• There were many reasons for the change of the site software, the biggest was security. The age of the old software also meant no server updates for certain programs. There are many benefits to the new software, one of the biggest is the mobile functionality. Ill fix up some stuff in the coming days, we'll also try to get some of the old addons back or the data imported back into the site like the garage. To create a thread or to reply with a post is basically the same as it was in the prior software. The default style of the site is light colored, but i temporarily added a darker colored style, to change you can find a link at the bottom of the site.

What's in your Spyder Tool Bag?

Credit Card. Oh, and cell phone. When I toured all over the states a couple decades ago, I never really carried any gear
to speak of. And never really regretted it. Bikes are so reliable compared to British, Italian, and American from 60 years ago.
And civilization usually isn't very far away, there are times, but rarely.
 
Another telephone and credit card person here. Something goes wrong, I don't have the technical expertise to fix it anyway.
 
Metric

For the Ryker and recent M/C, as pictured, plus stubby combos, L Torx, 4LN Vise Grips
Much of my travel has no cell coverage.
Mostly my tools have used to help others.
But when a horse bumps a mirror, it is handy to have wrenches to tighten it.
The mare had her nose between the left mirror (Yamaha XT250) and my helmet!

MC tools.jpg

2-Cold Creek mare & colt.jpg
 
Tools get more extensive in my truck
As pictured, plus:
8-19mm combo wrench tool roll
AAA Streamlight
Dyna Plug kit
Viair compressor (cables clip to battery, not limited by 12 vdc power receptacle)
Breaker bar with impact lug nut socket
Few feet of 16 gauge stranded wire
Assorted crimp connectors
Cable ties
Pocket digital multimeter
Jumper cables
Tow strap

I prefer to reduce my dependence upon others, as much as practical.

Only recently signed up for AAA, to utilize their services to register the Ryker during this corona virus panic.

View attachment 188675
View attachment 188676
 
Stock tool kit, tire repair and inflation kit, my old Harley tool kit and a battery jumper. Oh, and my AAA card for backup.
 
Tools get more extensive in my truck
As pictured, plus:
8-19mm combo wrench tool roll
AAA Streamlight
Dyna Plug kit
Viair compressor (cables clip to battery, not limited by 12 vdc power receptacle)
Breaker bar with impact lug nut socket
Few feet of 16 gauge stranded wire
Assorted crimp connectors
Cable ties
Pocket digital multimeter
Jumper cables
Tow strap

I prefer to reduce my dependence upon others, as much as practical.

Only recently signed up for AAA, to utilize their services to register the Ryker during this corona virus panic.

View attachment 188675
View attachment 188676

WOW Doc, what kind of trailer do you haul for your tool garage?? If I break down I hope you come by to help!!!;)
 
The reality is you can't fix much on the side of the road. I could get by with just the tools in the factory tool kit but have added a few: a small craftsman electric screwdriver and an appropriate torx driver; tire repair kit; power pack for jump starting; air pump; long handled 6mm allen key; long 5mm allen key; tiny ratchet for tight places; cell phone; Good Sam and AMA; and a credit card. Oh, and a 12mm end wrench and a belt mounted multitool.
 
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It would be wise to carry a couple of 12mm wrenches and a spring-pulling tool. All this mainly if your parking brake fails to disengage. Pierre at Can Am Accessories did a great video on how to do a roadside fix on this. I'd hate to have a trip interrupted due to the parking brake motor crapping out.

https://youtu.be/sTKV6Dqeu1A
 
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I like to go places where the crowds are zero and where the scenery is majestic. Correspondingly, cell phone service is spotty or not at all. Some places in Canada I carried a Sat phone. So, I carry a practical kit that will get me to the next garage. (some tools, tire plugs, etc).
 
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I'm usually the roadside toolshed for those I ride with. Been lucky enough to never being the one that needs the tools.
I carry the OEM tool roll plus:
Jump pack
tire plug kit
bicycle pump
slip-lock pliers
wire cutter
fuses
gorilla & elec tape
baling wire
flashlight
tire gauge
CCs & phone
 
A friend told me a few years back that when touring, do all the maintenance work you can think of or have put off before you go. If you say to yourself I'll do that when I come back, do it before you go. Have a small tool kit for necessities, then VISA and a good road side package. Think this applies to riding in your local area as well.

Went to Dawson City and back in 2019. Great trip. Met a fellow in Watson Lake from Toronto, home of the Signpost Forrest, riding an F6 Goldwing with a shredded back tire. He had been there for several days and was waiting on a tire from Whitehorse, expected to be there a few days more. He mentioned that he might have trouble getting the tire installed because there are no bike shops in Watson Lake. Not tool related, but extremely important. Cost for accommodation, if available, can be expensive.

Cell phone reception can be spotty in some areas, a Garmin InReach unit or SPOT is handy as well, especially in the northern reaches of Canada. Cell phone reception on Vancouver Island is non-existent/spotty in a lot of areas, an extra communication device can be very handy.

Found out in 2017 on a trip to Los Angeles and back that the standard BCAA coverage here in Canada was not sufficient for a motorcycle in northern California. Upgraded to the premium service. Something to consider.

Once you leave home, not a lot can be done.

Cheers
 
A friend once pointed out that tires are about the only thing which can stop you and still be fixable. So I carry Dynaplugs, Aerostich compressor, and cell phone. I also have a tiny little jumper cable from Aerostich which has come in handy once or twice. Maybe a small multitool.
 
Credit Card. Oh, and cell phone. When I toured all over the states a couple decades ago, I never really carried any gear
to speak of. And never really regretted it. Bikes are so reliable compared to British, Italian, and American from 60 years ago.
And civilization usually isn't very far away, there are times, but rarely.
Battery powered tire pump and repair kit, flashlight, tools to remove panels, volt meter, fuses, zipties, pliers, screw drivers, 12mm wrenches for park brake, electric tape.
 
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