Would love to see a part 2 focusing on your larger Adventure/Touring kit. Have been refining mine and thought the vice grips doubling as an emergency lever extension was an amazing hack.
I've never had to plug one of my own tires but I've plugged about a half dozen of other people's tires including in the middle of nowhere. I carry a 12 volt compressor, they take up about the same room as a bike pump or a CO2 inflator and 3 or 4 cylinders. I've never liked CO2 because of the trash they generate. When bicycling I've stopped several times to pick up CO2 canisters that roadies left on the side of the road so I could get them into recycling.
I'm not a CO2 fan either, in part because of the waste, but also because it's a very limited solution. Run out of cylinders and you're riding a flat tire. I much prefer a mountain bike pump. It's significantly lighter, packs smaller, is more reliable and more maintainable. Sometimes you need to repair your tools before repairing your bike. The bike pump is cheaper too.
I really wish manafacturers would sort this and allow storage on bikes. If a car (in the UK) has to have a spare tyre or a puncture kit, a bike should be no different. I've broken kits down and stash them behind fairing etc. For longer rides or remote I've got a universal cable kit too. Should clutch or throttle cable go.
Here is another idea: if you want some more tape, take an old credit card and wrap duck tape tightly around the card. You can get a couple of wraps without losing too much space .
I always carry 2 knives, an emergency knife that is a good sharp quality knife, relatively quality, I been carrying a off grid badger around 80$ always keep it razor sharp, then I have a utility type Gerber knife I use for cutting things regularly, I can switch blades easily don't have to sharpen, but my edc go to off grid is my emergency knife/ self defense knife that I don't use for much, maybe the occasional steak
Great tip using vice grips as extra levers! I never carry extra levers when I'm riding on the street, but always bring an extra pair when I hit the trails.
Iv started carrying self amalgamating tape after I had a hose get damaged off road. Just give it a stretch as you wrap it and you’re back in business in no time. Iv also cut down big spanner’s and given the handle end a thinner end section so I can put a smaller ring ended spanner over it to increase leverage.
I cut the handle off a 8" shifter and replaced it with squashed pipe to use as a cheater bar and also integrated a 3/8 square drive. The shifter has a hammer head too. ALL the socket sizes for my bike fit nicely inside one another and make a little stack that can be ziptied together.
Very good, I figured this out myself years ago, good tip on cutting down the tyre repair tools, hadn't thought of that, I carry a small compressor but the small bicycle pump is a good tip.
I'm glad to see this video! One thing I recommend is to bring along a wheel nut remover. My Multistrada has a single-sided swing-arm, and the tool I have enables me to removed the front AND rear wheels, should a tire need replacement far away from any Ducati dealer. If you have a bike with rather niche tool requirements, definitely bring them along!
Absolutely! That's what the "make sure you have the tools for YOUR bike" bit was all about. Very few shops will have the proprietary nut needed to remove the wheel of a SSS.
Great kit, so glad you included the tapes! I threw a couple crimp butt connectors in mine as well. No need to carry special pliers, the vise grip will work in a pinch 😏
I'm so glad someone could confirm that cutting the handles on the reamer/installer won't mess them up for use. This video is awesome and super helpful!
I take the plastic all the way off and use the aforementioned Vice Grips as the handles. Both tools and a pressure gauge fit in my Leatherman cases side sleeves.
This is the 1st video I’ve seen that demonstrates that a vice grip type tool can temporarily fix a broken lever. This happened to me in the 80’s while trail riding and my vice grip pliers (needle nose type) got me home. I’ve since made sure my brake and clutch lever mounts have some give but the usefulness of that locking plier has never been forgotten. Leatherman Crunch is what I carry now if space is an issue. Thanks!
A tip for if you are carrying a bicycle pump, get one designed as high volume not high pressure. It may save your arms little bit when pumping a tire back up.
Good ideas in this video. Best advice given is practice using whatever you carry. Only change for me, is I carry a small LED camping headlamp so I can have hands free lighting. I also carry a spare headlight bulb (for us that ride older models). If your headlight goes out, after local stores are closed, you may be stuck over something that's easily resolved... if you have a spare!
I bought Cruz Tool kit #TR2 for my Tiger 900, To say it's well thought out is an understatement. I had tool I would need to remove fastener that I could access on the bike, at least before removing any panels, except one. The only thing it didn't come with was a T-50 (I think) torx wrench, and that is only for 2 bolts that hold the frame to engine. Before buying the kit, I determined exactly what tools were needed, and was astonished how complete the kit was. It even came with duct tape, baling wire, zip ties, Loctite, a tire gauge, and even a pair of vive grips! Seriously worth the money! Of course, I've added a few more things to the kit, but dang... Great video Ari!
Motorized air pump small and cheap and a plug kit . For around town thats all i have ever needed . But i will be doing this getting a kit together for longer distances. Some good stuff there
I started with a CruzTool kit as well. Mine is a roll, not a pouch, but the principle is the same. I ride a metric, so my dedicated sizes are metric, but I've done clutch cable adjustments and other work on Harley bikes with the pliers and adjustable wrench. I've greatly augmented the content over the years to mostly ensure the tools are quality. My tool roll had space for the tire patch kit, so I saved the second bag. However, instead of CO2, I carry a CyclePump compressor from BestRest. I've tried many other pumps and they are either much larger or pure junk. Yes, the CyclePump is expensive, but I've had mine for going on 20 years now. I installed an upgraded pigtail that works for a Battery Tender, heated gear, and the compressor, so I have a solid connection 15amp harness to run it. The kit, rain gear, spare gloves, off-bike hat, and a couple microfiber towels for cleaning bugs off the bike all store tightly into a compartment on the bike. I pull it all out every so often to ensure it's in good shape and the tools get used at least once a month during the good weather. Mostly on other people's bikes. Typically don't use the rain gear as I will wear the heavier riding gear if rain is forecast, but it's nice to have for those summer downpours. One tip: Just replace the tube of vulcanizing compound once you open it. Yes, this wastes it, but after a leak and then the tube welding the cap on, I decided that having stuff fail on the side of the road is not worth the cost of another tube. You can buy them in bulk on Amazon. On long trips, I just pack a second tube. Not all tire patch kits come with this. This is a mistake. Not only does the goop help lubricate the plug going in, but it cures to really seal the leak. When you are starting a trip on freshly broken in rubber, the last thing you want is to let a tire issue ruin the trip. I had one tire that did over 10,000 miles on a plug. I don't recommend that, but it's nice to know you could. I can't stress enough that you MUST practice using the kit. 9pm coming home after a long weekend at the local rally isn't the time to discover the kit is a PIA to use.
yes indeed, my custom tool kit is a must have for everyday riding -and on more than a few occasions it came in handy, but I've always been burdened with where to keep it (on a sport bike.) Over the years, I've come to terms with attaching a couple of Bell brand bicycle pouches on to the passenger grab rails (kinda like a set of mini saddle bags) but it isn't exactly the look I want. Oh well...
One of the most important parts is HAVING a secure place to carry your extra kit. I'm fortunate that my '18 KLR came with a nice factory tool kit. (in the back rack) but the FIRST thing I bought was their awesome $68 tank bag. and it's expandable (like the factory tail pack...which I only put on when I need) carry my slime for tube tires, 16 oz Aquafina, The CO2 kit like Ari has, a nice Leatherman, rags, and all the goodies. PLUS it's got a nice zippered clear top that holds my phone perfectly (no vibration from handlebar mounts) Come to think of it, most all the bikes I have owned, I've put on bags or fashioned a tool pouch to hold all my stuff...EVEN my old '72 triumph!! (rarely used...really) 😁
i've been riding motorcycles for over 50 years. In all that time I've only had two flat tires. Both of them were decades before cell phones. One of them occurred on the San Mateo - Hayward Bridge in the SF Bay Area. I had to pull into an emergency turnout and use a call box to request a tow truck. The other occurred on I-80 in the Sacramento Valley when I was headed from the Bay Area to go camping in the Sierra Foothills after work on a Friday. I did have a tire pump so I would pump it up, ride a mile and repeat for about ten miles and then stay in a motel over night and then take the wheel/tire to a bike shop Saturday morning for a replacement. Nonetheless, I did buy a tubeless tire repair kit just a few years ago. I've never used it so I like your suggestion to try it out on worn out tires before replacement.
I found an excellent alternative for a hand pump. There is an electric one called Berkut MT-1000 I carry now. It is similar in shape but even smaller than the hand pump shown in this video. It is slow though, requires 10+ minutes to fill 30psi in my rear 17 tyre from zero. But it still is faster than hand pumping and is obviously easier on your arms. Ideal if you want to go electric, but want the smallest, lightest option, as well as if like me, you have a 3A limit on your power socket. Battery clams were included, but getting to it for me requires some fairing stripping (FJR1300A), so that is another plus in my book.
On longer rides I further carry a battery jump pack, a Sunex mini ratchet set (#9732), and a universal cable set. I've had the clutch cable snap before. The cable set is always under the seat with two different CO2 inflator kits. I like the idea of the locking pliers and will switch to it.
Leatherman multi-tool knife always on my belt Some Instasteel compound mix in two plastic tubes Tyre lever with rear-wheel nut ring spanner zip-tied to the sub-frame Tow rope tucked away in a open cranny in the skid plate Aluminium zip-ties to fix things that would be exposed to engine/exhaust heat
I have a DR650. I think I can take the whole thing apart with three sockets and a crescent wrench. Which is good, because I've had to take it apart with three sockets and a crescent wrench before.
I second the suggestions of a larger touring kit. I'm on the east coast and want to tour Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and Nevada. I want to pack efficiently but not be stranded in the desert and die.
I love Ari! I remember reading some of his earliest articles on Motorcyclist Magazine years ago when he had dreads. I miss that magazine! Hope you're well and happy for your success!
I carry a Topeak Mountain Morph bicycle pump myself -- it's a great choice if you have saddlebags or a tank bag to stuff it in. It has a folding foot and handle to turn into a tiny foot pump, as well as an air chuck on a foot long flexible hose, making it much easier to use than most tiny bicycle pumps. About a minute of pumping got me to 16psi in a front 19 inch road tire when I tested it, so while it's not CO2 quick it is usable and wouldn't take more than a few minutes to get a tire to usable pressure. My only gripe is that it's about 15 inches long so I can't hide it anywhere inside the bike's bodywork or under the seat. I keep it and my tire patch kit in a tool roll in one of my saddlebags and that works fine.
A small medical kit as an addition is a boon. Had a crash at 4am was alone on the road in dark . Patched my busted knee up fixed bike to be rideable with tools i have and rode to nearest emergency room.
I'd probably stick with AAA if I was broke down on the street. But it wouldn't be a bad idea to have a comfort kit ready for the wait. Especially in the cold weather 🤔
I did the same Cruz Tools kit then modified it for my particular motorcycle. On the duct tape I cut out a piece of cardboard the width of my duct tape and about four inch long and wrapped several layers around that You can get more duct tape that way. I also wrap the tools in a rag and put a couple of those blue shop towel in my kit. I also like Cruz Tools folding tool with the screwdrivers and Allen keys.
Video is great for beginners. I wish I could learn that from the videos like this. When made my own tool kit I was based on three things: 1. demands of the bike you drive, 2. how much space do I have for the kit and the 3. how long are the voyages. I am a heavy cruiser (BMW r1200rt) and since I have a lot of space I always have with me is a 12V pocket compressor, first aid, tyre repair kit with small tanks of air/CO2. I also travel in groups I also take WD-40, lube for chains and fire extinguisher. Small manual gas pump is also in the pack because I have 27 l tank. It seems ridiculous but God is my witness I used every at least once, specially a toilet paper and wash gel for hands. Kitchen sink I don't care with me. Sorry for disappointment.
Great video! I've come to the same conclusions over the years, except I gave up on CO2 and switched to a 12vdc inflater. A small siphon hose is also handy. Years ago, I had HD friends who hauled around about 20+ lbs of tools. :)
I carry some basic tools, a mini first aid kit, tyre repair strings along with glue & the tools & all this fits in the small case that came with & also carries my lithium battery jump pack plus leads from Suaoki.
Great tips! I just started assembling a robust emergency tool kit for my new adventure bike but never really carried one on my sportbike since I only rode it around town and it didn't have much space to carry stuff (as is the norm for sportbikes) but I'll probably put a compact EDC kit like this now based on this video!
Cool thing about my 2014 Valkyrie is the toolbox is huge. I have a battery phone charger and jump-starter with jumpers and built in light, patch kit, 3 x CO2, hex tools and even diebetic tablets in case i get into an emergency low blood sugar. Smaller sport bikes probably have far less space i imagine.
On the zip ties, buy bright yellow or orange, not black…lest ya got a KTM then swap orange for another bright color. The reason being is that road side repairs are basically “temporary “ so the color will show ya later as a reminder what needs to be finished when you get back home or to the shop. Also later on hints to keep an eye on that particular part or area as it may fail again as your bright zip ties indicate past failures vs the factory black ones that are hiding, don’t indicate so easily.😂
Once a week tour and tightening negates most issues. And luke pilot do preflight check, chain lube and slack, both tires for nails etc. And air pressure. I have about 10 basics i do before any ride, while bike warms i run check. Then o am good to go.
Great advice as always, thank you! I'll just state that from my personal experience, that small vise grip is the real deal for acting as an impromptu clutch/brake lever....absolutely saved a seven day ride around South Central Alaska for a friend and I! Happy New Year!!
Have similar setup with few add-ons (FJR have enough space to accommodate): - small electric pump. Saved me on a day I had double sidewall puncture. Was a longest 28 mile ride but I made it safely home without tow truck. - gas bottle, compact but works like a charm even if you keep it empty. - spare bottle of water. is a pleasant and cheap way to cheer up unlucky rider while they wait for tow truck in a Florida sun. - on the long trips my trusty Antigravity jumpstarted/power bank. Because waiting for motorist to stop to help is a small chance, but expecting them to have jumper cable even smaller.
@@willjohnson5861 I'm fat, and pushing 650 pound bike plus gear is way too much of exercise comparing to nice, compact and light jumper. Not to mention, I have plenty of space between saddlebags and 65 liter trunk 😂
@@willjohnson5861 You might want to take a look at Givi tank bags, I have 16 liter expandable one... Yes I like to have more storage than average Prius 🤣🤣 I use it for small stuff, but if needed on a light trip I can getaway with using just it. Very good investment.
I just got back from a 2400 mile trip on my 75 XS650, in 100+ heat BTW, which you should never do, but anyway this is a good video but the big thing it leaves out is to always carry multiple credit cards (at least 3). Past that, my best advice is to do your best to make sure the motorcycle is ready to go in the first place. Everything is easier to do in your garage than on the side of the road.
Alright now I need to see a video of the road-trip and adventure pack! I have a lot of summer plans- I hope many of them are on two wheels and not a flat-bed.
Never seen one but I would think it is most about lenght if you will fit good, but getting something with a stiff suspension that is adjustable should help, most bikes set up for a pillion will have preload adjustment to fit one bigger person instead ;)
I wish I would have kept a list of all the stuff I've lost/dropped on the street while riding. The art of Strapping things down tightly on your bike when there's nowhere to strap things down too is super under rated.
Been riding for over 20 years now and there is always something to improve, maintenance especially. Will definitely use your idea to practice plugging tires next tire swap.
I love your Less Is More minimalist approach. Great recommendations! Tubeless FTW! I carry a mountain bike tire pump. It's more effort than a compressor but a lot less bulk and weight. To keep it simple, I only have one tool kit. I did my best to keep it small and light but it's 7 pounds because it has trail side ADV repair tools and supplies.
I have the same stuff but i also carry a rugged little air compressor along with Powerlet Motorsport Jumper Cables and later i started to carry a battery jump pack. It's saved my bacon as well as others i've run across out in the middle of nowhere...
Good video and topic! I recently bought a Triumph T120. Premium priced bike, does only come with 1 allen key! I would definitely recommend Triumph to at least offer those tools you need to change the tubes tire in case of a puncture...
The tool kit that came with my Honda Blackbird even has compact wrenches to remove the wheels. I still carry a tire kit, zip ties, and a couple other things for longer rides to the middle of nowhere.
This is a really great video, thank you for making it! The universe: *crickets* Me: Along with zipties I carry precut slotted velcro ties with a screw hole already punched in them. Secure a bundle of anything to anything, then do it again; a few last forever and can be repurposed quickly. Along with duct tape I carry a good brand of gaffer's tape, in a neon/fluorescent color so the repairs can be easily seen and avoided while riding. Instead of vinyl electrical tape I carry kapton/polyamide and some bits of shrink tubing. I never recommend the classic "electrician's" tape for anything. We have many better alternatives now. Super glue/cyanoacrylate along with activator and release agents to speed up curing/removal is VERY useful in splinting plastic bits or broken electronics together. A couple disposable torch lighters for finishing various repairs (speed up curing of agents, shrink tubing seals against water and dirt, etc) tiny bottle of 95%+ pure ethanol (food grade leaves no contaminantsbehind and also isopropyl is a petroleum distillate and may harm parts of your bike) and low lint/lint free tekwipes to get things cleaned that benefit from cleaning.
I actually have everything I need to repair my bikes on my mountain and gravel bike, but all I have on my motorcycle is the kit the bike came with, and tire repair kit including a bike pump. Even though it'll hurt my tail bag's ability to carry snacks, I should at the very least get another allen wrench kit, it is a Ducati after all.
Got suprised by my modern ADV bike OEM toolkit the other day. No spark plug socket, no wrenches big enough for rear wheel axle. Great, I can't even tension my chain.
My 08 Yamaha R1 actually came with a very good OEM toolkit to do everything you mentioned in video... I just don't have the extras that you added. Because I literally can't fit a pair of sunglasses under the seat.
Cell phone charging cable compatible with your bike's battery. SAE to USB or whatever. But your phone is likely to be the most important tool if you're on the side of the road.
Suggestions on where to put that EDC? The only place I have ready storage on my bike is under the seat (on top of the battery), which requires a 5mm hex key to even get to. I don't have any good places for a tail bag, I don't seem to have a good way to mount any tank bags *other* than to the gas cap, and I can't really put a bag on clip-ons.
