Being Prepared

[sabunim5]

There are those of us who are content to leave home on our Spyder with a cell phone and a credit card. At the other extreme are those that have all the tools and spare parts to cope with just about anything short of a roadside engine rebuild. I fall somewhere in between and would like to pass along some of the things I have learned in preparing my Spyder for travel.
I like to have a set of relays, fuses and bulbs with me. I am not concerned about having a headlight bulb like I was on my 2 wheelers with only one headlight. With 2 headlights and 2 fog lights, I think I will make it to somewhere that I can get a replacement bulb with no trouble if one goes out.
All of the relays, fuses and bulbs are readily available at just about any auto parts store or even Walmart with two glaring exceptions. The 25 amp fuse in the rear fuse panel, under the seat and the bulb for the rear turn signals. I went to 3 different brand of auto parts stores and was unable to obtain either of these items. I have them on order from BRP and I hope they will arrive before my wife and I leave for Gatlinburg.
While checking to see what relays, fuses and bulbs I needed I discovered the BRP tool kit to be lacking two items. 1)The small phillips head screw that holds on the rear turn signal lens is too small to be removed with the large phillips head that is part of the tool kit. 2) I was unable to remove the fuses in the rear fuse panel under the seat without using a pair of pliers and there are none in the tool kit.
I just thought some of you might want to find these things out in this forum and not by the side of the road. Ryde Safe and Enjoy:thumbup:
sabunim5:spyder:

 

[BRPjunkie]

Not a perfect solution, but a multi-tool usually has a small phillips point and pliers that work for most needs.

 

[NancysToy]

Thanks Sabunim5. As a BMW rider, I usually prepare similarly. I haven't done my wife's Spyder as yet, since we have not attempted a long trip. I have to get cracking soon. You have saved me some time in preparation, and I appreciate it.
-Scotty

 

[BeRight]

You might also consider a tire air pump , tire hole plugger/ patch kit - came in handy for me on a motorcycle trip.

 

[ataDude]

You might also consider a tire air pump , tire hole plugger/ patch kit - came in handy for me on a motorcycle trip.

Absolutely... If I was going to carry only two things they're be an air compressor and a simple, gummy-worm-type tire plug kit.

.

 

[NancysToy]

The compressor and plug kit were the only things I put in immediately, along with a flashlight, rags, and roadside emergency lights. I may ditch the compressor when I install the Ride-On. Gotta order those special bulbs and fuse from my dealer ASAP, too., although the HyperLites will serve as backups for the taillight bulbs. With four bulbs back there, losing one is less of a deal. I may not even carry it, but wouldn't want to wait before I could replace it.
-Scotty

 

[Roaddog2]

I started riding Harleys back in the shovelhead days, and filling your pockets with tools tape, and wire was the only way to ensure you were going to get back home. Don't really need to do it anymore, but old habits die hard. I'd much rather carry something I probably won't need, than to be stuck on the side of the road, knowing I could be up and running, if I just took that little tool I left on the workbench. Smylie only carries extra fuses on her Spyder, I think I have an entire toolbox crammed into one of my saddlebags!

That you do:thumbup:

 

[NancysToy]

I still ride vintage Brit bikes, among others. You not only need your pockets full of tools and baling wire, but a big magnet on a rope to drag behind you to gather up the parts that fall off. You are right, these habits die hard. I have only once used the goodies on a modern bike, and that was only to plug a tire.
-Scotty

 

[groundeffect]

1)The small phillips head screw that holds on the rear turn signal lens is too small to be removed with the large phillips head that is part of the tool kit. 2) I was unable to remove the fuses in the rear fuse panel under the seat without using a pair of pliers and there are none in the tool kit.

Very useful note - a couple useful tools to add to the stock tool kit - thank you!


Does a small set of pliers and a small Phillips to fit the rear signal lens, fit into the stock tool kit, and it's storage corner in the truck? Or maybe it best to add the pliers and Phillips to the truck liner or something?

 

[Derwin]

There are those of us who are content to leave home on our Spyder with a cell phone and a credit card.

Hmm. When I went to Indiana on my bike a few months ago, I didn't have a cell phone or a credit card. pps: And I sure didn't have anything else in the trunk!....Well, maybe a few bags of Frito Lays! lol

Heck, when/if I ever get my Spyder, I'm going to have to come back here and make sure I prepare myself for any long trips I might take. Since I'm really new to all this, I don't have a clue.

This is another reason of LOVE this website! :2thumbs:

Derwin

 

[Ravi4l]

just like to add 1 more thing some windshield cleaner.

 

[Sarge707]

Very useful note - a couple useful tools to add to the stock tool kit - thank you!


Does a small set of pliers and a small Phillips to fit the rear signal lens, fit into the stock tool kit, and it's storage corner in the truck? Or maybe it best to add the pliers and Phillips to the truck liner or something?

Forget the standard soft case. I have a 6" by 12" latchable case 2" deep with foam on the bottom. I put the Ratchets, sockets and all the stuff I need for either the Spyder or My 2 Jet Skies and just transfer it from one to another depending on which one I,m using. It fits nicely on the bottom of the storage area when you cut a small piece of rug to fit the bottom~!

 

[bone crusher]

What compressor do you guys use that is very portable? I have one that is great plugged in or not but to carry it with me, it'd eat up some space for other items...

 

[leo76dragon]

What compressor do you guys use that is very portable? I have one that is great plugged in or not but to carry it with me, it'd eat up some space for other items...

http://www.cyclenutz.com/products/t...lime_powersport_tire_inflator_compressor.html

this is whatI carry... :thumbup:

 

[boborgera]

I still ride vintage Brit bikes, among others. You not only need your pockets full of tools and baling wire, but a big magnet on a rope to drag behind you to gather up the parts that fall off. You are right, these habits die hard. I have only once used the goodies on a modern bike, and that was only to plug a tire.
-Scotty

Don't forget the = '' WHITWORTH'S ''
With Brit [old] bikes can't leave home with out them :shocked:

 

[NancysToy]

Don't forget the = '' WHITWORTH'S ''
With Brit [old] bikes can't leave home with out them :shocked:

I have three sections to my toolbox...US, metric, and Whitworth. No wonder I need a larger toolchest. :roflblack:

 

[BLACK WIDOW]

compressor

http://www.cyclenutz.com/products/t...lime_powersport_tire_inflator_compressor.html

this is whatI carry... :thumbup:

Now that is a neat little rig. Is the power cord with the air hose long enough to reach all three tires from the secondary battery terminals under the seat? How long would it take to inflate the rear tire?

 

[boborgera]

I have three sections to my toolbox...US, metric, and Whitworth. No wonder I need a larger toolchest. :roflblack:

You don't throw them all together in one box?
My son's do that:gaah:I know they do it just to drive me NUT'S :yikes:
And some times i think it's working

 

[Smylinacha]

I started riding Harleys back in the shovelhead days, and filling your pockets with tools tape, and wire was the only way to ensure you were going to get back home. Don't really need to do it anymore, but old habits die hard. I'd much rather carry something I probably won't need, than to be stuck on the side of the road, knowing I could be up and running, if I just took that little tool I left on the workbench. Smylie only carries extra fuses on her Spyder, I think I have an entire toolbox crammed into one of my saddlebags!

I don't carry much because I do not go very far when ryding alone. All I do is occasionally ryde to work or to Starbucks alone. I ryde with others most of the time - from our secret club :2thumbs:

 

[M2Wild]

I carry the following with plenty of space left in the cargo area:

Small ohm meter
Electrical tape
Disposable foam ear plugs
Contact lens re-wetting drop (single use paks)
Dual helmet lock cable
LED flash light
Mini Leatherman multi tool
Small first-aid kit with Sting-Eze
Small aviation halon fire extinguisher
Air compressor with Slime
Battery jumper (only 3”x3”x3” – recharges battery via 12V socket in 10 min.)
Small box that has gummy patch kit, valve covers, extra relays, spare fuses, extra torx bolts, spare bulbs … etc.)
A collapsible back pack for all the goodies you might pickup along the way
Small bungee cargo net

Cash, credit cards, AAA and cell phone is a given.