1. Most important is to always carry extra water unless you’re 100% certain it’s in abundance where you are riding and always have some spare food. 2. A good head torch. You get a flat or mechanical problem near sunset without one you’ll find yourself stuck there for the night. I recommend Petzl because they’re good quality and made in Malaysia or France, not China. 3. Use your tools before you set off on your adventure. Never assume they fit until you’ve used them. The wrong size spanner for the job in a remote area is useless. 4. Don’t cut down tools. This weakens them and they could fail when you need them most. 5. Buy quality tools. As per 4. You need to know they’ll work when you really need them - the right tool for the right job. 6. Carry a couple of steel cable ties. Plastics are great for most things but can wear out quickly in some applications. 7. Second the quality hand pump. Electric pumps can fail, batteries to power them can go flat, CO2 bulbs can run out. A hand pump avoids all these risks. 8. Read widely, particularly on forums. You’ll get a lot of strong and sometimes misguided opinions but among them you will find some treasures. 9. It’s not an adventure if nothing goes wrong. To put it another way, if you aren’t prepared for when things go wrong you will have a bad time. Prepare for the worst, hope for the best and keep a positive attitude. 10. Riding with other people can be a great thing or a bitch. Different people have different goals, objectives and ideas about the perfect ride. Make sure you discuss them before you go on a big trip and have plans t part ways amicably should things not be working out. It’s not worth ruining a friendship just because you like to travel different. 11. Don’t ask what the best oil for your bike is! Do your own research or follow the manufacturers guides. 12. Don’t put a higher octane fuel in your bike than what is recommended unless there is no alternative. It just wastes money. 13. Good tyres to suit your intended riding and skill set should be a high priority. 14. Skill up! Go get some professional rider training. Watch TH-cam vids from the likes of Motojitsu, Bret Tkacs and Cross Training Enduro/Adventure. 15. Practice. Practice. PRACTICE! Being a great and safe rider comes only from practice and experience, actually I don’t know that cos I’m not a great rider. But when I am, it’ll be because I practiced!
+1 to all of that. Just to add regarding #3 and #5: Use the tools you take with you on the bike while you're in the garage. Build up your tool kit over time while working on the bike. This ensures you know how to use the tools you have and ensure you aren't missing a tool you need. Once you're fairly set on the items you need buy quality (stainless, especially for bits). My tool bag pulls in moisture and will tend to rust things if it doesn't dry out quick enough.
I got to the point that when I serviced my bike at home I would use my travelling tool set to do it. That way I KNEW the tools I carried would do the job on the road.
My rule is to carry whatever I need to get me out of wherever I'm going. Meaning, in suburbia/urban areas, a credit-card and AAA (towing insurance) will get me home or get me gas. When I go into the woods, a tire patch kit, air source, tools to change the tire, flashlight (head worn), maybe spare fuel and a first aid kit. In the woods or rural areas I need enough to get me to where I would be found or at least helped out.
Yes Knead-able metal. Use Loctite myself. Saved my bike 250 Klms out of Innaminka. Got off bitumen for road train coming towards me. Rock straight through sump bash plate and cracked sump. Done 450 Kms the day before on the strez in the rocks. Thought I was out of the worst of it. But that is life on the road and the big Varadero just eats up the miles. Well worth the investment and so easy to do.
My two cents: My Li battery jumper is too big I see. I like the one you have. Tire tubes: I carry both sizes. The extra tube is really not that much extra and it's paid for its' self already (oddly, not for my bike!). Tool bag: I have the Aerostich version, does not have the zipper pocket - brilliant! I also kitted it out very well with tools from Harbor Freight. If I loose some - not a big deal. Multi-tool: Not a fan. I've had them (keep one in the truck) but much prefer my Swiss Army Knife Farmer version. And the tool pouch. I didn't see (blind?) a T handled allen wrench - I broke up a kit and carry two common sizes. Tire irons: I change tires in the back yard with what I have to use on the road. This lead to two HUGE long tire irons. PITA to carry, but oh so much nicer and useable. Seems to keep the adventure from becoming an Adventure. :D
Fit front and rear mousse. Never get a flat, and saves carrying so much equipment. They take a little looking after but well worth it. Motohansa do some great tool rolls. I always carry a spare clutch perch (cable) and throttle housing.
Great video, as usual. The only relevant comment I would add is that when travelling in a group you can save weight on each bike by coordinating with your group. Or carry additional stuff like an electric pump without adding weight per bike. Cheers!
I really appreciate your take on this. I struggle with making sure I have enough for the problems vs. avoiding areas which could promote problems / repairs. It really is something an individual rider has to taylor to their level of riding and where they go and what they do. And also if they have a KTM or Husqvarna 😆😆
We once bent a rim so badly it wasn’t usable until we used some trees that had grown into a tight V formation to “clamp” it and bend it back straight enough to ride out. I also use rocks for my hammers.
Take barley sugars in your survival kit (with the whistle, emergency blanket, etc.). If you run out of food then keeping your blood sugar level up helps a lot with the hike back to civilisation.
I would never rely on those clip on front guard bags. I lost one from my old DR. In fact it was the identical Wolfmanbag. Drill holes in the guard and secure it with bolts or find something better.
The most important thing is to take your DINNER with you as you don't always know where you will be when tucker is needed 😉😮 and will agree totaly on the multitool thing as i have been carrying 1 EVERY DAY on my belt for 20years or more and use it nearly every day 😎👍 keep well MR SOLID 😉🍺
I am not including my back pack with water and first aid etc. this is strictly the bags on the bike👍 What are you taking with you and what are you leaving behind when you head out for an adventure?
There's a lot on the topic of tools on the site. I'd recommend watching Bret's take on that - in which he stresses an important point; to be really sure your tools work, you need to service your bike with them. A story from yesterday - enduro on a trailer situation, huge tool kit. After a crash, the triple clamps needed aligning. That's the _best_ moment to find out that your 10mm socket won't fit the KTM bolts because of the narrow recess!
Keep double the time with you than the ride time. This way if there are any issues, you have already accounted the time for it. Enjoy the adventure, meet people, ask for help etc., If you can't fix the issue on your own.
Great setup. I carry pretty much all the same stuff, minus the big camera. Difference is I carry it all on my backpack, which includes my water in the camelback. I've felt that I'd rather have the weight on me than on the bike, and although I do grunt a bit when I pick it up to put it on, once I'm rolling I really hardly notice it. Got a Klim NacPack last year and it is really good for this espeically the tool bag it comes with. If I was dioing more dual sporty riding I'd probably try some small saddlebags, but I feel like for the offroad riding its better to keep the weight off the bike itself.
nice list. i am not carrying tools and equipment for tire changes or reapairs. if i have a tire problem it´s game over for me. but i am not going on multiday dirt riding trips - not that i don´t want to, i am in germany and don´t want to go out with other germans and also we don´t have that kind of dirt areas where it would be nice to do it. i have though a tire repair spray which in theory should seal a leak from the inside and also ad some pressure to it. if i would take a small pump with me that would be a good addition.
Store your multi-tool in your handlebar bag since that is where you'll use it most often, on handlebar fittings that come loose. But just like you always do, make sure your bike has all of the big failure items protected, like rads, folding levers, discs, engine cases, etc. And an israeli bandage. No bike is fool proof, not even the Bangkok 300L, so be prepared riders.
Hey Solid, greets from florida, do you or can you post a list of everything you have talked about........ never mind I found the the tags you posted..... thanks
I just can't get my head around carrying tools that others might need - the example being that of the adjustable crescent wrench (6.45 mins). The advice about carrying tools that, wherever possible, have multiple uses makes a lot of sense. And the advice to only carry tools that you've used around your own bike, to make sure they fit, is sound. So why carry tools that not only don't have multiple uses but also have NO use on your own bike?? And that same crescent wrench will just about fit around an axle nut and not much else... I see some carrying a complete 3/8" drive socket set ("because 1/4" drive can be too weak") from 8mm through 19mm "just in case", because "you never know" and "you might be able to help out someone else on the trail". With that logic you'd need to carry 2 litres of oil (to replace all the oil that you lost when that pesky stone smashes through the crankcase (the situation commonly cited for the need to carry Quicksteel) AND another 2 litres to help someone else out on the trail later on..... Then there's the need to carry a few spokes in case you break some, and maybe a brake fluid bleed kit with TWO lots of fresh fluid (remember - one to help out someone else later?) in case a banjo bolt becomes loose, and a couple of clutch friction plates.. And a torque wrench.... Where does it all end? I take solace in the comment in the vid that we can have different perceptions of risk and that there is comfort having the tools with us to get us on our way. And the probability of being overloaded with gear being greater that the possibility of something going wrong.. Yes, don't be the fool that doesn't bring the tool, but equally there's a limit, and that's bring your OWN tools that give you peace of mind, I reckon.
Great video, really helpful. At 8:00 you say you need a valve core remover or you can't change a tyre. Is that right? Why do you need to remove the core?
This is only specific to people running tubes. You can do it without if you had too but it makes it difficult to remove all the air from the tube without the valve remover. Removing the valve deflates the tube completely and makes removal far easier.
Hi. Love your videos, thinking about trading my T7 for this bike. I have one question : how on earth would you fit a tent / sleeping bag / matress on this bike? I can't wear a backpack because of my Airbag vest.. and I have to bring the same tools / tube as you as a minimum. Except for the camera gear, I have the same needs as you
Hi Solid! Thx for the tips.🤘🏻 Off topic question: Do you run MT21 on the front and the rear? How do you like them after some time now? My trails are mostly rock terrain. Do you perhaps know if they are ok for that or there is a better option?
MT21's have been my go too since 2015 with my WR250R. As an all rounder that can put up with a decent amount of road riding its harder to get a better grip to wear ratio for myself. They do have their limits and cannot offer the same as a more aggressive DOT tire like the Michelin AC10's but they last a hell of a lot longer. I also found in the really tough stuff like sand/mud/really loose rock that the MT21 is much better at maintaining grip over the D606 IMO. Plenty of great tires out there that I have not had the chance of trying though.
What brand is your rear rack and is it aluminum? Do you like it, as it seems to fit nicely on the 300l - I think you have mentioned it in another video - can't find it
It's made by B&B Off Road and is made from 4mm aluminium 5083 plate. Link here bboffroad.com.au/product/rear-carry-rack-honda-crf300l-crf300rally-2021/
Hi Solid, I sent you a question on TH-cam a few weeks ago whether the CRF450L is coming to Oz or not. You said you would speak to your Honda friends about it. Just wondering if you had a chance yet?
@@chroniclesofsolid thanks for the reply mate & no worries. I’m actually going to order a 300L tomorrow here in Brisbane, but they just told me that ETA is September.
@@chroniclesofsolid thanks for the reply mate & no worries. I’m actually going to order a 300L tomorrow here in Brisbane, but they just told me that ETA is September.
@Bob Sacamano Cheers Bob. I assumed mousse since I never seen ”musse” in english language. Thank you for explaining it all so nicely. Have a good day dear sir!
1. Most important is to always carry extra water unless you’re 100% certain it’s in abundance where you are riding and always have some spare food.
2. A good head torch. You get a flat or mechanical problem near sunset without one you’ll find yourself stuck there for the night. I recommend Petzl because they’re good quality and made in Malaysia or France, not China.
3. Use your tools before you set off on your adventure. Never assume they fit until you’ve used them. The wrong size spanner for the job in a remote area is useless.
4. Don’t cut down tools. This weakens them and they could fail when you need them most.
5. Buy quality tools. As per 4. You need to know they’ll work when you really need them - the right tool for the right job.
6. Carry a couple of steel cable ties. Plastics are great for most things but can wear out quickly in some applications.
7. Second the quality hand pump. Electric pumps can fail, batteries to power them can go flat, CO2 bulbs can run out. A hand pump avoids all these risks.
8. Read widely, particularly on forums. You’ll get a lot of strong and sometimes misguided opinions but among them you will find some treasures.
9. It’s not an adventure if nothing goes wrong. To put it another way, if you aren’t prepared for when things go wrong you will have a bad time. Prepare for the worst, hope for the best and keep a positive attitude.
10. Riding with other people can be a great thing or a bitch. Different people have different goals, objectives and ideas about the perfect ride. Make sure you discuss them before you go on a big trip and have plans t part ways amicably should things not be working out. It’s not worth ruining a friendship just because you like to travel different.
11. Don’t ask what the best oil for your bike is! Do your own research or follow the manufacturers guides.
12. Don’t put a higher octane fuel in your bike than what is recommended unless there is no alternative. It just wastes money.
13. Good tyres to suit your intended riding and skill set should be a high priority.
14. Skill up! Go get some professional rider training. Watch TH-cam vids from the likes of Motojitsu, Bret Tkacs and Cross Training Enduro/Adventure.
15. Practice. Practice. PRACTICE! Being a great and safe rider comes only from practice and experience, actually I don’t know that cos I’m not a great rider. But when I am, it’ll be because I practiced!
+1 to all of that. Just to add regarding #3 and #5: Use the tools you take with you on the bike while you're in the garage. Build up your tool kit over time while working on the bike. This ensures you know how to use the tools you have and ensure you aren't missing a tool you need. Once you're fairly set on the items you need buy quality (stainless, especially for bits). My tool bag pulls in moisture and will tend to rust things if it doesn't dry out quick enough.
Solid value
I got to the point that when I serviced my bike at home I would use my travelling tool set to do it. That way I KNEW the tools I carried would do the job on the road.
Super impressed that most of your bits are NOT made in China. Great work!
I just bought a CRF300L today, so this video is very welcome. Greetings from the Netherlands
Congrats🥳
I just purchased a Saddleman Tunnel bag for my CRF 300L. It fits most all motorcycles stores a lot of stuff and doesn't require a rack on the back!
My rule is to carry whatever I need to get me out of wherever I'm going. Meaning, in suburbia/urban areas, a credit-card and AAA (towing insurance) will get me home or get me gas.
When I go into the woods, a tire patch kit, air source, tools to change the tire, flashlight (head worn), maybe spare fuel and a first aid kit. In the woods or rural areas I need enough to get me to where I would be found or at least helped out.
Yes Knead-able metal. Use Loctite myself. Saved my bike 250 Klms out of Innaminka. Got off bitumen for road train coming towards me. Rock straight through sump bash plate and cracked sump. Done 450 Kms the day before on the strez in the rocks. Thought I was out of the worst of it. But that is life on the road and the big Varadero just eats up the miles. Well worth the investment and so easy to do.
The Motionpro Multi-tool looks awesome.
My two cents: My Li battery jumper is too big I see. I like the one you have.
Tire tubes: I carry both sizes. The extra tube is really not that much extra and it's paid for its' self already (oddly, not for my bike!).
Tool bag: I have the Aerostich version, does not have the zipper pocket - brilliant! I also kitted it out very well with tools from Harbor Freight. If I loose some - not a big deal.
Multi-tool: Not a fan. I've had them (keep one in the truck) but much prefer my Swiss Army Knife Farmer version. And the tool pouch.
I didn't see (blind?) a T handled allen wrench - I broke up a kit and carry two common sizes.
Tire irons: I change tires in the back yard with what I have to use on the road. This lead to two HUGE long tire irons. PITA to carry, but oh so much nicer and useable. Seems to keep the adventure from becoming an Adventure. :D
Fit front and rear mousse. Never get a flat, and saves carrying so much equipment. They take a little looking after but well worth it. Motohansa do some great tool rolls. I always carry a spare clutch perch (cable) and throttle housing.
Great video, as usual. The only relevant comment I would add is that when travelling in a group you can save weight on each bike by coordinating with your group. Or carry additional stuff like an electric pump without adding weight per bike.
Cheers!
Great tip!
I really appreciate your take on this. I struggle with making sure I have enough for the problems vs. avoiding areas which could promote problems / repairs. It really is something an individual rider has to taylor to their level of riding and where they go and what they do. And also if they have a KTM or Husqvarna 😆😆
We once bent a rim so badly it wasn’t usable until we used some trees that had grown into a tight V formation to “clamp” it and bend it back straight enough to ride out. I also use rocks for my hammers.
Nice one, necessity is the mother of all invention!
Take barley sugars in your survival kit (with the whistle, emergency blanket, etc.). If you run out of food then keeping your blood sugar level up helps a lot with the hike back to civilisation.
Tie wire and a spare chain joining link are a must for me.
Another fantastic clip ,thanks for sharing .
Regards
Dave from Scotland
I would never rely on those clip on front guard bags. I lost one from my old DR. In fact it was the identical Wolfmanbag. Drill holes in the guard and secure it with bolts or find something better.
I carry a travel size spray bottle with soapy water. Used for changing a tire but mostly used for cleaning bugs off my face shield.
The most important thing is to take your DINNER with you as you don't always know where you will be when tucker is needed 😉😮 and will agree totaly on the multitool thing as i have been carrying 1 EVERY DAY on my belt for 20years or more and use it nearly every day 😎👍
keep well MR SOLID 😉🍺
Cheers Jeff 🍻 Ride safe 👍
I am not including my back pack with water and first aid etc. this is strictly the bags on the bike👍 What are you taking with you and what are you leaving behind when you head out for an adventure?
Nice pointers. Thanks!
There's a lot on the topic of tools on the site. I'd recommend watching Bret's take on that - in which he stresses an important point; to be really sure your tools work, you need to service your bike with them. A story from yesterday - enduro on a trailer situation, huge tool kit. After a crash, the triple clamps needed aligning. That's the _best_ moment to find out that your 10mm socket won't fit the KTM bolts because of the narrow recess!
Keep double the time with you than the ride time. This way if there are any issues, you have already accounted the time for it. Enjoy the adventure, meet people, ask for help etc., If you can't fix the issue on your own.
Great setup. I carry pretty much all the same stuff, minus the big camera. Difference is I carry it all on my backpack, which includes my water in the camelback. I've felt that I'd rather have the weight on me than on the bike, and although I do grunt a bit when I pick it up to put it on, once I'm rolling I really hardly notice it. Got a Klim NacPack last year and it is really good for this espeically the tool bag it comes with. If I was dioing more dual sporty riding I'd probably try some small saddlebags, but I feel like for the offroad riding its better to keep the weight off the bike itself.
Each to their own, My backpack is already full with water/food/first aid etc 😜
nice list. i am not carrying tools and equipment for tire changes or reapairs. if i have a tire problem it´s game over for me. but i am not going on multiday dirt riding trips - not that i don´t want to, i am in germany and don´t want to go out with other germans and also we don´t have that kind of dirt areas where it would be nice to do it. i have though a tire repair spray which in theory should seal a leak from the inside and also ad some pressure to it. if i would take a small pump with me that would be a good addition.
I always carry rain gear
I like most tools to have more than one purpose so what spark plug tool are people carrying for a CRF given the long extension you need?
Nice video Solid ! My sugestion for you is to add 2 pcs of 2 meter long tie down straps. They are cheap and weigh nothing but can help a lot !
Good tip!
With you riding a Honda Solid ,the tools are mainly for other people's bikes.
😆
Store your multi-tool in your handlebar bag since that is where you'll use it most often, on handlebar fittings that come loose. But just like you always do, make sure your bike has all of the big failure items protected, like rads, folding levers, discs, engine cases, etc. And an israeli bandage. No bike is fool proof, not even the Bangkok 300L, so be prepared riders.
Dude, where is the first aid kit?
In my backpack and part of my safety video. This was only bags strapped to my bike 👍
@@chroniclesofsolid fair one
Hey Solid, greets from florida, do you or can you post a list of everything you have talked about........ never mind I found the the tags you posted..... thanks
What's the squishy mesh you have under the Kriega rear pack? I need something to protect the plastics as the bag scratches them up badly.
I just can't get my head around carrying tools that others might need - the example being that of the adjustable crescent wrench (6.45 mins). The advice about carrying tools that, wherever possible, have multiple uses makes a lot of sense. And the advice to only carry tools that you've used around your own bike, to make sure they fit, is sound. So why carry tools that not only don't have multiple uses but also have NO use on your own bike?? And that same crescent wrench will just about fit around an axle nut and not much else...
I see some carrying a complete 3/8" drive socket set ("because 1/4" drive can be too weak") from 8mm through 19mm "just in case", because "you never know" and "you might be able to help out someone else on the trail". With that logic you'd need to carry 2 litres of oil (to replace all the oil that you lost when that pesky stone smashes through the crankcase (the situation commonly cited for the need to carry Quicksteel) AND another 2 litres to help someone else out on the trail later on..... Then there's the need to carry a few spokes in case you break some, and maybe a brake fluid bleed kit with TWO lots of fresh fluid (remember - one to help out someone else later?) in case a banjo bolt becomes loose, and a couple of clutch friction plates.. And a torque wrench....
Where does it all end?
I take solace in the comment in the vid that we can have different perceptions of risk and that there is comfort having the tools with us to get us on our way. And the probability of being overloaded with gear being greater that the possibility of something going wrong..
Yes, don't be the fool that doesn't bring the tool, but equally there's a limit, and that's bring your OWN tools that give you peace of mind, I reckon.
Tankbag looks like it would be in the way for any aggressive riding... as well as when refueling🤷♂️
Great video, really helpful. At 8:00 you say you need a valve core remover or you can't change a tyre. Is that right? Why do you need to remove the core?
This is only specific to people running tubes. You can do it without if you had too but it makes it difficult to remove all the air from the tube without the valve remover. Removing the valve deflates the tube completely and makes removal far easier.
@@chroniclesofsolid that makes sense, I’ll grab 1 for the next ride. Cheers
Hi. Love your videos, thinking about trading my T7 for this bike. I have one question : how on earth would you fit a tent / sleeping bag / matress on this bike? I can't wear a backpack because of my Airbag vest.. and I have to bring the same tools / tube as you as a minimum. Except for the camera gear, I have the same needs as you
Can you provide a link for that tire deflator?
Hi Solid!
Thx for the tips.🤘🏻
Off topic question:
Do you run MT21 on the front and the rear?
How do you like them after some time now?
My trails are mostly rock terrain. Do you perhaps know if they are ok for that or there is a better option?
MT21's have been my go too since 2015 with my WR250R. As an all rounder that can put up with a decent amount of road riding its harder to get a better grip to wear ratio for myself. They do have their limits and cannot offer the same as a more aggressive DOT tire like the Michelin AC10's but they last a hell of a lot longer. I also found in the really tough stuff like sand/mud/really loose rock that the MT21 is much better at maintaining grip over the D606 IMO. Plenty of great tires out there that I have not had the chance of trying though.
@@chroniclesofsolid
Thx for the comprehensive answer mate!
What brand is your rear rack and is it aluminum? Do you like it, as it seems to fit nicely on the 300l - I think you have mentioned it in another video - can't find it
It's made by B&B Off Road and is made from 4mm aluminium 5083 plate. Link here bboffroad.com.au/product/rear-carry-rack-honda-crf300l-crf300rally-2021/
@@chroniclesofsolid thanks a bunch!
Sit why you don't use tubeless tires?
Hi Solid, I sent you a question on TH-cam a few weeks ago whether the CRF450L is coming to Oz or not. You said you would speak to your Honda friends about it. Just wondering if you had a chance yet?
Hi Michael, Not sure if I replied to your other comment but my guy said there are no plans that he is aware of for a return of the 450L.
@@chroniclesofsolid thanks for the reply mate & no worries. I’m actually going to order a 300L tomorrow here in Brisbane, but they just told me that ETA is September.
@@chroniclesofsolid thanks for the reply mate & no worries. I’m actually going to order a 300L tomorrow here in Brisbane, but they just told me that ETA is September.
First Aid?
Always in my backpack J. Never on the bike as you don't always land in the same spot after a crash.
Slime in tires + WR250R = No tools needed
Get a musse no more flats
Whats a musse?
@@SuperLaplander special type of tube to prevent flats, does change feel tho 😋
@@jasoncee666 Flatfree, thats lovely! Thanks Jason
@Bob Sacamano Cheers Bob. I assumed mousse since I never seen ”musse” in english language. Thank you for explaining it all so nicely. Have a good day dear sir!