TOOL KIT FOR THE ROAD

by HawgRyder, 1975 Shovelhead

Someone recently asked what tools I carry on my scooter. I have ALWAYS had a 4" round x 10.5" long leather tool pouch mounted above my headlamp. It's my best friend and it has helped out too many other bikers on the road to count. What I carry in mine works for me, but may not work exactly for you...for example, if you have torque fasteners everywhere, you'll need some torque wrenches that I don't carry.

One of our forum members made an excellent suggestion when he said go out to your bike and start tightening it up everywhere. Set aside the wrenches/sockets you use. Then, add a roll of electrical tape, some mechanic's wire, a couple of tie-wraps, and a 4-way screwdriver and you're on your way. Build on it from there...by the way, when I say "build on it" I DO NOT mean just keep adding tools to it until it weighs more than the bike. I do mean review it every once in awhile and get rid of the tools ya' never really need and add the ones you've missed.

Here's what I found in my tool pouch, collected after a couple of decades:

• Small flashlight
• 3/8" ratchet
• 4" drive extension (x2)
• Spark plug socket
• 5/8, 9/16, 1/2, 7/16, 3/8, and 3/8" (the 3/8" is a 12 point for the caliper bolts)
• 3/8" hex (Allen) socket (for the timing plug)
• 5/16" hex (Allen) socket (rocker arm plugs - shovel)
• 6" adjustable wrench
• 10" adjustable wrench (with a little ground off the handle to fit it easily into the pouch)
• 9/16 x 5/8 starter wrench (that's the curved one for the pre-evo heads and base)
• 5/8 x 9/16 open end wrench
• 1/2 x 7/16 open end wrench (x2, need two to adjust lifters)
• 3/8 x 7/16 flare wrench (for brake fittings)
• 5/16 end wrench
• 1/4 end wrench
• 5" vise grips
• feeler gauges
• spark plug gauge
• very small straight screw driver
• 4-way screw driver
• small set of Allen wrenches
• 4" side-cutter
• emergency clutch cable repair clamp
• clutch spring retaining tool (just a big washer, so I can pull the clutch on a pre-evo bike)
• 12 VDC test probe
• Small assortment of nuts, bolts, washers...couple of small hose clamps...some electrical connectors...wire ties
• Electrician's tape
• Small roll of mechanics wire ("baling" wire)
• Small roll of "match solder" (no kidding, electrical solder that melts with a match)
• Book of matches
• 2 master links and a half link
• pocket chain-breaker
• Copy of my wiring diagram
• Clothespin
• Spare spark plugs

(Note: I used to carry spare points and condenser, but now I've joined the electronic brigade...I gotta' get a spare module to carry for road trips...until I spend that money, I just carry my entire points assembly in my saddlebags as a back up for serious road trips)

On my person I also carry a "Leatherman" so I have a roach clip...uh, I mean needle-nose pliers, handy at all times. And a blade. I have used each and every one of the tools in my pouch, usually on other people's bikes, but it's typical of what you'll need for most typical 'emergency' roadside repairs.

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