Essential tool kit for basic maintenance and road repair

[bikermeow]

Hiya,

I was compiling a tool kit for my ride; and I realised that this can be a useful check-list for the rest of us who owns this great machine. My idea is a list of essential tools; not e.g. compressor, tyre-repair kit etc which of course some will deem as crucial and some will not. I recognise that everyone has their own ideas of what is "essential", what I am hoping is that we can pool these ideas of what we each think is needed and why, and then each of us can at least know what to bring if we want to.

Anyway, I would appreciate if you guys can tell me if I have omitted anything; (mostly from the standard tool kit):

(1) Torx hex keys: T25, 30, 40, 45
(2) Hex allen keys: 3, 5, 6 and 8 (for gearoil change) (do we need a 4? that is in the BMW Parts Finche supplementary list but I can't see why)
(3) Spanners: 8-10, 8-13 (do we need a 17?)
(4) 17 socket (removal of rear wheel)
(5) screwdriver
(6) Spark plug removal tool and puller
(7) Fuses: 7.5A, 15A, 10A and 4A

I would add:

(a) cable ties
(b) wire-wrap
(c) duct tape
(d) more fuses
(e) spare bulbs (signals, brake light etc)
(f) penknife
(g) flashlight

Appreciate feedback on this, fellas.

Cheers

[boxermania]

I think you have everything needed for a minor breakdown, you can't possible be prepared for every eventuality.

[taosports]

Good list!

A suggestion regarding the flashlight...get the type with a strap that you wear as a headband. They come in all sizes and free up your hands.

[Arbee]

I have always regarded a cigarette lighter as part of the tool kit for when you cannot
fix the bike, sit back light a fire and wait for help to arrive, smoke signals work.

[FloridaBeakster]

Here's what I carry on the bike ALL THE TIME. Note that NONE of this is carried in the side cases, it is all contained on the bike without any use of any luggage space.

IN THE TOOL ROLL in the tail trunk under the rear seat
-----
BMW spark plug cap remover
spark plug socket
pin/tommy bar
12V test light
17mm lug wrench
lug wrench extension handle
razor blade
screwdriver (phillips/flat)
allen wrenches: 3, 4, 5, 6, 8
torqx wrenches: 25, 30, 40, 45
open end wrenches: 8x10, 10x13, 17x19
lineman's pliers (6")
feeler gauges: 0.15mm, 0.30mm
cable ties

TAIL TRUNK under rear seat
-----
tire pressure gauge
fuel injection hose clamps (2)
fuel disconnect o-rings with grease (4)
fuses (15A, 20A)
misc 6mm bolts, washers, nyloc nuts
3/8" drive T-handle adapter
3" 3/8" drive extension
3/8" drive 5mm allen
spare micro-relay and crimp-on spade connectors
cable ties
registration/insurance card
cloth rag
multi-meter
luggage straps

BETWEEN FUSE BOX AND REAR FENDER
-----
log book and pen
BMWMOA Anonymous book
Tow strap (cable tied to side frame rail)

IN FUSE BOX
-----
fuse/relay location diagram
wiring diagrams for bike
fuses (4A, 7.5A, 10A, 15A, 20A)
spare tail/brake bulb (1077)
spare turn signal bulb (1057)

ON TOP OF AIR BOX under gas tank
-----
12V air compressor (el-cheapo stripped of all plastic)
Stop N Go tubeless tire plug kit
waterless hand cleaner (in small squirt bottle)
BMW socket to SAE adapter
rope
SAE outlet (on end of 3' cable used to power tankbag)

IN TOOL TUBE
-----
1L of 93 octane unleaded gasoline
fuel injection hose
male and female plastic fuel disconnects

-----

The 3/8" drive stuff and 6mm bolts/nuts are in case I need to repair/access my custom horn/relay mount under the tank. However, if you added the oil filter cup wrench, the 3/8" drive stuff would let you change the oil. My disconnects have been replaced with metal ones, so the stuff in the tool tube is in case I need to transfer fuel to another bike, drain the tank, or re-fill my 1L fuel bottle. I mounted the tool tube (a tractor manual canister) in place of the charcoal canister. It holds a 1L MSR fuel bottle that I use for my stove, or as an emergency fuel supply if I were to run out of gas. I also carry a spare fuel filter under the gas tank in the ABS space (where I relocated my in-tank fuel filter to for easier access). The spare bulbs are in a chunk of foam that is inserted into one of the empty spaces in the fuse/relay box. I don't feel the need to carry a spare headlight bulb since I have two 50W halogen driving lights that are on all the time. If I didn't have the driving lights, I would probably figure out a way to carry a spare headlight bulb.

[bikermeow]

Hi, FloridaBeaster ... 2 questions:

Any idea what part is the hex allen key 4 for?

Can you post a pic of the tool tube? I lost mine when it broke off from behind the tail light and I still could not determine whether it was because of contact with the wheel/hugger or because the tube's mounting tabs broke off because of vibrations. I was contemplating mounting it where the canister was but it seemed to interfere with the mounting of the system bags.

Cheers

[leenlu]

spare micro-relay and crimp-on spade connectors

Hi FloridaBeakster
Wich relay is this?
I checked the "OEM-site";
I see a Minirelais Schliesser schwarz; if this is the one, why and what does it do?

About the 50W halogen driving lights; do they have enough light output, and did you have to put in an extra relay for them.
the reason for asking; never saw these lights in the Netherlands.
sorry for the bad english

[AirForceDirt]

Hi, FloridaBeaster ... 2 questions:

Any idea what part is the hex allen key 4 for?

The 4mm is used to remove the alternator cover. That's all I can think of. I believe the gas cap ring is 4mm, but don't quote me on that.