Emergency Repair and First Aid Kit

 

 

 

Hope for the Best — Prepare for the Worst

Because bad things sometimes happen to good people... here are a few important things to pack with you to help get you out of an unforseen situation:

 

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Toolkit

Most motorcycles come with tool kits, but it's a good idea to supplement the basics tools provided, with pliers, wire cutters, and various wrenches (including allen wrenches).

A small "Vise-Grip"-type locking-plier, and an all-in-one tool ("Leatherman") tool can be a helpful complement to a traditional toolkit, and is easily accessible for quick repairs or adjustments.

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Bring Extras!

Wherever I ride, I always pack extra fuses, extra bulbs, extra spark plugs, an inner tube and chain oil or spray lubricant (like WD-40) can make the difference between traveling securely and limping to the next service station.

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Your Mobile Phone

Okay - so this one might be obvious, as most rider will always have their phones with them when they ride - but it's worth adding to this list as one of the simplest ways to get help when needed - keeping in mind that depending on where you ride, you may not get a good signal (and you might not get any signal at all).

Helpful tip:
When riding long-distance - it's a good idea to turn your phone off when you're riding (or leave it in "airplane" mode). The reason is to be sure your battery has enough power when you need it. When traveling (riding) outside your local coverage zone your phone will be constantly searching for the nearest cell-phone tower, which can quickly drain your battery.

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Extra Key

Imagine loosing or breaking your key when you're out enjoying a ride far from home - it can happen. A simple remedy is to bring a spare key and keep it hidden (securely) somewhere on your bike - or keep it with you in your wallet or pocket.

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Flashlight

Don't get caught in the dark? A flashlight will save you the hassle of trying to use your cell phone for illumination.

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Tire Repair Kit

Getting a flat tire when you ride can be a hassle at best, and dangerous at worst. If you get a flat tire, move to a safe area as quickly as possible, away from other traffic. I ALWAYS bring with me on my rides a Tire/Tube kit which includes C02 cartridges for tire inflation.

In addition to the C02 cartridges, I'll also have with me a hand-pump, if the cartridges fail or run out. Most Tire Repair Kits include both Patches (for inner tubes) as well as "Plugs" for tubeless tires.

 

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First Aid Kit

A first aid kit is something you never want to be without — whether its poison ivy or an ankle burn from an exhaust pipe, the cliché about an ounce of prevention is absolutely true. Rather than assembling your own supplies, an easier and more thorough solution is to purchase a pre-assembled first aid kit, which will ensure that key items are not missing. And basic first aid training is plus.

 

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Zip Ties

Zip Ties (also know as "cable ties") - the other often joked-about resource that every motorcyclist should have with them at all times.

 

You can never have too many zip ties!

 

It's amazing how helpful these small pieces of plastic can be to aid in an on-the-road or on-the-trail repair.

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Duct Tape

Duct Tape - the often joked-about resource that every motorcyclist should have with them at all times. It's amazing how handy this simple, yet powerfully strong tape can be to aid in an on-the-road or on-the-trail repair.

I'll take the larger roll and re-roll it into smaller sizes (see photo below) only because it's easier and smaller to carry on my motorcycle.

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Toilet Paper

No, I'm not trying to be funny (okay, so maybe it's a little bit funny) but imagine being on a long ride and you need to make a stop in the woods... be prepared. Or stopping in a visitors center or a gas station... and there's no roll anywhere... be prepared.

I'll take a larger roll and re-roll it into smaller sizes (similar to the duct tape roll) because it's easier and smaller to carry on my motorcycle... just be sure you don't confuse the two rolls when you need one or the other - thatcould have dramatically bad consequences.

 

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—Michael Murray
Owner | Rider | Enthiusiast

michael@motorcycletraveldvds.com

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