Trip tools :)

RSL · May 24, 2017

With TPM I don't expect to ride on a flat because of the early warning.

Since the TPM is a Garmin add-on, I had to twist the valve to provide front brake caliper clearance.

Thus, the concern of riding on a flat, breaking the seal of the bead, is nearly zero.

For my organized rides there are a couple rules:

1) New tires.
2) No major service before the ride because many service techs can't be trusted. Confirm all is well at home.
3) Proper safety gear.
4) B2B radio for obvious reasons.

RSL · May 24, 2017

Realistically, even Harleys are reliable for long rides now.

Failures we have encountered, other than crash damage, has allowed each of us to complete the ride. Even on our 7,000+ mile loops.

So, whether to carry a tool chest and bike part spares remains a personal thing. Some travel with the notion that it is better to bring everything that might be needed, and some figuring they can buy whatever might be needed.

Which is right doesn't matter.

I drive a car with over 300,000 miles that I purchased new over 13 years ago. Never have has an engine code. Never had any failure. Never had to wrench anything on any cross country trip. Maybe because I'm a stickler for routine maintenance at the dealer? When visiting Ducati I always ask is there any suggested maintenance? Anything the Owners Manual has listed for time or mileage?

My conclusion is that following the prescribed maintenance schedule allows for trouble free ownership. (Flats are always a different issue.)

In the past, motorcycles were not nearly as reliable as now. In the old days of tube tires, carburetors, crap chains, etc..., I had to carry tools. Riding enduros with creek and river crossings, I had to be prepared to empty the cylinder after being filled with water. Those days are in the past.

philthymike · May 24, 2017

This thread has been invaluable for planning my trip this weekend.
This is where I am going to be riding
https://youtu.be/UPPypEK_-34
The mountain you see in front of them when they start out is where my campground is, on the other side of it.

When I was a young buck I used to do hare scrambles. I always found a few gardening tools to be very valuable for dealing with the environment if you get stuck. A small wood saw for trimming branches is helpful as well as a small military style folding trench shovel. Also a pair of aviation snips for pesky vines when they decide to wrap themselves all around your rotating parts. And obviously a good hunting knife too. Not a big Rambo type deal but a conpact folding job with a nice sharp blade.
I found these tools got more use than the tools for the bike on most occasions.
Oh and a small machete has its uses too

appliance821 · May 24, 2017

RSL said:
Realistically, even Harleys are reliable for long rides now.

Failures we have encountered, other than crash damage, has allowed each of us to complete the ride. Even on our 7,000+ mile loops.

So, whether to carry a tool chest and bike part spares remains a personal thing. Some travel with the notion that it is better to bring everything that might be needed, and some figuring they can buy whatever might be needed.

Which is right doesn't matter.

I drive a car with over 300,000 miles that I purchased new over 13 years ago. Never have has an engine code. Never had any failure. Never had to wrench anything on any cross country trip. Maybe because I'm a stickler for routine maintenance at the dealer? When visiting Ducati I always ask is there any suggested maintenance? Anything the Owners Manual has listed for time or mileage?

My conclusion is that following the prescribed maintenance schedule allows for trouble free ownership. (Flats are always a different issue.)

In the past, motorcycles were not nearly as reliable as now. In the old days of tube tires, carburetors, crap chains, etc..., I had to carry tools. Riding enduros with creek and river crossings, I had to be prepared to empty the cylinder after being filled with water. Those days are in the past.

I agree on the general reliability of modern machines etc.. One thing for tire repair: you need either pliers or a screwdriver to get the object out - I'd at least carry a leatherman or other multitool with locking tools.

The chain thing is one of those endless debates. I think lube between the plates is a good idea, and having some on the rollers for lubing the sprockets can't hurt.

But, the unexpected is the unexpected, and I'd rather light one socket than curse the bolt (or something like that). I do all my maintenance, apart from valves and belts, so I've got a feel for what I'm capable of. I've honed my kit to what I can realistically do, it's not a "chest" it's a 4 x 8 inch roll.

Also it's good to be in a position to help other riders and motorists. I rescued a family stuck on the side of the road in the middle of 100 degree Utah desert - all they needed was a slotted screwdriver. There was a little kid - it might not have gone well.

Another example: In a car, in the desert, some wire got caught in the front brakes - quick reversing fortunately got it out. On the bike I could, with torx t25 pull the pads and remove the object. You just don't know.

It's a good thread and people can adapt and adjust to their needs.

Hyp Noob · May 24, 2017

RSL said:
Thus, the concern of riding on a flat, breaking the seal of the bead, is nearly zero.

Does that system actually work? How much pressure loss before it gives a warning?

Breaking the bead on tubeless is hard to do. I've seen it done a couple times:
Once buddy on his FJR hit a huge rock straight on. Busted wheel and broke tire bead. Good news was he somehow kept the bike up right.

RSL said:
For my organized rides there are a couple rules:
1) New tires.
2) No major service before the ride because many service techs can't be trusted. Confirm all is well at home.
3) Proper safety gear.
4) B2B radio for obvious reasons.

I really like your Number 2 rule! Too many guys blindly trust dealer mechanics.
Man, I've got stories on this topic. "Hard to believe" stuff actually.

So yes, allow plenty of shake down rides to confirm bike is OK before departing on long ride. Also, have a close look around your bike, check fasteners, hose and wire routing, body panels, axle nuts ... look in the area they did work. Oil leak from oil change? Common thing. Amazing what you can find.

Our group, only 9 shown here, 14 riders in all. About 3500 miles San Fran to
Copper Canyon and back via Baja. Good experienced riders, good prep. NO
mechanicals other than some Crash damage from BIG bikes trying to go off road.

Down but not out. My Ortho Surgeon friend was good to have along ... lifting his GS up 5 times was not so good. Novice dirt riders on big ADV bikes not good.

Hyp Noob · May 24, 2017

appliance821 said:
The chain thing is one of those endless debates. I think lube between the plates is a good idea, and having some on the rollers for lubing the sprockets can't hurt.

I agree. Sure, you can never lube your O or X ring chain, but a lightly lubed and clean chain will run quieter, smoother ... and will last longer.

Chain rollers will last longer when lubed as impact with sprockets does wear chain rollers/O rings over time. High speed and wheelies are worst offenders to your chain.

Problem with lube is it picks up grit when you go off road. Off road, I use NO lube on my X ring chains. On tour I wipe down and re-lube my chain daily. Just part of daily ritual and walk around inspection of bike before departure. WD40 or a bit of Diesel works. Motels will give you old towels ... just ask.

I've done group rides since the 80's. Starting with the North Stars (former San Fran Police "Honda Unit" riding club). Now with AYU group. AYU (as yet un-named) is a mix of guys from other Bay Area groups. (North Stars, NorCAl Chuck Wood group, East Bay MotoBros and several independent and current or former Sunday Morning Ride veterans.

We got Lawyers, Doctors, Berkeley lab nuclear physicists (2), X racers/race team owners, pro mechanics, machinists, Journalists and ... legends! .

We have about 10 rides we do nearly every year with several variations on each route and some "new" rides too. We do rides all over San Fran Bay Area and California. Also Oregon, Death Valley, several Sierra rides, Nevada and Black Rock Desert and Mexico. Sometimes Utah, Colorado rides. Only ride I have led was a ride to Copper Canyon. It went well, no one died!

RSL · May 24, 2017

Hyp Noob said:
Does that system actually work? How much pressure loss before it gives a warning?.

You set the pressure desired and the pressure where you get a screen warning on the Zumo GPS.

ericrobinson · May 25, 2017

RSL said:
You set the pressure desired and the pressure where you get a screen warning on the Zumo GPS.

Hey RSL,

Do you recommend the TPS addon to the Zumo? I'm about to purchase a 595LM, and it's about $100 CND extra.

Thanks!

RSL · May 25, 2017

Absolutely the TPM is a huge safety feature to add to a GPS.

To note, by way of a warning on the GPS screen, a low tire pressure may save you from riding all the way to a flat tire.

Not sure your tires feel right? Touch the tire pressure app and see what the pressure is.

migrane · May 25, 2017

So i paired down my tool selection a bit but i am still at about 6kg... more to go.

One other thing that I was pondering on is if i should get some straps ... hoping to put the bike on a ferry boat for a pretty long water ride ... last time i went on a ferry with the car i've seen some bikers take out some straps and tying down their bikes etc ...
On the maintenance front i can only agree ... all cars and bikes i owned i serviced ...
My only "fear" is that i am going to get to that one spot where there is no cell service ... no one driving around and i am missing that "one" stupid tool

Migrane

Hyp Noob · May 27, 2017

I wonder if you're carrying Tire Irons? Unlikely you would need them providing tires are in decent shape and you pre plan tire change of tires ahead.

I've done many Ferry crossings in Mexico and a few in EU as well. Straps have always been provided. If crossing is calm, won't need them ...or you could have a Sea State of 7 (15 ft. waves) like happened crossing La Paz, Baja to Mazatlan during tropical storm. Bikes stayed put. Severe Rock & Roll. I've never carried straps.

Make sure you've got tools enough to remove either front or rear wheel. Also,
be able to remove body work to get to innards ... battery, throttle bodies, air filter and such. Any more complex than that ... you'll need a tow.

Good luck!

appliance821 · May 29, 2017

On the fairings: the tool kit contains a 3 and 5 hex, but not a 4. Without the 4, the fairings aren't coming off. Also the fairing well nut is 24mm - I left mine off, but with my knipex miracle wrench, I might put it back on.

One problem with the single sided swing arm is that giant nut and giant torque. Have to let that go. Tubeless tires seem to make wheel removal not so urgent. Though access to the rear brake could be important for dirt excursions.

For the front, the only special tool is the axle wrench, though a wooden dowel would probably work. Then delicate torque on the 4 axle clamp bolts.

That air filter is tricky too. One of the T20 screws is obscured by the frame and a metal tang. It's one of those either "Italian Character" moments, of "WTF were you thinking" moments. I'm in the latter school. You know they sealed the filter, THEN assembled the housing to the bike - and you know they know this is stoopid.

Good thread - lot's of info.

Hyp Noob · May 29, 2017

Those are some good points and worth knowing for sure. I've not yet been inside my Strada ... but have always considered easy air filter access a must.

Seems to me one could potentially clog the thing up pretty good in two days of riding dirt roads (with some other bikes in front of you)
Done that on a couple bikes in Baja and Utah dirt roads.

So, what tools are required to get to the air filter? And what sort of filter is it?

Paper filters can't be washed (I'm not a fan), you can only bang them free of dirt or blow them a bit cleaner with air ... or replace them.
(not an option on the road)

If it is a paper filter ... anyone ever thought of converting to an oiled foam filter like the rest of the world? Possible?

Any tips on this appreciated!

appliance821 · May 30, 2017

It's a paper filter. To get to it you have to remove the gas tank, unclip a bunch of wiring held on by zipties, and then open a door held by 20T screws.

Tools - fairings: 3, 4, 5 mm allens, and a 24 mm wrench for the well nut behind the fairing

Tank: 8mm semi deep socket to remove the fuel pump cover. Also snips to release the brake line attached to the housing by a zip tie. 2 small bolts hold the shock reservoir - can't remember if they're small allens . A larger allen - maybe 7mm to remove the large bolt under the seat pan that hold the tank down, and the upper cross pieces. Also have to remove the front rubber bushings that the tank hooks onto - 5mm allens?

After the tank is freed up, you'll have to wedge it by the seat latch mechanism - it can be done. I removed the battery and cpu to get a really good grip. Might be overkill.

To access the air cleaner door you need snips to undo some ziptied wiring. The screws are 20T torx. One is very hard to access - I rigged something, but I think a very long shanked torx will get you in there at a reasonable angle. A lot of pressure and careful slow turning will avoid stripping.

Absurd - yes.

I will say that after around 20k miles and some dusty dirt, it was pretty clean except for a long dead yellow jacket.

Snips, small sockets, allen head set, zip ties and a 20T torx.

Hyp Noob · May 30, 2017

appliance821 said:
It's a paper filter. To get to it you have to remove the gas tank, unclip a bunch of wiring held on by zipties, and then open a door held by 20T screws.

Tools - fairings: 3, 4, 5 mm allens, and a 24 mm wrench for the well nut behind the fairing

Tank: 8mm semi deep socket to remove the fuel pump cover. Also snips to release the brake line attached to the housing by a zip tie. 2 small bolts hold the shock reservoir - can't remember if they're small allens . A larger allen - maybe 7mm to remove the large bolt under the seat pan that hold the tank down, and the upper cross pieces. Also have to remove the front rubber bushings that the tank hooks onto - 5mm allens?

After the tank is freed up, you'll have to wedge it by the seat latch mechanism - it can be done. I removed the battery and cpu to get a really good grip. Might be overkill.

To access the air cleaner door you need snips to undo some ziptied wiring. The screws are 20T torx. One is very hard to access - I rigged something, but I think a very long shanked torx will get you in there at a reasonable angle. A lot of pressure and careful slow turning will avoid stripping.

Absurd - yes.

I will say that after around 20k miles and some dusty dirt, it was pretty clean except for a long dead yellow jacket.

Snips, small sockets, allen head set, zip ties and a 20T torx.

Wow! Thanks for the detailed description! I'm glad my bike has supposedly had a full service at 19K. (1000 miles ago) BUT ... I'm not sure I trust the work order invoice ... I have doubts any of it was ever done by this shady dealer.

Could be the bike got an oil change, quick wash and was put on the lot for sale ... claiming it's had the full major service. The invoice shows shim measurements but the whole invoice looks "created" to me.

Only one way to really know ... pull it all apart and look at the filter and everything else. The bike is pristine so doubt it's ever seen off road. But if they lied about the service documentation, then likely cam belts and plugs were ever changed either. At near 20K this is a must from what I've heard.

Not sure what I can do at this point ... Hope for the best or press dealer for an answer?

philthymike · May 31, 2017

On my recent trip I packed quite a bit of stuff with me.
On my person I had pliers and a small folding hunting knife.
In my panniers I had the following:

PANNIER LEFT:
1 flashlight
3 flares
1 oil spout
1 quart oil
1 5 pc ratcheting flex head wrench set (metric)
1 Deluxe Tire Plug kit
1 Bike cover

- in waterproof baggy
1 heavy hooded sweater
1 hex key set
1 5 pc pack of assorted fuses
1 5 pc pack of 7.5 Amp fuses

PANNIER RIGHT:
1 40 pc socket set with extra 1/4" drive and torx bits
1 can chain lube
1 8' roll of twine
1 roll of Gorilla Tape
1 folding camp saw
2 24" bungees
1 3' cut of 14 gauge solid wire
1 25' roll of 18 gauge electrical wire

- in small baggy
1 Aviation snips
1 KTM shock spanner (works for chain adjustment)
1 electricians crimp/strip tool
1 vice grips
1 ratcheting screw driver handle (bits in socket set)
25 various size and color wire ties
1 12" bicycle style bungee (to hold baggy closed)

-smaller baggy
8 crimp wire splices
1 spare headlight bulb
1 spare turn signal bulb
1 tire pres. gauge
4 strips double sided tape
1 small philips head
1 half used roll elec. tape
5 various sized hose clamps
1 small wire cutter
1 tube locktite
1 size 17 stubby wrench
1 bottle/can opener

In my old lady's car there was also a tire pump. I could have fit it instead of the bike cover but I didn't have time to find the electrical plug adapter to use it with the bike. So I left it in the car.

I don't own credit cards so that wasn't an option for me. Even if it was the only place I had cell reception was while riding the power lines on top of the ridge. Without phone service a credit card is pretty useless.
I'm a bit survival minded so I packed with worst case scenarios on mind.
Next thing I add to the panniers will be a spare clutch cable...

appliance821 · May 31, 2017

Hyp Noob said:
Wow! Thanks for the detailed description! I'm glad my bike has supposedly had a full service at 19K. (1000 miles ago) BUT ... I'm not sure I trust the work order invoice ... I have doubts any of it was ever done by this shady dealer.

Could be the bike got an oil change, quick wash and was put on the lot for sale ... claiming it's had the full major service. The invoice shows shim measurements but the whole invoice looks "created" to me.

Only one way to really know ... pull it all apart and look at the filter and everything else. The bike is pristine so doubt it's ever seen off road. But if they lied about the service documentation, then likely cam belts and plugs were ever changed either. At near 20K this is a must from what I've heard.

Not sure what I can do at this point ... Hope for the best or press dealer for an answer?

The plugs are probably fine - and easy enough to pull the front one to check, the filter is probably OK too, but if you're unsure of the belts, I'd definitely get it done just to not worry. Might be able to get the plastic housings off without removing the exhaust, just to get a look.

migrane · Jun 2, 2017

philthymike said:
On my recent trip I packed quite a bit of stuff with me.
On my person I had pliers and a small folding hunting knife.
In my panniers I had the following:

PANNIER LEFT:
1 flashlight
3 flares
1 oil spout
1 quart oil
1 5 pc ratcheting flex head wrench set (metric)
1 Deluxe Tire Plug kit
1 Bike cover

- in waterproof baggy
1 heavy hooded sweater
1 hex key set
1 5 pc pack of assorted fuses
1 5 pc pack of 7.5 Amp fuses

PANNIER RIGHT:
1 40 pc socket set with extra 1/4" drive and torx bits
1 can chain lube
1 8' roll of twine
1 roll of Gorilla Tape
1 folding camp saw
2 24" bungees
1 3' cut of 14 gauge solid wire
1 25' roll of 18 gauge electrical wire

- in small baggy
1 Aviation snips
1 KTM shock spanner (works for chain adjustment)
1 electricians crimp/strip tool
1 vice grips
1 ratcheting screw driver handle (bits in socket set)
25 various size and color wire ties
1 12" bicycle style bungee (to hold baggy closed)

-smaller baggy
8 crimp wire splices
1 spare headlight bulb
1 spare turn signal bulb
1 tire pres. gauge
4 strips double sided tape
1 small philips head
1 half used roll elec. tape
5 various sized hose clamps
1 small wire cutter
1 tube locktite
1 size 17 stubby wrench
1 bottle/can opener

In my old lady's car there was also a tire pump. I could have fit it instead of the bike cover but I didn't have time to find the electrical plug adapter to use it with the bike. So I left it in the car.

I don't own credit cards so that wasn't an option for me. Even if it was the only place I had cell reception was while riding the power lines on top of the ridge. Without phone service a credit card is pretty useless.
I'm a bit survival minded so I packed with worst case scenarios on mind.
Next thing I add to the panniers will be a spare clutch cable...

I must preference this that I have the same tendencies to pack a lot of stuff ... but my question is ... on all the rides you have done so far ... few or many ... however they may be ... how many of these tools have you actually used and when stranded on the side of the road looked up or sideways to God ( or your deity of choice) and said an out loud thanks for having tool X/Y/Z with you ? I am asking this because when I pack everything and the kitchen sink and curse the fact that I did nothing happens ... when I dont .. it does ... without fail

Murphy is my guarding angel ...

Migrane

Trip tools :)

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