean spray to diagnose some specific non running issues (think fuel pump failure here), fuses and maybe a relay, extra (old) spark plug for checking spark, flat tire repair kit, small container extra coolant, duct tape, smaller pair vise grip long nose pliers, very small screwdriver and I keep a spare throttle pull cable in trunk.

Extra sun/night driving glasses, sun screen, drinking water, ear plugs if riding with HD guys and sheet paper.

Spare key hidden on the bike.

[Viking]

Cell Phone, Rescue Plus Card and VISA. Don't leave home without them.

[auctioneeral]

Sound's like you should just roll your tool box behind you then.

[Rob H]

All good advice. Thank you!
But as Littlebeaver says! "It's a Goldwing!"
I will start to put the kit together.

Rob

[roadwanderer2]

Hi
I would be interested as to the tools that you guys take with you on a journey? I understand it's not practical to tow the snap-on trolley behind you. So having said that give me your opinions please.
I don't really rate the standard motorcyle tool kits. Have you ever tried to remove the rear wheel with the standard wrench supplied?

Thanks
Rob

hey Rob, I carry a little plastic tackle/tool box in my left saddlebag, it has all my 1/4" and 3/8" sockets and ratchet handles, metric wrenches from 5mm up to 17mm, pliers, wire cutters and crimper, flat and Phillips screw drivers and pliers. electrical parts IE: fuses, bulbs, end connectors, a spare front break light switch, electrical tape, and a small first aid kit with handi wipes, band aids, gauze pads, alcohol prep pads and some suture thread and needle (just in case). everything fits nice and neat into one little box. I never leave home without it especially if im gong on a long run like from here to Florida. you never know when any of these things will come in handy if your stuck on the side of the road. my flashlight I keep in my fairing pocket so if I get stuck at night, I have quick access to it. if I go down to Florida again this year, im thinking about using my trailer to keep all my "stuff" in instead of loading the bike down with my biker luggage, 24 can cooler chest, this way I can also carry my motorcycle lift/jack in case I have to get up under the bike to change a tire or for any reason and my tow rope.

stuart.

[robb]

I have found the factory tool kit suitable to repair anything encountered. Do carry a roll of electrical tape and tire plug kit. There was enough in the kit to replace rear wheel after bearing went out while on vacation, only real road problem in 40 years. Too many tools might take the space needed for my 12 volt coffee maker. A 2 liter bottle of water, bag of coffee and tea makes for happy riding.

[roadwanderer2]

I have found the factory tool kit suitable to repair anything encountered. Do carry a roll of electrical tape and tire plug kit. There was enough in the kit to replace rear wheel after bearing went out while on vacation, only real road problem in 40 years. Too many tools might take the space needed for my 12 volt coffee maker. A 2 liter bottle of water, bag of coffee and tea makes for happy riding.

oh yeah, that's right, I forgot to mention my 800/1000W power inverter for my coffee maker, electric can opener and my laptop computer. damn, I knew I forgot something lol.

stuart.

[MikeB]

Cell Phone, Rescue Plus Card and VISA. Don't leave home without them.

As Viking said along with the factory tool kit and the GWRRA Gold Book.

[redial]

And... I have not found them here, so while you are in the USA, get some Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) screwdrivers. They are excellent for undoing really tight + headed screws on the GW. I purchased a set, with two size regular, and an impact one, and a longer shaft one. Enjoy your travels.

Three months is about right for a bigger tour.

[bstig60]

Barring some major troubles, I have found the factory tool kits to be up to the job of taking care of most any problem you will encounter and can repair while on the road. Duct tape, electrical tape, a VM, spare fuses and a spare relay along with a tire repair kit are in my kit. Any more tools and I won't have room for my "stuff"........

[Fatwing Chris]

Cell Phone, Rescue Plus Card and VISA. Don't leave home without them.

I'm with you.Being a long time tech I find that no matter how many tools you haul around with you when something does happen you probably won't have what you need anyway.Just the way it is.Wife and I have been doing our holidays on the Wing by ourselves since the early 90's and have only been held up twice.Flat tire that I did plug to get to a shop(too big a hole to trust a plug too far) and stuck alt. brushes on my 1500.


I do carry a tire plug kit and a small compressor though.

[HawkeyeGL1200]

I have one of those screwdrivers with bits in the handle, a small assortment of sockets (that actually fit things on the bike), allen wrench folding set, pliers, "Leatherman", wire splicing items with crimping pliers, small pry bar, little ball pein hammer, and an assortment of hose clamps, spark plugs, spare fuel filter, zip ties, some electrical wire and some other odds and ends in a soft sided tool bag. I'd say it's 12" x 8" x 8" or so in size and probably weights 6 pounds or so. It fits nicely in the trunk or one of the side bags, with stuff on top of it (rain suit etc.) and I rarely need it.

For a time, I kept a spare electric fuel pump on the 1200, with some extra fuel line because I felt my pump was going to fail me. It eventually did... I also carry a couple of 4 ounce bottle with 2-cycle motor oil in them, for dumping into my gas when the spirit moves me, a little extra motor oil, just in case, and a 16 ounce bottle of 50/50 anti-freeze with a pour spout attached..

The things we carry are as personal to us as the motorcycles we ride, the tires we choose and the clothes we wear. I don't know that I would suggest I've got it all figured out as far as the necessities a rider needs to have on hand while on the road, but I feel comfortable with the choices I've made for my tool kit. I can do everything I need to (up to and including the removal of a rear wheel) with my kit. If I were traveling cross country, I'd probably add a few things, especially if I were pulling a trailer behind me.. It is an interesting topic. I like reading about what others take along for the ride.

[roadwanderer2]

here's what I put in my bike for long rides. my tool box which has all I need to fix most anything that needs fixing, my box of spare electrical odds and ends, my bungees and my first aid kit, and everything fits nice and snug inside my right saddlebag .

stuart.