Touring Tools
 

Thought this might be an interesting thread to kick off.

What do you take with you on the road when touring?

I tend to have LOADS of cable ties, Gaffa Tape, a small bag of assorted nuts/bolts/washers, Multi Tool, Adjustable spanners, WD40, Hex Keys (from a bicycle shop � very tiny and compact), Tyre Irons (x2 large with ring spanners on t'other end and 1x small), Rim Protectors (x2 is enough I find), head torch, Electrical Tape, Super Glue/Impact Adhesive, Screw Drivers and that's all I can think of immediately apart from a few spares etc. which I pack dependant on the duration of the journey.

I was thinking about a small hand pump as I've just noticed that these things can go up to over 100psi � can anyone advise on a good, small, handpump that does the job?

Man that is alot of stuff but i suppose you need it all if you think about it. I havent done any massive touring trips yet, biggest i have done was 2weeks and 2kmiles. But i would plan on taking that same sort of stuff you have there when i finally get to go to africa. 1 thing that springs to mind is metal repairer or what ever you call it will defo need to bring some of that.

Good call, that stuff in a little tube.

MC, If I was touring then I would add one of these little baby's into my pack, about half way down you will see the following..


http://www.4-motorcycles.co.uk/acatalog/Tools.html

PMP005 - CO2 Canister Kit

got to be smaller than carrying a pump... and lighter too!!

Exactly what I take with me when I go. I take 10 powerlets, which is about enough to fully inflate 2 tyres with a couple of spares. I don't bother with puncture repair kits, I just take a spare tube or two (depending on distance) and a small bag of talc to stop the tubes sticking.
I also normally carry a couple of those boil in the bag space food things, as they are invaluable if you get stuck somewhere or break down in the middle of nowhere.
Top tip for toll roads - If you know you will use toll roads that day, stick a length of gaffa tape to your screen with a double folded tab at the end (so it's easy to peel) with various local currency coins stuck under it. Saves loads of time at toll booths without cocking around taking your gloves off and fishing for change.

Storm

Although I have not done much touring on my XTR I do ride in remote mountain areas and always carry a small drum of fencing tie wire - it can do all the things the cable ties do and is not effected by heat - the small pliers in the multi-tool can be used to twist it tight and was a license saver when my 900 Divvi exhaust grounded and got ripped off. The gaffa tape can be used under/over the wire for protection/waterproofing.

The old trick of keeping spare brake/clutch cable taped to the existing is always good as is liquid steel.

Yup, running a cable along the existing one is a great idea. Makes for a speedy fix too. I especially like the Toll Cash idea... told you this was a good thread.

Do them canisters have enough in 'em to pop a bead back on then?

Is fencing tie wire like lock wire or is it a much heavier guage?

Space food Storm? WHERE have you been riding?

The canisters require a firm hand to hold them on the valve stem, but if you get a good seal, 4 canisters is normally enough to inflate the tyre and pop the bead (that's why I carry more than you *should* need, in case I waste one with a bad seal).

As for the 'space' food - as you know, the 950 will go ANYWHERE!

I'll also chuck in another tip - take a couple of pairs of latex surgical gloves with you - if you do have to change a tube or do anything mechanical, chances are your hands will get covered in oil and muck - and it's never nice to get that on the inside of your riding gloves. They are also invaluable if your gloves get soaked (put them on under your riding gloves) or if you find yourself on a freezing motorway in the rain.

Finally, a condom can hold a surprising amount of fuel!

Storm

Dude! That sites got loadsa stuff proper cheap! Why have I never seem them before?

And the fuel doesn't melt through the johnie? I know a few guys that swear blind that sperm does ;)