Tool kit for on the road

[Markk9]

I want to build a basic tool kit to keep in the saddle bag for basic road side maintenance. I want this for day trips and multi days.

A 3/8" ratchet and extension

-What size sockets, only want to carry what is needed
-What size Hex keys
-an adjustable wrench
-compact channel lock pliers
-small needle nose pliers and cutters
-screwdriver with multi size bits ( flat and philips)
-tire pressure gauge
-assorted zip ties, rubber bands, fuses, etc.

Anything I missed or should add to the list.

[LoneEagle964]

I read somewhere to do a major service ,5K or 10 k , as your doing it keep track of the tools used and this is what you would need for roadside repair tools. I havent tried it but it did sound reasonable .

LoneEagle

[berserker]

I go big. I have a breaker bar, and 1.5" socket, for the comp nut. Plus lots more.

[1bdBagr]

I keep one of those multi size folding hex sets, a second one that has Torx, small and medium crescent wrenches, a small channellock, a 1/4" drive ratchet and extension with a 7/16, 1/2 and 9/16" deep sockets, a multi bit screwdriver and or a ratcheting 1/4 " drive screwdriver with flat, phillips and torx bits stored inside it (Snap on makes a great one)-also works with the 1/4" drive sockets, small Needle nose and vice grips, a knife, zip ties, some electrical tape, random wire connectors and a few generic bolts. Fits inside a velcro/zipper pouch that a bud gave me. It's not light but i've been able to handle almost any roadside need myself or my buddies have had. Works better than AAA! Lol.
Tim

[Michael Psycle]

I've got two Craftsman box end ratchet wrenches that will fit 8 different size bolts by flipping over each end. Very handy and doesn't take up much room.

[berserker]

Emergency belt for my 5 speed. Are they making them yet for the 6 speed? I can't figure out the delay.
I fill up about 1/2+ of my hard bag.

[Markk9]

What size sockets do i need? I really don't want to carry a full set of sockets.

[berserker]

There are a few threads on this, that should have sizes. Everything that I use on my bike working on it, gets put into the bags in some forms.

[XLReturnee]

Originally Posted by 1bdBagr

I keep one of those multi size folding hex sets, a second one that has Torx, small and medium crescent wrenches, a small channellock, a 1/4" drive ratchet and extension with a 7/16, 1/2 and 9/16" deep sockets, a multi bit screwdriver and or a ratcheting 1/4 " drive screwdriver with flat, phillips and torx bits stored inside it (Snap on makes a great one)-also works with the 1/4" drive sockets, small Needle nose and vice grips, a knife, zip ties, some electrical tape, random wire connectors and a few generic bolts. Fits inside a velcro/zipper pouch that a bud gave me. It's not light but i've been able to handle almost any roadside need myself or my buddies have had. Works better than AAA! Lol.
Tim

Do you pull a small trailer with your tool box on top?
Harley's have gotten pretty dependable. Who needs tools?

[Michael Psycle]

Originally Posted by XLReturnee

Do you pull a small trailer with your tool box on top?
Harley's have gotten pretty dependable. Who needs tools?

I carry a fairly complete tool set that I have assembled over the years. Yes, fortunately Harleys are reliable. And I'm almost incapable of using the tools myself. I have very little mechanical experience (I can change the oil and do minor stuff, but that's about it). I carry the tools because even though I can't use them, it is likely I will find someone who could help me, if he only had the tools. The tool kit is not for me, it's for the bike. I also carry a cell phone and a card for a towing service.

[1bdBagr]

Originally Posted by XLReturnee

Do you pull a small trailer with your tool box on top?
Harley's have gotten pretty dependable. Who needs tools?

I guess if your bike is stock and you never lay a wrench on it then maybe they are.....

But..........out on the road sh!t happens. A buddy of mine who had a Street Glide who had somebody run the wires thru the bars and put all the chrome controls on......out there 200 miles from the nearest dealer, one of the wire connectors vibrated/came loose...bike died. Without tools it would have been a tow bill in the HUNDREDS of dollars. Instead, i used my tools and took apart a few things, ended up being under the fairing and found the problem. If you turn wrenches and change things, every now and then you may have a problem. The only thing that has EVER stranded me was a broken drive belt, otherwise my tools have helped me and my friends out many times. Besides, the bag sits in the bottom of my saddlebag taking up maybe a 3.5" diameter x 12" spot. Likely takes up less space than your old lady's purse....and its much more useful.


Tim

[berserker]

Originally Posted by XLReturnee

Do you pull a small trailer with your tool box on top?
Harley's have gotten pretty dependable. Who needs tools?

I have had bolts come loose. If I didn't have the tools to tighten them on the side of the road, I would be stranded. waiting hours for a toe. Not every place has cell reception.

[berserker]

Originally Posted by 1bdBagr

ottom of my saddlebag taking up maybe a 3.5" diameter x 12" spot. Likely takes up less space than your old lady's purse....and its much more useful.


Tim

I call those guys cell phone mechanics.

[RogerDodger]

Marky, just remember you're only carrying enough for an emergency, not a complete tear-down.
Skip the ratchet and sockets and carry a couple of adjustables (Crescent wrenches). Then take your best guess at the rest - you only need common sense to fill your emergency tool kit. Tools that can double-up they're duties work the best and save space.

[berserker]

Crescent wrenches don't fit in tight spots. I carry one. But I sure don't rely on it.

I don't put the word emergency in front of my toolkit.