10 Absolutely Important Tools to Bring Along
It is true that motorcycles are so reliable these they hardly break down. That is great news for an owner, but that does not mean one should not be prepared.
The tools supplied with your bike (if at all) are usually either inadequate or low quality, so do yourself a favour and get a few high-quality items listed below.
Do note that you do not have to carry every piece of tool with you on your tour. Instead, you ought to pick out those that correspond to the sizes of fasteners on your bike. Then, insert all of them into a pouch and drop them into your GIVI case, pannier, tank bag or S250 Tool Box.
- Multitool
You could save yourself lots of space and possibly some money if you have a multitool to replace a myriad of tools. However, do invest in a good one them from a reputable adventure shop.
- Pliers
Pliers help you grip onto items that your fingers could not. Although you could choose between different types, we recommend the long-nosed variety, as they are able to fit into tight spaces.
- Screwdrivers
Screwdrivers are indispensable even if you do have a multitool, as the ones on the multitool are too short to reach further into the deep crevices of the bike. Have one straight-edge and one Philips head ready. Also make sure the tips are magnetized as they help you hold on to or retrieve dropped metal parts such as screws.
- Adjustable wrench
We do not recommend the adjustable wrench as a primary tool as the jaws do not lock solidly around a bolt or nut, thereby rounding it out. On the other hand, it is useful for emergency repairs.
- Hex keys
A set of hex keys take up little space but then again, you only require those that correspond to the fasteners on your bike. We advise that you buy those with ball-ends as they slot in easier and you can work at acute angles.
- Puncture repair kit
A tyre puncture is an easy fix, even if you are riding in the jungle.
GIVI offers the S450 Tubeless Tyre Repair Kit which consists of patches, tools and CO2 canisters to reinflate your tyre after you’ve mended the puncture. The canisters mean that you do not have to bring along a large air compressor to reinflate the tyre.
Another word of advice: Please have your tire fixed with a permanent patch or replace the tyre after you’ve performed a temporary repair.
- Wire
You may choose an insulated wire or “chicken” wire. The former is good for electrical circuit repair, while the latter is useful for tying things together.
- Cable ties
The cable tie is the most versatile item for repairs. They are great for hanging up a loose part or can become a tool when you loop one or a number together. They are cheap and easy to find, so there is no excuse to not having them with you.
- Duct Tape (Cloth Adhesive Tape)
Duct tape is an essential item, in addition to cable ties as you can fix almost anything with it, albeit temporarily. Leaky hoses? Loose part hanging off the bike? Boots that need repair? Duct tape to the rescue!
- Flashlight
Many argue that there is no need for an extra flashlight since all mobile phones offer that tool already. But how are you going to hold on to it when you need both hands to carry out repairs? The best is to get yourself a headlight, so to leave both your hands free to work.
