On Board Tools For Classic Harley Ride

[Buzz_Kanter]

OK, I know some of you might think I am being odd asking for advice on what tools to carry on my 1915 Harley on my coast to coast ride in September on the Motorcycle Cannonball. But I have my reasons.

I am planning on a very small pouch for stuff like spare spark plugs, plug wrench and my registration and insurance card. I am also planning on mounting up a small set of leather saddlebags.

Advice on what to carry in the bags please? Remember we will have chase vehicles and the average day will be about 250 miles.

I am thinking: a quart of oil and small filler, assorted open and box end wrenches, duct tape and electric tape, screwdrivers. adjustable wrench, rags, zip ties (large and small). What else?

I plan on carrying rain gear, T-shirt, a sweater, suntan lotion, Preparation H (just kidding about that one) and sunglasses in the other saddlebag.

[Mr. Big]

Why carry anything on the bike when you have a chase vehicle? Shoot, I'd have a loaded tool box and a plastic tub with everything including the kitchen sink!

Besides, why add any weight to the bike if you don't have to. The only thing I'd add weight wise is a gel pad and a water bottle holder.

[Bigincher]

I agree with Mr Big. Run light, run fast. Let the parts wagon carry it all. Besides, your list is no different than the things I would take along on a trip on a more modern motorcycle. If you've ever travelled cross-country (I know you have) then you already know what to take with you. Use your past experience to plan for the future.

[BNSONS]

I’d take whatever made you comfortable except for that gel seat -that’s just plain wrong. Man up alittle & just ride the bike. What you really have to watch out for is someone running you over. I live on a secondary divided highway speed limit 55. I’ve seen a semi run over a farm tractor & the other incident i saw was a group of police bicyclists with a chase vehicle following them with flashing lights on getting hit causing the chase truck to run over the bicyclists. There is a reason why highway work crews use so many trucks between them & the workers. Don’t assume people see you or care.
Regards dave

[Buzz_Kanter]

Originally Posted by Mr. Big

Why carry anything on the bike when you have a chase vehicle? Shoot, I'd have a loaded tool box and a plastic tub with everything including the kitchen sink!

Besides, why add any weight to the bike if you don't have to. The only thing I'd add weight wise is a gel pad and a water bottle holder.

Many of us will be sharing the chase vehicle. And heaven forbid if I make a wrong turn and get lost. I have long ago realized I need to be self sufficient - at least as much as possible. I'm hoping to have a lot more stuff on the chase vehicle - like a spare engine (I hope), tires, oil, spare parts, etc.

[unclepsycho]

I am making a tool kit for the Shovel, and one thing you didnt mention is chap-stick.
Every time I go out on a road trip, I gotta buy another one....

Dont carry the whole set of wrenches, just the ones that fit the bike... I went thru my BMC tool pouch and found so many tools that dont even fit fasteners on the bike, it is extra weight, So, for the shovel, I am a bit more selective.

So:
Vice grips
wrenches
Screwdriver
rum -n- coke
hammer
plug socket
knife
safety pin (I fixed a pair of glasses with one once)
zip ties
duct tape (just the last couple of feet of a roll will do)
Electrical tape
bailin wire (16 ga electric fence wire works too)
Chapstick
WD-40
Sunblock
Water
Spark plugs
Oil
fix a flat
cell phone
cash
credit card



As mentioned above, any and all things can be carried by chase vehicle, but I do understand self sufficient... I got left behind on a group run once...and had to rely on my own tool bag.

Oh yeah, bring along a hot blonde, so if you do break down, people will stop to help... she stands by the bike...you hide in the bushes untill someone stops.

[rob]

gps take away the wrong turn.

[Buzz_Kanter]

Originally Posted by unclepsycho

I am making a tool kit for the Shovel, and one thing you didnt mention is chap-stick.
Every time I go out on a road trip, I gotta buy another one....

Dont carry the whole set of wrenches, just the ones that fit the bike... I went thru my BMC tool pouch and found so many tools that dont even fit fasteners on the bike, it is extra weight, So, for the shovel, I am a bit more selective.

So:
Vice grips
wrenches
Screwdriver
rum -n- coke
hammer
plug socket
knife
safety pin (I fixed a pair of glasses with one once)
zip ties
duct tape (just the last couple of feet of a roll will do)
Electrical tape
bailin wire (16 ga electric fence wire works too)
Chapstick
WD-40
Sunblock
Water
Spark plugs
Oil
fix a flat
cell phone
cash
credit card



As mentioned above, any and all things can be carried by chase vehicle, but I do understand self sufficient... I got left behind on a group run once...and had to rely on my own tool bag.

Oh yeah, bring along a hot blonde, so if you do break down, people will stop to help... she stands by the bike...you hide in the bushes untill someone stops.

I like your ideas. Especially the rum n coke and pretty blonde. Then again you can have a party if no on stops to help.

[Chris Haynes]

AAA card.

[MeanGene]

The basics mentioned will get you by for most stuff, and the fix-a-flat will usually keep even a tube tire up to get you to town- the tire changer will be pissed, but you'll be there.
AAA doesn't like motorcycles in CA, even with AAA Plus that covers RV's and such- won't change a tire on or tow a dually, either, they'll give you the number of a commercial tire guy for you to call and later reimburse you- AAA guy left me on the side of the freeway in San Jose with a blown front and tore up fender on my dually