Anything to do with motorcycles, scooter, etc...

[Dutch_Tooler]

G'Day D_T,

I have a similar problem on the R9T in terms of tools and space.

My basic tool-roll consists of the following:
Leatherman Crunch
1/4" hex bits that cover Torx, Hex and screw drivers
1/4" extension
A few fuses

Tire repair kit (read emergency get out of jail card  )
8 CO2 canisters and a double inflator that allows two canisters to inflate at the same time. Remember ALWAYS wear gloves when working with these canisters, they freeze on the the outside whilst inflating. DAMHIK.
String plugs - similar to the ones that were discussed a few pages ago
Glue / tire cement
Plug tool

The tools are all inside an old bank bag that the Mrs stitched up for me. The tire repair kit is in a pencil case. Neither fit under my seat, there is NO space under it, but I always carry a small daybag on a day ride. As part of my daily commute, I don't bother with these. I have road side assist and will use them if required.

I took the suspension C-spanners off the bike, I only adjust the suspension at home where I can write changes down and one usually need a second person to help with the measurement.

I'll post pics over the weekend if you want.

Pete

Thanks Pete, yeah some pics of the tyre kit would be nice

I'll post pics of my tool kit when it's complete. Just needed to source short versions of the spanners/keys that would fit on various nut sizes except some of the very large ones (the usual suspects: 3, 4, 5, 8, 10 mm Allen and 8, 10, 13, 17, 21 and 24 hexagonal, then 16mm spark plug tube key), some fuses and light bulbs, then add in a test lamp just in the unlikely case of an electrical fault, and some tie wraps and tape. Hope this will fit *crosses fingers*.

I'm also tinkering with a small box containing circuitry for some additional lights (LED fog lights) and a hazard warning setup. The bike, strangely enough, did not come with the latter so I'm having to build my own (I hate not having one, probably due to the BMW experience). I'd like this to be a pure plug-in solution which I can remove in case of warranty issues, but the V7 III has a peculiar setup where the indicator flasher is integrated in the ECU behind the clocks and feeds front and rear indicators separately  so I need to "intercept" or tap the original circuit in about 5 different places and string several feet of new wiring from the box with suitable connectors as well as a handlebar switch (of course, this being Germany, the switch must light up when the thing is on)

[Wspeed]

And now I have to work out where to place the
strengthening slats on the inside of the platform 

[Dutch_Tooler]

Wow...

Word of caution: make sure you account for torsion too (if you haven't already), i.e. the support needs to be stiff not only in bending but also torsion. Longitudinal and transversal braces must be interconnected (not just via the platform). If the bike is going to sit on its side stand at all, you'll also need to strengthen the platform locally.

[Wspeed]

Thanks D_T that is what I am looking at next 
I need to put in at least 5 strengthening slats for the width
2 at the ends of the platform and 3 where the platform sits on the lift
The plywood sheet is 18mm thick so it’s pretty
strong especially once the slats have been fitted 

[Dutch_Tooler]

Mmh... I'd add 2 more on the other sides and interconnect them with the widthwise ones...

[Wspeed]

Most of the strengthening slats sit straight on the lift
apart from the 2 I am fitting to the end of the platform
They are going to be the only ones not supported by
the framework of the lift the main reason I fitted the slats
is to miss the Arms that are on the lift that you use to lift
a car up on I will try and take a pic of the lift without the
plywood platform on it so you can see what I am talking about 

[Wspeed]

now I am fitting the strengthening slats for the width of the plywood platform
The only problem I have now is I have run out of screws
and I need one more slat of wood for the ends of the platform 

[Dutch_Tooler]

  oh I see, both dimensions are covered

[Wspeed]

Here is a pic of the lift I have
you can see the arms that I am on about
That’s why I am using the wooden
slats to place the plywood platform on
And using the lift to run the strengthening slats on 

[Dutch_Tooler]

Nice piece of kit 

[Wspeed]

Thanks D_T I it’s a very handy tool to have
And I was lucky to get it for a very cheap price 

[Wspeed]

Just got back from the wood supplier
And got one more slat of wood size 34x34mm x 2400mm
same size I have been using and one that is the size
of 63x34mm x 2400mm as I am going to use that
one for the two ends of the platform for extra strength 
And I bought more screws as I have run out 

[Wspeed]

Fitting the last couple of strengthening slats today
Apart from the one that is going to be near the wheel chock
As I have to wait until I got it so I can see where
I got to drill the holes to fasten the wheel chock
And how I am going to mount it to the platform

[Wspeed]

Then I still have to think about making a ramp for the platform
And what type of flooring I am going to use to cover the platform
And what colour I am going to paint the platform

[Dutch_Tooler]

 

Decisions, decisions 

Meanwhile before and after pics of the tool kit on the Guzzi. I have added a few useful items. The filled pouch (minus the spark plug box, that goes into a small rear bag where I keep spare bulbs, a FAK and gloves) still just fits under the seat. Note to self: add some wire, paracord and tie wraps as well as a T40 bit and handle and what I think is a T60 bit.

[Wspeed]

Nice selection of tools for your bike D_T
I have the same for my bike under the rear seat
But I also have a small air compressor
and tyre puncture repair kit under the seat 

[Wspeed]

Still busy working on the lift platform and now I am fitting
extra strengthening slats in between the ones I have already fitted
As I was lucky enough to move the arms on the lift out of the way 

[Wspeed]

These are the strengthening slats I am working
on now to fit between the ones already fitted 

[Wspeed]

Once I have finished with the strengthening slats
I am going to start working on the ramp that
I will use for getting the bike on top of the platform 

[Nix]

Looking goos, Speedy! 

[Wspeed]

Thanks Nix 

[Dutch_Tooler]

Nice selection of tools for your bike D_T
I have the same for my bike under the rear seat
But I also have a small air compressor
and tyre puncture repair kit under the seat 

Thanks Alas, no place for a tyre kit anymore, let alone a compressor. I shall have to trust German road cleaning schedules 

[Wspeed]

I have to say so far I have been lucky not to get a puncture 
But you never know when it can happen but hopefully I will never need to use it

[Wspeed]

Fitted all of the strengthening slats
Now it’s waiting for the wheel chock to get delivered
on Monday and then I can finish the lift platform

[Wspeed]

Then I am thinking of covering the platform with rubber flooring 

[Dutch_Tooler]

Probably a good idea...

[pietervn]

Decisions, decisions 

Meanwhile before and after pics of the tool kit on the Guzzi. I have added a few useful items. The filled pouch (minus the spark plug box, that goes into a small rear bag where I keep spare bulbs, a FAK and gloves) still just fits under the seat. Note to self: add some wire, paracord and tie wraps as well as a T40 bit and handle and what I think is a T60 bit.

That is quite comprehensive.

I include some pics of my "lite" kit and the tire repair kit.

I will also add some self amalgamating tape, to your kit. I have used mine for many different uses, very useful on the bike

I will take pics next weekend of all my kits that I use. The larger one goes on the GSA where space is not a problem. A small tin with a few nuts and bolts and washers is also very useful. I store my cable ties in an old bicycle tubby (thin road tube) and tie them to the rear frame. If I need a tie I just pull one out.

Pete

[Dutch_Tooler]

Thanks Pete

Nice kits

Good tip with the tape and some nuts/bolts, takes little space to add this.

Interesting to see the evolution of type of fastener heads used on BMW - on my old one (2001) spanners and Allen keys were more useful than Torx bits. Guzzi seems to remain more traditional, with a couple of exceptions (T40, T60(?)).

I see you're packing a Crunch with bits for the R9T. I have considered replacing the pliers with a multitool such as my Roxon with bits, but the pliers are quite compact and the Roxon would take more space, plus 1/4" bits are of limited use on the Guzzi.

[pietervn]

Thanks Pete

Nice kits

I see you're packing a Crunch with bits for the R9T.

Cheers Mate,

I think a Crunch is a very useful motorcycle tool. With the locking pliers it can be used for quite a few unusual tasks like clamping cables if you broke a throttle or clutch. I always have another MT / pliers with me. The blue kit is specific for BMW with the added torx bits, that one goes on long trips.

It is easy to go overboard, especially if one has the space. Tools add weight quite quickly so I am careful in what I pack. I have not used much of my stuff that much, but others have and that have kept the group going with only minor time delays.

What I never skimp on is the First Aid Kit. That is always packed, and like insurance I hope I don't have to use it.

Cheers, Pete

[Dutch_Tooler]

Indeed, I always carry a First Aid Kit in the small bag at the rear. I've found some uses for a ratchet and some Allen bits so I may add these, they shouldn't take much space.

In other news I had a nice ride today that brought me to the city of Landsberg am Lech. See pic.