Emergency tool kit

[Ted]

My CBF didn't come with its original underseat tool kit. I was looking on eBay to find the correct kit, but there seem to be so many variations and possibly incomplete kits, and at the end of the day I don't really care about originality.

So, that got me looking into general tool kits.

There are a few Oxford and Sealey motorcycle tool kits on eBay for around £20-30, they are the ones in a zip up pouch.

Has anyone here got one, are they any good?


Or am I best off wandering around a boot sale looking for odd spanners and Allen keys that are the correct sizes?

[thx1138]

look at your bike, decide what is likely to go wrong in an emergency that you can fix with a few tools, choose those tools and buy them from here and there

IMO it's not usually worth carrying tools that you can't use or won't use at the side of the road.

So, I know what size alan and hex keys I need on my Honda, and carry a little cycle multi tool that has them, for example.

My road bike tool kit is always minimal.

My trail ride tool kit is basically to bodge things back together again.

[Stoker]

I normally carry some tyre strings and the bits for them, Co2 inflators,spanners to fit everything that might need them, ratchet driver handle and bits, small sockets that will fit the handle+ extension, spare fuses, bulbs, wire, block connectors, tape, ziplocs., epoxy putty, gaffa/elecrical tape wrapped round co2 bulbs, all fits into a small sandwich box, on other bikes I carry tools to remove wheels, etc, underneath the seat or wherever I can find a space.

Always, I carry a mobile phone, battery bank and a credit/debit card.

[Ted]

It's mainly for if things come loose, or if I need to do something like replace a bulb.

I've got the list of tools which should be in a tool kit, but to be honest it looks like it would work out pricey buying the tools individually new, compared to a complete but possibly partially un-required tool kit.

I might have a poke around my old tool drawers and see what surplus bits and pieces I have. Still need something to keep them in though. Would an old sock be a bit too thrifty?

[Ted]

Stoker, you sound incredibly well prepared! Lol

[NJD]

Think I've got the right link:

https://www.fowlersparts.co.uk/parts/4798391/cbf5006-2006-e/tools

At the very least you can then search part numbers to get exact or like for like replacements. I'd scan your workshop manual (most can be gotten from google in PDF form) for what each one is used for and weigh up what ones are worth buying. Or, at the very least, keep the link saved so you've got the knowledge for when the job arrives (minus the time it takes for part to be delivered).

On the subject of what to carry you could take a like for like motorbike with you everywhere you go and you'd still need more. I'm yet to complete a job, at home, and not had to of gone into the box a hundred and one times to get this or that. Buy breakdown cover, or read the T&C's on your insurance provided cover, and at the very worst you've got a way to get back from wherever you are.

I'd say anything after that is personal preference. I carry a mix of this and that but it's all in the head. I don't fiddle with the bike on the move and only ride when I'm convinced everything is as it should be. Sure my chinky Arrow taught me things happen on the road that are unforeseen at the time of setting out, at the start of the day, but the list of "what ifs" are endless.

When I've worked on the bike I take the tools needed for that job for the first three or four rides and then don't worry about it after that. The best one was commuting with a 27 mm spanner like I wanted to clobber someone.

Although bike theft is the 0.0001% of life I'd also consider not leaving anything on the bike as is. Although that's just my take on the modern day commute. If you're riding for fun then continue as was.

Puncture repair kit and cable repair kit probably up on the list.

I had great fun last year going around carboots at silly o clock in the morning for tools. Although found it was mostly just spanners and sockets. Can get some good brand names for silly cheap prices. Still some sun left in the year to make a visit before the crappy season comes around.
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[Ted]

Yeah that link looks good, thanks!

It's a hobby bike rather than a commuter, but if it's a really simple breakdown out, it will bug me if I could have repaired it with a basic toolkit.

As for tyres, back in my day we didn't have those little canister inflators, I will have to look into them.

I've not bothered with breakdown insurance. I figure if I can't fix/limp it back, I'll catch a bus or hitchhike, and come back to grab it in my van...

[MCN]

There's a 13 and a 10 MM spanner, a something torx, and a flat cum Philips screwdriver under the seat.

For all the rest there's an AA gold card. 😎
I'm breaking down for no cnut.
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Disclaimer: The comments above may be predicted text and not necessarily the opinion of MCN.