What to Carry in a Roadside Motorcycle Maintenance Kit
A roadside motorcycle maintenance kit is kind of like an insurance policy. You hope you never have to use it, but you’re glad you have it if necessary. If a roadside breakdown happens, you’ll want to be prepared to fix the problem and get back on the road as soon as possible. Being stranded without a means of repairing the problem is simply no good, especially in remote locations. Here are a dozen items you’ll want to take on your next ride.
#1 Ratchet and Socket Set
Nearly any type of mechanical repair will require these tools. From tightening to loosening components, this set will allow you to complete many on-the-road repairs on your bike.
#2 Crescent Wrench
The versatility of a crescent wrench makes it a highly valuable tool on the road. You obviously don’t want to weigh yourself down with too many tools. With its adjustable jaw, the crescent wrench handles a lot of repairs.
#3 Allen Wrench Set
If your bike has screws and bolts with hexagonal recesses in the heads, a set of Allen wrenches is essential for any trip you take.
#4 Multi-Tool
Having one of those multi-purpose tools with about a dozen different types of tools can prove handy. They pack a lot of functionality into a compact size.
#5 Jumper Cables
Batteries can run low without much warning. Carrying jumper cables has saved many a biker from spending a night stranded with a dead bike.
#6 Tire Repair Kit
If you ride long enough, the day will come that you'll get a flat tire. A good kit will include tools, a pressure gauge, plugs, patches, and a tire inflator. You’ll want a kit that’s big enough to include essential supplies, but lightweight enough to be conveniently portable.
#7 Spare Nuts and Bolts
When you’re working on your bike, it’s possible to strip or lose nuts and bolts. Having a few extra ones available can prove handy.
#8 Fuses
Take replacement fuses with you. They’re not the type of thing that’s readily available at stores in remote and rural areas.
#9 Bulbs
Lights on a bike are essential for safety. If your lights burn out, you need to replace them promptly. Carrying spare bulbs with you is a good idea.
#10 Duct Tape
People laugh about duct tape doing practically anything, but it truly is an incredible multi-purpose tape that can handle many types of repairs in a pinch.
#11 Flashlight
Breakdowns aren’t always going to happen in daylight. If you’re working on your bike in the dead of night, you’ll appreciate having a flashlight.
#12 Gloves
Gloves serve two purposes. They protect your hands and give you a better grip on tools. You’ll be glad to have a pair available.
Be Ready for the Unexpected
You’ll never be able to predict when a roadside emergency will happen. But with the right preparation, you can be ready to handle almost anything. Take time to assemble your roadside motorcycle maintenance kit today. You don’t want to be the guy who wishes he had done so after breaking down on the side of the road.
