Tool Kit

NorthernBoy

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While taking bits and pieces off the old bike, I realised that my tool kit doesn't really do the job any more. I've taken out and forgotten to replace a couple of essential pieces, and then seem to have a load of bits that fit nothing on the bike at all.

As I'm heading off on a long trip pretty soon after I get the new bike, and would like to be able to at least traighten and adjust bent or loose things, has anyone put together a list of what they see as essential tools (torx sizes, spanner sizes etc)?

I'll go over it myself, but have no doubt that I'll miss one obvious, critical socket or bit, and that this is exactly what I need to use after I drop the bike gtting it on to the ferry. A list that someone else's compiled would be very useful (in addition to trying my best myself), thanks.
 
While taking bits and pieces off the old bike, I realised that my tool kit doesn't really do the job any more. I've taken out and forgotten to replace a couple of essential pieces, and then seem to have a load of bits that fit nothing on the bike at all.

As I'm heading off on a long trip pretty soon after I get the new bike, and would like to be able to at least traighten and adjust bent or loose things, has anyone put together a list of what they see as essential tools (torx sizes, spanner sizes etc)?

I'll go over it myself, but have no doubt that I'll miss one obvious, critical socket or bit, and that this is exactly what I need to use after I drop the bike gtting it on to the ferry. A list that someone else's compiled would be very useful (in addition to trying my best myself), thanks.

Gaffer tape, credit card and BMW assist - what else could you possibly need?
 
Gaffer tape, credit card and BMW assist - what else could you possibly need?

Well, as I mention above, something to straighten the movable parts if I drop it. There are all sorts of places that BMW assist don't service, and there wre also all sorts of things that they will not be so good at dealing with. It could be something as simple as twiisting the bars if I drop it in sand, for example.
 
Well, as I mention above, something to straighten the movable parts if I drop it. There are all sorts of places that BMW assist don't service, and there wre also all sorts of things that they will not be so good at dealing with. It could be something as simple as twiisting the bars if I drop it in sand, for example.

Us LC owners are far too posh to get our hands dirty :D, if you can't do it with the 5 piece toolkit under the seat and some sticky tape then call in Thunderbirds.
 
Us LC owners are far too posh to get our hands dirty :D, if you can't do it with the 5 piece toolkit under the seat and some sticky tape then call in Thunderbirds.

It soounds like I maybe have broader horizons than you. There are all sorts of places, even in Western Europe, where BMW aren't going to offer you any help.

But thanks for the input.
 
Good on you Northern Boy, but reading some WC posts if the dealer is needed to change the date/time format, I think you best invest in satellite phone and some good books whilst you wait for recovery. :aidan
 
While taking bits and pieces off the old bike, I realised that my tool kit doesn't really do the job any more. I've taken out and forgotten to replace a couple of essential pieces, and then seem to have a load of bits that fit nothing on the bike at all.

As I'm heading off on a long trip pretty soon after I get the new bike, and would like to be able to at least traighten and adjust bent or loose things, has anyone put together a list of what they see as essential tools (torx sizes, spanner sizes etc)?

I'll go over it myself, but have no doubt that I'll miss one obvious, critical socket or bit, and that this is exactly what I need to use after I drop the bike gtting it on to the ferry. A list that someone else's compiled would be very useful (in addition to trying my best myself), thanks.

When you get a list please post it then we can add to it and hopefully get a workable tool kit.
I will start it with a 19mm hex bar or allen key front the front wheel
 
When you get a list please post it then we can add to it and hopefully get a workable tool kit.
I will start it with a 19mm hex bar or allen key front the front wheel

I will do. Collection's been knocked back to Tuesday, and I'll hopefully get to go over what's needed at the weekend. I don't know if a decent selection will fit under the seat, but the aim is to somehow get everything I need in there
 
Good on you Northern Boy, but reading some WC posts if the dealer is needed to change the date/time format, I think you best invest in satellite phone and some good books whilst you wait for recovery. :aidan

I actually quite like the idea of a satellite phone. I've been to some stupid/interesting places alone on inappropriate bikes, and do like the idea that there's always a way of getting word out. They are a bit too much money still though, I think.
 
Any thoughts on this list?

I acknowledge my likely inability to repair anything more complicated than a loose rear-vision mirror on a modern electronic-everything bike but I still carry a tool kit. I would be horried at the thought of not doing so, especially on some of my more out-of-the-way trips, like Arkaroola Village or the Victorian High Country (Google them). Great rides but very isolated: if something breaks you fix it, walk out or have a satellite phone.

So, in the hope of getting a comprehensive list together, here is a list of my tools. I put this tool kit together for my F800GS and hope to use it as the basis of my tool kit when my new Wasserboxer arrives in July.

1. Leatherman multitool
2. ring/open end spanners: 8, 11, 12, 13 and 17mm
3. sockets: 10, 13, 16, 21 and 24mm
4. spark plug socket 5/8"
5. oil filter removal tool
6. female torx sockets: E8, E10 and E12
7. male torx sockets: T8 – T55 (and most in between)
8. ratchet and extensions (long and short) for above sockets and torx
9. screwdrivers: phillips and flat
10. stainless steel wire
11. cable ties: stainless steel, large plastic, small plastic
12. magic silicon tape (aka silicon rescue tape)
13. gaffer tape
14. razor blade
15. tire removal tools
16. tire patch (plug) kit
17. small foot pump

It's funny, but I do not recall using a 12mm spanner on anything, ever. Nuts always seem to be 11mm or 13mm, never 12mmm.

I am not sure if the above is appropriate for R1200GS. Any thoughts on addition or removal of items?
 
It soounds like I maybe have broader horizons than you. There are all sorts of places, even in Western Europe, where BMW aren't going to offer you any help.

But thanks for the input.

Book into good hotel, nice meal and wine, call your PA to arrange flights home and send one of your staff to collect in a van. It's not difficult. :blast
 


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