My Complete Tool Kit for International Motorcycle Travel - TOOLS, SPARES & REPAIRS

Be prepared, but not too prepared! Learn exactly what's in Bret's all-purpose adventure motorcycle tool and recovery kit, and why he carries each item. These are the tools you'll need to survive your motorcycle journey.
Straps - Check your local BMW dealer
Rubber Valve Stems amzn.to/2MkyrQl
Valve Core Remover and Valve Cap amzn.to/2LRziJ7
J-B Weld 8276 KwikWeld amzn.to/2AESbZl
Stainless Steel Zip Ties amzn.to/2In5BgP
Loctite Blue 242 amzn.to/2AF1l8n
Stainless Steel Twist Safety Lock Wire amzn.to/2MgGKMK
Dynaplug Tubeless Tire Repair Tool Kit amzn.to/353MK4f
Vulcanizing Patch Kit amzn.to/350Ft5j
Valve Tool with 4 Valve Cores amzn.to/2Mot42D
BeadPro Tire Bead Breaker and Lever amzn.to/2Im45LS
Wheel Weights amzn.to/2oeuSmt
Super Heavy Duty Velcro amzn.to/2M6PZPG
Stanley Tiny Measuring Tape amzn.to/2AImkXD
Mini Chain Press Tool amzn.to/2OjaADe
Chain Breaker amzn.to/31FRDON
Moto Tow Strap amzn.to/333bfN7
Alignment Punch amzn.to/2pLjuPB
Jaw Locking Pliers amzn.to/2LHWlWE
Tools You Should Carry (2017) • Bret's Adventure Motor...
Bret Tkacs @ bit.ly/2INkHvk
Lots more to learn @ MOTOTREK.net/
Buy Stuff We Recommend @ www.amazon.com/shop/mototrek
MOTOTREK's music is by Matt Jorgensen @ mattjorgensen.com/
#adventuremotorcycle #bretTkacs #bmwmotorrad #tim.tyler.cine #findMOTOTREK

[@kenpage7305]

I've done an around-the-world (63 countries/6 continents) on a 1200gs. The best tool is a sincere smile and gratitude, as the locals will bend over backwards to help. There are good people in this world, regardless of race, politics and religion, just be open with them and you will be well taken care of.

[@BretTkacs]

Yes yes yes

[@bobmcgrath1272]

So true!

[@motoryzen]

I'm wondering if Ewan McGregor and his buddy Charlie would agree " Long Way Down" xD I bet they would agree.

[@eduardos5621]

Hello, I have a question (it is not exactly about the issue, but I would like to know): Have you ever broken the universal joint of your 1200GS? I do not know if is a spare part important when you travel around the world. Thank you in advanced

[@kenpage7305]

@@eduardos5621 No, has not been an issue.

[@BMWAdventureRider]

Not sure if this is a commonly known trick but when you first get a fresh bag of zip ties (where the bag isn't resealable) use a Stanley knife and cut through one side of the bag in the middle crossways not lengthways. This way zip ties don't fall out into your tool kit and they are easy to grab when you need them.

[@MOTOTREK]

Good tip!

[@BretTkacs]

Thanks

[@FlightRecorder1]

Note on Loctite: Go with the bottle that has "BLUE" in the name, don't go by bottle colour! Specifically you want Loctite 243. Medium strength threadlocker

[@AlfonsoSantiago]

Yep. Probably my best experience crossing portugal was having a flat tire in the middle of nowhere. Not kidding. Met awesome people.

[@MOTOTREK]

That's great, Alfonso.

[@tothebackofbeyond]

We watched this before we set off for 6 months into Africa and helped a lot to ensure we had the essential tools! Thanks again Bret!

[@NewBelgiumCO]

I’d like to offer some insight I gained dragging a WR450 with a broken crank gear through Lockhart Basin. Instead of attaching the tow strap to the bars, attach it to the left foot peg in the same fashion you mentioned. When the towed rider needs to release, just lift your foot off the peg. It makes life much easier for the towed rider by pulling at a far lower point on the bike. Give it a shot sometime...✌🏼

[@MOTOTREK]

Good tip!

[@BretTkacs]

Yes... That is the other most common tow method I know of

[@MrMambott]

Another place to carry Duct Tape is on your bike,, you can wrap a heap around top of forks or anywhere wide enough and out of the way, I always carry one inch wide electrical tape and material reinforced duct tape and Zip ties,, you can also zippy tie a heap of Zip Ties to your bike : )

[@robpinter5431]

When you perform maintenance on the bike at home, use the same tool kit you intend on taking on your travels, that way you know you have the correct tools as well as the tools being able to do the job required. My R1100 GS I took a 14 mm Allen key and a 30 mm socket, with the factory tool kit I was able to change the clutch plate, change gearbox bearings.

[@MOTOTREK]

Good advice, Rob.

[@BretTkacs]

Advise I give often

[@joeybobbie1]

I do the same thing. I’ve added many things I didn’t know I needed when I first made my Kit. I have all my Tools in a Pelican box I mounted on the GS.

[@ArturTMalec]

Greetings from Poland (this is somewhere in the middle of Europe ;-) ) Thank you, your channel is for me one of the most important places for motorcycle education.

[@MOTOTREK]

My pleasure!

[@robertlee8042]

I carry paracord. You can cut it to length and use hitches for tightening. Ss zip ties interesting. Didn’t know they existed. I carry radiator hose clamps. Various nuts and bolts. You’ve got great ideas. Chain. I needed to take link out!

[@johndundas1348]

I like to put my spare tubes in food vacuum seal bags. This reduces the space they take up and slows down how quickly they can degrade (by removing the oxygen). I also carry bib mousse lubricant to help with roadside tire installations.

[@darthtrump4428]

just a suggestion you can replace crescent wrench with knipex pliers wrench the clearance is about the same, but you get option to use them as pliers, to bend sheet metal back up etc besides, you will never round bolts with them as they compress onto the fastener when you are torquing it, unlike crescent wrench that gives slop under force

[@stallebrass]

I defo second that. When things go Pete Tong is when the adventure really begins. Be open to help, its meeting people that make the adventures great.

[@ronanrogers4127]

Buy a Wera metric kit, it’s a well engineered (German/Czech), robust and very compact ratchet/socket/toro/hex set that will get you as far as a crankshaft. I packed it in a Kriega tool roll, and added a few specific sockets and adapters. Also, don’t waste your time with a crescent spanner or channel lock, get a Knipex that has incomparable clamping forced and perfect parallel jaws (it’ll remove anything, even stripped JIS button head bolts in Keihin carbs. Agree (and carry) all the other stuff.

[@MOTOTREK]

That's good stuff, Ronan!

[@disekjoumoer]

You're a good person, Bret. People are what make the world go round. Bikes too. Thank you.

[@GeertTheys]

Actually the end where something goes wrong is the best experience. Actually the worst holiday I had was one of the best holidays ever. That's the reason I like adventure traveling... Looking for that unexpected moment and learn that people are most of times kind and nice to strangers.

[@roasthunter]

we had a subframe break out on the trails, once we got to our overnight stay we repaired it with rebar we found lying around and cable ties, a local at the hotel cut it to length with some shears they had onsite. It was really strong and didn't have any issues with our temporary repair.

[@62g12cs]

I like to bring a roll of aluminium muffler tape. For large case holes it works great as a base layer then smear the JB over the top and you are good.

[@BlackdogADV]

I rode from Portland to Ushuaia Argentina on a KTM 690. Turned out to be a bad choice of bike, my engine failed in Antofagasta Chile. Luckily before I left I researched potential failures and had a spare set of rockers with me. Ended up tearing my engine down in a luxury hotel parking lot. Met a lot of nice people while replacing the exhaust rocker, it was the best 2 days of my trip. Yes, I did make Ushuaia. Then I went to the Arctic 3 times.

[@Ronbassettphd]

The best take away for me was the use of a tow strap and wrapping it and holding it by hand. Had not thought of that before

[@robertsinderberry4124]

It’s safer to wrap aro around a foot peg and lift your foot than have it pulling your bars

[@thelman8354]

Mine too

[@thelman8354]

Thats a good idea too, I may need to practice that, I dont like the idea of a strap pulling my bars

[@bunhead8]

nice vid...love zip ties...I re-connected the broken linkage on my clutch with a zip tie once...!

[@kevindblew6822]

I dig your views on a journey that teeters between full prepped EagleScout and VulnerableVagrant. So often the greatest memories are in the unforeseen events and the chance to interact with fellow parishioners in this global cathedral called Earth. Strangers are just Friends we’ve not yet met!

[@LIVEFORMOTO]

I really liked your closing statements. Most people want to help and when given the opportunity, forms appreciation and friendships.

[@dahveed284]

Only could watch the first 40 seconds. I'm heading out to get all that stuff now!!!! And a new shock to carry the load... LOL

[@MOTOTREK]

Wait! Just... finish... bit more.... LOL

[@jalex19100]

Fork seals...what if I bend my fork? Could I carry spare fork tubes? Then I need lots of fluid and a syringe. Now I need more than water...maybe a 6 pack.

[@dahveed284]

@@jalex19100 LOL, just carry a spare bike. Or bring the title with you and have access to a lot of money to buy an unbroken bike if yours "dies". Better yet, ride with guys that carry lots of tools and spares.

[@SurfFlights]

I think everyone what's to geht your tool bag too....

[@erisaweasel]

Hey - I was there for the broken engine casing! The epoxy totally saved the day for the guy on the Africa Twin!

[@BretTkacs]

One of several saves

[@micahbf]

Hey, that was me! It’s still going strong!

[@erisaweasel]

Micah Buckley-Farlee hey, how was South America? Are you settled in Minnesota yet?

[@erisaweasel]

Micah Buckley-Farlee awesome. I’m following your blog. Ride safe!

[@2awesomedadsadventures988]

I like the humour. It effectively reinforces the messages. I went back to my kit and put it on Bret's tool kit diet.

[@BilgemasterBill]

I've watched tons of these "what tools to bring while touring" videos, and this was the most helpful by far. I also completely agree with your closing statement that breaking down far from home is often the very best part of a trip 'cause of the nice folks you meet. Count me subscribed!

[@MOTOTREK]

Thanks!

[@tommybusch6073]

I love that your information clearly comes from a wealth of experience.

[@OurDee]

Breaking down makes the adventure! Great info.

[@checkadam42]

Fun fact! BMW used to sell those packing straps to go along with the 1970's Krauser saddle bags. You were supposed to wrap them around the seam of the luggage to keep the latches from popping open during riding!

[@brianwoolley487]

I wish I knew that 30 years ago as it happened to me in the first 5 miles of a trip from London to Athens on a R80GS. Its a funny sight looking down and seeing most of the contents bouncing around in the open lid of the pannier!

[@PatrickKohan91]

I'd really be interested in how you balance your tires on the roadside with those weights.

[@wademccotter5286]

If you take the adjustment knob out of the Vice grips, it can be used as a punch. Just remember, it’s soft steel and not a hardened punch.

[@arjun_jois]

I am amazed to see the Lisence plate on the panier is registered the regional transport office: RTO(Like DMV in the USA) Near my home! Cheers to all of them who commented about it! Brought a big smile when I noticed! #nammabengaluru

[@teneretraveller8980]

School pencil case with a couple of sections containing a few spare bolts, nuts, Allen keys My spare chain link, fuses zip ties and araldite and thread lock also go in here. I carry a small bottle of rad seal to. Ratchet strap for ferry companies that don't provide them. Congratulations on 100000 and more happy travels.

[@MOTOTREK]

Good tips! Thx, TT.

[@joeybobbie1]

I also carry some extra Bolts Screw and Nuts in my Kit.

[@ThaKenMan]

JB weld is the truth. Plugged a hole in the oil pan and It got my friend home

[@mddale]

While you have CanBus, your AUX socket may have a fuse if direct wired to the battery. Loved tow strap guidance! If you are with a group, everyone doesn't need to carry the same things.

[@MOTOTREK]

Exactly!

[@joelfeinberg3766]

True about meeting locals. I did alot of riding in the south ( shortly after Easy Ride) I was stopped by a local police officer, I knew I had done nothing wrong. Just for the story I was riding a 65 R69S with Earle forks. He comes up to me said sorry if I scared you, but I never saw your bike be for. We stood and talk for a God half hour forty five minutes. He gave me his card and said if any one gives you a problem or you need something just call me. In Tennessee I had a flat of course it had tubes and no way were you going to take it out with the tool kit tire irons. I started taking the wheel off and 10 bikers some with trucks and we got it done. I f you treat locals like its their town which it is,there are a lot of good people that will help you out if you give them their due. Still riding I have spent about 50 years in the saddle just keep the dirty side down. To all you kids that stunts are fun and the bones will heal but it huts like hell when and if you live be old and the weather turns damp.

[@codykiehn7803]

Living in Yakima, girlfriend and I love your videos and they've helped so much when I've started to do more technical riding.

[@thetessellater9163]

At 11:40 ish, you mention a 'punch', which is in fact, a DRIFT ! A punch makes marks or holes, a drift is used to remove a pin.

[@egaffney17]

Hardest part is learning how to use all these tools/repairs correctly. Need a mechanic in the family haha

[@jimsnow8004]

Interesting, thank you. Tape measure: Knowing how to measure chain stretch and knowing the spec for my chain helped me spot a developing chain failure in advance out in the boonies. Simple and worth

[@MOTOTREK]

Right on, Jim.

[@sqd8r]

Excellent review. You can never prepare for everything. I found over the yrs bringing everything but the kitchen sink impacted the ride; having to lug it all or having to work around it if packed for optimization wasn't fun. The things you may use once if at all on a trip often got in the way. In the end I went minimalist because ultimately when going round this world or round the neighbourhood, that is always getting smaller, a valid credit card, health and safety kit, a quality phone or sat phone and cash can be all the life or trip saver you need

[@MOTOTREK]

Good advice!

[@bernardbuhrs8639]

A big congratulations ahead of time!😉👍

[@tophermatt0834]

Brett you are a hoot. Glad I got to ride with you earlier this year.

[@Gmanndogdeguy]

i learned a few things here. I'll save the video until next april when the snow leaves Canada. Thanks for the vid!

[@jrbass62]

I love you're vids!! Started riding again at 55, I'm a Florida boy! Got to be an Adventure bike!! Friends in Oregon take me on local adventures. Oregon coast,desert,city forest.. California.. Wash. State. PNW is the most beautiful place!!! So many good tips!! Thank you so much!! Been working on this exact dilemma..

[@donaldludwig7354]

Always enjoy the videos! Great info for me as a returning to the ride after many years! Thanks

[@imct1]

the best motorbike youtube channel hands down. been riding for 25 years. thanks, Bret!

[@malvinacarabas5768]

The dancing is superb ! My main tool - AAA.

[@bikersoftexas9340]

I think I over pack. I bring spare tubes, a pump, patch kit, all kind of electrical stuff like soldering iron, multimeter, test light, shrink tube, tire tools, pry bar....pretty much everything I need to work on my bike and that's just when I ride the KLR to get groceries. ;)

[@MOTOTREK]

No problem being prepared if you can afford the space.

[@bikersoftexas9340]

@@MOTOTREK Yup...never know when you might need to install a 685 kit out on the road. haha...hey, love your videos. I've learned a lot from them. Always great content....thank you so much for all the work you put into them.

[@snilloc1789]

Great info, loved the dance!

[@jmborges01]

Hello from Brazil! Congratulations for important milestone of this channel. Amazing as always!

[@ironhorsegladiator5034]

Brett, Wait - Wait - Wait!! Hope you will produce another video soon to compliment this great video on how to 'repair' yourself!! I mean, I have broken a finger falling off my bike, others have had their knee broken on the many trips we have traversed and we never thought about the first aid kit for when our bike is 100% okay, but we are only 80% physically hurt and unable to ride due to a broken body part. See you in Washington soon. You are simply the B E S T, B R E T T ;-)

[@robertwesterfield3454]

We use the stainless steel seizing wire while sailing all the time

[@motogusnz]

Always excellent, thank you very much.

[@keulk]

Really love your conclusion, sometimes depending on other's human being help is what gives traveling some sense

[@bigbiketrip9182]

Great advice Bret, really enjoyed this video. I carry as few spares as possible and as many tools as i might need for my situation. If im riding my bike on roads only, in my home country then i carry my credit card and breakdown insurance. At the other end of the scale, if im off roading abroad, the. I take a load of tools, spares etc that will cover me and help mitigate any risks im taking. In the end though, i love your advice on vulnerability. People will help you out and sometimes its not a bad thing getting some support from others. Keep up the good work, keep the videos coming! 👍🏻

[@ADVzac]

I always enjoy your videos on Tips, Tricks and Advice. Very well done!

[@MrJohnnynapalm7]

Very helpful video - thanks for sharing 👍

[@PennsylvaniaDualSport]

The Mrs and I have been dual sporting for some time and have recently acquired two adventure bikes as we delve into the next chapter of our riding together. Your videos have been very informative as we plan our first adventure together. Thank you

[@nidalettaik1536]

You have fans in Morocco. Marrakech and Agadir

[@MOTOTREK]

Greetings from the NW US, Nidal!

[@robertappelmeldgaard2968]

Really really great closing statement and also a great video 🤗

[@sirlexluther]

Great work! And thanks a bunch for listing these tools. We are planning our Sub-Saharan Africa trip, so all this is very handy

[@marcezs08]

Ya know, this woulda been useful on my last trip, broke the chain and sprockets on the tip of tierra del fuego. Found one big bike shop.... Closed for the month, vacations. That was the end of my trip, bike went home on a truck and I flew home, 2200 mile bike tow.

[@pistolpete6321]

Great tips!

[@Helvetesleven]

Zip ties (-: when the zipper on my givi tank bag gave up. Leatherman,zip ties and puncture kit is always included.

[@thelman8354]

Another great video, added a number of items to my off road tool kit list. Going to desert this weekend, one of my worst case scenarios would be having to get towed back. Your quick release tow strap method was a great idea I had not thought of, that could avoid some major problems.

[@inthepumpkinpatch5383]

What's a really good video very informativeit's funny you're international kit looks a lot like my going out in the woods kit that I leave on my bike 100% of the time thanks for sharing

[@claytonbennett7797]

Great kit. I love that your information clearly comes from a wealth of experience.

[@MOTOTREK]

Thanks, Clayton.

[@iamandreja]

Awesome, thanks!

[@Migs3]

Excellent video. Thanks for posting

[@MOTOTREK]

You're welcome.

[@oli-no-way]

I love your videos! unbelievably useful and sympathetic 👍

[@MOTOTREK]

Thx, Oliver.

[@COOLCABMAN]

Thank u for sharing mr bret.. Amazing video

[@MOTOTREK]

You're welcome, Omar!

[@redberrine]

Congrats on hundred thousand followers another awesome and informational video and sweet dance moves

[@JockeSelin]

Very good video. Thanks for sharing. It’s stuff like this that people need to know. It sets their mind at ease. And you’re right; People anywhere will help. 😎👍🏻👍🏻

[@DormanDiaries]

Excellent video, great to watch and informative 👍

[@MOTOTREK]

Thanks, DD.

[@ukunwrapped9028]

Great show ,

[@stevenc3809]

Another great video, thanks for the tips mate!

[@MOTOTREK]

You're welcome, Steven.

[@adrianm1429]

I love this channel!

[@user-zs5kn3wi8o]

i am from Taiwan(台灣). i really love your video.

[@MOTOTREK]

Thanks, Rob!

[@fasttrucker55]

Whow never thought about some of the items you talked about.

[@robertwesterfield3454]

What a very good video extremely helpful thank you

[@ZachM1]

Might I suggest spare valve stems @Bret Tkacs .......oh wait, you just learned that lesson in Alabama. Lol Looking forward to hanging out @ Casbah with you tomorrow.

[@josech]

Great video (as usual)

[@rideyucatan4943]

14:15 - yep, that sounds right - awesome people here :-)

[@dejanjovanovic9696]

congrats for 100k subscribers!!!

[@1pasupaty]

Looks like damage.and.repair.is.so.common.good insight for this.video.and thank you.so much.

[@st0878]

Great video! I'll be looking for more of your content! Just thinking about my high tech electronics I'd add an ODB2 cable and good phone app. In case your bike leaves you in limp mode.

[@brubrazil]

perfect!!!

[@oldvaliant]

Excellent video. It would be great to see a repair series also. Have you planned/uploaded any? Stay upright, and thanks for the information.

[@fisherjoshio]

Awesome and thank you.

[@MOTOTREK]

You're welcome, Josh.

[@fisherjoshio]

@@MOTOTREK I love your insight and your youtube clips have help me become a better adventure rider. And as you might know, South African has many adventure routes.

[@jesseburns9734]

These are all great suggestions I have been very happy with the Kit I put together from your other video. I am trying to talk myself into purchasing a 2000 r1150gs for a larger dual sport. I use 1983 Honda XR350r for single tracks. Thanks again for all your Videos.

[@MOTOTREK]

You're welcome, Jesse.

[@sm-ov1wh]

5 star info !! Hi from Scotland 😉

[@drumsnbass]

They speak Spanish in Uruguay unless you’re right up at the Brasil border where you’ll get a Spanish/Portuguese mix.

[@rohith.h]

Fantastic videos. Great to see a number plate from Bangalore, India (my home) on your pannier :) I'm fortunate enough to call PNW my second home. Ride safe, have fun

[@satishvasane6812]

Thanks brother

[@Kalsino]

MOTOTREK, i just wanna say thanks for this awesome channel you have, it helps me alot. Yours Sincerely The BearCat

[@MOTOTREK]

Our pleasure, Martin!

[@rideyourluck1371]

Thanku for the info sir

[@sunnydaystarun]

Why does Mototrek not have a Million subs already?

[@MOTOTREK]

More viewers need to share our videos, Tarun.

[@captinktm]

Really do you not know why? Because folk like you watch and take in this drivel. It's presented as knowledge but in reality its just a guys opinion.

[@NovaPtl]

Honestly, I just discovered this channel and it's insanely better than any other one out there. So weird it doesn't have at least a million subs!

[@alfonsodiaz434]

Fortnine exist that's why

[@thelman8354]

If I break down on the trail with my buddies and its going to be an all nighter, I always call outside spoon

[@MOTOTREK]

lol