dear all

I have been trying to find a list of useful tools and spares one should carry for overland travel..(well a quick trip to Mauri and back around 4k mls)

bearing in mind that this is a new bike for me I have no idea what tools I need could someone recomend what my tool bag should contain?

and also while thinking about tools maybe someone can provide any ideas/advice on spares (other than the obvious tubes, levers, throttle cable, tyre patches glue)

thank you..

g t

(ps. apologies if I sound totally ignorant but thats because I probably am..)

In addition to what you listed i would bring:
small vice grips- for clamping broken parts and doubling as an emergency gear shift lever and tons of other uses.
New clutch cable already routed and taped to the existing one AND a universal bowden cable repair kit ( my old TTRE ate clutch cables)
Zip ties .. tons of em and a small roll of stainless safety wire, for fixing things the zip ties cant (exhaust)
Leatherman pliers ( or a good copy of one)
a meter or so of electrical cable
a few 10 and 20 amp fuses

The TTR is a very reliable bike so i wouldnt bring any major tools, only stuff to fix things that could break in a tip over or small misshap

Sounds like a fun trip you got planned


Bon voyage
Lar

__________________
Laromo \ '02 KTM 300 EXC "Jake"
'05 KTM 640 ADV "Fatman"

Add

Chain master links and a small section of chain..

Metal epoxy

Rear tyre tube

stuff to clean your air filter.

Umm spark plug and cap.

A very small digital multimeter. And a wiring diagram.

__________________
---
Regards Frank Warner
motorcycles BMW R80 G/S 1981, BMW K11LT 1993, BMW K75 G/S

George,
Below is a post and pics from another tool thread. Some good basic starting
points for you. Good luck.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tools are the most important thing you will carry besides water and money.
Your machine is your Mother, your salvation, your link to coming home from the brink in one piece. Take care of her...and learn how if you don't know how.

Every tool kit for every bike should be different. Custom built for the bike your
riding. You most definitely need tire repair tools, spare tubes (vital) and should install heavy duty tubes from the off but carrry "normal" high quality tubes with you. HD tubes are very bulky to pack.

You really shoud try out your tools doing basic service on the bike BEFORE you leave home. This should include getting really good at removing tires for
repair. Proper irons are important but what really counts is good technique.
Research this.

Shown are some basic things I take when travelling. The tubeless kit can be disregarded. Make sure you include instant Aluminum in your kit (not shown). Incredible stuff.

A basic socket set is a must, as are proper open end wrenches and allen hex keys for all the fasteners on your bike. Make sure the tools you have allow access to the parts you want to work on. Leatherman and other Multi-tools are crap. Leave at home. I no longer use the Hex set shown, but individual
keys.

Make sure you can pull a spark plug....even though you probably will never have a failed plug. Make sure you run bark busters to save your levers and brake resevoirs in a crash...... and to save broken hands and wrists.
Critical.

Keep bolts on lever assemblies barely tight but use Loc-Tite to ensure bolts won't back out. In a fall the lever will rotate instead of snapping off. Old dirt bikers trick. I've got a million of 'em.

Take care of your chain. Don't run chain lube in the desert or sand. Run it dry.
Only oil lightly at other times, no sticky chain lube. Use Dupont Teflon if available. Keep chain clean clean clean!! And properly adjusted for the load.
A too tight chain can be a disaster.

Mind your battery and bring spare fuses and a VOM meter like the one pictured. Or not. Japanese electrics rarely fail unless the battery gets low.
Once the battery is weak, all other components are STRESSED and will fail
shortly. True for any bike. Start with a BRAND NEW, high quality battery, brand new DID X ring VM chain (no other).

Tires and tire life and wear is also a problem. Better choose wisely here. Do home work. Long wear is key.

Best,
Patrick

Keep a 10mm T-bar and a 5mm allen key handy as they seem to be the most used on my TT600R.
10 and 12mm spanners for adjusting the chain.
I have a tyre lever i cut in half. One have has a 19mm recessed ring spanner(for the front axle)welded on and the other has an adjustable spanner as at the time i couldnt find a 26mm for the rear axle(i think its 26mm).
I seem to have a problem with the front sprocket nuts. They come loose and knacker the threads so they wont tighten up. I loctite them now, but carry a spare one and the special washer for long distances. I did ride from the south of france to Leeds with NO nut last year though, so don't worry about it too mich.
Plug caps can be a pain.
Be very careful when tightening the oil filter cover, its extremely easy too destroy the threads. I didnt actually do this myself but a 'professional' mechanic.
Good luck!

chris

thank you all for your responses,

very helpful.

Hopefully will not need any tools but if I do I know I have the right ones with me..

still a month before take off..so plenty of time for last minute advice..

cheers

g t