Even the most reliable motorcycle can be brought to a halt by a flat tyre or a snapped cable, leaving you stranded at the side of the road. The good news is that many of these problems can be easily fixed, provided you carry a few handy items with you. Don’t leave home without one of the following.
Basic Tool Kit
You don’t have to be a qualified mechanic to retighten a loose nut or bolt. Make sure you only carry tools that will fit your bike or go for a motorcycle specific selection, like the Gear Gremlin Tool Kit, which comes in its own pouch.
Puncture Repair Kit
One of the most common reasons for a ‘breakdown’ is a flat, so make sure you carry the wherewithal to deal with it. Go for a complete Tyre Repair Kit that has everything you need to plug and go, (for tubeless tyres).
Cable Repair Kit
Another frequent failure that can ruin a day’s ride is a broken cable. Pop a universal Cable Repair Kit in your bag or under your seat and you’ll be back on the road in no time.
Duct Tape and Cable ties
Strong tape is great for temporarily fixing a cracked screen, holding bodywork in place after a drop, or patching torn seats (on bikes or trousers). Cable ties are also handy for holding things together, especially if bolts or screws have worked their way loose.
Other essentials for your motorcycle ride
It’s not just mechanical mishaps you need to prepare for either; here are a few other little things you might not have thought about:
Disc Lock
Leaving your bike unattended – even just for two minutes to grab a snack or for a comfort break – increases the risk of theft. A compact Disc Lock is easy to carry and takes only seconds to clamp in place, preventing anyone from moving your pride and joy.
Spare Zip Puller
It’s happened to us all; you pull on your riding jacket ready to head home, and the zip pull goes. Not great. One of these universal Zipper Puller Packs will have your kit fully functioning again in the blink of an eye.
Helmet Visor Cleaner
It sounds obvious, but how many of us have been out for a sunny day’s ride and had to do most of it desperately trying to see through a mucky, fly-caked visor? Carry some Visor Cleaner and enjoy a clear view at all times.
Ear Plugs + Spare Set
Alongside the long term damage to hearing, wind noise can ruin a ride – knocking your concentration and sometimes leaving you with a bad head. Always wear Ear Plugs and carry a spare set, because they’re small and easy to lose.
Backpack
The ability to carry things comfortably on a bike – either what you take with you, or what you pick up en route – is essential, and there’s no more versatile way than with a backpack. Invest in a good quality one – like the Kriega R20 – that’s comfortable, waterproof, durable and offers decent capacity.