stuart@rochester.UUCP (08/01/85)
From: Stuart Friedberg <stuart>
In response to the query a few days ago, this is what I carry in my
toolkit. I have more tools at home that make life easier when working
on things in the garage, but even at home I start with these tools. I
don't think I've even opened the toolkit that came with the bike more
than 3 or 4 times. All these tools fit in a neat little pouch inside
the tailpiece behind/under my seat.
/* Slotted Fasteners */
1/4 inch regular screwdriver
3/8 inch regular screwdriver
# 1 Phillips screwdriver
# 2 Phillips screwdriver
/* Ripping and Tearing */
6 1/2 inch pliers
/* Special Large Diameter Rings */
headset pin wrench
shock pin wrench
/* Spark Plugs */
spark plug wrench (tubular kind)
/* Case Bolts and Others */
5mm and 6mm Allen wrenches (hex key)
/* Hex Fasteners */
8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 14mm and 17mm combination wrenches (open/closed)
10mm, 12mm, 14mm 6-point 3/8 inch drive sockets
10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 17mm and 19mm 12-point 3/8 inch drive sockets
8 inch 3/8 inch drive socket handle
4 inch 3/8 inch drive socket extension
6 inch crescent wrench (for all the odd, SAE or large sizes)
The reason I carry both 6 and 12 point sockets is as much to fill up
the little carrier strip they ride in so they won't fall out as any
thing. Obviously I know what sizes of fasteners my bike has and only
carry fastener tools that are useful.
There are other "tools" I carry around all the time, but they live in
my tank bag or my pocket.
/* Miscellaneous */
Antifog solution
Bell helmet fastener tool (very big and very small Allen wrench stubs)
Pocket knive (by Case or Gerber)
3/8 inch 3/8 inch drive extra long socket
A couple of extra plates for my Supertrapp exhaust
For long trips I add a few more things. These live in my luggage or
tank bag.
/* Cleaning */
Squirt bottle of Windex or something similar
1 dozen paper towels
/* Chain Adjustment */
22mm combination wrench
Spray can chain lube
/* Disaster Preparedness */
Yamaha shop manual
Clymer shop manual
Belt knife (by Gerber or Buck)
You will notice I don't carry any tire tools or spares. I will
probably get two flats on the way to Maryland later this week, but
I have not had any tire trouble in 30,000 miles. On the other hand,
I replace my tires *EARLY* and do preventive maintenance *EARLY*.
This costs money, but I believe it is effective in preventing problems
on the road.
I also don't carry any timing or gapping tools. My Seca has electronic
ignition and timing is easy to set with a wrench whenever it needs it
(every X thousand miles) and, if the people at the local shop can be
believed, the bike has never had to have its valve shims changed in its
14,000 mile life. When I rode a Honda CL360 (like a CB360) I carried a
set of feeler gauges and a small light bulb with alligator clips to do
timing and valve adjustment (about every 600 miles if not sooner). The
disaster preparedness section for the CL included the title to the bike
in case I ever got stranded far from home. I did, eventually and sold
the bike for the price of a bus ticket home.
Stu Friedberg {seismo, allegra}!rochester!stuart stuart@rochester