What tools/equipment should a rider carry?

[Wigwam Jones]

Most motorcycles have some kind of basic toolkit under the saddle for doing basic roadside repairs. Back in the day, we were encouraged to also carry a universal throttle cable, because a busted throttle cable means a long push home. You can maybe get by without a front brake (back in the day of drum front brakes) but if you lose your throttle or your clutch, you've got problems. And of course, back then, no cell phones, no way to easily call AAA.

So. What does the smart rider carry on their bike or on their person when out riding, besides basic protective gear? What tools? What items?

[BlackBike]

You may laugh, but a couple of these do a lot of work...and cheap
https://hardwareonlinestore.com/images/stories/virtuemart/product/384424.jpg

[Wigwam Jones]

Definitely not laughing! That looks like a good idea. Size and weight are certainly considerations when you are on a bike and can't carry the rolling toolbox with you.

[BlackBike]

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRJ5eD_lEAbJKS0llWN26D2Lv2DoLmYV PNq1eKnDdnnFnfBZU4_

[cheesy]

Besides a credit card and cell phone?

Pretty much an abbreviated version of what you have at home; allan wrenches, 1/4" socket set, combination wrenches (8mm-19mm), clutch and throttle cables, zip ties, pliers, screwdrivers, pocket knife, electrical tape, spare bulbs, spark plug wrench and an extra spark plug. Now you need someplace to put it all, but better to have and not need it than to not have it and walk home.

[bogieboy]

Everything mr cheesy said, plus a masterlink for your chain.... ask me how i know ( i now carry 2 in my toolbag)

[BillR]

Everything mr cheesy said, plus a masterlink for your chain.... ask me how i know ( i now carry 2 in my toolbag)
Ditto on Mr. Cheesy's recommendations.
If I use it for routine maintenance, I have some version of the tool in a small tool bag.
I have something like this for cables (don't remember the brand I have and it's packed away):
Emergency Cable kit (https://www.amazon.com/universal-clutch-throttle-collecting-KiWAV/dp/B009YEYN6A)
Tire patch/plug kit and a frame mount bicycle pump.
I also include a headlight and taillight bulb (wrapped in foam)...
My current bike has saddle bags, so I have a place for all this.
Haven't needed them much, myself, but there were times when I pulled out the bag to help a couple of stranded riders who didn't have what they needed to fix their ride...
Bill R

[RockyDS]

As well as the above items, I carry a spare spark plug and slime.

[Wigwam Jones]

As well as the above items, I carry a spare spark plug and slime.

Pardon my ignorance, but what is "slime?"

[humanbeing]

...what is "slime?"
https://fortnine.ca/en/slime

[Wigwam Jones]

https://fortnine.ca/en/slime

OK, so 'Slime' is a brand name. Thanks. However, it appears to be a brand name used for lots of tools. I would have to repeat my question in that case. To what is the 'Slime' suggestion referring?

[katoranger]

My guess is tire slime. You put it in the tire/tube to seal punctures. I use it on mowers and tractors, but have never put it in a road vehicle.


Shows on the bottle that you can use it in cars, trucks, and motorcycles.

[Wigwam Jones]

My guess is tire slime. You put it in the tire/tube to seal punctures. I use it on mowers and tractors, but have never put it in a road vehicle.


Shows on the bottle that you can use it in cars, trucks, and motorcycles.

Thanks! I had no idea. The last experience I had with any such product was the old 'Fix-A-Flat' stuff that came in a pressurized can. It was worthless, a joke. I thought when you got a hole in an innertube, you patched it. But I have been away from motorcycles for a very long time, so live and learn.

[JerryHawk250]

Thanks! I had no idea. The last experience I had with any such product was the old 'Fix-A-Flat' stuff that came in a pressurized can. It was worthless, a joke. I thought when you got a hole in an innertube, you patched it. But I have been away from motorcycles for a very long time, so live and learn.
Slime works great on tubeless ATV and Mower tires but never heard of using with tubed tires. Personally I wouldn't use it on a motorcycle tire for highway use. That stuff can put the tire out of balance. For emergency road repair get a patch kit, tire spoons and a small bicycle pump. I finally ordered a Burrito tube for my Hawk. I'm taking my vacation at the end of next week and going camping at an ATV/off road campground for about 4-5 days. I plan on putting the Hawk through some extreme off road testing . I just hope my old body holds up better than the Hawk. lol
List of stuff that will be packed on the Hawk.
Assorted open end and box end wrenches, patch kit, pump (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01I4PB2EA/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I3F3YW7MF7G8II&colid=2TIDKN14UQSQ), 3 tire spoons (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FVGSO0A/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1), adjustable wrench, vise grips, lots of zip ties, electrical tape, spark plug, spark plug socket wrench, allen wrenches, 4 in 1 screw driver, assorted nuts and bolts, cable stop ends (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000COCPZM?tag=viglink28144-20) and spoke wrench. I have most of this already stuffed under my seat except for the pump. I have one of those CO2 type for bicycle tire but never tried it.

[Azhule]

This is what you want for your Motorcycle tires/tubes ;)

"Ride-On Tire Sealant (and Balancer)"

http://www.ride-on.com/motorcycle-formula-mot.html

[katoranger]

I have slimed bicycle tubes for the kids.

[BlackBike]

This is what you want for your Motorcycle tires/tubes ;)

"Ride-On Tire Sealant (and Balancer)"

http://www.ride-on.com/motorcycle-formula-mot.html

So this is good stuff? I have a slow leak on my new rear tire / tube combo and have been dreading the repair. Have you had good luck with the stuff? I see where 1 bottle is $15.

[Sport Rider]

Everything mr cheesy said, plus a masterlink for your chain.... ask me how i know ( i now carry 2 in my toolbag)

+1 to mr cheesy and to bogieboy. !!!

[leo in wv]

slime also makes a patch kit called "scabs" you just peel the backing off and slap it on. no glue, heat, or chemicals required. all you need is a set of spoons to get the tire out of the way, and of course a frame pump....