Parts/Tools--don't leave home without...

[Fazer]

Planning a trip to Inzane and wondering what makes sense to carry in emergency--spare parts wise.  Been reading posts about Big Poppa losing his universal joint and being able to limp home.  Another thread, the OP is asking about solder less throttle cables in case one should break on a trip.  Got me to wondering what others may view as parts that they would not be without.  I couldn't see packing things like UJ's, final drive parts, alternators, thermostats--but maybe I am not as prepared as I should be.

What say you all?

[davit]

Mounted lift adapter.

[Draeger]

This is a good question. As a new Valk 1500 owner I wonder the same thing.

[Bighead]

Some people carry anything that will fit in their saddlebags , me a small tool kit and a rain suit oh and extra clothes not much more than that. Some might say I am  but if I breakdown I will deal with that issue then. If I don't trust my ride I wouldn't ride it very far and wouldn't have any fun worrying about it. So I ride it and enjoy it

[Jess from VA]

What past experience tells me is too many people leave on trips with obvious bike problems unresolved; like tires that can't possibly make the round trip.  If you maintain your machine in good order, and do a long distance preflight, the basics are all you should need.  Of course there will be exceptions, but not very many. 

The entertaining thing is that those who pack alternators and Ujoints and the like, rarely break down, and the folks who don't exercise due diligence end up using the other guys parts, which are generously provided by the packrats (at cost).   

[Jersey mike]

you can never go wrong having some spare fuses, a new headlight bulb, and a brake light bulb.

then some electrical tape, wire ties, a couple small wire nuts, needle nose pliers, an adjustable wrench too. A multi purpose hand tool would be good also.

a few cloth hand rags and paper towels as well as a small towel in case it rains you can wipe off a little and I like a small towel to wipe my face and head when its warm/hot. a couple 12oz bottle of water, not opened.

some T/P...1/2 a roll for just in case moments.

[big poppa pump]

The only thing that I am carrying with me are spare fuses, kickstand bolt and spring, couple of side-cover grommets, both A&B throttle cables, zipties/tape and a few other miscellaneous parts and connectors. I just replaced my steering stem bearings as well as my front and rear wheel bearings. I was planning on carrying the U-joint with me, but things took a different turn and I ended up installing it this week. I will have a spare alternator, front and rear brake pads, another set of front and rear bearings sitting on my garage table all packed and ready to be shipped. If the situation does call for, my girlfriend will immediately ship the required item by next day air early AM so I'll have the part first thing in the morning.
As far as tools go, I have Honda tool kit with me and I plan on carrying a socket wrench with various metric sockets.

[BigMac (SoCal)]

I can say my bike has over 146,000 miles and has never let me down. That being said I'm going to InZane from So Cal so I have a few things I'm bringing along. 2 of my co riders also have Valks with quite a few miles as well. Here's my list and I'm sure I'm over reacting but a lot of what I read on this board is why.

Alternator brushes
Kickstand parts
wheel bearings
ICM
IGNITION PULSE GENERATOR ASSY.
timing belt adjusters
Starter relay
fuses
U joint
a better tool kit
tire pump
tire repair kit.
latex gloves
small first aid kit

And I'm sure a few thing I forgot. Although I may never need these item as the saying goes. It's better to have them and not need them than need them and not have them. I also have spare coils home as well.

Dave

[Draeger]

Seems to be a consensus on kickstand bolt and spring... first I've heard of that. Is there a kit for that or just order by part number?

[gordonv]

On any trip, I have the air compressor and tire patch. Tools. The service manual (usually in PDF format).

I now have a trailer, so on longer trips, I'll most likely bring most if not all the things light/small enough to carry. I have a petcock, u-joint, alternator, starter, rotor, valve stems, etc., etc.

Do I expect to need any of these things? No. But if I don't need them, maybe someone else might have need.

Like said, all maintenance should be done before the trip, and tires should last for the round trip, oil changed.

[Savago]

Just curious, but are alternators that prone to failure?

I always thought the Valkyrie alternators were oversized for most of people's needs...


Savago

[Firefighter]

I used to set the tools aside as I removed the wheels for service so I could carry those same tools on the bike along with tire plugs, air pump, and fuses. I maintain my bike so I feel it very unlikely to have a problem. Might carry a few small parts I have accumulated, but the engines are bullet proof, flats are my only concern.

[Jess from VA]

Just curious, but are alternators that prone to failure?

I always thought the Valkyrie alternators were oversized for most of people's needs...


Savago

I'm no expert, but reading here for a long time, it appears the brushes get dirty and/or worn, and one or two other supposedly fairly easily remediable things happen to them most of the time, rather than complete failure.  Those that can fix them do (and even do maintenance before failure).  The rest of us get it rebuilt, or replace it using the old one as a core exchange.  I think they have a 560 amp rating (or something like that), and failures are not usually due to over taxing, but occur from age, wear, dirt/dust, exposure to elements/water/humidity/corroded connections/heat.    This.... to the best of my recollection.

[Red Diamond]

What past experience tells me is too many people leave on trips with obvious bike problems unresolved; like tires that can't possibly make the round trip.  If you maintain your machine in good order, and do a long distance preflight, the basics are all you should need.  Of course there will be exceptions, but not very many.  

The entertaining thing is that those who pack alternators and Ujoints and the like, rarely break down, and the folks who don't exercise due diligence end up using the other guys parts, which are generously provided by the packrats (at cost).    

Some people carry anything that will fit in their saddlebags , me a small tool kit and a rain suit oh and extra clothes not much more than that. Some might say I am   but if I breakdown I will deal with that issue then. If I don't trust my ride I wouldn't ride it very far and wouldn't have any fun worrying about it. So I ride it and enjoy it

Well said.

[Bighead]

What past experience tells me is too many people leave on trips with obvious bike problems unresolved; like tires that can't possibly make the round trip.  If you maintain your machine in good order, and do a long distance preflight, the basics are all you should need.  Of course there will be exceptions, but not very many. 

The entertaining thing is that those who pack alternators and Ujoints and the like, rarely break down, and the folks who don't exercise due diligence end up using the other guys parts, which are generously provided by the packrats (at cost).   

Some people carry anything that will fit in their saddlebags , me a small tool kit and a rain suit oh and extra clothes not much more than that. Some might say I am  but if I breakdown I will deal with that issue then. If I don't trust my ride I wouldn't ride it very far and wouldn't have any fun worrying about it. So I ride it and enjoy it

Don't understand this reply but I have been coast to coast and boarder to boarder more than once and haven't needed any parts yet

[PhredValk]

Cellphone, AMA card, Visa.

Actually I carry a full tool kit, tire repair, compressor, electrical bits, U-joint, side stand bolt and spring,  fuses, bulbs. The one time I needed tools I blew a rear bearing, and had to buy half the needed tools at my destination. Now that I have them, I doubt I'll ever need them again.
Fred.

[Gavin_Sons]

I packmy trailer full of parts and tools and don't go 10 miles without it, oh wait, that was with an old harley 
I have a little plastic container with electrical tape wire nuts and fuses. Zip ties and a tire plug kit, air compressor, and a spare u joint, and a couple screwdrivers and a tiny socket set. This takes up about half of one saddlebag. Have never needed any of it

[hubcapsc]

Just curious, but are alternators that prone to failure?

I don't think much on a Valkyrie is "prone to failure", but if you've
been going on these InZane/Memorial-Day/Hillbilly/Group rides
for long, you've probably seen an alternator failure or two, along
with some starter relays, some plastic valve stems, and a kickstand
spring or two...

-Mike

[Bighead]

I could have used a valve stem one time

[woofred1832]

                                   Ya well used to take more tools with when we rode with older bikes, but now we all have nice,NOT new but newer bikes, not more than 6 years old ,except for one, and thats a 1997 Valkyrie so no problems there. Pretty much the only, still got to have,is a tire repair plug kit and a can to inflate a flat.   If any other major thing would happen you call for a trailor and park it till other arrangements can be made

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

 I carry an air compressor and plug kit, spare fuses, a few assorted bulbs, some assortment of common wrenches, allen wrench knife set and a small set of jumper cables. I made mine out of an old lamp cord and some small claps from walmarts. My bike has 197,000 miles on it only time it let me done was an alt. died while running the three sisters in west texas. Push starting this bikes can be done but hard to do by yourself.

[Hook#3287]

Just about everything has been covered, can't add any other "don't leave home w/o" tools.

My buddy and I are going to the Adirondacks next week and we'll be prepared.

We'll hookup his truck and trailer, leave it in the driveway facing out, and take his daughters cell phone number.

Here in New England, nothing is more than a 1/2 day away.  If I was based out west, I'd have to carry all the extra parts and tools listed here.

[longrider]

The tools and parts one should carry depend on mileage, maintenance, and the amount of paranoia one can handle.  I'm on my third valk.  120k on the first, 108k on the second, 25 on this one.  44 states, 6 provinces and not one of the valks ever left me stranded.  I do carry a few parts if on a long trip.  Petcock kit, double row rear bearing as it's hard to find sometimes, kickstand bolt.  And I too have many spare parts in the bin in my shed that could be shipped at any moment if I needed them.  Oh and I carry a fantastic little tool bag c/w 3/8 drive metric sockets, scredfrivers wrenches, tire plug tools,test light, allen keys, thanks to the wifes three compartment make up bag, for the Harleys that need repair on the side of the road.

[Brian]

Has anyone ever thought about carrying a small digital multimeter? Really everyone, join the GWRRA, their towing service is awesome for both scooters and cars. I have had to use this twice in one year and once was for the bike. This membership card and the cell phone are always with me. 

[Jess from VA]

I never leave home without one of these.  Beats the heck out of a mag lite in the mouth (to keep both hands free to work), and plenty of places on a bike you can't see very well even in daylight.

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=led+headband+lamp

[Fazer]

Lots of good responses.  I would never have thought about the side stand bolt/spring.  Not going to bring an extra, but will certainly have a bungee or two and will lay one in for future stock.  I already have a small tire repair kit w/ compressor, and a complete Honda tool kit.  In addition will bring allen wrenches, Leatherman, elect tape, zip ties, extra headlight bulb, wrenches to remove wind shield, what fuses I have and a flashlight.  I have a HF headlight, but will probably leave behind, although that was a good suggestion, Jess from VA. 

Everything seems to be in tip top shape on the bike.  I recently replaced all the hydraulic fluid and will do the same for the coolant prior to leaving.  I bought new tires when I got the bike with 17,000 miles and trust the Honda dealership serviced the splines as they said they did.  I am looking forward to the tech session on rear end work.  Desmogged and added Dan Mark shut off valve to fuel, new air filter and did petcock service last fall.  Also added the BonS smart switch.

This will be my first trip over 100 miles--about 310 to ground zero.  Going non highway, should take about 6 hours, but I will take my time and enjoy. 

[Gryphon Rider]

Has anyone ever thought about carrying a small digital multimeter?

I have one in my long trip tool kit.

The only parts that I've needed away from home is the kick stand bolt.  I was camping in a rocky field and a rock got it.  I had a replacement with me, so no big deal.  That reminds me, I still haven't replaced the spare in my tool kit.

The one thing that I've used several times (on other's bikes) is my Stop & Go plug kit and 12V mini compressor.

[MarkT]

The Honda tool kit is a good indicator of some of the potential tools needed. I replaced most of those cheap tools with quality ones. Most of the road repairs I've done or helped others, have been electrical. So I bring wire nuts & shrink tube & wire ties all in assorted sizes, a coil of AWG 14 wire, multimeter, test light with sharp probe, assorted fuses and bulbs that match those used on the bike. (Though all lights except headlight & spots are LED's on Jade; have 1157's & H4's for trailer, other bikes) Two jumper wires with clips on the ends. Electrical tape, liquid elect tape, Bic lighter, needle nose, small visegrips, wire stripper, side cutter "nipper", small scissors, small forceps, assorted screwdrivers incl micro, combo wrenches & sockets in 1/4" drive with extensions with a gimbal ratchet handle. The "security bit" set from H-F, and a driver handle (I forgot it had allen bits in it on our recent ride to the GOTF, and rummaged for the Allen wrenches I also had).  Victorinox leatherman style SwissTool, Victorinox Champion multi-knife with all blades razor sharp. Air compressor and tire plug kit. Of course my bikes have my permanent lift adapter. The manual's wiring diagram on my phone.  Towing insurance, credit card.  Most of the above kit fits in a small fishing box.

Of course the bike is in top shape before a big road trip.  No known issues, and no soon-needed maintenance.  Plenty of tread, fresh fluid and brake pad changes. I went to Evans permanent coolant on all bikes years ago - now I have NO maintenance on the cooling system, and NO corrosion possible internally. My current road bike has only 30k miles.  Of course lower miles means inherent better reliability.  But high-mile Valkyries can also be reliable with good maintenance and attention to issues. Look at DDT's bike - 500k+ miles.  Though we did fix his starter relay plug last year, on our ride to Rifle CO.  (That's an issue to add to the other known Valkyrie issues).  You can do things to prevent those known issues - and I have, for several.  Like the headlight relay mod to take the load off the switches.  A Dan-marc to prevent hydrolock. Modified the petcock to manual operation.  LED lights to eliminate bulb failures and reduce load on the electrical system. Alternator brushes when they wear down, before failure on the road. Desmog to prevent most vacuum leaks. Move the battery ground to the left footpeg bracket mount. Take apart, clean, and reassemble with dielectric grease or liquid tape, the frangible link (the 55amp fuse, rt cover), the starter relay connector, and other electrical connections especially high-load ones.  Like a fuse panel if you installed one.  Move grounds off of aluminum to steel or add star washers (Honda doesn't believe in star washers; it's industry practice in the U.S.). Again, the headlight relay mod - or BonS's Smart switch, same thing.  Use Ride-On to balance your tires - bonus, it will stop most air leaks in the center 2/3 of the tread. Do remember to check the tires periodically for nails.

Honda spare parts - not really other than bulbs fuses etc. If a bearing or the like goes I'll just deal with it as needed.

I'm sure I'm forgetting something...

OK a web tow strap or rope.  Battery charger.  Jade is wired to charge phones / usb devices.  A siphon hose - I use 9 ft of fuel line.  Set up Jade with an extra petcock for draining the fuel tank / sharing fuel.  Was surprised we needed it right away on the GOTF ride.  A blender for making frozen Markaritas.

[RDAbull]

First of all I cheat, but I have the room in the trailer.
Packed at the bottom of the trailer is a full set of hand tools, just in case I run into someone who knows how to use them.  On several trips I have seen the alternator crap out, so there is one of them packed away also.  I just hope Mitcho or T-Dude is around if I need it. Bulbs, wiring, a compressor/electrical jump box, box of ties and misc stuff.  Everything is for the group, you need it, it's yours.
I'm heading to Montana and Idaho in July, when I'm by myself I guess I will have to rely on the cellphone and credit cards.  Or maybe I'll get lucky and some good Samaritan will feel sorry for a  number crunching non-mechanic.  I promise to keep a couple of cold beers in the cooler for payment.

[fudgie]

I hv a small tool bag in my saddle bag that is full of misc supplies, parts, and tools. Also a u joint somewhere in the saddle bag. I just keep it on the bike all the time. When I travel I'll throw in all the sockets it takes to do most repairs. Rear wheel etc. Last few yrs I carried a spare alt with me. Only reason is some of the desolate places I go to on our 3k-4k mile trip. Most of the time no cell service. Had my alt gone thru last fall and should be good to go for a few more yrs.

[fudgie]

I'm heading to Montana and Idaho in July.....

Where to and when? We're rolling out July 29th.

[Valker]

One thing I always do with my tool bag- I get my hands all greasy then wipe them clean on an old, but clean pair of tighty whiteys then wash them in cold water. This leaves nasty looking stains on them. I wrap my tool bag. No one touches it.

[The emperor has no clothes]

One thing I always do with my tool bag- I get my hands all greasy then wipe them clean on an old, but clean pair of tighty whiteys then wash them in cold water. This leaves nasty looking stains on them. I wrap my tool bag. No one touches it.

I'm sure that would work. You must get some strange looks when working on your bike. 

[Oss]

thanks for NOT showing that when I stopped by your house Eric

 

I found out that a short bungy WILL hold up the kickstand if you happen to have the luggage rack on the trunk of your interstate. Since I picked up a whole rear (bike was being triked) of a 2000 interstate way back when I had the spare stuff in the basement when I finally got home

I also carry the battery tender jr just in case someone at the events has a battery die on them  Used to carry the ujoint but finally got to use it a few years ago

Still have the spare alternator in the saddle bag tho

[mmvalk]

May be a bit off topic...  however, when taking 'long' trips - suggest that you carry spare keys (on your person), emergency cash (I store mine in a ziploc bag in the battery compartment) and copies of pertinent docs (license, registration, insurance, emergency contact info...) also stored behind the battery compartment (and copies on my phone).

As I live in NYC, I also carry a copy of the HOV fed regs - NYC cops tend to tag motorcyclists using the HOV lanes... 

Marty

[hubcapsc]

suggest that you carry spare keys (on your person)

 

I went to the big box store the other day to make a key for the 1800,
so I wouldn't have to carry the klunky OEM key (which I otherwise prefer)
in my wallet... the big box store key pops my gas lid, but won't start
my bike  ??? ...

-Mike "glad it was only $2.15"

[Jess from VA]

This is why I always go to my top flight lock and key outfit for important keys (car/house/bike, not a padlock).  They always look it over and do a little file work to clean them up.  Then I go right out and try it, before leaving. 

Yeah, it costs about 3 times more per key.

[crow]

Road flares,  12v cell phone charger

[allanbegg]

Most of the responses here are for the folks that do all of their own maintenance and know every nut and bolt on their bikes. Something that hasn't really been discussed, but is worth stating is the following;

The amount of tools and spare parts you carry should be proportional to the level of repair capabilities YOU have. No point in bringing along a ton of spares and tools, if you don't know how to install/use them. If you aren't the primary wrench on your bike, bring along your Mastercard and/or American Express and enjoy the ride.

I was once stranded in CO and had to pay a dealership to repair my Shadow. I had all of the tools and knowledge necessary to fix my bike, but didn't have the multimeter to confirm my suspicions of the problem, or the replacement part (stator) with me. At the time, I was on a long distance (coast to coast and back) trip and left home with the understanding that I might have to trailer the bike home or pay a dealership to fix it. I was willing to take that risk and had a great trip, as a result.

Allan

[MarkT]

Yep.  I don't bring a lot of spare parts.  The space and weight cost is too much for the unlikely event I will need them.  Now if I was travelling across Siberia on a KLR or Beemer I would bring spares of known problem parts for my ride.  There are some very interesting extreme adventure rider odysseys on advrider, where such spares are a good idea.  My friend Sgt Marty who rode to Prudhoe Bay, and then to Tierra del Fuego, took along spares that he could, and had his wife overnight parts from here in Colorado.  He had spare parts ready to ship for his KLR.  He documented the ride in real time - it was like being there with him; he did great reporting.

I bring generic things like bulbs, fuses, and electrical repair tools.  Basic wrenches and hand tools.  The ability to plug flats.  A cell phone and bank card.  OK some cash too.  Again, I make sure all maintenance is current and any known problems are fixed.  As well as having done some preventative mods, as I mentioned above.  Oh yeah, I forgot to mention, metal valve stems installed.  And of course, don't forget your meds.  And water - I like the Butler cup.  And of course a good GPS - my Garmin 665 supports Doppler radar, very handy for avoiding weather clouds.  (Phone helps with that too, esp. if you have a Ball mount for it, or the like.)