05' R/T Newbie owner seeks basics

[BobBritton]

New to touring. Is there a brief "Essentials" list for tools and basic repairs while riding? I saw a review by Paul Bachorz last year of a kit but can't find it. :blush

[alien_hitchhiker]

Good question - what is considered essential tools for touring?

I'm guessing you're on an oilhead. A spare fuel filter and alternator belt and the tools to change them are reassuring. But I'd say you'd be more likely to need a tire repair kit (don't forget a means of inflation).

MAybe a siphon. Maybe jumper cables.

For me, enjoyable long distance touring is dependent on a few bits of equipment.

I'd start with with these:
- comfortable rain gear
- an electric vest, or bettter yet, jacket liner (I've encountered snow in June while touring the West)
- really comfortable riding kit. A comfy helmet is especially important
- a throttle lock and maybe a throttle rocker (I'd love to add a real cruise control to my old school 1100RT)
- some way to sip water while riding
- eye wash; a box of single use plastic ampules is handy

Auxillarly lighting is nice and I think the need for a comfortable saddle is a no brainer.

My experience is that highway pegs are over-rated. They just lead to poor posture and a back ache. Better to have a stretching routine that you work through every 20 to 30 minutes while on the bike. I stand up on the balls of my feet and drop my heels. While seated I stick my legs out one at a time, then reach behind me with one arm and then the other. (Hey, only do this on a long straight with no traffic). Do this religiously and you can stay on the bike until it's time for the next gas stop.

On a really long ride, especially if solo on the slab, I find that music is helpful.

[co_g30]

I carry this stuff most of the time, definitely for the long distance trips.

LINK (http://redlegsrides.blogspot.com/2008/03/tool-run-and-adding-to-my-riding.html)

[alien_hitchhiker]

I carry this stuff most of the time, definitely for the long distance trips.

Redlegs - nice blog. Man, you travel prepared.

Seeing your small pair of vice grips reminded me that they can be useful to pull clutch or throtttle cables, or jury rig them, if the cable snaps. I've done this with a VW, but never with a BMW (yet).