Tools for the Road

[Carol]

Ok, the bike is home, cleaned and happy. I found what is being called a tool kit under the seat. I am used to having enough tools to disassemble the entire bike on the road. Either this tool kit on the r12 is magic and tools only appear as you really need them or I am going to be in a little trouble should I require something more than a screwdriver.

Has anyone put together a list of tools that they would be willing to share?

[AllanCook]

I am going to be in a little trouble should I require something more than a screwdriver.

My toolkit consists of a cell phone and a credit card.

[DrD]

Has anyone put together a list of tools that they would be willing to share?

Wouldn't that be difficult, sharing tools from VA to NV? (Sorry, had to).

Actually, that is a good point you raise. The stock tool kit is insufficient. With where you are located it makes sense to carry more. I lived in Fallon, NV, for two years and there are many roads with little traffic or services.

However, I am not mechanically inclined adequately to comment more on this. Anyone out there who can help?

[deilenberger]

I thought I did on Sunday when this was first posted.. but SWMBO interrupted and I guess I never posted it..

$40 spent at Harbor Freight should get you pretty well equipped for any possible roadside repairs..

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/d ... mber=94905 - $7.99 - put the Star and metric Hex (Torx and Allen) in the tool kit



http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/d ... mber=91255 - $3.99 - 3 piece T40, T45, T50



http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/d ... mber=90698 - $4.99 - stubby dual drive (1/4" & 3/8") ratchet



http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/d ... mber=96581 - $19.99 - stubby metric gear wrench set



$36.96 + tax and whatever else you find you just gotta have (there is ALWAYS something..) The tool quality actually isn't awful. Not SnapOn, but usually not awful... some like the stubby ratchets are actually quite good and have become one of my favorite tools (and I have snap-on ratchets..)

I also bought, but haven't put on the bike:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/d ... mber=91238 - $6.99, 9 piece Torx set. If you get this you can elimate the 3 piece set for $3.99 - so the total is still under $40.

[Lost Rider]

I carry everything needed to do all my maintenance and change a tire on all my trips. Everything pictured is what's always on my bike, the rest I take with when I'm going out of town.
On the left is the "stock" tools that came with my R1200R, the rest is what I've added. I also carry a BMW tire plug kit , and a Pocket Tire Plugger kit that I've used a few time.
Not pictured is a Craftsman torque wrench with all needed Hex sockets , small socket wrench with a a few sockets, plus a spark plug socket, a variety of zip-ties, bailing wire, super glue, seam sealer, JB-Weld, and some Gaffer's tape. I also have a set of tire iron's, tire patches, along with a Slime air pump I take on trips.




It all fits under the seat.



I have ripped down and put Jim Von'Baden's R1200 maintenance DVD, and screen shots of all the torque values from the BMW Maintenance DVD on my iPhone. It doesn't do any good to have the tools without the right info IMO

Hope this helps.

[kay bill c]

Great pic there Chitown,I like that every thing fits under seat.It looks like you keep every thing in small bags,that would seem like a good idea.Are they water proof bags or just zipper bags?Any problem with anything trying to slip out between the spaces?

[Lost Rider]

Great pic there Chitown,I like that every thing fits under seat.It looks like you keep every thing in small bags,that would seem like a good idea.Are they water proof bags or just zipper bags?Any problem with anything trying to slip out between the spaces?

I just use the stock tool pouch, the Pocket plugger and Hex tools comes with their own pouch. I guess none of it is waterproof, but even after going through river's over 2.5 feet deep the OEM pouch stays pretty much dry (or dries before I see it). Tools on the sides get wet and muddy, so I give them a spray of WD-40 a couple times a year...
Nothing has slipped out.
It's surprising how much stuff you can put in the OEM pouch and still have it fit under the seat. Mine hardly folds over on it's self anymore.

[Carol]

Thank you everyone for your replies. You made me laugh. Don and Chitown, thank you for your pictures and storage locations.

Chitown, are you happy with the Pivot Head Torx Wrench Set in the blue bag? I have been looking at them but was concerned about strength with that pivot head.

[Lost Rider]

I really like the pivot head hex tools, they are very handy to have, and surprisingly have proven to be quite durable. I even removed my rear wheel with them before I added a torque wrench to my kit. For the $20 or so you can't go wrong. I bought mine at the bike show 06'