also JB Weld, duct tape, cable ties (plastic and stainless ones), headtorch, sanitary pads (good to soak up oil/gas/blood), silicon tape, knipex pliers, leatherman crunch (has vice grips), Garmin Inreach, nitrile gloves, none of those wrenches except one specifically for chain tension adjustment, sockets instead of wrenches plus extension, hex adapter for socket drive then bits for hex, philips, torx, flat, right angle connector for tire pump, small length of wire. Instead of pouch I use a metal tin about the same size as his pouch in volume. You can use the open lid to put bolts, screws, sockets you are using on so you don't lose them. Great idea to tape your tools so they don't get mixed up with others, will do that. Cheers, happy trails.
Bret, have you ever tried a regular small, fit in a back pack size...bicycle pump ( quality of course). I have one left over from my bike riding days. To test how it would work, I let out the air on my front and rear tires ( DR650) . I was able to pump up both very easily. I see no need for an electric air pump. Thoughts? Great video btw and thanks!
Great video Brett. I am almost 66 years old and have been riding since I was roughly 13-14. My toolkit has constantly evolved over that time. I will be adding a telescopic magnet and the bead breaking irons you have just shown. Thanks again and safe riding. (Aussie fan)
I have never travelled without my Army Surplus FA kit. Had to use twice on others on the road. Also a 1 Gal HD spare gas can. Fits great in a side bag.
Amazing video, but some tips for people who want to go lighter: I used combo mini wrenches isntead of single sized wrenches, 8/9, 10/12, 13/14 and 15/17. Valve core removal tool is built into the valve stem cap on my bikes. I carry some of the specific stuff on the bikes themselves but I'm vehemently against buying a platform that can't be fixed with metric tools or tools you can buy at a local store. I actually don't even support aftermarket companies that use standard bolts for their products that were only designed to be used on Japanese or foreign motorcycles (I remember trying to remove a vance and hines on a trail and it used standard bolts). I carry what needs to get me home or to a store, not what lets me keep having fun that day and keep riding on the trail like nothing happened, those are two different tool packs.
I think you shouldn't remove the casing of the tire inflator. Two things that haven't been mentioned: duct tape, and a Micro Start if your bike won't start. Not in the same category, but I carry a Garmin inReach mini (for 2 way satellite texting, weather and SOS) , hand sanitizer and cash.
Great tip about doing service with your travel kit. It’s way too easy to rely on your garage and not really know your travel kit will really work when you need it too.
Hey Brett. Thanks again for the videos. You mentioned putting in a tube if you slice a tubeless tire. What tube do you carry? I normally just carry a 21" since it can also be used in the back. I also lean towards a Kenda since they are much more resilient. But they are really bulky and take up space. What do you use and where do you store it? Also, you have room under your seat for all those tools?! I think on my 1090 I would need to get rid of the fuel scavenging box to have any room at all under there (on my to do list BTW).
Spare clip joining link for the chain. I can here the objections now... but, short duration fix gets you out of a jam quickly on a dark, cold wet night. Rivet link in comfort at yours or your mechanics leisure. Good video happy travels
WHat about those that are not mechanically inclined ?Would you recommend on carrying a Mechanic as a passenger when going Adventure riding out in the Boondocks ? And if so do you know of any Agency where one can hire one (preferably a attractive female mechanic) ? just saying
Great advice! Thanks! I would really love to see how to put a tube into a tubeless tire with a sidewall tear or damaged rim. In the middle of nowhere - ofcourse!
I went on a tour of European Russia in 2019, took a whole bunch of tools with me, and did around 6000 miles in total from home in England and back. I used 1 tool the whole time. Vice grips. I dropped the bike in a gravel lay-by which bent the rear brake pedal and I straightened it out with the grips in about 5 minutes.
Amateur tip: buy a Haynes manual and look up the sections (before every main chapter) where all bolt, screw and nut types are displayed. Then base your tool-kit off of those (of course only the sections that you will need to repair most often). No use in looking up the 'Engine rebuild" section for your offroad toolkit.
Modern Japanese bikes have fuel injection. The ECU controls spark and fuel and cooling fan etc. If the engine needs anything it needs coolant, oil and a scan tool and probably some unique part. Fortuately they are very reliable. I carry some gasket cement to plug a crack in a casing or cover in an emergency. I carry metal zip ties- more robust than plastic and can be used on hot things like exhausts. A can of tyre inflator/sealant and some tubeless tyre repair inserts. Tubeless tyres are a bitch to break the bead on but the upside of that is they can be fixed without removal most of the time. When that wont fix it the tyre is needing replacement in which case riding it flat at walking pace will do no harm. Tubeless tyres stay on the bead so well I've seen people limp to the next town with the side walls in tatters but the tyre stayed on the rim. So tyre irons hammers and pumps are too much bulk and weight. Allen keys are light so replace bolts on things like front sproket covers with allen head bolts as it saves carrying deep 8mm sockets and socket tools etc. 250mls of oil in a narrow necked bottle is enough to top up somewhere on a trip to save buying oil which may not match the synthetic stuff you run. If you just can't keep the weight down and start carrying spare leathermans incase you loose your one on your belt then I guess you need to save up for a gs1200 to carry the weight.
Smart to color-code your tools. Firefighters have multiple companies training or scene of call. Thier tools are painted to designate the engine or station.
Even if I have better tools in my garage I try to do all my normal maintenance tasks, from mounting a new tire to an oil/filter change, with the tool kit I carry on my bike. It may be annoying at times but it gives me way more confidence that I can fix my or another riders bike on the side of the road if need be..I also always carry a spare tube or plug kit (depending on the type of wheel) and a a manual or electric air pump in case of a flat.
I also like to carry a small roll of .032" Safety wire...I wish my bikes tires were tubeless...easy to repair with a plug kit if it's just a normal size puncture..AND I didn't see any zip ties....can't leave the house without zip ties! :)
Fantastic advice coming from a lot of experience. Having recently had to be rescued for the first time in my riding career, I am now carrying a rechargeable head torch under the seat. My rides normally end before dark but when things start to go wrong it soon gets dark and the torch on your phone is pretty useless when trying to identify and fix a problem by the wayside. You need good light and you need 2 hands free. The head torch would have saved me a very long wait for a rescue truck. Thanks for all the great videos. ☺
Nice kit. I like the Knipex adjustable pliers wrench in 7 inch length. Leatherman Wave with all bits that fit my bike. Tape measure for chain tension adjustment for us slugs who ride chains. Love my cheap magnet wand. Oh wait...I thought if you've got tubeless tires you never would need a tube...LOL.
Great video! I would add a few things that different people already mentioned but I will list them together: Duct tape (I roll a few feet of it onto one of my Allen wrenches), zip ties (large and small), small baby can or wd-40, latex gloves (not incredibly necessary but they are nice to have, they take no space and weight nothing), and a sm/md vise-grip...I think that's it...hope your video helps someone finish their ride with a smile some day!
Great to know that I am not the only biker to carry one of those magnet wands!! The number of times that I have retrieved a nut or washer from some inaccessible area on my bike is countless. Never leave home without it.
Great video (Iike all your videos). I have the exact same bike, same year. Maybe it’s just me, but I can’t find a complete list with a description of every tool in your kit. That would be very helpful in order to copy yours. Thanks.
Not sure why youtube took so long to suggest your videos to me, but I'm glad I finally found your channel. You have one of the most informative ADV channels on youtube!
Back in the old days....BMW R1100GS....it came with a complete tool kit, all I had to add is a 30 mm socket and a 14 mm allen key and I could remove the gearbox to change the clutch, since the 1100 GS BMW have basically not provided tools for their motorcycles. Good hint of using the same travel tool kit for servicing the bike at home that you take with you when you travel.
Ran across this video literally a week after taking my bike measurements. Did the whole schtick of writing every size down for anything and everything on that bike. Glad to see i ain't crazy.
Nice video and expIanation, Bret. I also carry an assortment of zip-ties for temporary fixes. jBWeld or Steelstik is your friend. On my last trip out west, some safety wire came in handy also. Most of the time, duct tape can fix anything :) +add electric tape instead of tape measure. see what i did there?
One other trick I use on my KLR650 is that I bought a set of stainless steel allen screws for my bike on eBay (I think). Not that I am particularly interested in dressing up my bike with them, I mostly carry them because I have a pretty complete set of screws to replace any that I lose on the trail. Haven't needed it often, but when I have, it was good to have them.
I have a small tool kit for dirt/enduro riding. I have tools for simple jobs and replacement levers, but not tools for bigger jobs, size and weight is important for my style of riding. Some issues like flats are just too hard to do in the bush. It's too much, carrying a tube + axel tools + pump, sometimes you gotta sacrifice for benifits. I've seen guys carrying everything they need, never used half of it. I know a guy who doesn't carry tools in the bush because, quote "everyone else does" - camo
Nice video. I've made a habit of carrying JB Weld not because I've needed it, but because of horror stories I've heard. 2006KLR650; 2007GS1200; 2015F800GSA; 2012WR250R
I know it is a few years on, but thanks for the video and I appreciate the tips you have provided. Looking through all of the comments and questions, I do not see anything about the "red stripes" that you have on all of these tools to differentiate them from your other bike's tools. Is it pinstripe tape? Apologies if this has already been covered.
I just did the Dempster on my 1200GS and changed tires in the wild with the Motion Pro bead breaker like yours. You do the same as me by working on your bike with just the tools you carry. I had to replace an exhaust rocked on my KTM 690 in the Atacoma desert and had all the tools I needed.
Great subject matter that never gets old. I’ve sorted through and narrowed down my tool kit the as you have. My GSA is a 2011 and my tiny kit can take me just short of removing the frame and my pannier rack attached tool box isn’t compIetely full. I keep a Leatheman and GS 911 in my tank bag and I keep my air compressor, oil filter removal tool, oil cap tool and spark plug wire thing-a-ma-jig under my seat. I gotten so used to using my on the bike tools for everything I do that even while in the shop I seldom visit my tool box. Oddly enough when I am using my regular toolbox tools it’s become a strange and not so comfortable feeling.
great video. great way of passing on wisdom. maybe you could talk about easy quick fixes that can help out a fellow rider when they're SOL...ie. i saw this video where these guys stuffed the tire full of grass to get to the nearest garage for a full repair. OR, how about a video on fixing a chain with your tool pack (that would be very cool too)...thx!
Nice kit! I did the same thing! I would suggest a head lamp vs a handheld light because it frees up your hands and allows you to point the light where you need it. Also, I wouldn't recommend you carry a leatherman or any other tools in your jacket or on you. Doing so can cause serious injury should you fall. Oh and having zip ties, hose clamps, and tape is a great idea! I also carry lock tight.
I do normally have a headlamp in my kit somewhere. This just happened to be what was under the seat that day. my kit changes slightly based on the bike and mission
Great video, Bret! I wish I'd seen it while I was still in the US. Now that I'm back in Vietnam, it's going to be a challenge to source a couple things I want to add to my kit.
I used to carry my entire Stanley toolkit on long rides. This video helped me figure that 80% of the tools were unnecessary as they wouldn't fit my bike and also that some important tools were missing in the kit. Now my kit is complete and is less than half the weight and size! I'm ready for a world tour :-)
This is a great video. I would add one thing though, try to decide ahead of time, what resources will be available to you on your trip. I usually weigh myself down unnecessarily by carrying tools I will never use because the jobs they are needed for are not something I am likely to attempt given available resources. I also tend to carry stuff I know my travelling companions will need because they didn't bring it!
Brett, Do you have a tool list for your KTM 790 Adventure R? Just installed the Rigid Pro D2 Lights from Black Dog Cycle Works which are awesome. The clutch & brake levers that you recommended are great! Thanks
Again you nailed it with your great videos and easy way of explaining. By far the best ADV channel on youtube. Hope to se much more from you in the future :-D
One quick suggestion for cleaning up the clipped ends of zip-ties: A concave nail clipper will leave a nice, skin-safe, mildly rounded end. I use a larger Revlon clipper, as it’s gap between the blades is a bit larger.
I started carrying nail clippers when I was in Mexico where knives can be illegal to carry. I still have a knife packed away but nail clippers are handy in lots of situations.
Zip ties. JB weld. Bic lighter with a segment of friction tape and a segment of electric tape wrapped around it. Section of tygon for syphoning. A few dollars for the country you're traveling in (it's money, it's paper, it's an insulator, it's a shim) Tube patch kit. Felt tipped pen. Length of common wire size for the bike. Couple of spare fuses. Small thing of lube. Everything I just listed is worth gold in a pinch and would add negligible weight/size to your kit
@mototrek your video finally encouraged me to get a tool I always wanted but procrastinate to purchase, so I used your link and bought the valve core remover. I hope it will serve me well. Thanks for your content.
Thanks. I carry a simple tool kit On my bike. I like the idea of marking the tools. I also carry survival kit too. Mostly basic stuff. I carry a spare pair of glasses that fold into a small case. I don’t need them when I ride but if I broke my good pair I have something to get me by. I carry a bike pump that is double action. It’s surprisingly how quickly you can fill a motorcycle tire.
I also carry a "mini" version of jumper cables, with small clamps meant for bike, ATV, boat etc. Great for low amps. Great for starting your buddy's poorly maintained bike.
I have done the same thing in a way, I lay my tools down on a sheet of cardboard, spread out the tools and hit them with a bright vibrant color of spay paint, I'm not gonna take the time to individually wrap tape one or two times around all of them, this way is soo much faster, they dry in 10 mins and back in the bag.
Hi Bret, this is the most entertaining and informative TH-cam channel I ever seen; great job !!! I usually carry also metal wire, spare nuts and bolts, spare globes, electric wire and electric tape :)
Thanks for highlighting the importance of a tyre removal kit. I'm from Singapore and usually only have short road trips around Malaysia or Thailand. On one of my rides I stopped by the roadside after noticing a bunch of motorcycles and people gathered and everyone. Turns out the group was on an off road trip and one of the riders had a minor crash but the impact smashed the plastic right where it's fastened to the bike. Guess what? No one had duct tape or zip ties so since in had a bunch in my panniers, within minutes they were back on the road, or off road rather. So I'd say duct tape and zip ties would be necessary.
Great advice! I like the instruction to do routine maintenance in my garage with the tools I carry with me on the road. I really like your cap too, I notice you wear it whenever you don't have a helmet on!
Once you might let your bike fall into the water while crossing a river in the outback, carrying 1L of engine oil might not be wrong. Water is heavier than oil, therefore after letting the engine rest for a while, you´ll be able to drain it, filling up the amount of lubricant needed. Once you get back to inhabitated areas don´t wait too much to change the oil!
...plus one subscriber...I just got into riding motorcycles and it is an absolute blast I was lucky enough to get set up with a dual sport for my first and I am enjoying both worlds! I was watching you video and saw that you said pudget sound safety It tripped me out because I live in Port orchard and went to pudget sound safety for my msf...at Cheney stadium...shout-out from Port orchard!!!
Awesome informative video! Impressive how savvy you can be with such a compact tool kit. The telescopic magnet and color coding your tools are being added to mine right away. The few bits i've learned could also be useful are a few zip ties, small amount of duct tape and some JB weld. Thanks Bret!
A couple of things: 1) Buy tools made of the best quality steel you can afford, having a cheep wrench (spanner) bend or brake in the middle of nowhere is useless. 2) Practice at home changing, patching and installing a tube, and all other "spares" that you carry BEFORE your adventure. 3) A chain can be "broken" with a hammer, correct size punch and something that can act like an anvil with a hole, ask your bike shop for an old wornout chain to practice on.
Thank you for sharing. Great advice. Maybe you want to do a sequel in which you show everything up close. Great information but zooming in is quite helpful.
Very useful.... one thing to add is that I always carry spare clutch and brake levers as well as rear brake and gear selector levers. Thanks for a great channel....
You did the much the same as I did. I went thru the factory tool kit and replaced the cheap wrenches with better ones. Of course a flash light, wire ties and adjustable end wrenches are a good idea also. When I go on a long trip, I even carry a 12 volt air compressor and tire plug kit (ya never know) I ride Hondas, so I've never had to use any of my tools on my bikes, but I have helped other riders with some of my tools. I guess I'd rather have it and not need it, then to need it and not have it!
There is safety and security in being prepared for something that may never happen. I do the very same thing, and have been able to help others. To me it is not redundant but essential.
Hi Bret, UK calling. Not sure if you have seen these adjustable wrenches they are the bees knees (meaning very good). They are produced in Germany they are called Knipex, pronounced K_ Nip_ Ex. Once adjusted to nut size no need to keep adjusting when turning. They are expensive but great quality. Knipex do have a You Tube video of them in operation.
Whah that’s a lot of stuff. I have the stock tool kit, tire plugs, and a tube to steal air from another tire. That’s it. I ride a Japanese bike so I can’t imagine the bike ever needing this level of attention on the side of the road.
You, sir, have a dope channel. Subbed! The only thing I would possibly add is a flashlight. Preferably with a magnetic tail cap that you can stick to the frame or what not.
Great information! I just discovered your channal. I like your teaching style. I am a new rider and am looking to learn how to maintain my 2013 R1200 GSA oil cooled. I would love to see how-to videos on how to do the different service tack required. Thanks again for a very well throughout channel and presentation of relative information in an interesting manner. BlacKnight 1up&Free
+ some disposable gloves, so you don't have to put oily hands back in your riding gloves.
indeed
This is similar to the what is in a girl's purse video's. But with less make-up and more useful items.
also JB Weld, duct tape, cable ties (plastic and stainless ones), headtorch, sanitary pads (good to soak up oil/gas/blood), silicon tape, knipex pliers, leatherman crunch (has vice grips), Garmin Inreach, nitrile gloves, none of those wrenches except one specifically for chain tension adjustment, sockets instead of wrenches plus extension, hex adapter for socket drive then bits for hex, philips, torx, flat, right angle connector for tire pump, small length of wire. Instead of pouch I use a metal tin about the same size as his pouch in volume. You can use the open lid to put bolts, screws, sockets you are using on so you don't lose them. Great idea to tape your tools so they don't get mixed up with others, will do that. Cheers, happy trails.
Bret, have you ever tried a regular small, fit in a back pack size...bicycle pump ( quality of course). I have one left over from my bike riding days. To test how it would work, I let out the air on my front and rear tires ( DR650) . I was able to pump up both very easily. I see no need for an electric air pump. Thoughts? Great video btw and thanks!
Great video Brett. I am almost 66 years old and have been riding since I was roughly 13-14. My toolkit has constantly evolved over that time. I will be adding a telescopic magnet and the bead breaking irons you have just shown. Thanks again and safe riding. (Aussie fan)
Mini can WD40, disposable gloves, cable ties, fuses, bulbs, lighter, electric/duct tape...first aid kit?
Absolutely, Tim. We need to make a 2nd video that's more than just basic "tools".
First aid kit was the first thing I added to my bike, besides a flashlight.
I have never travelled without my Army Surplus FA kit. Had to use twice on others on the road. Also a 1 Gal HD spare gas can. Fits great in a side bag.
Amazing video, but some tips for people who want to go lighter:
I used combo mini wrenches isntead of single sized wrenches, 8/9, 10/12, 13/14 and 15/17.
Valve core removal tool is built into the valve stem cap on my bikes.
I carry some of the specific stuff on the bikes themselves but I'm vehemently against buying a platform that can't be fixed with metric tools or tools you can buy at a local store. I actually don't even support aftermarket companies that use standard bolts for their products that were only designed to be used on Japanese or foreign motorcycles (I remember trying to remove a vance and hines on a trail and it used standard bolts).
I carry what needs to get me home or to a store, not what lets me keep having fun that day and keep riding on the trail like nothing happened, those are two different tool packs.
I think you shouldn't remove the casing of the tire inflator.
Two things that haven't been mentioned: duct tape, and a Micro Start if your bike won't start.
Not in the same category, but I carry a Garmin inReach mini (for 2 way satellite texting, weather and SOS) , hand sanitizer and cash.
And a FN 40 shorty .
From 322 subs to 216K subs. I'd say you got to TH-cam sensation!
"Tools you need to carry" is what I think about my co-workers
I definitely LOL'ed at this! Nice!
I really like your idea about labeling the tools with stripes. Very helpful!
Wait. I take that back. Your tape measure comment is hilarious. I really look forward to upgrading to a different bike and taking your course.
Great tip about doing service with your travel kit. It’s way too easy to rely on your garage and not really know your travel kit will really work when you need it too.
I always keep a pack of baby wipes, for obvious reason, but mostly to clean up for various other reasons, oil or dirt on hands etc...
104K subscribers so no need of the trumpet anymore
Hey Brett. Thanks again for the videos. You mentioned putting in a tube if you slice a tubeless tire. What tube do you carry? I normally just carry a 21" since it can also be used in the back. I also lean towards a Kenda since they are much more resilient. But they are really bulky and take up space. What do you use and where do you store it? Also, you have room under your seat for all those tools?! I think on my 1090 I would need to get rid of the fuel scavenging box to have any room at all under there (on my to do list BTW).
Yeh I want to know this also!
Duct tape and a piece of wire can be also very useful
322 subscribers about 2 years ago. Now it's almost 90k. :)
That's video views.
@@MCMDebates Oopsie. Changed to proper value, thank you!
Spare clip joining link for the chain. I can here the objections now... but, short duration fix gets you out of a jam quickly on a dark, cold wet night. Rivet link in comfort at yours or your mechanics leisure.
Good video happy travels
WHat about those that are not mechanically inclined ?Would you recommend on carrying a Mechanic as a passenger when going Adventure riding out in the Boondocks ? And if so do you know of any Agency where one can hire one (preferably a attractive female mechanic) ? just saying
+1 😁
Learn to work on your bike it’s not that difficult, find a friend who can teach you. A tool is worthless if you don’t know how to use it.
Great advice! Thanks!
I would really love to see how to put a tube into a tubeless tire with a sidewall tear or damaged rim. In the middle of nowhere - ofcourse!
When you said your wife's tools had white stripes, I immediately heard duuuun dun dun dun duuuun duuuun in my head.
Mole/vice grips. They can be a footpeg or a brake lever in a pinch.
I went on a tour of European Russia in 2019, took a whole bunch of tools with me, and did around 6000 miles in total from home in England and back. I used 1 tool the whole time. Vice grips. I dropped the bike in a gravel lay-by which bent the rear brake pedal and I straightened it out with the grips in about 5 minutes.
Amateur tip: buy a Haynes manual and look up the sections (before every main chapter) where all bolt, screw and nut types are displayed. Then base your tool-kit off of those (of course only the sections that you will need to repair most often). No use in looking up the 'Engine rebuild" section for your offroad toolkit.
Clear, concise, and well thought out. Thank you!
I agree with the duct tape and wire. I would add JB Weld too. I’m new to your channel but it’s pretty awesome, some might say, “sensational” :-)
Modern Japanese bikes have fuel injection. The ECU controls spark and fuel and cooling fan etc. If the engine needs anything it needs coolant, oil and a scan tool and probably some unique part. Fortuately they are very reliable. I carry some gasket cement to plug a crack in a casing or cover in an emergency. I carry metal zip ties- more robust than plastic and can be used on hot things like exhausts. A can of tyre inflator/sealant and some tubeless tyre repair inserts. Tubeless tyres are a bitch to break the bead on but the upside of that is they can be fixed without removal most of the time. When that wont fix it the tyre is needing replacement in which case riding it flat at walking pace will do no harm. Tubeless tyres stay on the bead so well I've seen people limp to the next town with the side walls in tatters but the tyre stayed on the rim. So tyre irons hammers and pumps are too much bulk and weight. Allen keys are light so replace bolts on things like front sproket covers with allen head bolts as it saves carrying deep 8mm sockets and socket tools etc. 250mls of oil in a narrow necked bottle is enough to top up somewhere on a trip to save buying oil which may not match the synthetic stuff you run. If you just can't keep the weight down and start carrying spare leathermans incase you loose your one on your belt then I guess you need to save up for a gs1200 to carry the weight.
Better solution is to bring Bret along to the adventure.
Smart to color-code your tools. Firefighters have multiple companies training or scene of call. Thier tools are painted to designate the engine or station.
Head-strap LED light frees both hands for work.
Just about jerked some teeth out while holding a flashlight in my mouth. Head-lights rock.
Even if I have better tools in my garage I try to do all my normal maintenance tasks, from mounting a new tire to an oil/filter change, with the tool kit I carry on my bike. It may be annoying at times but it gives me way more confidence that I can fix my or another riders bike on the side of the road if need be..I also always carry a spare tube or plug kit (depending on the type of wheel) and a a manual or electric air pump in case of a flat.
Excellent, Al!
I dont have a bike, and im watching this.....
+Hir ...yet!
I also like to carry a small roll of .032" Safety wire...I wish my bikes tires were tubeless...easy to repair with a plug kit if it's just a normal size puncture..AND I didn't see any zip ties....can't leave the house without zip ties! :)
Fantastic advice coming from a lot of experience. Having recently had to be rescued for the first time in my riding career, I am now carrying a rechargeable head torch under the seat. My rides normally end before dark but when things start to go wrong it soon gets dark and the torch on your phone is pretty useless when trying to identify and fix a problem by the wayside. You need good light and you need 2 hands free. The head torch would have saved me a very long wait for a rescue truck.
Thanks for all the great videos. ☺
Congrats!! From 223 to 63K suscriptions!! Excellent videos, keep them coming...
Nice kit. I like the Knipex adjustable pliers wrench in 7 inch length. Leatherman Wave with all bits that fit my bike. Tape measure for chain tension adjustment for us slugs who ride chains. Love my cheap magnet wand. Oh wait...I thought if you've got tubeless tires you never would need a tube...LOL.
Great video! I would add a few things that different people already mentioned but I will list them together:
Duct tape (I roll a few feet of it onto one of my Allen wrenches), zip ties (large and small), small baby can or wd-40, latex gloves (not incredibly necessary but they are nice to have, they take no space and weight nothing), and a sm/md vise-grip...I think that's it...hope your video helps someone finish their ride with a smile some day!
WD40 to lube rim, chain lube to lube chain. One pint of oil.
On a modern bmw is the multimeter used instead of a rock, to chuck at the bike after you're completely po-d?
Great to know that I am not the only biker to carry one of those magnet wands!! The number of times that I have retrieved a nut or washer from some inaccessible area on my bike is countless. Never leave home without it.
Great video (Iike all your videos). I have the exact same bike, same year. Maybe it’s just me, but I can’t find a complete list with a description of every tool in your kit. That would be very helpful in order to copy yours. Thanks.
Not sure why youtube took so long to suggest your videos to me, but I'm glad I finally found your channel. You have one of the most informative ADV channels on youtube!
Back in the old days....BMW R1100GS....it came with a complete tool kit, all I had to add is a 30 mm socket and a 14 mm allen key and I could remove the gearbox to change the clutch, since the 1100 GS BMW have basically not provided tools for their motorcycles.
Good hint of using the same travel tool kit for servicing the bike at home that you take with you when you travel.
Ran across this video literally a week after taking my bike measurements. Did the whole schtick of writing every size down for anything and everything on that bike. Glad to see i ain't crazy.
Nice video and expIanation, Bret. I also carry an assortment of zip-ties for temporary fixes.
jBWeld or Steelstik is your friend.
On my last trip out west, some safety wire came in handy also. Most of the time,
duct tape can fix anything :)
+add electric tape instead of tape measure. see what i did there?
Look around for the stainless steel zip ties too and a small assortment of common sized nuts and bolts
Stainless zip ties $9
amzn.to/2zsqiSf
Been looking for those forever!
used these when skid plate bolts fell out and they have been on there for 6 months
One other trick I use on my KLR650 is that I bought a set of stainless steel allen screws for my bike on eBay (I think). Not that I am particularly interested in dressing up my bike with them, I mostly carry them because I have a pretty complete set of screws to replace any that I lose on the trail. Haven't needed it often, but when I have, it was good to have them.
I have a small tool kit for dirt/enduro riding. I have tools for simple jobs and replacement levers, but not tools for bigger jobs, size and weight is important for my style of riding. Some issues like flats are just too hard to do in the bush. It's too much, carrying a tube + axel tools + pump, sometimes you gotta sacrifice for benifits. I've seen guys carrying everything they need, never used half of it. I know a guy who doesn't carry tools in the bush because, quote "everyone else does" - camo
Nice video. I've made a habit of carrying JB Weld not because I've needed it, but because of horror stories I've heard. 2006KLR650; 2007GS1200; 2015F800GSA; 2012WR250R
The low sub count joke didn't age very well... Congrats on 150k subs!
I know it is a few years on, but thanks for the video and I appreciate the tips you have provided. Looking through all of the comments and questions, I do not see anything about the "red stripes" that you have on all of these tools to differentiate them from your other bike's tools. Is it pinstripe tape? Apologies if this has already been covered.
I only carry Prayers and Thoughts,it works for Politicians so it should work for me too.ride on!
+Mario Soto Ha!
I just did the Dempster on my 1200GS and changed tires in the wild with the Motion Pro bead breaker like yours. You do the same as me by working on your bike with just the tools you carry. I had to replace an exhaust rocked on my KTM 690 in the Atacoma desert and had all the tools I needed.
Yeah Awesome. And M. Chu below - duct tape YES! And you can multi - multi-layer Duct Tape and get it to hold things solidly together amazingly well.
Great subject matter that never gets old. I’ve sorted through and narrowed down my tool kit the as you have. My GSA is a 2011 and my tiny kit can take me just short of removing the frame and my pannier rack attached tool box isn’t compIetely full. I keep a Leatheman and GS 911 in my tank bag and I keep my air compressor, oil filter removal tool, oil cap tool and spark plug wire thing-a-ma-jig under my seat. I gotten so used to using my on the bike tools for everything I do that even while in the shop I seldom visit my tool box. Oddly enough when I am using my regular toolbox tools it’s become a strange and not so comfortable feeling.
great video. great way of passing on wisdom. maybe you could talk about easy quick fixes that can help out a fellow rider when they're SOL...ie. i saw this video where these guys stuffed the tire full of grass to get to the nearest garage for a full repair. OR, how about a video on fixing a chain with your tool pack (that would be very cool too)...thx!
Nice kit! I did the same thing! I would suggest a head lamp vs a handheld light because it frees up your hands and allows you to point the light where you need it. Also, I wouldn't recommend you carry a leatherman or any other tools in your jacket or on you. Doing so can cause serious injury should you fall. Oh and having zip ties, hose clamps, and tape is a great idea! I also carry lock tight.
I do normally have a headlamp in my kit somewhere. This just happened to be what was under the seat that day. my kit changes slightly based on the bike and mission
Great video, Bret! I wish I'd seen it while I was still in the US. Now that I'm back in Vietnam, it's going to be a challenge to source a couple things I want to add to my kit.
Good luck, John.
I used to carry my entire Stanley toolkit on long rides. This video helped me figure that 80% of the tools were unnecessary as they wouldn't fit my bike and also that some important tools were missing in the kit. Now my kit is complete and is less than half the weight and size! I'm ready for a world tour :-)
This is a great video. I would add one thing though, try to decide ahead of time, what resources will be available to you on your trip. I usually weigh myself down unnecessarily by carrying tools I will never use because the jobs they are needed for are not something I am likely to attempt given available resources. I also tend to carry stuff I know my travelling companions will need because they didn't bring it!
Brett, Do you have a tool list for your KTM 790 Adventure R? Just installed the Rigid Pro D2 Lights from Black Dog Cycle Works which are awesome. The clutch & brake levers that you recommended are great! Thanks
Again you nailed it with your great videos and easy way of explaining. By far the best ADV channel on youtube. Hope to se much more from you in the future :-D
One quick suggestion for cleaning up the clipped ends of zip-ties:
A concave nail clipper will leave a nice, skin-safe, mildly rounded end.
I use a larger Revlon clipper, as it’s gap between the blades is a bit larger.
I started carrying nail clippers when I was in Mexico where knives can be illegal to carry. I still have a knife packed away but nail clippers are handy in lots of situations.
Zip ties. JB weld. Bic lighter with a segment of friction tape and a segment of electric tape wrapped around it. Section of tygon for syphoning. A few dollars for the country you're traveling in (it's money, it's paper, it's an insulator, it's a shim) Tube patch kit. Felt tipped pen. Length of common wire size for the bike. Couple of spare fuses. Small thing of lube. Everything I just listed is worth gold in a pinch and would add negligible weight/size to your kit
I set up my tool kit exactly the same way, simply by servicing and working on the bike.
@mototrek your video finally encouraged me to get a tool I always wanted but procrastinate to purchase, so I used your link and bought the valve core remover. I hope it will serve me well. Thanks for your content.
Thanks. I carry a simple tool kit On my bike. I like the idea of marking the tools. I also carry survival kit too. Mostly basic stuff. I carry a spare pair of glasses that fold into a small case. I don’t need them when I ride but if I broke my good pair I have something to get me by. I carry a bike pump that is double action. It’s surprisingly how quickly you can fill a motorcycle tire.
Thank you soo much. Thank you for taking the timw to make this video.
Much appreciated from 🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦
Would recommend a portable jump starter for dead battery. It save me a few times
I also carry a "mini" version of jumper cables, with small clamps meant for bike, ATV, boat etc. Great for low amps. Great for starting your buddy's poorly maintained bike.
What about duct tape? I carry nylon cable ties, pieces of wire (16 ga. 18 ga. ...) electricians tape and a small role of Velcro.
+Mark Baron yes, duct tape, zip ties, JB weld are great to have, but not really "tools".
A great idea with the stripes on the tools. I like it!
I have done the same thing in a way, I lay my tools down on a sheet of cardboard, spread out the tools and hit them with a bright vibrant color of spay paint, I'm not gonna take the time to individually wrap tape one or two times around all of them, this way is soo much faster, they dry in 10 mins and back in the bag.
Very good video! To my set I also take gloves, duck tape, 1m of wire and cable ties. Never know when you need them.
I just strap a bike rope to my bike and tool box make sure tape the box up good though
Excellent tips. Cash,phone,and patience is pretty much mine unfortunately. 😂
Hi Bret, this is the most entertaining and informative TH-cam channel I ever seen; great job !!! I usually carry also metal wire, spare nuts and bolts, spare globes, electric wire and electric tape :)
Thanks for this and all the other vídeos!! You're awesome!! :D
Thanks for highlighting the importance of a tyre removal kit. I'm from Singapore and usually only have short road trips around Malaysia or Thailand.
On one of my rides I stopped by the roadside after noticing a bunch of motorcycles and people gathered and everyone. Turns out the group was on an off road trip and one of the riders had a minor crash but the impact smashed the plastic right where it's fastened to the bike. Guess what? No one had duct tape or zip ties so since in had a bunch in my panniers, within minutes they were back on the road, or off road rather.
So I'd say duct tape and zip ties would be necessary.
84K now. lol
Great advice! I like the instruction to do routine maintenance in my garage with the tools I carry with me on the road. I really like your cap too, I notice you wear it whenever you don't have a helmet on!
You should see him Switch between cap and helmet...perfected to an art ! 😉
Once you might let your bike fall into the water while crossing a river in the outback, carrying 1L of engine oil might not be wrong.
Water is heavier than oil, therefore after letting the engine rest for a while, you´ll be able to drain it, filling up the amount of lubricant needed. Once you get back to inhabitated areas don´t wait too much to change the oil!
If you get water in your oil, you can drain the oil and heat it and boil off the water then put the now water free oil back in the bike.
@@rogerford605
Don't forget the curry , hmmm
...plus one subscriber...I just got into riding motorcycles and it is an absolute blast I was lucky enough to get set up with a dual sport for my first and I am enjoying both worlds! I was watching you video and saw that you said pudget sound safety It tripped me out because I live in Port orchard and went to pudget sound safety for my msf...at Cheney stadium...shout-out from Port orchard!!!
really appreciate the fact that you elaborate on the why in all your videos. thanks
Awesome informative video! Impressive how savvy you can be with such a compact tool kit. The telescopic magnet and color coding your tools are being added to mine right away. The few bits i've learned could also be useful are a few zip ties, small amount of duct tape and some JB weld. Thanks Bret!
if you were at 322 just a month ago then you have done pretty well
Riding Japan it's a new show so I expect we will help a lot of riders in a short period of time.
Wouldnt mind viewing you change a tyre with your tyre levers on this vid actually. B4 i purchased a set! What say you?
Jorge Gonzalez they are the bomb but I will do another tire vid in the future
Waste of time with that 1200gs in the video
A couple of things: 1) Buy tools made of the best quality steel you can afford, having a cheep wrench (spanner) bend or brake in the middle of nowhere is useless. 2) Practice at home changing, patching and installing a tube, and all other "spares" that you carry BEFORE your adventure. 3) A chain can be "broken" with a hammer, correct size punch and something that can act like an anvil with a hole, ask your bike shop for an old wornout chain to practice on.
Thank you for sharing. Great advice. Maybe you want to do a sequel in which you show everything up close. Great information but zooming in is quite helpful.
Love the 'stripes' idea. Definitely going to adopt that!
Very useful.... one thing to add is that I always carry spare clutch and brake levers as well as rear brake and gear selector levers. Thanks for a great channel....
You did the much the same as I did. I went thru the factory tool kit and replaced the cheap wrenches with better ones. Of course a flash light, wire ties and adjustable end wrenches are a good idea also. When I go on a long trip, I even carry a 12 volt air compressor and tire plug kit (ya never know) I ride Hondas, so I've never had to use any of my tools on my bikes, but I have helped other riders with some of my tools. I guess I'd rather have it and not need it, then to need it and not have it!
There is safety and security in being prepared for something that may never happen. I do the very same thing, and have been able to help others. To me it is not redundant but essential.
You just cracked 10k subscribers, I predict you're going to get a lot more. Nice videos clearly and concisely explained.
Thanks!
Vice grips can be a shift lever in a pinch
Since this video you now have 80k subs
Yep - We've come a long way! Thanks!
MOTOTREK I’ve wanted to ask , is your gs a rallye ? Or is it a normal gs with spiked wheels added ? Just wondering
Hi Bret, UK calling. Not sure if you have seen these adjustable wrenches they are the bees knees (meaning very good). They are produced in Germany they are called Knipex, pronounced K_ Nip_ Ex. Once adjusted to nut size no need to keep adjusting when turning. They are expensive but great quality. Knipex do have a You Tube video of them in operation.
We'll check them out, Dereck! Thanks.
Just discovered your site. Very good! Clear,clean and to the point. Love the Hi definition.
Thanks, Warren!
from 324 to 72,000 subscribers
good job man
Thanks, Nick!
I was just thinking the same thing!! Congrats on your success and I love the videos!
81k subs now - that's a nice improvement in a couple months!
Whah that’s a lot of stuff. I have the stock tool kit, tire plugs, and a tube to steal air from another tire. That’s it. I ride a Japanese bike so I can’t imagine the bike ever needing this level of attention on the side of the road.
You, sir, have a dope channel. Subbed! The only thing I would possibly add is a flashlight. Preferably with a magnetic tail cap that you can stick to the frame or what not.
Thanks for the sub, Anton!
Great job! Super thorough and easy to follow. I’m going to get my toolkit in order now.
From 322 subscribers back then.... to 142,000 in 2020. Congratulations Bret.... and thanks for so many practical, interesting and informative video's.
He left Mototrek though for some reason. You should subscribe to his personal channel too if you didn't yet
Good video. If I can: add a scissor, duct tape and zip ties.
I ride a 1200 GSA thanks for some great ideas I will put them to use. Great videos keep them coming love to watch them
Your toolbox is the same as mine. Must have magnet & toothbrush. Keep up the good work cheers.
Good tips, Brett!
Great information! I just discovered your channal. I like your teaching style. I am a new rider and am looking to learn how to maintain my 2013 R1200 GSA oil cooled. I would love to see how-to videos on how to do the different service tack required. Thanks again for a very well throughout channel and presentation of relative information in an interesting manner.
BlacKnight
1up&Free
I don't know if I will do many bike specific videos but I will do some general videos.