What to carry for emergencies?

[CoreyP]

So far I haven't gone far with my bike and not likely to but I do head many miles into no where, 20-40 miles from a town so I want to put somethings in my saddle bags for safety or convenience. 

I'm think a few things I need.

Flat kit. Anyone have a suggest? Plugs and a some CO2 cartridges is what I'm thinking.

First aid kit. I can put one together but does anyone a good motorcycle first kit? If I need to use a first aid kit I'm thinking you better have some big pads and long wraps for stopping blood. I ride all gear most of the time and certainly if I'm off to the swamps but most like injuries will be road rash etc.   

I have the Honda tool kit but anyone have an opinion/ experience on what I should be carrying for tools?  I know what you need for trail bikes but not cruisers.

Anything else you think I should be riding with just in case? I already carry glass cleaning stuff, a towel for what ever. Zip ties and electric tape.  I have the room so I probably should be more prepared.

[-mike-]

The OEM tool kit is quite all you may need. You MAY add other tools for convenience, though.
Check for complete spare fuses (esp. the dog bone one!)
I tried to add in my EEP (Essential Emergency Pack) things that would leave me stranded for sure if broken.
It doesn't need much space and weights not much:
Flat Kit
Spark-plug tire inflator (or small electric compressor)
spare kickstand springs
Spare clutch lever (and brake lever for convenience)
throttle cable repair kit
spare solenoid starter relay
silicone repair tape
Zip ties
electrical tape
yard of soft steel wire
yard of cable
a few quick terminals
Leatherman (or better) Tool

1st Aid kit and reflective vest added, as it is mandatory in a few countries over here.

and the shop manual on my mobile....  

-mike-

[hubcapsc]

I've been on rides where alternators went bad... sometimes
there's someone there with an alternator.

I've been on rides where starter solenoids went bad... I've
got a starter solenoid in my saddlebags.

I've been on rides where people's plastic valve stems went
bad, I had a good one. That shouldn't be you though, 
change out your plastic valve stems while you're at home.

Kickstand spring and retainer bolt...

-Mike

[Chrisj CMA]

I carry tire plugger/compressor jumper cables and a cell phone. If Im going far from home I bring the 22 and 27mm sockets and breaker bar in case a wheel has to come off no one usually has them big ones

I also always have a zipper case tool kit with the smaller sockets and normal junk you always need

[..]

AMA Membership

https://americanmotorcyclist.com/

[shadowsoftime]

AMA Membership

https://americanmotorcyclist.com/

AMA towing up to 35 miles, WTH
My AAA towing up to 200 miles.

[h13man]

Personalized tool kit, plug kit/CO2 cylinders, 8ga. jumper cables, windshield wipe's/micro towels, extra bulbs, and a flashlight with a stand.

[Jess from VA]

I've read the spark plug inflator may work or may be a PITA.  I have a mini pump that will run off my two prong SAE (not coax) battery pigtail for my battery tender (and heated gear).


The flat tire kits are minimalist, and considering you will be working on the side of the road, buying full size T-handle plugger and reamer tools are far superior to the little screwdriver handle tools that can be a real bitch to push through steel belted tires (esp my car tire).  I also have glue and the stringy plugs which I think are better than mushroom plugs, for not leaking.  The whole rig costs more than the kit, and you'll be glad to have it instead of the kit.


Even in daylight, it's hard to see many things clearly on the bike.  In dusk or dark, you can't see sh!t.  So a headband LED lite is essential.  It lets you work with both hands, and without holding a minimag flashlight in your drooling mouth.  You might get two, and wear an extra one pointing backwards at night to remind cars not to run you over.  (I hate safety glow vests, but that can help on a night roadside breakdown too)


I supplement tools with better screwdrivers, pliers, leather-man, a good 4" knife, and a small 1/4 socket set.  I got rubber bands, zip ties, wire, electrical tape, clips, bungies and all kinds of things in a little zipper case.

I carry a thermal top, waterproof gloves, rain gear, balaclava headover (half helmet), eyeglass cleaner, and one medium towel... stuff for bad weather.

Spare kickstand spring and stud.  Petcock rebuild kit (called a cover set).  Before I did the double row left rear wheel bearing mod, I always carried a spare left single row rear wheel bearing (the most common wheel bearing failure on the bike).  https://www.partzilla.com/product/honda/16953-MBZ-B51  Our bikes are about as reliable as can be, but there are a handful of things that do go wrong more often than other things, and as long as the fix-it parts for those things are small and light, having them with you all the time is a good idea (never leave the saddlebags).  (I don't carry a spare alternator; probably because I've never lost one.  If I ever lose one, I'll probably decide they're not that big to carry. Although the chances of me being able to change an alternator by myself on the side of the road is about the same as me being elected Pope.)

Cell phone, cash, credit card, change (machines).

And a small Jframe revolver and speed loader.  Not only for bad humans, but if I wreck on a deer and he's still alive I intend to put him out his misery whether it's medically indicated or not.

[h13man]

Also a jumper switch in advent the thermo sensor fails to switch on the fan.

[CoreyP]

AMA Membership

https://americanmotorcyclist.com/

AMA towing up to 35 miles, WTH
My AAA towing up to 200 miles.

That's a problem right there. I very well may be more than 35 miles from any tow truck much less a motorcycle shop. From my home I'm 45 miles form any bike dealer.

[CoreyP]

I've read the spark plug inflator may work or may be a PITA.  I have a mini pump that will run off my two prong SAE (not coax) battery pigtail for my battery tender (and heated gear).


The flat tire kits are minimalist, and considering you will be working on the side of the road, buying full size T-handle plugger and reamer tools are far superior to the little screwdriver handle tools that can be a real bitch to push through steel belted tires (esp my car tire).  I also have glue and the stringy plugs which I think are better than mushroom plugs, for not leaking.  The whole rig costs more than the kit, and you'll be glad to have it instead of the kit.


Even in daylight, it's hard to see many things clearly on the bike.  In dusk or dark, you can't see sh!t.  So a headband LED lite is essential.  It lets you work with both hands, and without holding a minimag flashlight in your drooling mouth.  You might get two, and wear an extra one pointing backwards at night to remind cars not to run you over.  (I hate safety glow vests, but that can help on a night roadside breakdown too)


I supplement tools with better screwdrivers, pliers, leather-man, a good 4" knife, and a small 1/4 socket set.  I got rubber bands, zip ties, wire, electrical tape, clips, bungies and all kinds of things in a little zipper case.

I carry a thermal top, waterproof gloves, rain gear, balaclava headover (half helmet), eyeglass cleaner, and one medium towel... stuff for bad weather.

Spare kickstand spring and stud.  Petcock rebuild kit (called a cover set).  Before I did the double row left rear wheel bearing mod, I always carried a spare left single row rear wheel bearing (the most common wheel bearing failure on the bike).  https://www.partzilla.com/product/honda/16953-MBZ-B51  Our bikes are about as reliable as can be, but there are a handful of things that do go wrong more often than other things, and as long as the fix-it parts for those things are small and light, having them with you all the time is a good idea (never leave the saddlebags).  (I don't carry a spare alternator; probably because I've never lost one.  If I ever lose one, I'll probably decide they're not that big to carry. Although the chances of me being able to change an alternator by myself on the side of the road is about the same as me being elected Pope.)

Cell phone, cash, credit card, change (machines).

And a small Jframe revolver and speed loader.  Not only for bad humans, but if I wreck on a deer and he's still alive I intend to put him out his misery whether it's medically indicated or not.

The T plug tools are good idea. Compressor isn't a bad idea as well. Already have the light and I carry when going out in the boonies.  Not a bad idea in a swamp.

[F6Dave]

If I ever need a tow, the response time may be more important than the price.  I've heard stories of riders calling one of the 'annual fee' towing services and waiting several hours.  In such a case I'd rather pay more for help that shows up in 30 minutes.

As for what to carry, maybe we should build a list based on experience.  In over 600,000 miles of riding I've had to make very few roadside repairs.  Back in the days of tubed tires flats were more of a problem, so I carried spare tubes and one of the old 'spark plug' pumps.  I used them several times.  With tubeless tires you usually get a slow leak and don't notice it for a while.  On a trip checking pressures every morning is a good idea.  Dealing with a leak is easier in a motel parking lot than on the roadside.

Other than flats the only issues I've had were electrical.  In all but one case I rode the bike home to repair it.  The exception was a bad connector that kept my nearly new KZ900 from starting back in the 70s.  Those old bikes had owner's manuals with wiring diagrams, so I was able to locate and splice around the connector and get back on the road.  I remember a guy on a Harley making a derisive comment about my 'rice burner'.  That was the AMF era, so I'm sure he had plenty of similar experiences.

[98valk]

to add to some great ideas;

spare oem oil filter. there have been some posts of road metal going into one.
spare headlight bulb
cresent wrench, large enough for the rear axle nut. this eliminated a few of the oem wrenches.
removed oem screw drivers and replaced with 4 in 1 driver.  thinking of replacing that with a craftsman magnetic multi-bit ratcheting screw driver that I have.

[RonW]

Something to tie your kickstand in the UP position if the spring bolt ever breaks. Remember you'll have to tie up while seated on the bike unless you have a wall etc to keep the bike upright. You can pre-tie one end of a strap etc. to the kickstand while the bike is leaning on the kickstand and the opposite end you place somewhere reachable when you are seated on the bike. Sit on the bike upright, and pull the strap until the kickstand is up as far as it'll go and tie the second end of the strap to something.

Do not go crazy with the knots or too tight because when you get home, you'll have to untie the strap while seated on the bike and balancing the bike unless you have a wall etc to keep the bike upright. Also, only your left hand will able to reach the strap. With the kickstand all the way down, the weight of the bike locks the kickstand in place.

You can tie the strap on the outside of the bike but the muffler is gonna heat up the strap. I only had a bungee cord handy, so I slipped some cardboard between the bungee cord and the muffler. It's actually the heat cover of the muffler at that location. Or, you could fish the strap inboard the muffler through the frame if memory serves. A bungee cord isn't ideal because your kickstand will bounce up and down at ever bump.

[CoreyP]

I have two cable straps for my helmets so I would think I could rig those up. I also have a carabiner because the the Honda hook is off set and you can't get two helmets strapped down with stock Honda cables so I put a carabiner on one which lets my wife and I easily hook both our helmets under the seat.

Never had a problem with a kick stand on a road bike but on trail bikes I've broken a lot of stuff. 

[RonW]

Never had a problem with a kick stand on a road bike but on trail bikes I've broken a lot of stuff.

My theory is the spring bolt gets bumped when you shove the lift jack under the Valk. It has a stress point X below.

[Bone]

Mine broke at a gas stop 1 mile from home. Put the stand down
to get gas the bolt broke. After getting gas I had a bungee with
hooks and raised it strapping over the exhaust hoping the 1 mile
ride home wouldn't be to much it made the trip.

[Jess from VA]

I think speed bumps (too fast) is the principle kickstand stud killer.  Or high manhole covers or other similar road hazards. 

If it doesn't get knocked right off, then it gets seriously disabled, then some small rub later finishes the job.

Add shocks shorter than 13" into the equation.

When my bike goes on the jack, I'm real careful not to lift it on the kickstand works; I stay laid on my side, and work the jack with my arm while watching until I'm sure it's clear, before getting up and using my foot.

[Valkorado]

Something to tie your kickstand in the UP position if the spring bolt ever breaks. Remember you'll have to tie up while seated on the bike unless you have a wall etc to keep the bike upright. You can pre-tie one end of a strap etc. to the kickstand while the bike is leaning on the kickstand and the opposite end you place somewhere reachable when you are seated on the bike. Sit on the bike upright, and pull the strap until the kickstand is up as far as it'll go and tie the second end of the strap to something.

Do not go crazy with the knots or too tight because when you get home, you'll have to untie the strap while seated on the bike and balancing the bike unless you have a wall etc to keep the bike upright. Also, only your left hand will able to reach the strap. With the kickstand all the way down, the weight of the bike locks the kickstand in place.

You can tie the strap on the outside of the bike but the muffler is gonna heat up the strap. I only had a bungee cord handy, so I slipped some cardboard between the bungee cord and the muffler. It's actually the heat cover of the muffler at that location. Or, you could fish the strap inboard the muffler through the frame if memory serves. A bungee cord isn't ideal because your kickstand will bounce up and down at ever bump.

I have an emergency "kit" with various stuff I can move from bike to bike for longer trips.  It has a spare kickstand bolt and spring.  Still...

An 800# bike lacking a functional kickstand would suck!  Especially if the weather or terrain wasn't ideal.   I'm trying to imagine something that would stretch like a bungee cord that's also meltproof.  Hmmm.

[yrunvs]

357

[Chrisj CMA]

Never had a problem with a kick stand on a road bike but on trail bikes I've broken a lot of stuff.

My theory is the spring bolt gets bumped when you shove the lift jack under the Valk. It has a stress point X below.

Could be, who knows. But I think rather it’s a design flaw. The little metal plate that looks like it’s there to support the spring bolt has too big of a hole. Every time the stand is cycled that bolt can flex a tiny bit and after an undisclosed number of bending it breaks due to metal fatigue. Just another theory.

[Gnarly]

Agree with the list! and I'm mostly here to lurk n learn.
Some things to consider:

Clear heavy duty shower curtain.
Maybe $8 at the Dollar Store.
Makes a great ground tarp, if you gotta do repairs. And it double as a rain shelter for two, in a real gullyWasher. Nice to be able to see out.

A few small tubes of SuperLube.
....costs about $.60 each....good grease in a tiny packet, and also use for dielectric: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KU85W4G/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Channelock makes a 8" Big Azz adjustable wrench, reasonably priced, for unexpected big stuff. Up to 1.5".
https://www.amazon.com/Channellock-8WCB-WideAzz-Adjustable-Opening/dp/B001I70C34/ref=sr_1_15?dchild=1&keywords=large+crescent+wrench&qid=1591914349&sr=8-15

A #2 J.I.S screwdriver.

Small vial of Sterile Saline, as eyewash or wound irrigation.  ( Maybe that's just my vocation, talking. )



Headlamp & spare batteries.

Not touting brand names; these are just what I carry.

[Jess from VA]

Returning from Asheville Inzane #1 to No VA, I was in and out of heavy rain all day (and stuck to freeways accordingly).  Somewhere around 15 miles to the next exit on I-81 N, south of Harrisonburg, the entire north bound lane was entirely stopped due to a big multi-car/truck accident way up ahead. Everyone turned off their cars, and waited (and the rain never stopped).  You can't get off the road, and if you run the break-down lane it's a reckless driving in VA (for 15 miles?) (for which you can be taken away in cuffs). I was in rain-suit with waterproof boots and gloves and half helmet with visor, kickstand out, sitting back on my backrest in pouring rain with my arms crossed, for hours.  

This had happened before (but not this long), and just like before, not one solitary vehicle (of thousands) thought to offer me a seat out of the weather.  I realize inviting a stranger into your car is a risk, especially a very wet stranger, but it sure would have been nice.  After an hour, I got real sleepy and thought about pulling out my traveling half cover and snapping it on the bike, just to get under it out of the rain, and put my head down and go to sleep.  Even if I ended up holding up traffic when we finally got moving.  But didn't.

I decided then and there that I would always carry a compact folding umbrella afterwards, just for such occasions.  Sure the helmet and gear is pretty waterproof, but after hours of water down your neck, it's not exactly dry anymore.  And I don't care how stupid it might look either, it would beat just sitting on your bike in the rain for hours like a drowned rat.  AND, if you had to get off the bike and walk a mile or two in the rain (or work on it), it might also be helpful.



I've seen Goldwing back-seaters in shorts slow rolling through town in sunshine using an umbrella, but I don't take back-seaters.  

[CoreyP]

Didn't know the spring bolt was a weak spot. I'm going to look into that, sounds like having one on hand at home would be a good idea. If travel take it along.

Which bolt are you talking about? Number 6? https://www.bikebandit.com/oem-parts/2001-honda-valkyrie-deluxe-gl1500cd/o/m151313#sch105100

[-mike-]

Didn't know the spring bolt was a weak spot. I'm going to look into that, sounds like having one on hand at home would be a good idea. If travel take it along.

Which bolt are you talking about? Number 6? https://www.bikebandit.com/oem-parts/2001-honda-valkyrie-deluxe-gl1500cd/o/m151313#sch105100

Part 11:
https://www.partzilla.com/catalog/honda/motorcycle/1998/gl1500c-ac-valkyrie/frame

50536-MZ0-010


-mike-

[Grandpot]

First Aid Kit.  If you are on blood thinners like me, carry a coagulation agent like Bleed Stop.  There are also several other products for traumatic bleeding. When you bleed like me, there is no time to run to a pharmacy.

[CoreyP]

First Aid Kit.  If you are on blood thinners like me, carry a coagulation agent like Bleed Stop.  There are also several other products for traumatic bleeding. When you bleed like me, there is no time to run to a pharmacy.

I would put that in any first aid kit, just a good idea to have if you are long ways from help.

[CoreyP]

Didn't know the spring bolt was a weak spot. I'm going to look into that, sounds like having one on hand at home would be a good idea. If travel take it along.

Which bolt are you talking about? Number 6? https://www.bikebandit.com/oem-parts/2001-honda-valkyrie-deluxe-gl1500cd/o/m151313#sch105100

Part 11:
https://www.partzilla.com/catalog/honda/motorcycle/1998/gl1500c-ac-valkyrie/frame

50536-MZ0-010


-mike-

Thank You. Maybe I'll get to check that out tonight, not really sure where it is but I'm sure it won't take long to find it. 

[RonW]

The spring bolt is on the *Frame* page. The odds of the spring bolt breaking is low. It just an advantage to have it on hand if it ever does. You're not able to ride the bike until you replace the spring bolt and ordering it is gonna take a week. While you're at it, you might order the little washer that fits between the spring bolt and the bracket although the washer should be on the ground next to the broken spring bolt.

I think the original topic was on emergency items relevant to typical routes or distances not long distance trips. So, I would pack extra fuses and a dogbone fuse, and 1157 light bulbs that used for the tail light and front turn signals. Also, 1156 signal bulbs for the rear signals. For long distance trips, an extra turn signal lens.

[98valk]

Didn't know the spring bolt was a weak spot. I'm going to look into that, sounds like having one on hand at home would be a good idea. If travel take it along.

Which bolt are you talking about? Number 6? https://www.bikebandit.com/oem-parts/2001-honda-valkyrie-deluxe-gl1500cd/o/m151313#sch105100

Part 11:
https://www.partzilla.com/catalog/honda/motorcycle/1998/gl1500c-ac-valkyrie/frame

50536-MZ0-010


-mike-

Thank You. Maybe I'll get to check that out tonight, not really sure where it is but I'm sure it won't take long to find it. 

I use these guys https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/oem-parts/Honda much more
over partzilla.  usually prices are close and shipping is less and only have to buy $75 to get free shipping vs. $149. and rocky has a RM cash back program and carries all of honda chemicals.

[F6Dave]

Why not TPMS?  Since these bikes are so reliable mechanically, a tire puncture is more likely to strand you than anything else.  Tubeless tires rarely blow out, they usually develop a slow leak.  So TPMS will usually warn you long before you can feel the tire going down, giving you time to find a convenient place to deal with it.

I bought a TPMS system for my F6B.  I haven't had a puncture since I got it, but it's nice to know pressures are normal.  The system also shows the tire temperature and it's surprising how hot the rear tire gets, typically 20 to 30 degrees above ambient.

On my car the low pressure warning (25 PSI) has activated twice.  In both cases it gave me time to get the tire repaired without having to change the tire on the roadside.

[2KVISRiderDan]

Am I the only one who carries a roll of toilet paper in my trunk or bags?

[Valker]

Am I the only one who carries a roll of toilet paper in my trunk or bags?

Nope. Wet wipes also.

[CoreyP]

Am I the only one who carries a roll of toilet paper in my trunk or bags?

Nope. Wet wipes also.

That's not really a bad idea. A gross one butt......

[Valkorado]

Am I the only one who carries a roll of toilet paper in my trunk or bags?

Nope. Wet wipes also.

That's not really a bad idea. A gross one butt......

It could be more gross going without.   

[Chrisj CMA]

Been riding 46 years and never needed on board TP. Don’t think I’ll be adding that to my kit.

[gordonv]

Am I the only one who carries a roll of toilet paper in my trunk or bags?

Nope. Wet wipes also.

That's not really a bad idea. A gross one butt......

It could be more gross going without.   

It's actually not needed. Wanted, but not needed..... 

[Oss]

I carry clotting sponge in case I come upon a serious accident in every bike

A person can bleed out (even if not on thinners before ems can come) and
just thought it would be cool to be able to save another biker (or myself or passenger)
if I came upon the worst scenario

My list is pretty long but I have an interstate so plenty of room
Right saddlebag  First aid kit / flares & simple tools & fuses in small bag/flat tire kit and compressor/spare headlight bulbs/microfiber rags/headlite like Jess uses plus a clamp-on light/at least 2 water bottles and power bars/screwdriver(for speed sensor & baker air wings if its really hot I take out the fixed piece) and swiss army knife  rain pants and frogg togg uppers and a hat and sunscreen
Left saddlebag spare alternator, spare gloves, the electronics for plugging in compressor and charger. a pair of sneakers (I wear 11" waterproof boots which are comfortable for walking but sneakers are better most of the time) a spare shirt and socks and one of those usb batteries that can charge the phone multiple times.  Used to carry a battery charger as well but stopped when got the new alternator last year

When traveling I put the small duffel on the rear seat and bungee net it in  I have used a spare bungee when I broke the kickstand bolt in 2014 in Alabama.  It got me home ok.

[Chrisj CMA]

Yes, now a days you need one of these. I just got a new all leather cc holster. This one is inside the waistband

[Tundra]

Motorcycle towing insurance. Smith & Wesson . 45 Shield. Credit card.
   I don't want to work on bike in the side of the road. To hot. Heck I don't want to work on it at home in an air conditioned garage anymore. Serious pre flight before each ride and keep in top maintained condition. It's worked well for me. I've been towed several times from remote locations. I'm very happy to pay that towing insurance, money very well spent.