Must Have Gear/Parts/Tools

[RobCO80831]

My RT is my first sport tourer and I'm looking for suggestions/advice on what gear/parts/tools I should/must carry along when I'm out on long rides. My previous riding was on a sports bike so I was rarely more then 200 miles from home. Any suggestions/potshots are appreciated.

 

/r

Rob

[shuber]

What year is your RT? Oh yeah, and welcome!

 

As to gear/parts/tools I suggest a tire plug kit and either a small compressor and/or a supply of CO2 cartridges. I use a Stop-n-Go kit, but there are other good ones. A multi tool with pliers will help remove the nail....

 

I carry other spare tools only when going on multi-day trips.

Edited September 10, 2016 by shuber

[Guest Kakugo]

Tyre repair kit, jump starter, spare light bulbs and gaffa/duct tape.

For the rest, just buy a good roadside assistance plan: what can wrong usually cannot be fixed at the side of the road.

[dirtrider]

Morning Rob

 

It sort of depends on where you intend riding to. If traveling on mostly major roads in populated areas then you don't need much more than a credit card & cell phone.

 

If traveling to remote low population areas or remote country roads then you might need a more extensive tool kit with some parts & repair items.

 

It also depends on your troubleshooting ability & mechanical ability. No need to carry something that you can't use or find a need for.

 

If traveling by yourself then a cell phone is probably at the top of list & if traveling out of cell phone range then a SPOT or other tracking device is also suggested.

 

 

Otherwise the basics would be a tow strap (to get/tow you out of harms way until you can repair or get assistance), a 12v test light, some extra fuses, possibly a tire repair kit & some form of air pump (or Co2 air inflators), a small pair of Vise Grips (to use as a clutch lever, or shift lever, or clamp, etc), some electrical tape, duct tape & mechanics wire wound around a pencil, possibly an extra tail & headlight bulb, definitely carry some long Zip Ties.\

 

A set of lightweight motorcycle jumper cables are also a good idea to carry. If an 1100RT or 1150RT then also adding a battery post extension is a good idea (you will figure this out the first time you need to jump start your bike)

 

As for tools to carry?-- at least enough to get the front or rear wheel off & drives to get the Tupperware off. A good way to figure tools out is to use what is on the bike to service the bike. If you need additional tools for a basic service than buy those tool(s) & add to your on-bike tool kit.

 

Also carrying the Anonymous Book (or electronic equivalent) on your phone. This book contains BMW people all over the country that can help you recover, repair, store, your motorcycle if something happens, some will even put you up for the night & come get you with a trailer.

 

Added: almost forgot-- carry a small (very bright) flashlight and/or a bight light with band that straps to your forehead. If it has replaceable batteries then replace those about twice a year. (you need good light to do/repair about anything at night)

 

Edited September 10, 2016 by dirtrider

[dirtrider]

Afternoon Rob

 

I also forgot to add in the above-- get a spare ignition key & stash it on the bike somewhere that you can access it.

 

When traveling it is ever so easy to misplace or lose your ignition key. (without a key you are dead in the water)

[Skywagon]

As listed as above, I only carry what I could use to do roadside repair within my skill set. The new RT's come with basically nothing. I carry a few things from cycle gear ( no affiliation) The tools aren't top quality, but they are good enough for the road.

 

https://www.cyclegear.com/accessories/motion-pro-hex-axle-tool

 

and

 

https://www.cyclegear.com/accessories/stockton-roadside-tool-kit

 

and

http://www.slime.com/us/products/auto/inflators/12v-auto-/power-sport.php

 

and

 

http://www.tirerepairkit.com/

 

and

http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=49867576&KPID=19736478&cid=CAPLA:G:Shopping_-_Craftsman_-_New&pla=pla_19736478&k_clickid=c1badad6-6e31-42f7-92eb-70d4f35eeffd

 

That's it for me. I keep it all in one side case with room to spare.

 

Credit Card,Cellphone a must...I'm old fashion I always carry a pretty good wad of cash as works everywhere and if out by myself I carry 9mm

 

If serious I can get a tow or rent a trailer, phone a friend, and get retrieved. The only real thing I worry about is a flat. It may not be pluggable.

[hopz]

and... all the above are true and helpful... let me add...

 

Get yourself a set..four... Soft Ties. These are essential if you ever have to have a tow truck pick you up for roadside assistance... and they are useful if you need to strap something on securely yourself.

 

The problem is that most tow trucks will be driven by guys who have no clue how to secure a BMW on a flatbed. The problem is they will want to put straps in places they should not be... such as handlebars. NEVER strap your bike from the handlebars.

 

Soft straps can be used on front "shocks" etc.

[longjohn]

check out this site: http://www.advdesigns.com/motoki1.html

 

pricey but worth it imho.

 

I take their tool kit when doing rides with others, and have used it! HI Larry!

 

edit: oh and if you use a tire repair kit with rubber cement replace it once a year or so. https://www.zoro.com/slime-rubber-cement-1-oztube-1051-a/i/G5039307/?gclid=Cj0KEQjw0_O-BRCfjsCw25CYzYoBEiQAqO9BDKEmRk4Al7UHqZmLYUhzMt86VvZHOteJOX54vG9b4iYaAlMZ8P8HAQ&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

I bought a few so if your out west traveling let me know and I'll front you some.

Edited September 18, 2016 by longjohn