Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear?
Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? Anything to do with the bikes equipment, saddlebags, etc. Questions on repairs and maintenance of the bike itself belong in the Brand Specific Tech Forums.
Photo by Helmut Koch, Vivid sky with Northern Lights, Yukon, Canada

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Helmut Koch,
Camping under Northern Lights,
Yukon, Canada



Like Tree31Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 30 Dec 2015
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Adelaide, South Australia
Posts: 76
Carrying spares - what's the go?

Starting to acquire bits and pieces for an upcoming trip 15,000+kms.
Besides fuses and bulbs what have people taken with them. My trip will be mainly tarmac but there'll be a few thousand kms of dirt in there also.

I'm thinking wheel bearings, oil filters, chain links, clutch cable, levers and tubes. Does anyone consider anything else as essential?

If this has been done to death in other threads just post a link in the reply. I had a good look around and couldn't find much.
__________________
The proper function of man is to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them. I shall use my time.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 30 Dec 2015
Tim Cullis's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London and Granada Altiplano
Posts: 3,079
What's the bike, where are you going?
__________________
"For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live,"
Irving Mather (1892-1966)
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 30 Dec 2015
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Adelaide, South Australia
Posts: 76
Triumph Tiger 800xc
Russia Mongolia Kazakhstan and Northern Europe UK
Starting Vladivostok in May 16
__________________
The proper function of man is to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them. I shall use my time.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 30 Dec 2015
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,659
Well that depends on your bike. What are you riding ????

15,000 KM. You won't need as much as you think.

Change your bearings before you go and you wont have a problem. Same with your chain and sprockets if you have them. Chain oiler is a great idea here.

It's more important to have your bike prepped and in top condition before you leave than to carry everything to sort it on route.

I'd carry spare clutch and throttle 'Pull' cable. Also spare brake and clutch lever.

Fuses and bulbs like you say. I always take a selection of nuts & bolts too.

Zip ties are a must too...


And a proper puncture kit and spare tubes if you're running them.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 30 Dec 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Inverness, Scotland
Posts: 250
If you're taking a bevel Ducati, take a spare crank. Otherwise as Ted says, get your bike in good shape before you go. I did a similar length trip recently in Southern Africa on my 18 year old GS and needed nothing at all- only spares I took were a spare clutch cable (would have taken levers but they are HOW MUCH???) a couple of bulbs and a small box with epoxy paste, some tape, zip ties etc. Before I left I did a full service; all fluids, cables, pads, filters etc, basically preventative maintenance. Had the rear shock rebuilt and a heavier spring fitted. I was stretching the oil change interval a bit, but the bike seems fine after a thorough service and unfortunately doesn't even look like it's been anywhere...
__________________
Our FB page: https://en-gb.facebook.com/Africa2Up/
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 30 Dec 2015
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,659
By the looks of your trip, you're riding into civilization rather than away from it. Best way when considering spares and servicing.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 30 Dec 2015
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Adelaide, South Australia
Posts: 76
Have had the suspension done recently.
The throttle cable is something I haven't considered
Bikes only got 5000kms on it at the moment and won't have a lot more on it before I go. That said will do chain and sprockets and full service
__________________
The proper function of man is to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them. I shall use my time.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 30 Dec 2015
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,659
Unless it's fly by wire..
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 30 Dec 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: SW France
Posts: 304
I know it's pretty pointless taking stuff that you don't know how to fit or repair and not everyone knows about electrics. Even so, reasoning that most electrical breakdowns are as a result of something simple such as a broken wire, bad connection or corroded earth I always carry a length of wire with small crocodile clips on both ends and some crimp connectors. A miniature multimeter is always handy. Even if you don't know how to use it more often than not somebody who does will offer some help.

The list of other stuff you could carry to effect electrical repairs at the roadside is quite long but, along with the items above, some snips and self amalgamating tape should suffice.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 30 Dec 2015
Banned
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 971
I would not worry too much. Its a Triumph not a BMW so the only thing needet is to refil petrol and in case of an accedent or so russian people are great when it comes to repair technik. The older the better...
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 1 Jan 2016
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Adelaide, South Australia
Posts: 76
The Trumpy has fuel injection and ABS but nothing else i.e. no traction control or cruise control. Also the frame's steel so if something cracks it can be welded.

Thanks for the responses guys a few things in there I'll definitely consider.

Closer to departure I'll post up the full list of bits that'll be going with me
__________________
The proper function of man is to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them. I shall use my time.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 4 Jan 2016
Gipper's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Saltspring Island,Canada/Poole,UK
Posts: 1,081
What year is your Tiger?

Just be aware of the dusty stepper motor/idle issue, upgrade the air filter and carry a spare ready to go, use filter skins, like the guys say, start with new consumables and you should be good. Id probably carry a set of front and rear brake pads, spare plugs, voltmeter, liquid metal, extra fuses, tape, cable ties, hose clamps, 2x front and 2x rear tubes, compressor, hand pump, one of those microstart boosters and fit a new battery before the trip.

Id also ride the Tiger hard at home and see if you have any issues before the trip starts.

Have a good trip!
__________________
Cheers
Grif

'11 KTM 450 EXC
'09 Suzuki DR650
'00 Discovery Series 2 V8
'95 Defender 90 300 Tdi Overlander
http://gipperstravels.blogspot.ca
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 5 Jan 2016
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Adelaide, South Australia
Posts: 76
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gipper View Post
What year is your Tiger?

Just be aware of the dusty stepper motor/idle issue, upgrade the air filter and carry a spare ready to go, use filter skins, like the guys say, start with new consumables and you should be good. Id probably carry a set of front and rear brake pads, spare plugs, voltmeter, liquid metal, extra fuses, tape, cable ties, hose clamps, 2x front and 2x rear tubes, compressor, hand pump, one of those microstart boosters and fit a new battery before the trip.

Id also ride the Tiger hard at home and see if you have any issues before the trip starts.

Have a good trip!
I've got 2 Unifilter foam pre-filters that work really well at protecting the main paper filter.
A lot of people suggest brake pads. I'm not convinced that I'm going to chew through pads touring. Will replace before I go and am confident they'll last until Europe.
might do a little research on the microstart boosters
Cheer
BR
__________________
The proper function of man is to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them. I shall use my time.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 5 Jan 2016
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,822
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gipper View Post
What year is your Tiger?

Just be aware of the dusty stepper motor/idle issue, upgrade the air filter and carry a spare ready to go, use filter skins, like the guys say, start with new consumables and you should be good. Id probably carry a set of front and rear brake pads, spare plugs, voltmeter, liquid metal, extra fuses, tape, cable ties, hose clamps, 2x front and 2x rear tubes, compressor, hand pump, one of those microstart boosters and fit a new battery before the trip.

Id also ride the Tiger hard at home and see if you have any issues before the trip starts.

Have a good trip!
From reading the 800 Tiger forums, all above is spot on. I nearly bought a Tiger so read Tiger forums for a year or so and the stepper motor issue was about the only issue. Lots of dirt can mess things up.

Rear pads only, (but start with NEW fronts) Rears wear fast riding Mud.

Bring a nice nut/bolt/misc kit of your common sizes, plus a few odd springs, O rings, whatevers.
Small elec kit, small VOM (meter). Good rain gear, elec. jacket liner (Gerbing) consider HID kit for at least one of your headlights. (brighter, uses less current)

Two part JB Weld is good for a lot of things. Spare tubes a must (not ULTRA HD ones too bulky). On the road, try to have VULCANIZED patches done (tire shop) rather than the crap stick on ones that don't hold long. I never patch a tube on side of road, just replace with new spare tube but take care the flat tube, have it repaired later with Vulcanized patch. Good as new if done right.

In remote areas tubes can be like Gold.

At such low mileage I would not worry about broken cables unless that is something that fail in the Tiger. (I never heard anything about that)

Go over luggage carefully, Loc Tite some nuts/bolts.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 5 Jan 2016
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,659
I swap my tubes for extra heavy duty and carry standard ones for spares. As mollydog days, Heavy duty tubes as spares are way too bulky.

Roadside patches can be permanent but it depends on a lot of things. I carry a proper tin of 'tip top' vulcanising solution and quality patches. I prefer to swap a tube and repair it at the end of the day but sometimes you get multiple punctures so dont get that choice.

Mistakes I see are people not cleaning the tube enough and not waiting long enough for solution to dry. I've got tubes hanging on my wall that I repaired on the road in Tanzania 6 years ago and they're good as new.

I've also had patches fall off every 30 minutes when forced to buy cheap rubbish.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Land Rover Defender 300 TDI Spares list - Africa for one year JimmiSashimi Light Overland Vehicle Tech 10 5 Feb 2017 22:14
Xt600e spares for sale London Rfothy TRAVEL Equipment for Sale / Wanted 7 17 Sep 2013 21:39
Sub-frame bolts - part numbers, and other bolts carried as spares? Wheelie BMW Tech 3 13 Oct 2012 16:13
Bike Spares peter04 Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 5 28 Nov 2011 23:32

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 13:56.