Backofbeyond, you make some good points. The last time I owned a brand new bike was 20 years ago, before I knew how to turn a wrench. Since then I've always bought stuff that were beyond warranty. I would have done that this time also if it wasn't for the tenere 700 Rally edition being so fricking awesome that I just had to have it... and as there being no +5 year old bikes to be had yet - I'm on unfamiliar ground.

When the clock turns 10 or 20, or 50k, there are a lot of bits that need to be taken off for service on these bikes - i.e. when changing something simple like spark plugs. And when the odometer ticks over in a place like Guinea Bissau, or the bike falls apart - self reliance is key, irrespective of warranty.

Some of these fastener can't be identified until after you have dismantled the parts that cover them up. I won't be removing anything until it needs to be, solely to find out which tool I will need with me - if there is a list to be found. The longer the trip, the more things will go wrong also. Even before I knew how to turn a wrench, having brought bike specific tools has saved me - as a professional mechanic lacking those tools could use mine.

As for warranty, that might be an issue the first few years. I have not checked wether Yamaha requires that I use a certified mechanic or if they just require that the bike is serviced properly (which they can argue isn't if anyone but a certified mechanic has done the work - but in Norway the burden of proof is on the seller of the bike). I probably will use a certified mechanic for the every 10k service the first couple of years, if I can - but maybe not. Half the fun of owning a bike is to maintain it yourself.

I have a ton of tools at home. But I just like to have a large bike specific tool kit prepared and ready, in addition and separated from my other tools in my garage. I usually divide this in three levels: the basic "every day" emergency kit riding (close to home), the "touring" add on, and the "expedition" add on.

I tried looking at a parts fiche, but it only notes the part numbers for the fasteners and don't really specify the type of fastener nor the required tool.

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