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

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@disekjoumoer]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@PatrickKohan91]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@LIVEFORMOTO]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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 : )

[@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.

[@tommybusch6073]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@imct1]

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

[@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.

[@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..

[@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!

[@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.

[@bunhead8]

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

[@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!

[@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

[@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!

[@claytonbennett7797]

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

[@MOTOTREK]

Thanks, Clayton.

[@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.

[@tophermatt0834]

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

[@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

[@ThaKenMan]

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

[@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.

[@d.Cog420]

also small headtorch for repairs that go after dark, sanitary pads (good to soak up oil/gas/blood), silicon tape, knipex pliers, leatherman crunch (has vice grips), Garmin Inreach, nitrile gloves (saves getting dirt/grease inside your riding gloves after), small rag, right angle connector for tire pump, paracord. Instead of big pouch I use a smaller one and 7x5x2 metal tin, you can use the open lid to put bolts, screws, sockets you are using on so you don't lose them. A few stainless bolts with lock nuts to sub for broken pegs, shifter and other things. From your first vid, great idea to tape your tools so they don't get mixed up with others. Last advice you've given the best, thanks for putting this together. Happy trails :)

[@油條-e3i]

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

[@MOTOTREK]

Thanks, Rob!

[@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

[@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!

[@ADVzac]

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

[@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....

[@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.

[@OurDee]

Breaking down makes the adventure! Great info.

[@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! 👍🏻

[@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.

[@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.

[@malvinacarabas5768]

The dancing is superb ! My main tool - AAA.

[@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

[@elricfate]

@MOTOTREK - Hey Bret, did I miss the part where you gave us a link to the bag, or told us what the bag was?

[@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.

[@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. 😎👍🏻👍🏻

[@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.

[@bernardbuhrs8639]

A big congratulations ahead of time!😉👍

[@Helvetesleven]

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

[@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.

[@oli-no-way]

I love your videos! unbelievably useful and sympathetic 👍

[@MOTOTREK]

Thx, Oliver.

[@Gmanndogdeguy]

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

[@1pasupaty]

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

[@kenstephens2955]

Hi Bret! Love your stuff, simple, practical and well-told. Please tell me what metal panniers you're using. I've looked but I can't find them. I really like how they're tight to the bike and narrower than the bars. With love, Ken

[@MOTOTREK]

They're Jesse Luggage panniers, Ken.

[@kenstephens2955]

MOTOTREK Thanks Bret!

[@mdavidlem]

Great video. Love the tip on the stainless steel tie wraps. Will add those to the kit. However, I find the towing tip in the centre of the handlebars very doubtful. Almost all bikes have some sort of fairing and it is impossible to attach it to the centre of the handlebars. Even on my KTM exc I would destroy the plastic headlight mask. The tip someone mentioned in another comment about towing footpeg to footpeg is the most practical and safest method. Love your video's anyway :-)

[@richardsmith5249]

When I've towed, I've led the strap up through the forks to the left grip, and got the towee to hold it there. That way, he's got full control of the steering, and can release very quickly and easily if things go unstructured.

[@S2Wiley]

A quick release snap shackle allows you to use a fork or footpeg tow bridle and the towee can release instantly by simply yanking on a the non-loaded paracord tail. Used for boating all the time...

[@verdonrocksphotography3510]

nice bits and pieces and yes agreed nice people are everywhere specially in "not spoiled" countries, cool celebrating dance if I subscribe to your classes don't forget to teach me those silky moves, congratulations to near 100K, cheers V!

[@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

[@GadgetGlobetrotter]

The wd40 does eat into rubber, check Ryan's fortnine videos. He does a test for chain cleaners

[@egaffney17]

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

[@motorcyclingTo]

Quick question regarding the towing technique.. I always thought the closed loop is tied to the towing vehicle, the open end is wrapped twice on the footpeg of the towed vehicle. If in danger, the towed rider can lift the foot off the strap and it will unravel breaking free the vehicles. What do you guys think about this? Hopefully never had to use this.

[@MOTOTREK]

You're 100% correct.

[@donaldludwig7354]

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

[@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.

[@MdubFrederson]

What is your tool bag!? I'm having a hard time finding a good one. Yours looks perfect.

[@snake81216]

Did you find one finally?

[@malimach4947]

which pouch are you using? thx

[@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

[@Migs3]

Excellent video. Thanks for posting

[@MOTOTREK]

You're welcome.

[@shak180]

This vid was super useful! On my last adventure ride in the Black Rock Desert in Nevada I brought my tubes in their original boxes. It took up a lot of space so I'll give your duct tape method a shot next time! I'm planning on solo riding through Mexico on my 800gs around April of 2021 riding from the Bay Area in California. Any advise or good resources you could recommend Brett?

[@nidalettaik1536]

You have fans in Morocco. Marrakech and Agadir

[@MOTOTREK]

Greetings from the NW US, Nidal!

[@tccalvo]

Thanks for the great ideas and video! You left out where can we get a tool bag similar to yours in size/dimensions. Thanks!

[@MOTOTREK]

It's just a toiletry bag.

[@tccalvo]

MOTOTREK for the looks of it, a sturdy one at that 👍🏻 thanks

[@mrg2k8]

I've bought an Evoc Wash Bag, which is similar to the one in the video and has a 4 L volume.

[@blacklion79]

I think, you could use kitchen vacuum packer to pack spare tube TIGHT.

[@MOTOTREK]

Great idea!

[@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

[@MrJohnnynapalm7]

Very helpful video - thanks for sharing 👍

[@berryae74]

As an option for your metal tape measure use a cloth seamstress tape measure and a rubber band to save a couple OZ and get the added benefit of an extra unit of measurement for those foreign countries.. good video, great tips although all of my motorcycle towing experiences have been bad ones!! Lol 🤣

[@CamTracey]

You mention doing a static balance on your wheel. Do you have a video on doing so?

[@fasttrucker55]

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

[@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!

[@RedNeckBiker109]

Great stuff, the only thing I would add is an extra clutch and throttle cable.

[@MOTOTREK]

Absolutely!

[@C4H10N4O2]

Throttle cables rarely break just like that (unlike clutch cables) and often come by two You can always swap them and be on your way So I wouldn't recommend packing those, as they take quite a lot of space

[@markjacobs6294]

@@C4H10N4O2 I thread a spare clutch cable beside the old one and tape together. Takes no room and it's ready when needed.

[@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.

[@wadedoucette1819]

Locking pliers are great to crimp off a blown out brake line.

[@DormanDiaries]

Excellent video, great to watch and informative 👍

[@MOTOTREK]

Thanks, DD.

[@Sofaighter]

have you ever considered a video about street adv riding? do I have to lean in like a street bike, stay up like a supermoto or something in between?

[@artsandcraftsmanship]

Hey Bret, I don't see it listed, what bag do you have all of that packed into? I was thinking that would be a good starting place...

[@searchingfor6thgear44]

You had your Motion Pro bead breakers ground down! I just may have to do that!

[@BretTkacs]

They are the stock aluminum ones... Just worn from use.

[@searchingfor6thgear44]

They look about 3” shorter than mine! BTW, Fort Nine has recognized you in their latest video!

[@MOTOTREK]

The aluminum bead breakers are shorter than the steel ones. Link in the description.

[@jalalinho1027]

J'adore, could you please make a video how each tool you show us work TY! (L)