Carrying tools on the bike?

[edukaycheon]

So let's face it, these bikes are old and we have to accept that they might leave us stranded on the road, but unlike our sportbike brethren we can usually fix it up and get it running again. Which brings me to the question: what tools would you carry and how would you carry them while on the bike? I don't mean like a longer trip where you could throw tools into a backpack or something, I mean like less than 100 miles, what would you carry? I might throw a 11mm wrench for undoing the seat and a 10mm for whatever else in my jacket pocket and a bicycle multitool with a flathead/standard screwdriver and a few small Allen key attachments. Anyone have a small tool bag or something of the sort or any nice multitools/compact tools they'd like to share? Don't have much room on the bike itself for tool storage

 

[AlphaDogChoppers]

I have a tool bag that lives on the bike with a complete selection of tools.

Set of combination wrenches
Set of allen wrenches
Screwdrivers
Pliers
Set of Torx bits & a driver handle
Zip ties
Electrical tape

I can usually squeeze a 10" adjustable wrench in there, too.

When I am on a trip, there is a pair of tire levers in my luggage.

 

[sprocket2cog]

I used to carry a cable repair kit on long rides as well

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/emergency-travel-clutch-throttle-repair-kit-w-case-motorcycle-touring-bike-/181019039649?_trksid=p3284.m263&_trkparms=algo%3DSI%26its%3DI%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D21%26pmod%3D171044241904%26ps%3D54

 

[AlphaDogChoppers]

I carry a selection of those little cable ends, but not a whole cable repair kit.

 

[Maritime]

Short rides I have a pocket knife LOL but any distance and I have a roll that tucks inside the fake gas tank with what ADC carries and needle nose pliers and a set of vice grips. I will be ordering a cable repair kit too and aside from a blown engine, I can fix almost anything on the bike roadside. Tube repair kit also in there. And I ride a 79 3-4000 miles at a time, and it is as reliable or more than a lot of newer bikes out there.

 

[SONICJK]

My bike has nowhere to put that much stuff. So I tuck a multi tool in the air filter box (it's my wiring box now).

But mostly I carry a cell phone haha

 

[HerrDeacon]

On my older bikes I like to carry enough tools to take care of most minor fixes. In addition to some of the tools already mentioned, I carry a spare spark plug and plug wrench.

 

[Rich Ard]

Re: Re: Carrying tools on the bike?

On my older bikes I like to carry enough tools to take care of most minor fixes. In addition to some of the tools already mentioned, I carry a spare spark plug and plug wrench.

Likewise, and a lighter and emery paper for fouled plugs.

 

[socalmike_cb72]

I learned the hard way early to always carry tools. Usually enough for most repairs. Keep these in my backpack or satchel. But with trips between 10 - 100 miles round trip, would be nice to get a bag on the bike.

Deep sockets!!
10mm
12mm
14mm
Spark plug socket
Philips, flat screwdriver
Allen wrenches
Needle pliers
Small wrench
Small Vise grip
Flash light

Parts:
2x Spark plugs
Few assorted nuts/bolts
Fuse
Foot of wire
Elec tape/duct tape
Zip ties
Couple rags

That's the typical minimum.

Sometimes:
Brake fluid
Qt of oil
Luggage straps

 

[DreadRock]

I did a lot of Off-Road rideing/racing and have a few Roll up tool bags that can carry a lot in a lil space . Short day rides carry just a few thing like above but on long trip add a few things like a bottle of water, lighter, hose clamps,Fuses, after a few trip you get to know what you need and what you don't !

 

[4eyes]

Please don't carry tools in your pockets or a backpack, they have a nasty habit of becoming imbedded into various parts of your body during a fall.

 

[speedfourjoe]

I use a pistol soft case (roughly 9"x6") for tools. It doesn't take up much space in a tank bag and fits the under seat area on some bikes, and opens up flat when needed.

 

[SONICJK]

I want to see pictures of you guys' tool kits.

I just cant see getting all of that into a reasonable space.
Maybe if i were on a long trip and was carrying bags or a backpack, but i go on ~100 mile rides daily and i know i should carry all this shit, but I have nowhere to put it.

All i really need i suppose is a 5mm allen key, a 10mm wrench, and some pliers.

 

[Rich Ard]

Re: Re: Carrying tools on the bike?

I want to see pictures of you guys' tool kits.

I just cant see getting all of that into a reasonable space.
Maybe if i were on a long trip and was carrying bags or a backpack, but i go on ~100 mile rides daily and i know i should carry all this shit, but I have nowhere to put it.

All i really need i suppose is a 5mm allen key, a 10mm wrench, and some pliers.

I have a big tank bag (and a bigger tank ha ha) but i keep my tools in a dry bag about the same size as that pistol sack above.

 

[SONICJK]

Damn you tiny 400f and your lack of storage!
And the sr500 im building is going to be even worse haha.

 

[AlphaDogChoppers]

Please don't carry tools in your pockets or a backpack, they have a nasty habit of becoming imbedded into various parts of your body during a fall.

Please don't fall...

 

[4eyes]

Please don't fall...

Even better!

 

[VonYinzer]

Damn you tiny 400f and your lack of storage!
And the sr500 im building is going to be even worse haha.

Seriously, grab a good tank bag. You'd be amazed at how much shit you can cram in one. Well worth the $30-$75 investment.

 

[moetrout]

I have the tool kit that came with the bikes that I own. On my bikes that have not been switched to electronic ignition I also carry a set of points. On long trips I have saddle bags and carry a few more tools like tire irons, tube and the clymers service manual.

 

[Hoosier Daddy]

Always carry the trusty Leatherman Wave...