I'm in the process of planning a 4d 1200mi tour in the Mi UP over July 3-6 with 4 others. Having never more than single day runs I'm trying to figure out what to assemble for my emergency tool kit/spares. Obviously size/weight is a factor as I will only have soft sided side/seat bags and a small tank bag for everything.

Thoughts?

Thanks,
Jon.

2 things:

1.  Your standard toolkit that comes with your motorcycle.
2.  A cell phone and a towing service

To add to what has already been listed:

3. Maybe a quick-inflate tire patch and plug kit.
4. Zip ties (for re-attaching loose stuff)

+1 for the AAA or roadside coverage and phone.

Also, don't do a lot of crazy maintenance right before you head out. Do that stuff well before, and ride the bike afterwards to work out any kinks that might show during the big trip.

For me, in anticipation of a log trip I'm planning this summer, I replaced as much hardware with stainless allen head bolts to reduce the number and size of hex wrenches I would need to take along in case something loosens up or needs shoring up.

Quote from: gti5notrkt on February 26, 2013, 10:56:24 AM
I'm in the process of planning a 4d 1200mi tour in the Mi UP over July 3-6 with 4 others. Having never more than single day runs I'm trying to figure out what to assemble for my emergency tool kit/spares. Obviously size/weight is a factor as I will only have soft sided side/seat bags and a small tank bag for everything.

Thoughts?

Thanks,
Jon.

Not really answering your question, but if you've never been over the bridge before you should check out Castle Rock. Took my cousins there last summer, I didn't do the climb, I just went for the Paul Bunyon statue.

In all seriousness though, what route you planning? A few of my friends here in Michigan were talking about doing something similar in the summer.

Rough schedule is;

Central MI to Ludington Wed 7/3 PM
8:00PM Ferry to Manitowoc
Thurs 7/4 -Manitowac to Houghton w/detour for GBP stadium
Fri 7/5 - Houghton to Copper Harbor, back to Houghton then Grand Marais
Sat 7/6 - GM to south of the Makinac bridge (stop tbd)
Sun 7/7 - back to central MI

Total about 1200mi

Jon

Are you staying in hotels every night or camping?

I don't know if your bike burns oil, but an extra bottle of it might be needed.

Also, search around on ADVRider - those guys make all kinds of trips and document everything.

Your standard toolkit, a tyre repair kit, small can of chain lube, and usual water, first aid, phone, and camera

A spare 0.5L or more bottle of fuel.

Quote from: Big Rich on February 26, 2013, 03:02:04 PM
Also, search around on ADVRider - those guys make all kinds of trips and document everything.

Or at least pretending to go on trips! Seriously though, a lot of good information there.

On a GS500. Some zip ties and a few zip ties. Oh, don't forget some zip ties.

Quote from: adidasguy on February 26, 2013, 03:39:43 PM
A spare 0.5L or more bottle of fuel.

Any recommended brand or type of bottle?  I have seen one made by MSR at REI, seems A-OK...know of anything OEM or DIY?  HA HA.

A bottle that won't leak or be eaten by fuel

Quote from: jestercinti on February 26, 2013, 11:51:10 AM
2 things:

1.  Your standard toolkit that comes with your motorcycle.
2.  A cell phone and a towing service

Could not agree more with jestercinti... It's about all you'll need!

Meat tends to need more maintenance and supply than metal.

I do a lot of multi-day tours. Generally bring a kit that includes my grooming producs, ibprophin, water, snacks, camera, spare cash, clothing, jacket, map, sunblock, and possibly a computer. For maintenance, gorilla tape, zip-ties, adjustable wrench, allen keys, flashlight, and possibly a tire-patch kit.

With the GS500, remember to bring an extra quart of oil, gloves, and rags.

Quote from: slipperymongoose on March 12, 2013, 11:37:20 PM
A bottle that won't leak or be eaten by fuel

Really? It needs to not leak or get eaten by fuel?  Glad I posted my question.

I saw a post on another forum where a guy used a $4.00 walmart water bottle but then spent more time and money looking for better gaskets for the seal.  He ended up saving maybe $10.00 and losing time. 

Anyone else find something that has worked (aside from the MSR fuel bottle or typical gas can)?  I'm looking for something that is compact and easily fits inside of or can be strapped to the bag I secure to my seat when I hit the road. 

I have 1 out of 2 not bad 

1. no tool kit come with bike (no shock there), I'm sure it ended up on fleabay
2. I have cell and tow service

Quote from: gti5notrkt on February 26, 2013, 10:56:24 AM
I'm in the process of planning a 4d 1200mi tour in the Mi UP over July 3-6 with 4 others. Having never more than single day runs I'm trying to figure out what to assemble for my emergency tool kit/spares. Obviously size/weight is a factor as I will only have soft sided side/seat bags and a small tank bag for everything.

Thoughts?

Thanks,
Jon.

span your tools across all 5 of you, lighten the load for each...


vice grips
jbweld or jbquick
slime tire inflater ($9 walmart), with tire plugs
clutch lever
clutch cable (if yours is new, disregard)
small socket/ratchet for the small bolts/nuts on your bike
small crescent wrench capable of turning rear axle nut
a camelbak (water) medium size, big enough for 3 beers, small enough not to suck
extra cellphone/gopro/camera batteries
the fuel cell thing- forget it. there are 5 of you going, learn to siphon from one tank to another before you leave. no bigie
flipflops <--- soooo nice after a long day


the gs is fairly reliable, 4 days shouldn't matter to it. take more pictures than you think you need. have fun.

I'll be in the UP that same week! Probably won't have the bike with me though :-( ! I want to take a week and ride around Lake Michigan at some point.

As for the bottle to store fuel in, at Home Depot, they have a pre-mixed can of 2-cycle fuel that are 32oz. If you have a 2-cycle piece of power equipment at home, you could buy one or two, dump the mix in your can and refill the can with plain fuel. They're about $6 a piece.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/t/202532877?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&storeId=10051&N=5yc1vZbxaq&R=202532877#.UUH5r1t35Cs

Quote from: five hundo on March 13, 2013, 06:27:13 PM

Quote from: slipperymongoose on March 12, 2013, 11:37:20 PM
A bottle that won't leak or be eaten by fuel

Really? It needs to not leak or get eaten by fuel?  Glad I posted my question.

An 1 quart oil container from a gas station fits that bill. As I said, you need a quart of oil anyway. But in a pinch, you could probably find one in the trash.