Odd comment, not certain what your comment is alluding too. Pretty certain YOU have no idea who I am or what I do or don’t do on trips, especially since I normally ride alone.
@@thomaselliott573 that comes across as pretty rude...you ever ride with this guy to know him, or who he's "like?" sounds like kaybee has a sense of humor, which I'll take on a roadtrip any day.
About the right attitude: In 'Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance', Robert Pirsig says to always take off your jacket when you have to do roadside repairs. Getting too hot - and you quickly will - adds a lot of frustration. I love that tip!
I'm currently re-reading Robert's Zen book almost 50 years later. For me, the key is reading it a bit at a time, and when you're not sleepy. It's a gem for motorcycle riders, but it's really for anyone to enjoy!
That and a radiator clamp. The clamp can be used to clamp, to be used in a chain of parts and contraptions to get smaller thereby tightening things and you can use the holes the worm gear rides on as a sander like a cheese grater. I throw a few around a round piece of frame or tubing and they can just ride there until needed. You can take a few common wrenches and screwdrivers, wrap them in a blue shop rag and hold the entire thing together with a radiator clamp around each end. Then you can use a coin to open them and you have a nice little tool roll and a rag to wipe something up with.
@@moliver000 can confirm, my rangers exhaust has been held on by 18g stainless steel wire since i bought it a few years ago. Finally snapped recently, re wired it but am currently looking for new hangars and gotta redo some upper mounts. Its been a permanent temporary repair long enough, time to do it right lol.
Great video Ari! I'm 63 and a new rider, this month. Thinking of doing a solo ride to Mount Rushmore and although I'll never be too far from help, I want to be ready to do any repair myself anyway.
Excellent! You probably don't need a kit this comprehensive if you'll be near town. You might be better off with our "Motorcyclist's EDC" kit that we outlined a few episodes back.
I am also 63, and am still riding long distance. I am still riding mt 2002 Kawasaki Vulcan 750, which now has 119K miles on it, all mine. It does at least have tubeless tires, but is a VERY complicated bike. There are a LOT of things on it that simply cannot be repaired beside the road. Fortunately during the past 20 years, I have only had 2 of those things fail. I am looking for a replacement for this bike, but it will not be new. I simply will not own a bike with EFI or ABS. I want a real motorcycle, not a computer on wheels. I am seriously considering a 2004-2006 carbureted Harley Sportster 1200. There are a lot of them out there with low miles, and the EVO Sportster engine is virtually bulletproof.
Latex gloves, multiple pairs…can be used as wind insulation in cold/wet weather rides…you’ll be glad you did. Multiple pairs because if you are like me, forgetting to replenish your stash is as good as not being prepared at all.
I do the same. I wear a set under my gloves and it really helps in the cold. You can also wear a set of wool liners too for some insulation though then it's quite bulky.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, The Shop Manual is a great source of information you didn't know you needed. Please keep making these videos for those who might be fooled into thinking they know everything they need to know.
@@AriH211 maybe a companion video to this one that shows why the toolkit that came with your bike isn't all you need? Or how to test wear items to know if there's still lots of life in them or they're about to start going? (Battery, brake fluid, pads, etc)
I did a trip from here in England, through Europe then on to Russia including St Petersburg, Volgograd and Moscow in 2019. I rode just over 6000 miles and I took a bunch of tools and stuff with me. I only used 1 tool the entire trip. A pair of vice grips to straighten my brake pedal when I dropped the bike on a loose surface. I'll still carry a bunch of tools for future trips though.
If you have boxes or paniers you can also velcro the light stuff to the underside of the lid. Fuses, JB weld, hex keys, and other light tools should all hold up there just fine and it'll save space for the bigger stuff in the in the boxes.
I own a Tiger 900 Rally Pro, looks pretty much like the bike directly behind Ari. Shortly after buying it, I checked every nut & bolt on the bike that I might ever have to remove on the road, and wrote everything down. To my amazement, the Triumph tool kit made by Cruz Tools had every one of them! Someone did their homework there for sure. Needless to say, I bought the kit (from Revzilla, of course), and only added a few other generic tools, plus the tire repair stuff, etc. Cruz makes a really, really complete kit. I’d buy one again in a heartbeat!
@@AriH211 I don't think Cruz & Triumph partnered on it, I just think that Cruz did their homework, unlike most companies, and we get to benefit from it!
And also always make sure to let someone know the general area that you're heading into. It may save your life in case something really bad happens and you end up incapacitated.
A jump pack or extra battery is a great idea. I have been stranded and had to call help 5 times and 3 of those times were because of battery or charging system issues. On different bikes in every case.
An extra battery isn't really feasible to be carrying around with you constantly. Plus in almost all situations you can push start a bike with a dead battery/ weak charging system
I have a Microstart similar to the one Ari showed, and always carry it on the bike. It saved the day this morning; just as a few friends and I were about to head out on an organized ride, I used it to jump a friend’s ST1100. Would have been a bummer for him if I didn’t have it with me, it’s a pretty heavy bike to try and push start.
Another thing to note would be to go to the forums and see what common parts go wrong. I.e. connectors and slave cylinders etc to carry a spare of those if possible. Also a brake bleeder is a great thing to have and is the same size as a cable tie
Good 👍 advice, for my trips on and off road in Australia here is just a few different things 1. Snap jack - small compact is fantastic you don’t have a Center stand ( for road and ADV ) 2. As above for dual sport I have a short aluminium pole 12 inch’s long - and can adjust out like a tent pole you put it under your peg ( it also has a welded base ) it lifts the rear wheel off the ground and with front wheel can put it through the front of the base of plate to lift front wheel, it’s light and cable tie to bike . 3. Chain lube I use Motul chain lube it’s in a toothpaste looking tube . Fantastic compact ( and you don’t have to worry about a can of lube leaking all over you gear .
That was terrific, Ari, thank you! I use J-B weld often, but it wasn’t in my tool roll. It is now! Same goes for fuel tubing - I carry some, but not enough for siphoning. Not anymore!😃 The one thing I have used more than anything else since I added it to my kit is that emergency jump start battery. It’s so much easier than a push start, and it seems like on every trip, somebody ends up with a battery/charging issue of some sort.
Lots of great practical advice. I carry most of this stuff in my slightly too large tool roll. I use a one ounce flip top bottle of RemOil in lieu of WD40. It works similarly as a solvent, penetrating oil and anti-corrosive, but it leaves a drier Teflon finish and doesn't form yellow crufty goo a year later. I carry a small hank of safety wire and the small needle nose ViseGrips are the safety wire pliers. I carry a few blue Scott paper shop towels in a heavy duty zip lock bag and two pairs of nitrile gloves. I also carry a single use dual pouch of epoxy and hardener, but make certain it can't be punctured because that's a huge mess.
Pro-tip on odds and ends that an old-timer taught me...even if you do not have tube tires, a section of inner tube is great to have. With RTV, duck tape and a chunk of an old car tube I fixed a blown out (dime sized hole) in coolant hose long enough to get to a real town (about 80 miles) to scavange for a suitable replacement. Another easy one is carry your duck tape and electrical rape by wrapping it around a #2 pencil...packaged smaller and both the pencil and its graphite coul be useful (rarely, though). Interesting that you do not carry fuel or oil. I get that where a lot of people ride they are only 20 minutes from a fuel station at any time but even in the US, on paved roads, I have run into two instances where I was more than 120 miles between fuel stations able to dispense fuel (one was on Navajo land and fuel station looked like it had been closed a while and the other in South Dakota which closed at 9 PM...no credit card pumps). I carry a 2L AL bottle of fuel if I know I am going in rural locations. Oil, I always carry a quart mainly for convenience.
Lots of good ideas! Thanks. I agree: the single, most important "bring along" is PMA (positive mental attitude)! Since I don't have a centerstand on my bike, I carry one of Eagle Mike's 2-piece "insta-stands" to help support the bike when rocks and tree stumps are sparse.
Great video! Always nice to hear Ari’s well considered/reasoned thoughts. Glad to see someone mention a headlamp in the comments. Hands free light is a big help. Also, someone mentioned a small multimeter. Very useful for most bikes built after 1980! The only items I would add are a small umbrella (for shade, as I’m usually in waterproof riding gear), and headlight and tail light bulbs, if you intend to ride at night. They don’t fail often, but when they do you’re in a bind, as it’s never right next to a parts store! As Ari mentioned, get familiar with your bike and tools. In the Jeep world I’ve seen too many people stuck on the trail, unspooling their expensive winch for the first time….
The only thing I'd add to this kit that I don't think was mentioned is heat shrink tubing. Especially the glue lined stuff. It can actually be the holder for all the zipties in your kit
Have a great trip! I think the opening remarks of this are the most important - do a service and make a note of what you need. I mostly use a mix of hex/driver/socket adapters with just a couple of wrenches for where sockets don’t work. Other top tip is a digital torque adapter. It might not be as accurate as a super expensive & massive torque wrench but on the road it means you can tighten nearly everything on your bike to spec on the road.
To Arie & the Revzilla Team. Thank you so much for this repair video. As a serious rider. I take these repair videos to heart. You are all doing the motorcycling world a lot good. I can't express how happy i am to watch videos like this from you all. I myself ride everyday and really far distances. I eagerly wait for part 2 in the future. Much love!
This is one of the most valuable videos I’ve seen in awhile. As a noob to DIY repair I’d love to see content around working on motorcycles, common repairs and maintenance.
This is incredibly helpful. I'm fairly new to riding but I'm working my way up to longer trips and hope to be on the road for extended periods of time eventually. This is a good list to start ticking off and getting familiar with. Thanks Ari!
Great video. I was actually among those that requested something like this since I’ve seen the tool roll in the Hunter Cub Alaska adventure. This is really helpful. I can’t wait to start building up this kit.
I carry a mountain bike (high volume low pressure) tire pump. It's a fair amount of work to inflate a motorcycle tire but it's much lighter and less bulky than a 12V inflator. A small hand pump is nearly foolproof and it can be easily repaired in the field, unlike a tiny compressor.
I second the inreach for ADV riders. Experienced riders know, but if you are a newer rider: cell signal and main roads are directly correlated. Once you deviate off the main road, or off-road, cell signal diminishes. And accidents always happen where signal is weak or non-existent.
Theres some surprisingly affordable handheld CB equipment one could use in a pinch, some frequencies can be used for long range comms and are quite beneficial in the boonies.
Talking about the right attitude, I have made a job using this. I work for a refridgeration/food equipment company that contracts with a very large convienece store chain in our area. Well the boss kept getting requests for oddball service stuff like replacing a coupleof floor tiles, swapping out paper towel dispensers and such. After a bit, he started sending me and my crew (my 2 sons) on these and suddenly things that had been big issues of worry for the bosses, became 2 hour jobs for us. You see this chain has their own service techs to repair anything that has to do with the store but there is a lot that falls outside of what they can do. This is where I come in and get it handled, all bc I refuse to let myself be stumped on getting the job done.
A can do attitude is definitely an essential thing to pack, as you say. I once used a pair of hemostats (my favorite electrical tool) to rip a piece out of a roadside beer can and fold it into a jumper wire to put into the connector of the clutch interlock on my girlfriend's bike so we could continue the weekend after a kickstand fall in the boonies.
I've found that screw type tire plugs work very well and are quick and convenient. You know, those little screws covered in rubber that you can cover with glue and place in the hole after removing the nail. I always carry a rechargeable air pump, last time it took me all of half an hour to get back on the road 👍
I think one glaring thing that I felt was missing was a multimeter of some sort to diagnose shorts, if power is being supplied, battery voltage and open circuits. I use one of those cheap and compact pen-style meters.
Most tools you use almost never, so I generally pack them at the bottom of my side luggage bags. Same with spare tubes. That also keeps most of the weight nice and low, as tools are generally pretty dense. The only things you do regularly need, is the chain maintenance stuff, which I usually have somewhere else.
My friends and I rode 2 mid 70s KZs and a Ural to Rockerbox in Fond Du Lac Wisconsin a few years ago. It was an 800 mile round trip, so we had every tool we could possibly fit (including a Dewalt 1/2” drive electric impact wrench) into the trunk on my Ural’s sidecar. The only thing we needed the whole trip was one zip tie to replace a missing license plate bolt.
I just stop in the morning on my road trips and use some diesel on my chain. Seems to work just fine. Was worried about it drying out my o rings but haven’t noticed and degradation in the rubber yet
Just want to say thanks for the tip on using a box wrench to bend levers back! I jumped my bike and bent the shift lever side ways lol wouldn't have made it home without that tip!
Instead of an adjustable nut rounder, I carry Knipex parallel jaw pliers. a touch expensive but worth their weight in gold IMHO. they are probably my single most used tool at work (aircraft maintenance), and they're great for a bike too
Thanks for the list. The only item I'd add is sandpaper and a multimeter. Getting stuck in Beatty, Nevada on US95 taught me I need the tools to diagnose problems and a lot of these little towns do not have hardware/Auto parts stores.
Excellent video. How about a video on the different options to carrying all the equipment. What would you recommend to use for traveling on a naked bike? Backpack.
I got a flat and had to plug my rear tire. I proceeded to get 2 more flats and used 2 more plugs. All in the tread thankfully. The tire was fairly new and I was too cheap to buy a new one. I put 10k more miles on the tire. Never leaked.
Outstanding advice to someone like me that is transferring from street to ADV. I’m planning a Baja trip this Fall, so anything related to this topic is greatly appreciate. Thank you so much.
I carry a spare clutch and front brake lever and fuses a few spare Nuts bolts washers and screws might be handy too I have gotten caught out needed a bolt and didn't have one .
Enter to win a free Kershaw pocket knife here! a.pgtb.me/W6wfPG Check out Ari’s article on Common Tread with a list of his tools! rvz.la/3QHMaAf Grab the tools you need, here! rvz.la/3MAxAsB
Yet another brilliant installment of the shop manual. Thank you for such a comprehensive guide, you did outline everything but the fact that the tool kit tends to be incremental with experience - afterall there is the self-capable bikers' Murphy's law: we always pack and prepare for everything but the breakdown that comes up on the next adventure. So carry the extra tool, within a reasonable 15-20% of your initial weight/volume, and maybe some cookies for while you wait for help. Cheers, and thank you for another great video!
Wow..love that compressor... What brand is it..? l do lots of trips on Gn125. l take zip ties ...22' spanner with 17'...tyre levers, small vicsegrips ..good quality bungies are essential..but that compressor..nice.
Something to smack with other than a rock is preferable. I simply carry the tool kit my bike came with. I've used that little kit and was surprised I was able to get back on the road. Another thing is where to store on the bike or on you. If I have my fairing on yes I can pack shit in. Without it well go figure. I got a front tire flat on Sunday between Green River Utah and Grand Junction Colorado. I was able to ride the bike all the into Junction after a few hours on the side of the road. All with the little tool kit and a tiny compressor.
Good Video, but this is definitely for an Off-Road Adventure as opposed to a "Road Trip". On an Evo or later full dress Harley (like mine, 110k miles), there is not much you CAN fix by the side of the road. Of course the number one thing is to make sure the bike is ready. Are the tires and brakes like new? Even if you intend to stay on Highways, new tires can't be beat. You never know when you're going to hit torrential rain or worse.
Call me paranoid, but when traveling long distance, I prefer to bring an edtra set of control cables dnd spark pkugs. I usually perform maintenance before such trips, but it seems to be better to error on the side of caution.
I think a lot of people forget that one of the best things you can do is to level up yourself. Take some riding and survival courses, hit the gym regularly, train your cardio and mobility. Also, the #1 thing I always try to bring is a friend. That's the best thing about the motorcycle community, never short on people who share the passion.
I look forward to doing my frist service just so I can make the list you suggested. Having a kit like that could have saved my trip before. I definitely want to make it happen. Thanks for the tips.
For those that don't have space for a booster/power pack, invest in a replacement bike battery that has a reserve or controller that will reserve battery power for starting and preventing anything from draining it dead. This is usually a lithium battery with a built in BMS (Battery Management System) that will prevent the battery from a lot of things. Also, install a charging port to keep your phone charged while riding, or bring a significantly smaller power bank but still good for 1-2 charges.
Buy a cheap vacuum sealer. You obviously won't bring it with you, but you can use it to make all kinds of stuff before you go: Custom sized waterproof bags for single use items, custom sized ziplock bags, custom reflectix cooking bags, etc, etc... I have a ziplock freezer bag that fits three pairs of ear plugs (and nothing else) in the smallest possible space. I've had it for three or four years. Chemical hand warmers can be opened then vacuum sealed to about half their retail size without losing any heat capacity or shelf life. Generic waterproof phone sacks can be custom sized. In a pinch they can even be used to preserve food.
Great video. You mentioned fuses but I always bring a small pocket multimeter and a couple of paper clips (most probably know that straitened out allows probing connector pins) for figuring out electrical issues which is getting more important these day’s.
For the strap, go with winch cable. They're made of plastic, so no energies stored when pulling or snapping violently, in case of a failed towing attempt.
Can you guys PLEASE! Do like a cross country trip on the new Honda groms like NYC to LA that would be amazing!!! Love the content. The Alaska trip on the trail 90 and the dumb and dumber were my favorites!
Super glue and baking soda make a great hard plastic repair. Not sure about half emptying the JB weld tubes to save space and weight....it's not like you are ultra lite back packing...also take an assortment of nuts and bolts that match the bike, you can get small nut and bolt kits for European or Japanese bikes that are the same as OEM fasteners. Also when at home use the tools you would carry on the trip, that way you know what fits and what does not. Get to know your bike and research the weak points and take spares for that, such as perhaps charge regulator, or water pump seals.
I love that the first advice was to carry the tools you use to maintain your bike. I'm amazed how many people consider themselves adventure riders yet have no idea how to maintain their bike. It's OK if you have the money and prefer to pay the dealership to maintain your bike but what happens when something breaks and there is no dealership? How many people buy the clever folding short hex keys, most of which they don't need, only to learn that they're useless for reaching half of the cap screws on their bike?
You mentioned oil for fixing difficult adventure or dual sport tires. Have a video on patching or replacing a tube out on the trail? I ride a DR650, have a Dunlop 606 rear and Pirelli MT21 front. I’ve also had a few hand surgeries so any tips you can offer to get that done easier is appreciated. Thanks.
Great video! And a great list of tools and tips. There are few things more satisfying than making a repair on your bike (or on your fellow road-tripper's bike) and continuing on with the trip, especially if it is one that would have left you stranded and not able to continue. It's empowering and enabling, and opens up your own horizon.
As always Ari, Stella video. Off down’t south for the KTM adventure rally in September. Plus a week afterwards. First longer trip in a few years. Bought a Kriega tool roll so keen to get myself sorted.. good tip re jotting down everything used for your pre-flight service! 21” Tube, great idea plus those tyre irons with a 32” inset socket now that is smart! 👍
If you're going to carry.. JB weld. "steel stick " .. get yourself some JB weld steel stick. HIGH HEAT ! .. this will work on exhaust parts that get HOT !
Ari, my recent trip out to GetOn ended in the middle of the desert when my battery died. I was able to get a jump, but as soon as I disconnected the cables the bike would die again. I needed up getting a tow to the nearest town and shipping the bike home thinking it was something wrong with the charging system. Three weeks at the dealership and $1500 in expenses later it was determined that the battery just went bad and I could have replaced the battery and went on with my trip. How do you troubleshoot and inspect your electrical system before a trip? The battery showed full charge when I left, and the bike started fine at the first two gas stops of the day, then just died.
I think one of the things is checking the voltage, if you watch the voltage drop below 12v when starting then the battery is starting to go bad. I have a little cigarette lighter voltage display i can plug in, and see my voltage, Then once running should be 14v or close to it when running. If it's higher than that when revving it 15-16v etc then it could be a bad rectifier. Or if it's not even 13.5v then could be a bad stator. The nice things about those lithium packs you probably could have hooked one up and made it in to town with it acting as the battery since they are reasonably compact etc.
@@narrator-timothymckean You had some bad luck Tim! Another consideration is to install a voltage display on your bike. I put them on all my bikes to monitor the charging system. This obviously won’t help prevent a battery from going bad , but it will let you know with some advance whether the charging system is failing.
Great video. Especially the mental note: don’t be afraid to get creative! I take the advice an old Alaskan trail guide gave me…(old? Hell, he’s my age!) Lost, stranded, broke down? Don’t panic. Stop, sit down and have some water or build a fire and have a cup of coffee and clear your mind. Then deal with it. Funny story: Back in the day we were ALL test riders at this motorcycle accessory company I worked at. For the shop bike (which was a ‘69 Yamaha 650 because it vibrated so much) there was a dime taped to the gas tank labeled “emergency repair kit.” Yes, I’m old.
Make sure to throw in a small headlamp with extra batteries. Being able to work on your bike in the dark hands free is very helpful.
Some of the headlamps have flashing and/or color options. These could be useful warning or beacon lamps for emergencies.
This is definitely a must
I keep one in my truck :)
I can’t help but feel it would be a lot less trouble just to bring Ari along on the adventure.
Have your riding buddies carry all the stuff, kitchen sink etc... 😁
Seems to be what Zack’s game plan is
Can you do a video of how to pack Ari in a saddle bag?
Odd comment, not certain what your comment is alluding too. Pretty certain YOU have no idea who I am or what I do or don’t do on trips, especially since I normally ride alone.
@@thomaselliott573 that comes across as pretty rude...you ever ride with this guy to know him, or who he's "like?" sounds like kaybee has a sense of humor, which I'll take on a roadtrip any day.
About the right attitude: In 'Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance', Robert Pirsig says to always take off your jacket when you have to do roadside repairs. Getting too hot - and you quickly will - adds a lot of frustration. I love that tip!
I need to dig out that book and re read it
One of the greatest books ever written, in my opinion; and I don’t even own a motorcycle.
I'm currently re-reading Robert's Zen book almost 50 years later. For me, the key is reading it a bit at a time, and when you're not sleepy. It's a gem for motorcycle riders, but it's really for anyone to enjoy!
You need a book to tell you that. I live in the tropics, naked all the way 😂😂
A couple steel zip ties are good to bring along, in case you need to secure something exhaust related.
Truth
That and a radiator clamp. The clamp can be used to clamp, to be used in a chain of parts and contraptions to get smaller thereby tightening things and you can use the holes the worm gear rides on as a sander like a cheese grater. I throw a few around a round piece of frame or tubing and they can just ride there until needed.
You can take a few common wrenches and screwdrivers, wrap them in a blue shop rag and hold the entire thing together with a radiator clamp around each end. Then you can use a coin to open them and you have a nice little tool roll and a rag to wipe something up with.
@@mraycgz Great tip! On cycling trips I secure extra spokes directly to the frame. This is a similar idea.
He did mention safety wire, which would do the same trick, but yeah metal zip ties are pretty sweet.
@@moliver000 can confirm, my rangers exhaust has been held on by 18g stainless steel wire since i bought it a few years ago. Finally snapped recently, re wired it but am currently looking for new hangars and gotta redo some upper mounts.
Its been a permanent temporary repair long enough, time to do it right lol.
Great video Ari! I'm 63 and a new rider, this month. Thinking of doing a solo ride to Mount Rushmore and although I'll never be too far from help, I want to be ready to do any repair myself anyway.
Excellent! You probably don't need a kit this comprehensive if you'll be near town. You might be better off with our "Motorcyclist's EDC" kit that we outlined a few episodes back.
Honestly, if that's the plan, a flat tire kit and the AAA card is probably all you'll need.
I am also 63, and am still riding long distance. I am still riding mt 2002 Kawasaki Vulcan 750, which now has 119K miles on it, all mine. It does at least have tubeless tires, but is a VERY complicated bike. There are a LOT of things on it that simply cannot be repaired beside the road. Fortunately during the past 20 years, I have only had 2 of those things fail. I am looking for a replacement for this bike, but it will not be new. I simply will not own a bike with EFI or ABS. I want a real motorcycle, not a computer on wheels. I am seriously considering a 2004-2006 carbureted Harley Sportster 1200. There are a lot of them out there with low miles, and the EVO Sportster engine is virtually bulletproof.
Hope you had a good trip mate
Latex gloves, multiple pairs…can be used as wind insulation in cold/wet weather rides…you’ll be glad you did. Multiple pairs because if you are like me, forgetting to replenish your stash is as good as not being prepared at all.
I do the same. I wear a set under my gloves and it really helps in the cold. You can also wear a set of wool liners too for some insulation though then it's quite bulky.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, The Shop Manual is a great source of information you didn't know you needed. Please keep making these videos for those who might be fooled into thinking they know everything they need to know.
Thanks Adam, we'll keep makin' 'em if you keep watching! Any topics you'd like to see us cover?
@@AriH211 maybe a companion video to this one that shows why the toolkit that came with your bike isn't all you need? Or how to test wear items to know if there's still lots of life in them or they're about to start going? (Battery, brake fluid, pads, etc)
I did a trip from here in England, through Europe then on to Russia including St Petersburg, Volgograd and Moscow in 2019. I rode just over 6000 miles and I took a bunch of tools and stuff with me.
I only used 1 tool the entire trip. A pair of vice grips to straighten my brake pedal when I dropped the bike on a loose surface. I'll still carry a bunch of tools for future trips though.
That sounds like so much fun. It would also be fun to keep going though. Maybe Ekaterinburg or Krasnoyarsk.
Carrying tools is like carrying a condom: better to have and not need, rather than need and not have.
How long were you riding for? And how did you get back?
Nice. I would like to know how long was the whole trip and which motorcycle did you use :)
The first person to say "Better safe than sorry" definitely had it right.
Having seen a mate lose his keys way down a joint in the concrete slab floor of a toll booth forecourt, I now carry a magnet on a string 🙄
use that magnet he holds bolts to in the video and use the paracord with it. done
If you have boxes or paniers you can also velcro the light stuff to the underside of the lid. Fuses, JB weld, hex keys, and other light tools should all hold up there just fine and it'll save space for the bigger stuff in the in the boxes.
I own a Tiger 900 Rally Pro, looks pretty much like the bike directly behind Ari. Shortly after buying it, I checked every nut & bolt on the bike that I might ever have to remove on the road, and wrote everything down. To my amazement, the Triumph tool kit made by Cruz Tools had every one of them! Someone did their homework there for sure. Needless to say, I bought the kit (from Revzilla, of course), and only added a few other generic tools, plus the tire repair stuff, etc. Cruz makes a really, really complete kit. I’d buy one again in a heartbeat!
Wow, that's great to hear. Usually OE tool kits are trash! Glad to hear Triumph partnered with a quality company like Cruz; I love their stuff.
@@AriH211 I don't think Cruz & Triumph partnered on it, I just think that Cruz did their homework, unlike most companies, and we get to benefit from it!
And also always make sure to let someone know the general area that you're heading into. It may save your life in case something really bad happens and you end up incapacitated.
A jump pack or extra battery is a great idea. I have been stranded and had to call help 5 times and 3 of those times were because of battery or charging system issues. On different bikes in every case.
An extra battery isn't really feasible to be carrying around with you constantly. Plus in almost all situations you can push start a bike with a dead battery/ weak charging system
I have a Microstart similar to the one Ari showed, and always carry it on the bike. It saved the day this morning; just as a few friends and I were about to head out on an organized ride, I used it to jump a friend’s ST1100. Would have been a bummer for him if I didn’t have it with me, it’s a pretty heavy bike to try and push start.
The extra thing to take with that I would have offered at the end: a buddy.
The wrenches are called 'open end'. The single size are called combination as they have a 'combination' of open and box ends.
'double open ended'
Another thing to note would be to go to the forums and see what common parts go wrong. I.e. connectors and slave cylinders etc to carry a spare of those if possible. Also a brake bleeder is a great thing to have and is the same size as a cable tie
Good 👍 advice, for my trips on and off road in Australia here is just a few different things
1. Snap jack - small compact is fantastic you don’t have a Center stand ( for road and ADV )
2. As above for dual sport I have a short aluminium pole 12 inch’s long - and can adjust out like a tent pole you put it under your peg ( it also has a welded base ) it lifts the rear wheel off the ground and with front wheel can put it through the front of the base of plate to lift front wheel, it’s light and cable tie to bike .
3. Chain lube I use Motul chain lube it’s in a toothpaste looking tube . Fantastic compact ( and you don’t have to worry about a can of lube leaking all over you gear .
That was terrific, Ari, thank you! I use J-B weld often, but it wasn’t in my tool roll. It is now! Same goes for fuel tubing - I carry some, but not enough for siphoning. Not anymore!😃 The one thing I have used more than anything else since I added it to my kit is that emergency jump start battery. It’s so much easier than a push start, and it seems like on every trip, somebody ends up with a battery/charging issue of some sort.
Lots of great practical advice. I carry most of this stuff in my slightly too large tool roll. I use a one ounce flip top bottle of RemOil in lieu of WD40. It works similarly as a solvent, penetrating oil and anti-corrosive, but it leaves a drier Teflon finish and doesn't form yellow crufty goo a year later. I carry a small hank of safety wire and the small needle nose ViseGrips are the safety wire pliers. I carry a few blue Scott paper shop towels in a heavy duty zip lock bag and two pairs of nitrile gloves. I also carry a single use dual pouch of epoxy and hardener, but make certain it can't be punctured because that's a huge mess.
I cannot like this series hard enough. Great job as always!
We always went with AGAP standard (“as good as possible”) out in the field; the perfect is the enemy of the good.
That Kershaw Shuffle DIY is awesome!
We think so too! 😎 🙌
Pro-tip on odds and ends that an old-timer taught me...even if you do not have tube tires, a section of inner tube is great to have. With RTV, duck tape and a chunk of an old car tube I fixed a blown out (dime sized hole) in coolant hose long enough to get to a real town (about 80 miles) to scavange for a suitable replacement.
Another easy one is carry your duck tape and electrical rape by wrapping it around a #2 pencil...packaged smaller and both the pencil and its graphite coul be useful (rarely, though).
Interesting that you do not carry fuel or oil. I get that where a lot of people ride they are only 20 minutes from a fuel station at any time but even in the US, on paved roads, I have run into two instances where I was more than 120 miles between fuel stations able to dispense fuel (one was on Navajo land and fuel station looked like it had been closed a while and the other in South Dakota which closed at 9 PM...no credit card pumps). I carry a 2L AL bottle of fuel if I know I am going in rural locations. Oil, I always carry a quart mainly for convenience.
An Oxford cable repair kit is invaluable too. Got me out of trouble a couple of times over the years, saves on space to as the tin is tiny
Lots of good ideas! Thanks. I agree: the single, most important "bring along" is PMA (positive mental attitude)! Since I don't have a centerstand on my bike, I carry one of Eagle Mike's 2-piece "insta-stands" to help support the bike when rocks and tree stumps are sparse.
I'll just ride with you. Will take care of everything I need...Great video
Well done. Extremely spot on and detailed. Gonna make a few changes to my own kit now.
Excelente 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Gracias
Saludos desde Argentina 🇦🇷
Great video! Always nice to hear Ari’s well considered/reasoned thoughts.
Glad to see someone mention a headlamp in the comments. Hands free light is a big help. Also, someone mentioned a small multimeter. Very useful for most bikes built after 1980!
The only items I would add are a small umbrella (for shade, as I’m usually in waterproof riding gear), and headlight and tail light bulbs, if you intend to ride at night. They don’t fail often, but when they do you’re in a bind, as it’s never right next to a parts store!
As Ari mentioned, get familiar with your bike and tools. In the Jeep world I’ve seen too many people stuck on the trail, unspooling their expensive winch for the first time….
The only thing I'd add to this kit that I don't think was mentioned is heat shrink tubing.
Especially the glue lined stuff. It can actually be the holder for all the zipties in your kit
This video came out just in time. I was starting a solo first long ride trip, and was looking up for content.🔥all thanks to revzilla ♥️
Ditto, but this will be my 3rd solo trip. And this will be a 2 week trip
Have fun bro
Have a great trip!
I think the opening remarks of this are the most important - do a service and make a note of what you need. I mostly use a mix of hex/driver/socket adapters with just a couple of wrenches for where sockets don’t work. Other top tip is a digital torque adapter. It might not be as accurate as a super expensive & massive torque wrench but on the road it means you can tighten nearly everything on your bike to spec on the road.
To Arie & the Revzilla Team. Thank you so much for this repair video. As a serious rider. I take these repair videos to heart. You are all doing the motorcycling world a lot good. I can't express how happy i am to watch videos like this from you all. I myself ride everyday and really far distances. I eagerly wait for part 2 in the future. Much love!
This is one of the most valuable videos I’ve seen in awhile.
As a noob to DIY repair I’d love to see content around working on motorcycles, common repairs and maintenance.
This is incredibly helpful. I'm fairly new to riding but I'm working my way up to longer trips and hope to be on the road for extended periods of time eventually. This is a good list to start ticking off and getting familiar with. Thanks Ari!
Glad you found it helpful!
Great video. I was actually among those that requested something like this since I’ve seen the tool roll in the Hunter Cub Alaska adventure.
This is really helpful. I can’t wait to start building up this kit.
Homie chopped his T-handle driver to save weight lol
This is the kind of commitment I appreciate.
Glad ya noticed, and approve!
I carry a mountain bike (high volume low pressure) tire pump. It's a fair amount of work to inflate a motorcycle tire but it's much lighter and less bulky than a 12V inflator. A small hand pump is nearly foolproof and it can be easily repaired in the field, unlike a tiny compressor.
I second the inreach for ADV riders. Experienced riders know, but if you are a newer rider: cell signal and main roads are directly correlated. Once you deviate off the main road, or off-road, cell signal diminishes. And accidents always happen where signal is weak or non-existent.
Theres some surprisingly affordable handheld CB equipment one could use in a pinch, some frequencies can be used for long range comms and are quite beneficial in the boonies.
Talking about the right attitude, I have made a job using this. I work for a refridgeration/food equipment company that contracts with a very large convienece store chain in our area. Well the boss kept getting requests for oddball service stuff like replacing a coupleof floor tiles, swapping out paper towel dispensers and such. After a bit, he started sending me and my crew (my 2 sons) on these and suddenly things that had been big issues of worry for the bosses, became 2 hour jobs for us. You see this chain has their own service techs to repair anything that has to do with the store but there is a lot that falls outside of what they can do. This is where I come in and get it handled, all bc I refuse to let myself be stumped on getting the job done.
A can do attitude is definitely an essential thing to pack, as you say. I once used a pair of hemostats (my favorite electrical tool) to rip a piece out of a roadside beer can and fold it into a jumper wire to put into the connector of the clutch interlock on my girlfriend's bike so we could continue the weekend after a kickstand fall in the boonies.
I've found that screw type tire plugs work very well and are quick and convenient. You know, those little screws covered in rubber that you can cover with glue and place in the hole after removing the nail. I always carry a rechargeable air pump, last time it took me all of half an hour to get back on the road 👍
I think one glaring thing that I felt was missing was a multimeter of some sort to diagnose shorts, if power is being supplied, battery voltage and open circuits.
I use one of those cheap and compact pen-style meters.
Most tools you use almost never, so I generally pack them at the bottom of my side luggage bags. Same with spare tubes. That also keeps most of the weight nice and low, as tools are generally pretty dense. The only things you do regularly need, is the chain maintenance stuff, which I usually have somewhere else.
My friends and I rode 2 mid 70s KZs and a Ural to Rockerbox in Fond Du Lac Wisconsin a few years ago. It was an 800 mile round trip, so we had every tool we could possibly fit (including a Dewalt 1/2” drive electric impact wrench) into the trunk on my Ural’s sidecar. The only thing we needed the whole trip was one zip tie to replace a missing license plate bolt.
I just stop in the morning on my road trips and use some diesel on my chain. Seems to work just fine. Was worried about it drying out my o rings but haven’t noticed and degradation in the rubber yet
It’s good to know what could fail on your bike that might leave you totally jacked. Like a faulty starter button.
To lift the rear tire for chain maintenance or wheel removal, the SnapJack v2 makes for a good portable stand.
I always bring a spare inner tube, hand pump, and tools. I encountered a flat while riding at 2am in the morning. Was able to fix the tire in 45mins.
I like switching all bolts that you regularly use to access panels, etc., to allen head bolts. Hex keys are smaller and easier to use and store.
Just want to say thanks for the tip on using a box wrench to bend levers back! I jumped my bike and bent the shift lever side ways lol wouldn't have made it home without that tip!
Spare headlight bulb and safety glasses are also good to have and don’t take up much space.
Great list, thank you. I've also heard of people carrying a small umbrella for fixing in the rain.
Instead of an adjustable nut rounder, I carry Knipex parallel jaw pliers. a touch expensive but worth their weight in gold IMHO. they are probably my single most used tool at work (aircraft maintenance), and they're great for a bike too
Well done. I have been riding across Europe for the last fifty years and learned a couple of things still
This is so good! Thank you . You do the best job for RevZilla
Thanks for the list. The only item I'd add is sandpaper and a multimeter. Getting stuck in Beatty, Nevada on US95 taught me I need the tools to diagnose problems and a lot of these little towns do not have hardware/Auto parts stores.
There's a small piece of sandpaper (likely 120 grit) in the Parks Tools patch kit. A multimeter is a great idea if you have space.
Excellent video. How about a video on the different options to carrying all the equipment. What would you recommend to use for traveling on a naked bike? Backpack.
Awesome advice! Thanks for sharing. I also carry a head lamp.
I got a flat and had to plug my rear tire. I proceeded to get 2 more flats and used 2 more plugs. All in the tread thankfully. The tire was fairly new and I was too cheap to buy a new one. I put 10k more miles on the tire. Never leaked.
Outstanding advice to someone like me that is transferring from street to ADV. I’m planning a Baja trip this Fall, so anything related to this topic is greatly appreciate. Thank you so much.
I carry a spare clutch and front brake lever and fuses a few spare Nuts bolts washers and screws might be handy too I have gotten caught out needed a bolt and didn't have one .
Enter to win a free Kershaw pocket knife here! a.pgtb.me/W6wfPG
Check out Ari’s article on Common Tread with a list of his tools! rvz.la/3QHMaAf
Grab the tools you need, here! rvz.la/3MAxAsB
Only for Americans.
For stands, the TS3 trail stand is super light, fits under my seat and can hold up my 890 adv r.
Dude, I’m glad you recovered so well from that accident a few years ago.
a length of wire, say 18 inches, coiled up can hold together many parts, especially if they are hot.
This is the rundown I’ve always wanted. Thanks Ari!
You're welcome.
Excellent video, love your last point on attitude
Planning a trip right now. Perfect timing!
I think a better idea is just to bring Ari with you! 😍👍
Yet another brilliant installment of the shop manual. Thank you for such a comprehensive guide, you did outline everything but the fact that the tool kit tends to be incremental with experience - afterall there is the self-capable bikers' Murphy's law: we always pack and prepare for everything but the breakdown that comes up on the next adventure. So carry the extra tool, within a reasonable 15-20% of your initial weight/volume, and maybe some cookies for while you wait for help.
Cheers, and thank you for another great video!
I feel like Ari is THE guy to bring on a day long beach trip!
Wow..love that compressor...
What brand is it..? l do lots
of trips on Gn125. l take zip ties ...22' spanner with 17'...tyre levers, small vicsegrips ..good quality bungies are essential..but that compressor..nice.
Great video guys! This was great to learn, especially with my 10 day trip to Yosemite coming up in August.
Excellent content. Excellent writing. Excellent tutorial. Not (too) commercial. Thank you!
Something to smack with other than a rock is preferable. I simply carry the tool kit my bike came with. I've used that little kit and was surprised I was able to get back on the road. Another thing is where to store on the bike or on you. If I have my fairing on yes I can pack shit in. Without it well go figure. I got a front tire flat on Sunday between Green River Utah and Grand Junction Colorado. I was able to ride the bike all the into Junction after a few hours on the side of the road. All with the little tool kit and a tiny compressor.
Perfect timing, making a kit today for my trip to a remote island tomorrow
Good Video, but this is definitely for an Off-Road Adventure as opposed to a "Road Trip". On an Evo or later full dress Harley (like mine, 110k miles), there is not much you CAN fix by the side of the road. Of course the number one thing is to make sure the bike is ready. Are the tires and brakes like new? Even if you intend to stay on Highways, new tires can't be beat. You never know when you're going to hit torrential rain or worse.
Call me paranoid, but when traveling long distance, I prefer to bring an edtra set of control cables dnd spark pkugs. I usually perform maintenance before such trips, but it seems to be better to error on the side of caution.
What about a tube of motol chain paste instead of a spray can
I think a lot of people forget that one of the best things you can do is to level up yourself. Take some riding and survival courses, hit the gym regularly, train your cardio and mobility. Also, the #1 thing I always try to bring is a friend. That's the best thing about the motorcycle community, never short on people who share the passion.
Great video!Keep up the good work!
Excellent detailed video. I will add a hacksaw blade to my kid. Good idea.
Attitude 100%🤙
I look forward to doing my frist service just so I can make the list you suggested. Having a kit like that could have saved my trip before. I definitely want to make it happen. Thanks for the tips.
Good stuff. Always learning even at 58 and a million miles...
For those that don't have space for a booster/power pack, invest in a replacement bike battery that has a reserve or controller that will reserve battery power for starting and preventing anything from draining it dead. This is usually a lithium battery with a built in BMS (Battery Management System) that will prevent the battery from a lot of things. Also, install a charging port to keep your phone charged while riding, or bring a significantly smaller power bank but still good for 1-2 charges.
Great video. You'll definitely need these if riding an Italian bike for sure. Probably half if Japanese.
Buy a cheap vacuum sealer. You obviously won't bring it with you, but you can use it to make all kinds of stuff before you go: Custom sized waterproof bags for single use items, custom sized ziplock bags, custom reflectix cooking bags, etc, etc...
I have a ziplock freezer bag that fits three pairs of ear plugs (and nothing else) in the smallest possible space. I've had it for three or four years.
Chemical hand warmers can be opened then vacuum sealed to about half their retail size without losing any heat capacity or shelf life.
Generic waterproof phone sacks can be custom sized.
In a pinch they can even be used to preserve food.
Great video. You mentioned fuses but I always bring a small pocket multimeter and a couple of paper clips (most probably know that straitened out allows probing connector pins) for figuring out electrical issues which is getting more important these day’s.
For the strap, go with winch cable. They're made of plastic, so no energies stored when pulling or snapping violently, in case of a failed towing attempt.
Excellent stuff Ari, great video as usual.
Can you guys PLEASE! Do like a cross country trip on the new Honda groms like NYC to LA that would be amazing!!! Love the content. The Alaska trip on the trail 90 and the dumb and dumber were my favorites!
Super glue and baking soda make a great hard plastic repair. Not sure about half emptying the JB weld tubes to save space and weight....it's not like you are ultra lite back packing...also take an assortment of nuts and bolts that match the bike, you can get small nut and bolt kits for European or Japanese bikes that are the same as OEM fasteners. Also when at home use the tools you would carry on the trip, that way you know what fits and what does not. Get to know your bike and research the weak points and take spares for that, such as perhaps charge regulator, or water pump seals.
I love that the first advice was to carry the tools you use to maintain your bike. I'm amazed how many people consider themselves adventure riders yet have no idea how to maintain their bike. It's OK if you have the money and prefer to pay the dealership to maintain your bike but what happens when something breaks and there is no dealership? How many people buy the clever folding short hex keys, most of which they don't need, only to learn that they're useless for reaching half of the cap screws on their bike?
You mentioned oil for fixing difficult adventure or dual sport tires. Have a video on patching or replacing a tube out on the trail? I ride a DR650, have a Dunlop 606 rear and Pirelli MT21 front. I’ve also had a few hand surgeries so any tips you can offer to get that done easier is appreciated. Thanks.
Great video! And a great list of tools and tips. There are few things more satisfying than making a repair on your bike (or on your fellow road-tripper's bike) and continuing on with the trip, especially if it is one that would have left you stranded and not able to continue. It's empowering and enabling, and opens up your own horizon.
Well said!
As always Ari, Stella video. Off down’t south for the KTM adventure rally in September. Plus a week afterwards. First longer trip in a few years. Bought a Kriega tool roll so keen to get myself sorted.. good tip re jotting down everything used for your pre-flight service!
21” Tube, great idea plus those tyre irons with a 32” inset socket now that is smart! 👍
If you're going to carry.. JB weld. "steel stick " .. get yourself some JB weld steel stick. HIGH HEAT ! .. this will work on exhaust parts that get HOT !
Ari, my recent trip out to GetOn ended in the middle of the desert when my battery died. I was able to get a jump, but as soon as I disconnected the cables the bike would die again. I needed up getting a tow to the nearest town and shipping the bike home thinking it was something wrong with the charging system. Three weeks at the dealership and $1500 in expenses later it was determined that the battery just went bad and I could have replaced the battery and went on with my trip.
How do you troubleshoot and inspect your electrical system before a trip? The battery showed full charge when I left, and the bike started fine at the first two gas stops of the day, then just died.
Catastrophic failures are very hard to predict.
I think one of the things is checking the voltage, if you watch the voltage drop below 12v when starting then the battery is starting to go bad.
I have a little cigarette lighter voltage display i can plug in, and see my voltage, Then once running should be 14v or close to it when running. If it's higher than that when revving it 15-16v etc then it could be a bad rectifier. Or if it's not even 13.5v then could be a bad stator. The nice things about those lithium packs you probably could have hooked one up and made it in to town with it acting as the battery since they are reasonably compact etc.
If you’re doing a big trip and the battery’s more than 3 years old replace it before heading out.
@@richm4402 For sure. This one was less than two. But I’ve certainly learned to have it tested before a trip anyway.
@@narrator-timothymckean You had some bad luck Tim! Another consideration is to install a voltage display on your bike. I put them on all my bikes to monitor the charging system. This obviously won’t help prevent a battery from going bad , but it will let you know with some advance whether the charging system is failing.
Literally two weeks ago I got a flat tire while doing the trans Wisconsin trial. And I just found this video
Great video. Especially the mental note: don’t be afraid to get creative!
I take the advice an old Alaskan trail guide gave me…(old? Hell, he’s my age!)
Lost, stranded, broke down? Don’t panic. Stop, sit down and have some water or build a fire and have a cup of coffee and clear your mind.
Then deal with it.
Funny story: Back in the day we were ALL test riders at this motorcycle accessory company I worked at.
For the shop bike (which was a ‘69 Yamaha 650 because it vibrated so much) there was a dime taped to the gas tank labeled “emergency repair kit.”
Yes, I’m old.