Spare Parts for R1150RT?

[ChrisF]

I'm requesting advice on spare parts I should have with an R1150RT whether I'm 10 or 1000 miles from home.

Currently I have a pair of 1973 R75/5's that I rode for 80K in the 70's and 80's. That experience made me realize the importance of carrying cables, tubes, and bulbs.

However, I hadn't been riding for the last 15 years when I got one of the bikes restored last June. I met today with my dealer who offered a reasonable price for both /5's, and he will be searching for a Titan Silver R1150RT next week.

My dilemma is that I've been out of the sport for so long that I don't have detailed information on recommended spare parts. From what I've learned so far, I don't think I have to carry spare tubes ;). I think the RT will come will a tire repair kit, but what about an air pump (I keep reading about CO2 cartridges)? I figure I still need spare bulbs, but I'm wondering if LED's would be a better idea. And I don't have any idea how many cables might be needed.

One additional request for advice - where do I put all these spares?

[BradfordBenn]

Howdy-

Welcome back to the rides. I have the following on my RT, you would be surprised how much fits under the seats.


First Aid Kit
Air Compressor (I bought a cheap one at WallyMart and took the case off)
Anonymous Book
Fuses
Oil
Tire Pressure Gauge
Flashlight
Allen Key Set
Multitool (Leatherman or similiar)


Of course as you get more miles on the RT you might change what you need. I got the compressor cause I am concerned that the CO2 cartridges would work fine, but if I mess up I would be stranded after using the three.

[edge51]

Much has changed since the 70"s and 80's. I also used to carry lots of spare struff when traveling. Now I just carry a cell phone and a credit card!

Just kidding - kind of.

I also carry what Brad has on his list plus a few extra tools. You know pliers and stuff. I just completed a 10,300 mile trip and only used an allen to tighten a front fender screw that worked loose. A new RT is under warranty for 3 yrs or 36k miles so I wont be carrying much more till I pass one of those figures.

[Mr. Frank]

Some people carry an alternator belt.

[ChrisF]

Thanks for the lists! I noticed a list by jetdriverfla on another thread, so I copied that, too.

Ben, why do you carry oil - do RT's burn that much?

Frank, you got me worried! Is the alternator belt for the bike, or to fend off all the admirers?;)

[BradfordBenn]

There are two reasons I carry oil.

1 - Until about 24K Oilheads burn oil, typically from what I have heard
2 - Eilenberger's Rule states, that if I have it on the motorcycle I won't need it.:bliss

I proved this rule during my trip out to Spokane. I shared oil with BoxerGrrlie and I kept needing to add some. As soon as I purchased my own oil, it stopped needing to add any. I have also noticed that I do not need to add air to my tires as often, now that I carry an air compressor as well. hmmmm

[Mr. Frank]

Originally posted by Chris F
Thanks for the lists! I noticed a list by jetdriverfla on another thread, so I copied that, too.

Ben, why do you carry oil - do RT's burn that much?

Frank, you got me worried! Is the alternator belt for the bike, or to fend off all the admirers?;)

Quite a few people have suffered failures on the road. At a minimum, carry the names and numbers of belts you can get at an auto parts store.

Oilheads do use more oil than K bikes, something like a quart every 3-6K miles. The issue is having the brand/type oil you want for top ups. Of course, you can always top up with any 20W-50 if you wish.

Since the quantity of oil from the top to the bottom of the sight glass is only 16 oz., it might make sense to only carry a 16 oz container to save space if you are going to carry oil. My friend Tom Lindsley does that with a sports drink bottle with the little pull top. It eliminates the need for a funnel.

[ChrisF]

Thanks again for the tips. I've got a pint plastic bottle intended for Coleman stove fuel, and it would be perfect for the oil on a long trip.

Ben, I know what you mean about not needing something you have, but from the opposite direction. While riding down in Kentucky, my front tire threw up something that punched a dime-sized hole in the oil pan. The rear end was covered with hot oil and I was surprised I didn't go down. No matter how much oil I carried, it wouldn't be enough! Here was a case where the Anonymous book was the most important "spare part" I had. A member took the pan from his own bike and gave it to me to finish my trip. If there were a "Helping Hands" award back then, he would have got one!