To carry on the motorcycle, I aim to get an inexpensive compact ratchet socket set and I am gravitating to a 3/8” drive set from HF. It’s also nice to have a torque wrench as well but I don’t want too much weight or bulk. My question is, can a ratcheting torque wrench take the place of a ratchet?
Motorcycle tools
- Thread starter rhp
- Start date
r6_cannibal
Well-known member
if it's only going to be used in a pinch, i think you could probably get away with it. I'd personally just stick with the 3/8 ratchet and estimate the torque, then tighten to the right spec when you get home or the next available torque wrench.
really though, i would keep the weight off my bike and get the premium tow service from AAA, if something goes bad on the bike i'd rather tow it home than improvise something...or have a pit bike follow you around with a full toolbox
really though, i would keep the weight off my bike and get the premium tow service from AAA, if something goes bad on the bike i'd rather tow it home than improvise something...or have a pit bike follow you around with a full toolbox
expatriated
Well-known member
I was wondering this same thing and eventually just went with a cheap raised panel Craftsman 3/8" ratchet with a 1/4" adapter. Most of my bike is torx, so I have a set of those sockets. A couple of combo wrenches, screwdriver and small vise-grips. Couple of other minor things. All wraps ups small in this:
http://store.bobsbmw.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=TP-
My thinking was in case of emergency, I'd fix what I could, limp down the road to the nearest shop. Torque values I wouldn't worry about for the short ride to a shop.
If you're planning on having it towed, I'd just carry a cellphone and a credit card. And a book to read while you wait
http://store.bobsbmw.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=TP-
My thinking was in case of emergency, I'd fix what I could, limp down the road to the nearest shop. Torque values I wouldn't worry about for the short ride to a shop.
If you're planning on having it towed, I'd just carry a cellphone and a credit card. And a book to read while you wait
You don't need a whole socket set, just the ones that the fasteners on your bike need. I carry a slide bar handle with them. More compact than a ratchet. Forget a torque wrench, you'll never need it to "get home"
Have a look here. http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=262998 More than you would ever want to know about toolkits.
Have a look here. http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=262998 More than you would ever want to know about toolkits.
r6_cannibal
Well-known member
I should have asked what kind of bike you ride. My opinion is heavily based on the fact that I ride a sportbike and I have a tough time fitting a sandwich in the tool compartment.
On both of my bikes the storage is very limited. I just dump or supplement the factory pouch set with a standard 3/8 ratchet, u-joint, and the 4-5 socket sizes (& hex/torx) I need. That plus pliers and 2 stubby screwdrivers rolled up in a pouch will fit fine.
Most of the torque wrenches are longer (& won't fit in the small compartments) than a standard ratchet and are un-necessary for any quick roadside repairs I'm bound to do.
Most of the torque wrenches are longer (& won't fit in the small compartments) than a standard ratchet and are un-necessary for any quick roadside repairs I'm bound to do.
expatriated
Well-known member
Good points: I, too, only carry the torx sockets and combo wrenches for what I will ACTUALLY do on the side of the road. I also try to do the maintenance on my bike in the garage using only the on-bike tools so I know what I need and what I don't. (I don't carry the twinmax, oil, feeler gauges, etc on the bike, of course.) I found out I was carrying 2 extra torx sockets that I didn't need as well as a 1/4" ratchet (I just use the adapter). Not a huge deal but every little bit helps.
I have found every stock tool kit to be worthless, so I toss them. YMMV.
Also, +1 on advrider. Some AWESOME info and inspiration there.
In my opinion, if you aren't in remote areas, or doing overnight trips, I'd just call AAA.
3/8 ratchet. few sockets.small set of allen wrenches, zip ties,6ft of 14 ga wire,2 screwdrivers with duck tape around handles some of the guys i ride with ride some bikes that are older than me so you never know when **** is going to fall off.
Thedroid
Well-known member
What kind of biker calls AAA? I thought we were all tool nuts that love to fix things. At least get down there and try to get the bike running again. I carry numerous tools with me on my bike. I've used them countless times, mostly on friends, or strangers on the side of the road.
Go out to the garage and tighten down everything you can. Adjust your throttle cables, clutch cable, and any linkages. If the bike has a carb, make sure you can get to it. These are pretty much the tools you need. I also like to carry an extra set of spark plugs, and a small set of vice grips. If you have bags of some sort, then it's not too much weight to be prepared for something. You can't fix everything on the side of the road, but I'll be damned if I wouldn't at least try.
Go out to the garage and tighten down everything you can. Adjust your throttle cables, clutch cable, and any linkages. If the bike has a carb, make sure you can get to it. These are pretty much the tools you need. I also like to carry an extra set of spark plugs, and a small set of vice grips. If you have bags of some sort, then it's not too much weight to be prepared for something. You can't fix everything on the side of the road, but I'll be damned if I wouldn't at least try.
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r6_cannibal
Well-known member
I don't carry many tools on my bike simply because it doesn't make sense to keep 50 pounds of tools on a 400 pound bike.
back2class
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 7, 2009
- Messages
- 2,723
gotta have a torque wrench.
Really, just the sockets that fit your bike, one ext and ratchet, a vise grip and a 2in1 screwdriver as far as tools I would carry, maybe a test light.
Really, just the sockets that fit your bike, one ext and ratchet, a vise grip and a 2in1 screwdriver as far as tools I would carry, maybe a test light.
I just made a simple tool sey by getting a Craftsman tool set (on sale for $9.99) that has a 3/8" ratchet and several metric sockets. I changed a lot of my fasteners to allen head so all I really need are numbers 4 and 5 allen wrench sockets, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm and 14mm sockets, a phillips screw driver, pliers, 22mm and 24mm socket with a 3/8" to 1/2" adapter and I'm set. All of that gives me what I need to remove just about everything on the bike if I had to, including the wheels. I also carry a small C02 tire inflator and a patch kit, just in case.
I primarly ride a KLR650, which is what I carry my tools on.
I primarly ride a KLR650, which is what I carry my tools on.
mkdive
Well-known member
Cant believe you guys carry all that?! Cell phone is all I need. Have the wife come get me in my truck and trailer. I ride at least 4 times a week, for the last 13 years. I have never broke down or have been left stranded? Maybe Im just lucky.
pirana
Well-known member
On my bike I carry a small ratchet, a few sockets, pliers & allen wrench set & a few other odds & ends in a RoadGear tool roll. Also, don't forget the essential flat repair kit! I've also got a small air pump modified for my BMW for longer trips.
BWS
Well-known member
Most of the places we trash...ain't no cell service.And unless you know how to play a Banjo things can get real sticky real fast.........
Flat tyre fix......have had several.Choose carefully on this one.Many choices so won't list them.
If you're servicing your bike then no-one needs to tell you what it takes to work on it....duh.
Reason for posting however is to comment that most,read that very few,riders are utilizing underseat space.Those little clips welded on subframe need to be hacked off,They're on there for 2 main reasons....ease of attatching whatever it is,by some dipshit at the factory.And second in the case of diag, ports to speed techs time during service.They're NOT put on for space.Cut the little buggers off,zip tye the chit out of the way and start stuffin tools under seat.If a rider is too stupid to know what's structural and whats superflous BS WRT to "tabs"....quit riding and buy a cage.
On one of my bikes there was a nice bttn down shirt,and a cpl pairs of socks in a G size ziplock.....They'd been under there for maybe 3 years or sumthin?We were trashin some far off rds and needed this shirt for "dinner".So I'm acting like James Bond and retrieving the shirt in fr of friends........the thing had been in that environ sooo long it started to desinegrate....it was holed like a rat had chewed on it.So check any clothes you might be storing onced in a while.BW
Flat tyre fix......have had several.Choose carefully on this one.Many choices so won't list them.
If you're servicing your bike then no-one needs to tell you what it takes to work on it....duh.
Reason for posting however is to comment that most,read that very few,riders are utilizing underseat space.Those little clips welded on subframe need to be hacked off,They're on there for 2 main reasons....ease of attatching whatever it is,by some dipshit at the factory.And second in the case of diag, ports to speed techs time during service.They're NOT put on for space.Cut the little buggers off,zip tye the chit out of the way and start stuffin tools under seat.If a rider is too stupid to know what's structural and whats superflous BS WRT to "tabs"....quit riding and buy a cage.
On one of my bikes there was a nice bttn down shirt,and a cpl pairs of socks in a G size ziplock.....They'd been under there for maybe 3 years or sumthin?We were trashin some far off rds and needed this shirt for "dinner".So I'm acting like James Bond and retrieving the shirt in fr of friends........the thing had been in that environ sooo long it started to desinegrate....it was holed like a rat had chewed on it.So check any clothes you might be storing onced in a while.BW
krusty the clown
Member Emeritus
i don't carry tools.......i make sure my **** is good to go. i used to carry a tool roll on my chopper but it was normally used to fix other guy's bikes, not mine.
gonzoengineer
Well-known member
The Triumph kit comes with 80% of what one would need to do most repairs. Including a large hex key for the swing arm retainer. 
Factory includes:
-Coil-over spanner
-2 in 1 socket 'tube'
-13mm flat wrench + ext. handle
-3x hex keys
-Channel-locks
I supplemented it with:
-LED flashlight
-Tire pressure gauge
-Razor knife
-2 in 1 Precision screwdriver
-10mm wrench
I'm trying to track down some vintage Triumph tool kits as they had more wrenches, cast with the Triumph logo to boot! I'm still perfecting my set but it works well for me now and doesn't take up much room at all.
Factory includes:
-Coil-over spanner
-2 in 1 socket 'tube'
-13mm flat wrench + ext. handle
-3x hex keys
-Channel-locks
I supplemented it with:
-LED flashlight
-Tire pressure gauge
-Razor knife
-2 in 1 Precision screwdriver
-10mm wrench
I'm trying to track down some vintage Triumph tool kits as they had more wrenches, cast with the Triumph logo to boot! I'm still perfecting my set but it works well for me now and doesn't take up much room at all.
Scooterfish
Well-known member
Look at Cruz tools web site for ideas and build your own kit out of extra tools you have around. I use a multi tip screw driver and open end wrenches to save space. Plug wrench, allens, torx as neeeded. Extra things some wire,zip ties, extra plugs, fuses. Often it`s just an adjustment or tighting something usually on someone elses bike.
lauver
Well-known member
Why reinvent the wheel? Take a lesson from BMW; they have the most well thought out tool kits I've seen. They provide not only the tools you need for emergency repairs, but also many of the tools you need for general maintenance:
I'm sure you could add a few more "nice to have tools" and spare parts (patch kit, pump, fuses, bulbs, feeler guages, etc) to round it out. We're only talking a few pounds here.
I'm sure you could add a few more "nice to have tools" and spare parts (patch kit, pump, fuses, bulbs, feeler guages, etc) to round it out. We're only talking a few pounds here.
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Motorcycle carry tool kit are for EMERGENCY. At that moment, the last thing I want is Harbor Freight tools. I love lots Harbor Freight stuff as I do not use them to make a living. Many of their tool are use one time a year. I am building a bike carry tool kit now. Gotta spend the money on the best you can afford. That is just me. I have long list and it seems like a lot but in reality, it is not that heavy and packs very compact.
Locking pliers 5”
Long nose pliers
1/4" drive Breaker bar (higher torque than ratchet)
Open end: 10x11, 12x13, 14x15 mm
Box end: 8x10, 12x13, 14x15 mm
Socket: 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15mm (6, 7, 8, 9 & 17mm oil plug socket need to go. Get oil plug with smaller head)
Screwdriver: 2 Philips, 2 flats (will replace this with a 1/4" bit holder socket to fit on the breaker bar, screw driver handle is pretty fat! bits are smaller)
Extension long
Extension short
Hex bit set: 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10 (small sizes need to go)
Tire valve stem tool (not in kit, it is a tire valve cap with stem tool)
Metal saw blade (light weight, very small, never know ...)
Knife (This will go. I have a tiny Swiss Army on my house key keychain. Scissor, knife ...)
Hemostat (not sure but told very useful, small ... well, alright)
VOM (get a flat one from Radio Shack)
The following is a long list of "consumables", list is long but not as bad as it seems. Remember, the quantity is for a ONE time emergency, not for the next 20. Most of the stuff are tiny bits:
Loctite blue
Chemical light stick
Electrical tape
Duct tape (DO NOT CARRY A FULL ROLL ... Duh! )
Electrical wire
Steel solid wire
Steel stranded cable
Fuses
Electrical wire slice connectors
5 minutes epoxy
Sandpaper
Epoxy putty (JB Weld)
Nuts & bolts & washers assortment
Lighter
Isopropyl alcohol (for cleaning surface to be epoxy, water in gas tank)
Nitrite gloves
Waterless hand clean up goo
Pencil & paper
Solder strips
Shrink tubing
WD-40
Radiator leak seal (or black pepper)
Mylar blanket (repair in the rain, stuff in jacket for warmth)
Zip ties
Brake lamp bulb (can remove if there is a redundant LED brake light)
Tail light bulb (can remove if there is a redundant LED brake light)
(Current bike have separate hi beam lo beam bulb ... redundancy ... no spare bulb needed)
Spark plugs x 4 (only if you are going through Mongolia or your bike access to the plugs are extremely easy. Not too many bikes are theses days)
Tire valve stem
Chain lube [long trip]
Gas siphon tube [long trip]
== STORED IN TANK BAG (Absolute minimum carry, even if you skip the tools)
Rain suit
Day-Glo vest
Strobe light (I have had a hi/lo beam bulb died on me, out in the sticks with enough cars zipping by ... ride to the store was scary)
Flash light
Bottle waters
Energy bars
Paper towel
Spare key
Garbage bag
Antacid
Tylenol
Vitamin
Imodium AD
Antiseptic pad
Band-Aid
Breath mint (As you may have noticed, women throw themselves at motorcyclists)
Earplugs (see previous line)
Eyeglasses backup & case
Extra warmth layer
MUST carry ON THE BIKE:
mushroom plug flat kit
Gummy string plug kit (it is small, worth it for back up, I have seen both types failed)
Gutted out cheapo Walmart electric pump (it is quite small after you jettison the case. Beats hand pump that is not much smaller and they are longer)
Locking pliers 5”
Long nose pliers
1/4" drive Breaker bar (higher torque than ratchet)
Open end: 10x11, 12x13, 14x15 mm
Box end: 8x10, 12x13, 14x15 mm
Socket: 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15mm (6, 7, 8, 9 & 17mm oil plug socket need to go. Get oil plug with smaller head)
Screwdriver: 2 Philips, 2 flats (will replace this with a 1/4" bit holder socket to fit on the breaker bar, screw driver handle is pretty fat! bits are smaller)
Extension long
Extension short
Hex bit set: 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10 (small sizes need to go)
Tire valve stem tool (not in kit, it is a tire valve cap with stem tool)
Metal saw blade (light weight, very small, never know ...)
Knife (This will go. I have a tiny Swiss Army on my house key keychain. Scissor, knife ...)
Hemostat (not sure but told very useful, small ... well, alright)
VOM (get a flat one from Radio Shack)
The following is a long list of "consumables", list is long but not as bad as it seems. Remember, the quantity is for a ONE time emergency, not for the next 20. Most of the stuff are tiny bits:
Loctite blue
Chemical light stick
Electrical tape
Duct tape (DO NOT CARRY A FULL ROLL ... Duh! )
Electrical wire
Steel solid wire
Steel stranded cable
Fuses
Electrical wire slice connectors
5 minutes epoxy
Sandpaper
Epoxy putty (JB Weld)
Nuts & bolts & washers assortment
Lighter
Isopropyl alcohol (for cleaning surface to be epoxy, water in gas tank)
Nitrite gloves
Waterless hand clean up goo
Pencil & paper
Solder strips
Shrink tubing
WD-40
Radiator leak seal (or black pepper)
Mylar blanket (repair in the rain, stuff in jacket for warmth)
Zip ties
Brake lamp bulb (can remove if there is a redundant LED brake light)
Tail light bulb (can remove if there is a redundant LED brake light)
(Current bike have separate hi beam lo beam bulb ... redundancy ... no spare bulb needed)
Spark plugs x 4 (only if you are going through Mongolia or your bike access to the plugs are extremely easy. Not too many bikes are theses days)
Tire valve stem
Chain lube [long trip]
Gas siphon tube [long trip]
== STORED IN TANK BAG (Absolute minimum carry, even if you skip the tools)
Rain suit
Day-Glo vest
Strobe light (I have had a hi/lo beam bulb died on me, out in the sticks with enough cars zipping by ... ride to the store was scary)
Flash light
Bottle waters
Energy bars
Paper towel
Spare key
Garbage bag
Antacid
Tylenol
Vitamin
Imodium AD
Antiseptic pad
Band-Aid
Breath mint (As you may have noticed, women throw themselves at motorcyclists)
Earplugs (see previous line)
Eyeglasses backup & case
Extra warmth layer
MUST carry ON THE BIKE:
mushroom plug flat kit
Gummy string plug kit (it is small, worth it for back up, I have seen both types failed)
Gutted out cheapo Walmart electric pump (it is quite small after you jettison the case. Beats hand pump that is not much smaller and they are longer)
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mkdive
Well-known member
Looks like krusty and I are the only ones who dont carry tools?! I am fanatical about PM work on my bikes, 2 track bikes and 2 bikes I ride on the road. I have a fun tearing down and cleaning everything and doing scheduled maintenance. I just have never had one single problem on a ride. I use to cary a well thought out little kit, but after a few years of never needing anything....I kept the kit at home. I dont think I have the storage space some of you have either. Any bit of space I had is now crammed with electronics (power commander, alarm, etc). My rides are everything from quick rides down PCH, to a group ride to the rock store, I have done a couple 1000+ mile rides, never a flat or problem. Now that I say this on here Im sure this week I will break down....(Murphy's law).
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BWS
Well-known member
Ain't bustin on ya mk but 1k is a short w/end for us.I've left here with new tyres on a Fri. and come stragglin back in on a Tues. or Wed. needing rubber.I live on the BRP...its right at 5500 turns(we did a pretty dang acc. test a few years ago) between here and DG.Takes us 8-9 hrs if we "behave".
See if you can decifer my two current rides.......one is an '05 "cheater 600" and the other is a '00 Brick thats pushin 100k on the clock.BW
See if you can decifer my two current rides.......one is an '05 "cheater 600" and the other is a '00 Brick thats pushin 100k on the clock.BW
expatriated
Well-known member
The Brick is a K-bike, right?
Mickey O
Well-known member
You're going to need a trailer to pull all of that stuff, maybe get rid of the motorcycle and get a small pick up truck to carry all the tools.
Mickey O
Well-known member
mkdive
Well-known member
No worries..
More than a 1k ride on either my R1 or R6 is not something I would look forward too, nor would want too! Maybe on a HD or a bike with not such a aggressive seating position (as my bikes) would be better for a ride like that. I'm on my forth knee and second ankle surgery (all on my left leg).....just cant take that many hours of continuous riding anymore
I would rather spend a day at the track on my track bikes!
I don't want to get OT here...but post some pictures of what you have BWS!
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The tools definitely fits into a hard cover book size "appointment planner" leather bound zippered case approximately less than 8x5" 3/4" thick. About the size of a large Cruz Tool Kit. If I roll it up, it fits into a tube 8" long x 2.5" diameter.
Lots of the "consumable" nick-nacks are tiny. Much of it can fit into the remaining spaces in the tool tube. I put it into another flatter bag that can be better conform to the bottom of my tank bag. If I leave it in the tool tube. It all spills out every time I take a tool out.
Yes, the list is long, but each item is very small. Like I said, I don't carry a full roll of duct tape, only about 20 ft rolled up. I also don't carry a 500 tablet bottle of Tylenol either. I carry 4. But I do have a hypochondriac friend that will bring the kitchen sink
.
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Mickey O
Well-known member
mkdive
Well-known member
Ah **** that made me laugh!!!!
The scooter from J....... those are just funky IMO. But its whats cool over there these days. The money and mods they do to those scooters is crazy.
The scooter from J....... those are just funky IMO. But its whats cool over there these days. The money and mods they do to those scooters is crazy.
BWS
Well-known member
Yeah mick,you own it....sorry to bother ya'll.BW
mkdive
Well-known member
Come on BWS, just some
. I'm sure MickeyO, just posted it in "good fun". Don't get bent out of shape?! I get ragged on all the time. Take it in stride.
Come on post some pictures up....I really wanted to see what you have!
Come on post some pictures up....I really wanted to see what you have!
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gerryw
Well-known member
I only carry a Leatherman and a cell phone. (CAA, AAA for us Canadians)
riding for 30 yrs.
I now only ride on sundays, for a couple of hours (tendonitis, arthritis, and a knee operation last year, and i am only 46!!)
I have found a nice little twisty road and have fun.
I love wrenching but only on my lift LOL
gerry
'73 123 COTA
'76 MR 50
'76 cb400F
'68 triumph Bonneville
'86/89 gsxr 7/11
'82 rd350lc
93 FXRS-SP
'97 fantic 250 Section
riding for 30 yrs.
I now only ride on sundays, for a couple of hours (tendonitis, arthritis, and a knee operation last year, and i am only 46!!)
I have found a nice little twisty road and have fun.
I love wrenching but only on my lift LOL
gerry
'73 123 COTA
'76 MR 50
'76 cb400F
'68 triumph Bonneville
'86/89 gsxr 7/11
'82 rd350lc
93 FXRS-SP
'97 fantic 250 Section
pirana
Well-known member
That's cool if your just cruising the blvd. but I wouldn't advise it if your riding involves long distances or other countries. **** happens.
mkdive
Well-known member
for all you SO/Motorcycle guys:
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...=17898&supersede=&store=snapon-store&tool=all
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...=17898&supersede=&store=snapon-store&tool=all
Mickey O
Well-known member
1/3" hex bit? Good list for reference, I won't be buying the Snap On set though, we have a problem with a-holes out here ripping off the things out of motorcycle saddle bags, some very ballsy scumbags. I will be buyibg some of their bits though, they have the ones I've been looking for. Are those bits from Snap On (see below) guaranteed forever?
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X1 Mike
Well-known member
Mickey O
Well-known member
krusty the clown
Member Emeritus
other counties
600 miles in a weekend long enough? what's the difference between 300 miles bar to bar and 300 miles point a to point b?
