Road Repairs

[badgertom]

I have wondered as to what tools to bring along when going on longer road trips. Probably the most important tool is the cell phone. Otherwise, perhaps just the minimum set provided under the seat. It seems to me that with such a relatively complicated machine ( I also own a Yamaha xs400gs 1980 which a "simple" in comparison) there are only a "few" minor repairs that can be made on the road ( ie tightning of bolts, etc.) and forget about electrical repairs.
Normally only three thangs can go wrong. These three things are either related to electrical roblems, lack of flow to the injectors or carburator or compression problems. For electrical problems one can only check the battery (connections, etc.) and the spark plugs. For fuel issues just remove an injector and see if it ejects fuel. For compression there is really no check that can be done in the field ( other than holding your finger over the spark plug hole. Besides if compression is the problem there is very little that can be done on the road. So
you really don't need many tools other then the cell phone(?). Does anyone have any other thoughts or suggestions. Thanks for any reply.

[hankth]

I agree on the cell phone. The only other item I carry on longer trips is a tire plug kit. Of course I learned this the hard way. Being able to do a temp. fix on a flat so you can get to a dealer is a priceless time and money saver.

[tl440]

I carry a cheap, stripped down air compressor. replaced the plug with a fuse and SAE connector that hooks up to the battery tender pigtail. More tools might be nice in case someone came along who knew how to use them.

Dave

[Lost Rider]

My 2¢...

I guess it depends on where you're going and if you know what to do with said tools or if you want to depend on someone else to "save" you...
East of the Mississippi you're never too far from help or cell coverage, in the West it's a different story... Fill out your profile so we know more about you....
Sure a cell phone is good, if you're traveling where there's cell service. If not then a SPOT all set up to contact people who can help you seems like a good idea.
My "help" message predetermined to be a mechanic "emergency" on my SPOT sends a message to a couple of crafty riding buddies who will go on ADVrider.com into the appropriate regional forum and make a post for help, giving my location. There's plenty a fellow riders who are willing to help at a moments notice... Or the message could go to your spouse who can call BMW Roadside assistance and give them your location...
http://www.findmespot.com

A Slime mini air compressor can be bought at walmart for $10, and to go with it a tire plug kit is a good start. In addition a patch kit and tire irons is better. I've had a severe enough hole (tear) in my tire that a plug wouldn't hold, but a patch did. Of course at the time I was in no mans land. Of course knowing how to break your bead with your side stand would be a good skill to have at this time...

A small Motion Pro Star-Pro Torx Pivot Head Wrench Set is what I carry to do most fixes and general maintenance, supplemented with a T55 socket and wrench for the rear wheel and a 24mm front axle tool.
Add in a select few allen keys, an adjustable wrench, tire stem valve remover tool, a mini multimeter ( Radio Shack), a Gerber multi tool, a multi screwdriver and most importantly a tube of JB Weld Stik and you have a pretty decent emergency tool kit. Super glue, bailing wire, fuel tubing, oil filter wrench, some PVC tape, etc, etc can also come in handy if you know what to do with them.


With this simple kit that all fits tucked away all around under the seat I have changed my oil, installed a new clutch on my GS, fixed more flats than I care to remember, changed the rear output drive shaft seal on my 12R, diagnosed a burnt alternator, fixed a leaking head gasket, patched a hole punched in an oil pan, etc, etc. And that's just this year.
Most of these issues were not on my Roadster...

Of course, having a laptop with a service manual for the bike is also useful on long trip, or at least a PDF file on a iPhone.

Then again, you can always come in here or ADVrider for help while on the road and when you need info...

Honestly though, the R1200R has proven to be so reliable the odds are with you that the worst thing that will happen is a flat tire or to run out of gas.

Have fun on you trip!

-Finn

http://jbweld.net/products/jbstik.php

http://www.motionpro.com/motorcycle/partno/08-0355/

http://www.ktm-parts.com/mm5/merchant.m ... e=38120026

[ka5ysy]

Very important tool : Credit Card

[Lost Rider]

Very important tool : Credit Card

True, having a stash of cash is a good idea too.... you can't bribe a cop or pay a rancher for a ride with a CC. Don't ask.

[gezerbike]

I've got an app on my iphone called Airheadshops that gives dealers and folks on the road that can help you if you're in a tight spot. It ties in with your phone's GPS to locate you to someone nearby. Click on the green pin and it gives you address and phone number. While it's called Airhead shops, it list most dealers and if someone can work on an airhead, they should be useful on our hexheads.

[qfman]

After doing 5kms with my distance to empty flashing "---" (past 0) I don't leave home without a 2m length of plastic tube about 1cm in diameter. Hopefully you only need it to help someone else. Duct tape and zip ties will help with most crash damage.

Tom