Tool Kit
Even for a ride around town, it’s nice to have a few tools for the odd loose bolt or quick repair. Anything more serious and you can call your buddies or a shop for help. But for longer rides or going off-road it’s a good idea to plan ahead. Street or dirt, things can go wrong and you may find yourself pulled over with some sort of mechanical malfunction. If you’re prepared, you can get yourself out of 99% of the problems you encounter…at least temporarily!
Obviously without tools you can’t do much, and you can’t throw the whole garage on your bike either. It is worth taking the time to think through what you may need and what you know how to use. Inspect your bike, indentify what tools and sizes you are likely to need. Luckily some suppliers have thought this out for you and offer relatively complete yet portable premade kits.
Another consideration when making your tool kit is the case/bag your tools will be stored in. Street bikes often have places to store a small tool kit. Some bikes have room under the seat or other built in storage, or you can get bags that attach to the bars or frame. There are several front and rear fender bags for motocross, dual-sport and enduro riders.
If you aren’t sure what you need, many of the USMC Base Auto Hobby shops have motorcycle bays and mechanics and are happy to help you out. Want more info from fellow Marine riders? Check the semperride.com mechanics or motorcycle forums and ask around.
This is a good time to think about emergency communications too, if something serious goes wrong. Will you have cell phone reception? First aid kit? How far to get help?
| Pre- Made Full Kits |
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| Multi Tools |
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| Common Hand Tools |
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Other stuff you’ll need are:
• Spare clutch/brake levers
MacGyver stuff:
• JB Weld or some type of liquid steel (to repair a cracked case)
• Various bolts/nuts that fit your bike (only a half-dozen or so)
• Safety wire
• Electricians Tape
• Zip ties (small and large assortment…you will use these for sure!)
• Spare master link for the chain for YOUR bike
• Portable chain tool for master link
• Small square of sandpaper (to clean spark plug gap, etc.)
• Super glue
Don’t forget:
• Small, durable flashlight (like a small mag-light) Leave 1 battery out and secure to prevent accidental battery usage.
• Spare headlight bulbs. (store wrapped in tissue/cotton in a film canister, otherwise vibration will ruin filament…which it may anyhow!)
• Tire repair:
o Make sure you have all the tools to take off both tires, a spare front tube, at least 3 tire irons, a small tire patch kit, and 3 mini-canisters of CO2.
Personal supplies:
• Satellite Personal Tracker (
www.findmespot.com) and/or portable GPS: These days there is no reason to be lost and not found. When activated, a personal tracker will emit a distress signal which will alert authorities of your locations…anywhere in the world.
• First aid kit
• Water: duh
• Sunscreen
• $20 at least…just in case.