What Tools
- Thread starter Davey Bee
- Start date
Xchallenge
Registered user
Depends on the fixings on your bike, but if all normal bmw ones then I would recommend starting with the following
- socket hex keys 4 - 10mm
- sockets 8 - 14mm
- ring spanners 8, 10, 12, 13, 14mm
- flat and Philips screw fittings for socket wrench
- adjustable spanner for wheels and misc
- chain breaker
- zip ties
- couple small tire levers
- small pump
- multi meter
- small selection of common spare bolts and nuts
- spare fuses
I have all that and a bit more in a kit that fits happily in a pocket. Halfords do small socket sets cheap which you can cherry pick the right bits out of
- socket hex keys 4 - 10mm
- sockets 8 - 14mm
- ring spanners 8, 10, 12, 13, 14mm
- flat and Philips screw fittings for socket wrench
- adjustable spanner for wheels and misc
- chain breaker
- zip ties
- couple small tire levers
- small pump
- multi meter
- small selection of common spare bolts and nuts
- spare fuses
I have all that and a bit more in a kit that fits happily in a pocket. Halfords do small socket sets cheap which you can cherry pick the right bits out of
Sorry,but I can't help wondering what you'd actually manage to do about a breakdown or component failure if you're needing to ask what tools to carry and don't know what size the fasteners are on your bike..........
Where are you planning on going, far beyond the reach of civilisation ?
PDiddy
Registered user
No fuckin idea, however when I work on my bike the tools that I use I buy duplicates and only ever use them, on the very odd occasion I end up adding another tool, that way I know I have the right tools and only carry the minimum to work on the bike - 
tadhgocuilleain
Registered user
In addition to above: Leatherman, vice grip, a torch(wind-up torches are useful because the battery won't be dead the one time you need it), wiring diagram for the bike, a length of wire (for bridging broken wires etc), insulation tape, duct tape, a long ratchet strap (can be used to help seat a tyre bead, towing* and other uses), I don't know what it's called but that chemical putty that you rub for a few minutes to activate - it can be used to plug holes or reattach broken stuff.
*The safest way to tow with a bike is to get a ratchet strap and wind one loop around a footpeg, just enough that you can hold it in place by stepping on it. That way, if something is about to go wrong, you can just lift your foot to release the strap and you're free from the tow instead of getting dragged into something dangerous. If you're being towed by another bike, the strap should be attached to the tow bike the same way so both sides have the option of releasing.
Right now your tool roll/ bag is getting heavy and bulky. So look for any duplication in any tools and their function and prune out. I also look to store the smaller spares directly on the bike in secure nooks and crannies
I'd include a valve tool(valve caps can be bought that incorporate this) and spare split links for your chain.
No point in having a tool to repair a chain if you don't have the parts as well, FWIW chain breakage on the XChallenge has been my most common breakdown, not that there has been many...
Motion pro also make combination tyre levers, that also have a ring spanner on one end for you axle nuts if your looking to slim things down a little.
No point in having a tool to repair a chain if you don't have the parts as well, FWIW chain breakage on the XChallenge has been my most common breakdown, not that there has been many...
Motion pro also make combination tyre levers, that also have a ring spanner on one end for you axle nuts if your looking to slim things down a little.
tadhgocuilleain
Registered user
Now that you mention motion pro, I also find the bead pro from them very good. It's two tyre levers that can be interlocked to make a bead breaker. The tips of the tyre levers are also nice and thin, which makes them easy to slip under the bead.
mikecbrxx
Registered user
This is right and I carry 1 of these along with the bead breaker mentioned in the following post. However, be careful. The stock wheel nuts are 26mm and the available spanner on the lever is 27mm. (unless things have changed since I got mine) However, you can also get a socket insert for the lever that allows 3/8 sockets to be used with it. Doesn't have a ratchet but much lighter that carrying a socket wrench and you could have a shallow 26mm socket to go with it.
IIRC KTM do a rear axle nut that is the same thread as the BMW item, but is 27mm as opposed to the 26mm on the standard factory item. That said even after 7 years of ownership i still haven't gotten around the changing mine yet....
Xchallenge
Registered user
I have the ktm closed nut on my rear axle. However it does need the flange turning down a mm to fit well
Service the bike a few weeks before you depart. Every tool that you use, put into the toolkit you're taking with you.
Sorry,but I can't help wondering what you'd actually manage to do about a breakdown or component failure if you're needing to ask what tools to carry and don't know what size the fasteners are on your bike..........
Sorry, but I can't help wondering if your knowledge was worthwhile, your contribution would have been positive. But then what do I know.
Thanks guys for the helpful responses. If there are anything that someone feels has been missed please let me know.
For those that wondered, I'm planing a trip to West Africa, response time for RAC there is poor.
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You can cut one end off a combination spanner (the end you don't need) you can use heat and a grinder to form makeshift tyre levers, therefore saving a little more space/weight.
This is the Tosser forum, surely all tools going on a trip in a bike tool roll should be colour anodised to match the hubs and paintwork. 
There's no mention of an electrician's screwdriver, I reckon the 7lb one is best overall.
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