Build and carry a tool kit...
With a few exceptions, everything in my kit came from amazon. I live in "the sticks" and I commute about 100 miles round trip and I sometimes stay gone all weekend. This is all necessity stuff and the entire kit was created (and then modified) to fit in the tool box I got from Wunderlich. With the addition of a torque wrench, (don't carry one one of those, of course) I use this kit to do all the routine service procedures outlined in the service manual. Everything in this kit has been used at least twice and has all been reliable for me.
- Also not shown is my Leatherman Wave that I carry on my belt (and have for YEARS) and a Coast AAA flashlight.
- The kit below supplements the factory kit, under the seat. The most useful tool in it is the wrench that you can use to check chain tension OR open a beer.
- Also have a roll of electrical tape under the seat.
I will admit right away that the Wunderlich toolbox is WAY TOO expensive BUT it is super high quality, tough as nails and fits like a glove. I don't think you can use it with panniers ( I don't have panniers) but it does block the left sport case. I only use a tailbox, and occasionally a set of Biltwell "throwover" soft bags if I expect to be gone overnight. But most of the time the 42l tailbox is plenty. I guess if you have panniers, you don't need a toolbox..
On to the tools.. Here's what i carry straight out of the toolbox.
1. Maxpedition "Fatty Pack" It measures 6" by 8". Mine is about 2" thick when packed with tools.
2. NOCO GB40 Boost Plus. (I bought the cable that bolts to the battery so I don't need anything else).
***Since I installed an Antigravity battery, I don't think I need this anymore.
3. Airmoto portable air pump and it's USB-C cable. I can charge off the bike or off the NOCO. (Works great)
4. A tiny tire plug kit.
Right out of the box:
Collapsible tire plug kit :
Opened Kit:
Lets break it down:
1. BZBMBNO Axle wrenches, I carry the 36mm and the combo wrench that came with it which is 32,22, 12 &14. You need the 32 and 36 to get the back wheel off.
2. Metric sockets, 1/4" drive: 8,10,12,13,14 (MM)
3, Torx sockets (3/8 drive): 25,27,30,40,45.
4. Allen head sockets (3/8 drive): 3/16, 6mm, and, 1/4.
5. Regular Allen Keys: 5mm, 3/16, 4mm, and a 5/32.
6. Wrenches: Four cheap duratech combo wrenches (one size on one end and one size on the other): 6 by 8, 10 by 12, 11 by 13 and 14 by 17. These are thin and light. Ok for most things but I wouldn't get crazy with them.
7. One high-quality gear wrench 10mm ratchet wrench.
8. 6" Knipex "cobra" pliers.
9. Harley Davidson "8 in 1" screwdriver. It has four Torx, 25,27,30 & 40 and phillips #2 and 1/4" flat blade. As well as several nut driver sizes that are usable after you pull the aforementioned bits out.
10. 6" Craftsman adjustable wrench.
11. Pittsburgh (harbor freight) ratchet 3/8 on one side 1/4 drive on the other. The ratchet is flat and packs nice.
12. 3/8 drive 6" ratchet extension.
13. Three tiny bottles of blue loctite.
14. Small bottle of Belray chain lube.
15. About 18" of duct tape wrapped around one of the wrenches in case I ever burn that radiator hose.
16. A 6" machinist pocket ruler. For aligning the back wheel. (I dabble in precision).
17. A small Wiha ratchet with Torx bits 25,27 and 40. (Completely redundant, I will probably remove. Only listing them b/c they are in the pic).
If anyone can think of anything else I might need, please post it!
seriously tho a sat phone if/when you venture off the beaten path. I haven't bought one but am looking at them.
