Tools for touring (and spares)

[c-m]

I leave in a few weeks now and I'm wondering what tools are really necessary when touring in Europe?

I have alist that includes:

Torque wrench (when adjusting the chain)
Wrench and common sockets
Allen Keys
Multitool
Zip ties
Duck tape
Screw drivers
Plug tool

bulbs
plugs (really?)
fuses


The thing is are these really necessary when travelling with European Brakedown cover? The only things I think might be important are tools to adjust the chain, change oil/filter.
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Motorcycle headlight bulbs and HIDs
Blogging about my bike and trips
https://ridershandbook.com/

[Itchy]

Strictly you don't have to bring anything with you at all , but its the difference between a quick 30 minute job to fix something or a several hour wait for the recovery company to come fix you up.

I'm bringing everything on your list bar a torque wrench, and multitool ,

but
with a tyre repair kit + C02 Can ,
also a cable repair kit
bulbs (some countries require them by law)
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[G]

Certainly don't need a torque wrench - if you're really worried, get a castle socket if needed and drill your main spindle to take a split pin/R clip.
However, just doing it 'by feel' is fine generally - can always get used to what that torque 'feels' like on a torque wrench before, but generally they can take a fair bit higher torque fine.
Chain oiler might be worth considering to minimise the adjustment needed.

What bike are you riding? I wouldn't worry too much about spare plugs on modern inline 4s, but for a trail 2 stroke it's definitely a good idea, for instance.

Are you going to be going for further than your service intervals? If not, just do a service before you go. Anyway you need two tools to change the oil and filter - screwdriver if it's tight to bash through it if it's tight (use a rock to hit the screwdriver) and a spanner to undo the sump bolt.

[Paivi]

I had spare spark plugs, bulbs and fuses, none of which were needed. Every few hundred miles I stopped at a garage and asked them to check my chain tension for me, which they did there and then, without charge. Some insisted on lubing it, too, although I said I'll happily do it myself.

It's tough being a woman...
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My other bike's a Monster...

[c-m]

I'm going on the GPZ500 which is a parrellel twin.

I've done the following recently:

Oil change
Oil filter
Clean Air filter
Valve Clearances
Balance carbs
New front pads (well 2000miles on them)
New plugs
Coolant flush and new coolant

Tyres have 4-6mm tread front and back
Battery is less than a year and 2000miles old
Chain and sprokets just a few thousand miles old

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I don't think the rear pads have been touched in 12,000 miles though

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I have a loobman dual sided chain oiler.

I plan on taking spare bulbs and fuses, leavers and clutch cable, (maybe a throttle cable). I will take enough tools to get the tank/fairing off and to adjust the chain (never done a chain adjustment before) - the rear axel already has castle and lock nuts.

The bike will be due an oil change (change every 3k and filter ever 6k) about 3000miles into the 4400mile trip.


My breakdown cover is by the german adac [url]https://www.adac.de/ [/url]which covers me throughout Europe and the UK and includes repatriation.
____________________
Motorcycle headlight bulbs and HIDs
Blogging about my bike and trips
https://ridershandbook.com/

[barnhatter]

I used to take all bar the kitchen sink, it used a lot of room up and weighted down the panniers. I then thought how much trouble do I normally get in 3000 miles and what can I do if I get a problem.
I make sure that my bike is in 100% condition enough life left on tyres and chains etc.
I fitted a scottoiler no chain adjustment needed on a 2500 mile trip,
I take scottoiler oil, normal underset bike toolkit, good enough for most simple repairs/adjustments, duck tape, cable ties, puncture repair kit and tyre gunk, bulbs, gloves and my travel insurance.
I make sure that my bike is in 100% condition enough life left on tyres and chains etc.
This hopefully will get me out eventually out of any problems.

[map]

If you can and if you can afford I'd recommend getting tyres filled with the puncture gloop stuff that stays in (but not the emergency stuff).

Some people will say don't use it and it causes hassle when changing tyres. It's personal choice but for the hassle it prevents I'd recommend it. I know many with tourers who swear by it and have never had hassle with tyre fitting.

There's also the argument that the stuff in the tyres affects handling. Trust me, you won't notice it's there!

Just my thoughts
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[barnhatter]

I asked about it when I last got my tyres changed and they told me that it didn't bother them if I used it. The only reservation I have is that I want to know if I get a puncture, If it seals I can be driving around with a nail in my tyre wiyhout me knowing.

[map]

[scottjames1uk]

I have ultraseal in my rear tyre and have used it on all my bikes. I agree its a bit messy for the tyre change but got me out of a few situations. The downside to my bike is the front wheel is spoked so i can't use it on that one
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Currently riding - Harley Davidson 1200 Custom Sportster
Previous Bikes - Suzuki RF600, Honda VTR 1000

[magpiemale]

[Bikerchic1467]

Spare bulbs are compulsory as is a first aid kit for France If you check the AA web site it will give you the list of requirements to prevent you getting fined. Anything else is up to you.

One thing I have found is if using toll roads the keep an eye on your times they seem very fond of registering the time you leave one gate and the time you reach the next. Handy hint.

Hope you have a really good trip. Not sure what direction your heading but if going through Normandy a really biker friendly and superb accomodation is a B&B called Normandy Beach in Arromanche.

www.normandybeach.co.uk
Tel: 0033 231 215263
The host is called Adrian and he will greet you with a beer as soon as you arrive.

[crazymotorbik...]

Hey,

I always make sure i have a cable repair kit.

I ended up get stuck half way to portsmouth in the middle of Leicester with a snapped clutch cable.

I vowed never to leave home without a cable repair kit again!

Hein Geriche do them for about £7. Come in a little round tin that u should be able to stow away almost anywhere.

Shaun.

[barnhatter]

Yes I need to get one. I went into Hein Geriche an they had one but would not sell it as it was not on the system.
One essential is a tyre pressure gauge, small enough to fit in with the bike tol kit, most petrol stations press gauges are innacurate.
Well soon be offon my travels, the 9th Sept for 11 days af adventure.