What Tools To Pack For a Motorcycle Road Trip | The Shop Manual

Thanks to Kershaw Knives for sponsoring this episode of The Shop Manual. Get 25% off your order at kershaw.kaiusa.com/ with code 1TSM25.
Check out our full collection of Motorcycle Tools here! (detailed list down below) rvz.la/39FpDn8
Planning a big road trip or an off-road adventure on your motorcycle? Then you better pack some tools and equipment to maintain and repair your bike during your travels. In this video, Ari outlines a comprehensive kit designed to tackle the most common issues encountered while traveling on two wheels.
Here’s the full list:
Tool Pack/Roll rvz.la/3G21vHH
⅜-drive T-Handle rvz.la/3sPtOnb
8, 10, 12, 14, and 17mm ⅜-drive sockets, 8mm hex ⅜-drive socket
10, 12, 14, and 17mm Combination Wrenches rvz.la/3LygpXa
8-inch Adjustable Wrench
Spark Plug Socket rvz.la/3G8SGf5
3, 4, 5, and 6mm Hex Wrenches rvz.la/3lNd7VP
T20, 25, 27, 30, and T40 Torx Wrenches rvz.la/3PK6ukO
Combination Screwdriver rvz.la/3LygpXa
Front Axle Combo Tool rvz.la/3sK2jLF
Combination Tire Spoons rvz.la/3lsnTjW
Tube Patch Kit w/Glue, Valve Core Tool, and Razor Blade rvz.la/3G6C9bz
Rope Tire Plugs, Reamer, and Installer rvz.la/3sPud9b
12V Air Compressor rvz.la/3lrRhH1
Tire Gauge rvz.la/3MEKuFV
Inner Tube rvz.la/3PyQlOY
6” Vice Grips
Vampliers Pliers rvz.la/3Nixups
Electrical Kit with Fuses, shrink wrap, lengths of wire, wire nuts
Flashlight rvz.la/3a2IGrO
Lithium Jumper Pack rvz.la/3luCV8N
GPS Rescue Device rvz.la/3sPQcwN
Permanent Marker
Rags
WD-40
Chain Lube rvz.la/38385B0
Silicone Lube
JB Kwik Weld
JB SteelStik
RTV sealant
6 foot siphon hose
Tow strap rvz.la/3wvEB8i
Paracord
Nitrile Gloves
Lighter
Zip ties galore
Safety wire rvz.la/3Nv0vhx
Electrical and duct tape
Spare hardware and spare change rvz.la/3G5p02y
Knife kershaw.kaiusa.com/shuffle-di...
Hacksaw Blade
Don’t forget to plan your ride out using REVER! rvz.la/3NsVSEK

[@599Honda]

Make sure to throw in a small headlamp with extra batteries. Being able to work on your bike in the dark hands free is very helpful.

[@kawabungah20]

Some of the headlamps have flashing and/or color options. These could be useful warning or beacon lamps for emergencies.

[@Ian-ny6ux]

This is definitely a must

[@keijimorita1849]

I keep one in my truck :)

[@kaybee1956]

I can’t help but feel it would be a lot less trouble just to bring Ari along on the adventure.

[@daveyt4802]

Have your riding buddies carry all the stuff, kitchen sink etc... 😁

[@dr.rupture8467]

Seems to be what Zack’s game plan is

[@just-dl]

Can you do a video of how to pack Ari in a saddle bag?

[@kaybee1956]

Odd comment, not certain what your comment is alluding too. Pretty certain YOU have no idea who I am or what I do or don’t do on trips, especially since I normally ride alone.

[@just-dl]

@@thomaselliott573 that comes across as pretty rude...you ever ride with this guy to know him, or who he's "like?" sounds like kaybee has a sense of humor, which I'll take on a roadtrip any day.

[@peternaur]

About the right attitude: In 'Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance', Robert Pirsig says to always take off your jacket when you have to do roadside repairs. Getting too hot - and you quickly will - adds a lot of frustration. I love that tip!

[@eerhardhuizinga2632]

I need to dig out that book and re read it

[@edteach3r]

One of the greatest books ever written, in my opinion; and I don’t even own a motorcycle.

[@kawabungah20]

I'm currently re-reading Robert's Zen book almost 50 years later. For me, the key is reading it a bit at a time, and when you're not sleepy. It's a gem for motorcycle riders, but it's really for anyone to enjoy!

[@lovelessissimo]

A couple steel zip ties are good to bring along, in case you need to secure something exhaust related.

[@gregoryeditor]

Truth

[@mraycgz]

That and a radiator clamp. The clamp can be used to clamp, to be used in a chain of parts and contraptions to get smaller thereby tightening things and you can use the holes the worm gear rides on as a sander like a cheese grater. I throw a few around a round piece of frame or tubing and they can just ride there until needed. You can take a few common wrenches and screwdrivers, wrap them in a blue shop rag and hold the entire thing together with a radiator clamp around each end. Then you can use a coin to open them and you have a nice little tool roll and a rag to wipe something up with.

[@AriH211]

@@mraycgz Great tip! On cycling trips I secure extra spokes directly to the frame. This is a similar idea.

[@moliver000]

He did mention safety wire, which would do the same trick, but yeah metal zip ties are pretty sweet.

[@100GTAGUY]

​@@moliver000 can confirm, my rangers exhaust has been held on by 18g stainless steel wire since i bought it a few years ago. Finally snapped recently, re wired it but am currently looking for new hangars and gotta redo some upper mounts. Its been a permanent temporary repair long enough, time to do it right lol.

[@ChrisinHove]

Having seen a mate lose his keys way down a joint in the concrete slab floor of a toll booth forecourt, I now carry a magnet on a string 🙄

[@_Jaded_]

The extra thing to take with that I would have offered at the end: a buddy.

[@TictacAddict1]

Great video Ari! I'm 63 and a new rider, this month. Thinking of doing a solo ride to Mount Rushmore and although I'll never be too far from help, I want to be ready to do any repair myself anyway.

[@AriH211]

Excellent! You probably don't need a kit this comprehensive if you'll be near town. You might be better off with our "Motorcyclist's EDC" kit that we outlined a few episodes back.

[@lovelessissimo]

Honestly, if that's the plan, a flat tire kit and the AAA card is probably all you'll need.

[@geraldscott4302]

I am also 63, and am still riding long distance. I am still riding mt 2002 Kawasaki Vulcan 750, which now has 119K miles on it, all mine. It does at least have tubeless tires, but is a VERY complicated bike. There are a LOT of things on it that simply cannot be repaired beside the road. Fortunately during the past 20 years, I have only had 2 of those things fail. I am looking for a replacement for this bike, but it will not be new. I simply will not own a bike with EFI or ABS. I want a real motorcycle, not a computer on wheels. I am seriously considering a 2004-2006 carbureted Harley Sportster 1200. There are a lot of them out there with low miles, and the EVO Sportster engine is virtually bulletproof.

[@adamfromcanada9393]

I've said it before and I'll say it again, The Shop Manual is a great source of information you didn't know you needed. Please keep making these videos for those who might be fooled into thinking they know everything they need to know.

[@AriH211]

Thanks Adam, we'll keep makin' 'em if you keep watching! Any topics you'd like to see us cover?

[@adamfromcanada9393]

@@AriH211 maybe a companion video to this one that shows why the toolkit that came with your bike isn't all you need? Or how to test wear items to know if there's still lots of life in them or they're about to start going? (Battery, brake fluid, pads, etc)

[@theprodigalstranger5259]

If you have boxes or paniers you can also velcro the light stuff to the underside of the lid. Fuses, JB weld, hex keys, and other light tools should all hold up there just fine and it'll save space for the bigger stuff in the in the boxes.

[@bilboswaggens2975]

This guy lol I love him so much. "ill waste half my jb weld but ill bring a hacksaw blade"

[@johnpersonage7220]

I did a trip from here in England, through Europe then on to Russia including St Petersburg, Volgograd and Moscow in 2019. I rode just over 6000 miles and I took a bunch of tools and stuff with me. I only used 1 tool the entire trip. A pair of vice grips to straighten my brake pedal when I dropped the bike on a loose surface. I'll still carry a bunch of tools for future trips though.

[@cisium1184]

That sounds like so much fun. It would also be fun to keep going though. Maybe Ekaterinburg or Krasnoyarsk.

[@lovelessissimo]

Carrying tools is like carrying a condom: better to have and not need, rather than need and not have.

[@johnclements3788]

How long were you riding for? And how did you get back?

[@gokulkrishm51]

Nice. I would like to know how long was the whole trip and which motorcycle did you use :)

[@2wheelsr2wheels39]

The first person to say "Better safe than sorry" definitely had it right.

[@ES-pf1kl]

Latex gloves, multiple pairs…can be used as wind insulation in cold/wet weather rides…you’ll be glad you did. Multiple pairs because if you are like me, forgetting to replenish your stash is as good as not being prepared at all.

[@manray005]

I do the same. I wear a set under my gloves and it really helps in the cold. You can also wear a set of wool liners too for some insulation though then it's quite bulky.

[@casefarley5744]

Homie chopped his T-handle driver to save weight lol This is the kind of commitment I appreciate.

[@AriH211]

Glad ya noticed, and approve!

[@therealkzero]

That Kershaw Shuffle DIY is awesome!

[@KershawKnivesUSA]

We think so too! 😎 🙌

[@UltralightMotorcycleCamping]

Lots of great practical advice. I carry most of this stuff in my slightly too large tool roll. I use a one ounce flip top bottle of RemOil in lieu of WD40. It works similarly as a solvent, penetrating oil and anti-corrosive, but it leaves a drier Teflon finish and doesn't form yellow crufty goo a year later. I carry a small hank of safety wire and the small needle nose ViseGrips are the safety wire pliers. I carry a few blue Scott paper shop towels in a heavy duty zip lock bag and two pairs of nitrile gloves. I also carry a single use dual pouch of epoxy and hardener, but make certain it can't be punctured because that's a huge mess.

[@fumanpoo4725]

My idea of roughing it is a 3-star motel...savage.

[@mikemerrill175]

Mine is if I’m on the 2nd floor without elevator service.

[@bbevis2357]

A jump pack or extra battery is a great idea. I have been stranded and had to call help 5 times and 3 of those times were because of battery or charging system issues. On different bikes in every case.

[@JoshNewby84]

An extra battery isn't really feasible to be carrying around with you constantly. Plus in almost all situations you can push start a bike with a dead battery/ weak charging system

[@stoney3398]

I have a Microstart similar to the one Ari showed, and always carry it on the bike. It saved the day this morning; just as a few friends and I were about to head out on an organized ride, I used it to jump a friend’s ST1100. Would have been a bummer for him if I didn’t have it with me, it’s a pretty heavy bike to try and push start.

[@stoney3398]

I own a Tiger 900 Rally Pro, looks pretty much like the bike directly behind Ari. Shortly after buying it, I checked every nut & bolt on the bike that I might ever have to remove on the road, and wrote everything down. To my amazement, the Triumph tool kit made by Cruz Tools had every one of them! Someone did their homework there for sure. Needless to say, I bought the kit (from Revzilla, of course), and only added a few other generic tools, plus the tire repair stuff, etc. Cruz makes a really, really complete kit. I’d buy one again in a heartbeat!

[@AriH211]

Wow, that's great to hear. Usually OE tool kits are trash! Glad to hear Triumph partnered with a quality company like Cruz; I love their stuff.

[@stoney3398]

@@AriH211 I don't think Cruz & Triumph partnered on it, I just think that Cruz did their homework, unlike most companies, and we get to benefit from it!

[@lonely_trans_girl]

I think a better idea is just to bring Ari with you! 😍👍

[@JaredElliott1]

The wrenches are called 'open end'. The single size are called combination as they have a 'combination' of open and box ends.

[@JaspreetSingh-fo2qe]

'double open ended'

[@prajwalsah9097]

This video came out just in time. I was starting a solo first long ride trip, and was looking up for content.🔥all thanks to revzilla ♥️

[@bigj200016]

Ditto, but this will be my 3rd solo trip. And this will be a 2 week trip

[@marshallfischer3667]

Have fun bro

[@Bobby-wn5yr]

Have a great trip! I think the opening remarks of this are the most important - do a service and make a note of what you need. I mostly use a mix of hex/driver/socket adapters with just a couple of wrenches for where sockets don’t work. Other top tip is a digital torque adapter. It might not be as accurate as a super expensive & massive torque wrench but on the road it means you can tighten nearly everything on your bike to spec on the road.

[@CubanRider]

Excellent stuff Ari, great video as usual.

[@byever1]

Planning a trip right now. Perfect timing!

[@eddieC007]

I was waiting for a video like this for years!!! Thank you

[@ryannicholson6356]

This is great! Loved the few simple extra ideas that I'd never have thought of on my own. Love these series

[@mariokasapi8961]

Fantastic advice. Thanks, dude!

[@OG_Mereles]

I cannot like this series hard enough. Great job as always!

[@griffonwings5177]

Sweet tips brother! Thank you

[@57lieu]

Fantastic video Ari. Thanks.

[@nitrofish8908]

Excellent video, love your last point on attitude

[@josech]

Excellent video as always

[@cjofatlanta5207]

This is so good! Thank you . You do the best job for RevZilla

[@tightright7561]

Your videos are all extremely informative. Thank you

[@bencedenes9525]

Man, I’m desperately unprepared. I usually only pack my phone, wallet and a significant load of positive attitude that I’ll be just fine without any of this stuff…

[@BlueGravity777]

Usually me too but I'm getting older smarter. And I hate not having tools to fix what I need

[@big_daddo92]

As always great video Ari!!! Thanks for the knowledge!!!

[@diptenkrom]

Great video, with some useful stuff added in for other situations. nicely done!

[@mauricio21566]

Great video guys! This was great to learn, especially with my 10 day trip to Yosemite coming up in August.

[@gaminiediri]

Thank you for this great informative and instructional video.

[@Carby4SZK]

Great video. I was actually among those that requested something like this since I’ve seen the tool roll in the Hunter Cub Alaska adventure. This is really helpful. I can’t wait to start building up this kit.

[@defaultuser3410]

Very well though out kit, thanks! You've clearly had a lot of experience about what can go wrong on adventures.

[@ChooseBrian]

Well done. Extremely spot on and detailed. Gonna make a few changes to my own kit now.

[@markchristianson8178]

Thanks for sharing very helpful !!

[@Delta5.3]

Perfect timing, making a kit today for my trip to a remote island tomorrow

[@krakosekrumpa]

Good stuff, as always! This was perfect for my prep planning!

[@2WheelsRoadTraveler]

Great video!Keep up the good work!

[@mikeguitarification]

I'll just ride with you. Will take care of everything I need...Great video

[@karryhoward3946]

Great work Ari love your stuff thank you for your ideas.

[@fredtek2021]

Amazing and very informative video 👍🏼

[@Ian-ny6ux]

To Arie & the Revzilla Team. Thank you so much for this repair video. As a serious rider. I take these repair videos to heart. You are all doing the motorcycling world a lot good. I can't express how happy i am to watch videos like this from you all. I myself ride everyday and really far distances. I eagerly wait for part 2 in the future. Much love!

[@danieljordannicol9937]

Another thing to note would be to go to the forums and see what common parts go wrong. I.e. connectors and slave cylinders etc to carry a spare of those if possible. Also a brake bleeder is a great thing to have and is the same size as a cable tie

[@1965computer]

food for thought,, you have given so great ideas. thank you 🏍🏍🏍🏍

[@namdarbolour9890]

Excellent content. Excellent writing. Excellent tutorial. Not (too) commercial. Thank you!

[@BP-id4cq]

Outstanding advice to someone like me that is transferring from street to ADV. I’m planning a Baja trip this Fall, so anything related to this topic is greatly appreciate. Thank you so much.

[@BlackThor15]

What an awesome video, thanks for sharing this useful information! 👍👍

[@briancox8422]

Ari for President, he can fix any mess

[@mikemerrill175]

Great topic well presented.

[@SchitzNGigglez]

Snap-On makes a wonderful set that has saved my rump numerous times. "CYCLESET" is the part number. You won't regret it.

[@markschwarzbauer4555]

This was impressive. Good tips that I can put to use. Thanks.

[@alexmoreno8156]

Great video and series!

[@mojomanmurph1925]

Great video. Thanks for making this.

[@scottbmcqueen]

This is the rundown I’ve always wanted. Thanks Ari!

[@AriH211]

You're welcome.

[@nateraymer2452]

I look forward to doing my frist service just so I can make the list you suggested. Having a kit like that could have saved my trip before. I definitely want to make it happen. Thanks for the tips.

[@MG-vo7is]

Excellent info!

[@murraehaynes3182]

Always good info👍🏼

[@Mr.Winston]

As always Ari, Stella video. Off down’t south for the KTM adventure rally in September. Plus a week afterwards. First longer trip in a few years. Bought a Kriega tool roll so keen to get myself sorted.. good tip re jotting down everything used for your pre-flight service! 21” Tube, great idea plus those tyre irons with a 32” inset socket now that is smart! 👍

[@markjacobs3956]

Good stuff. Always learning even at 58 and a million miles...

[@SMac8170]

great video, loved that!

[@yeboscrebo4451]

Great info, thank you

[@tracythorleifson4108]

That was terrific, Ari, thank you! I use J-B weld often, but it wasn’t in my tool roll. It is now! Same goes for fuel tubing - I carry some, but not enough for siphoning. Not anymore!😃 The one thing I have used more than anything else since I added it to my kit is that emergency jump start battery. It’s so much easier than a push start, and it seems like on every trip, somebody ends up with a battery/charging issue of some sort.

[@_skud]

Thanks for the content

[@kylehamilton7952]

Great stuff buddy

[@frankrizzo367]

Great list, thank you. I've also heard of people carrying a small umbrella for fixing in the rain.

[@_Makanko_]

Great tips!

[@TerraMagnus]

This is one of the most valuable videos I’ve seen in awhile. As a noob to DIY repair I’d love to see content around working on motorcycles, common repairs and maintenance.

[@itsallabouttheridekeepingi4449]

Good 👍 advice, for my trips on and off road in Australia here is just a few different things 1. Snap jack - small compact is fantastic you don’t have a Center stand ( for road and ADV ) 2. As above for dual sport I have a short aluminium pole 12 inch’s long - and can adjust out like a tent pole you put it under your peg ( it also has a welded base ) it lifts the rear wheel off the ground and with front wheel can put it through the front of the base of plate to lift front wheel, it’s light and cable tie to bike . 3. Chain lube I use Motul chain lube it’s in a toothpaste looking tube . Fantastic compact ( and you don’t have to worry about a can of lube leaking all over you gear .

[@mickeypopa]

And also always make sure to let someone know the general area that you're heading into. It may save your life in case something really bad happens and you end up incapacitated.

[@tunesdavespa]

Yet another brilliant installment of the shop manual. Thank you for such a comprehensive guide, you did outline everything but the fact that the tool kit tends to be incremental with experience - afterall there is the self-capable bikers' Murphy's law: we always pack and prepare for everything but the breakdown that comes up on the next adventure. So carry the extra tool, within a reasonable 15-20% of your initial weight/volume, and maybe some cookies for while you wait for help. Cheers, and thank you for another great video!

[@tincho1979]

Excelente 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 Gracias Saludos desde Argentina 🇦🇷

[@PandaStencils]

Great video! And a great list of tools and tips. There are few things more satisfying than making a repair on your bike (or on your fellow road-tripper's bike) and continuing on with the trip, especially if it is one that would have left you stranded and not able to continue. It's empowering and enabling, and opens up your own horizon.

[@AriH211]

Well said!

[@chrism5705]

Great video! Always nice to hear Ari’s well considered/reasoned thoughts. Glad to see someone mention a headlamp in the comments. Hands free light is a big help. Also, someone mentioned a small multimeter. Very useful for most bikes built after 1980! The only items I would add are a small umbrella (for shade, as I’m usually in waterproof riding gear), and headlight and tail light bulbs, if you intend to ride at night. They don’t fail often, but when they do you’re in a bind, as it’s never right next to a parts store! As Ari mentioned, get familiar with your bike and tools. In the Jeep world I’ve seen too many people stuck on the trail, unspooling their expensive winch for the first time….

[@tHaH4x0r]

Most tools you use almost never, so I generally pack them at the bottom of my side luggage bags. Same with spare tubes. That also keeps most of the weight nice and low, as tools are generally pretty dense. The only things you do regularly need, is the chain maintenance stuff, which I usually have somewhere else.

[@billlayer5117]

Great video. You mentioned fuses but I always bring a small pocket multimeter and a couple of paper clips (most probably know that straitened out allows probing connector pins) for figuring out electrical issues which is getting more important these day’s.

[@UltralightMotorcycleCamping]

I carry a mountain bike (high volume low pressure) tire pump. It's a fair amount of work to inflate a motorcycle tire but it's much lighter and less bulky than a 12V inflator. A small hand pump is nearly foolproof and it can be easily repaired in the field, unlike a tiny compressor.

[@kawabungah20]

Lots of good ideas! Thanks. I agree: the single, most important "bring along" is PMA (positive mental attitude)! Since I don't have a centerstand on my bike, I carry one of Eagle Mike's 2-piece "insta-stands" to help support the bike when rocks and tree stumps are sparse.

[@eerhardhuizinga2632]

Superb video and advise.

[@ilyavoldman6508]

Grate grate video.. I enjoyed it as always I enjoy the shop manual videos. Kepp the good work and thanks allot!

[@jimnotbob]

An Oxford cable repair kit is invaluable too. Got me out of trouble a couple of times over the years, saves on space to as the tin is tiny

[@petersymons7817]

Thank you

[@JesseVad]

This is incredibly helpful. I'm fairly new to riding but I'm working my way up to longer trips and hope to be on the road for extended periods of time eventually. This is a good list to start ticking off and getting familiar with. Thanks Ari!

[@AriH211]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@corbinjeffery271]

I feel like Ari is THE guy to bring on a day long beach trip!

[@sidwithstuffs7203]

I was thinking about this topic for my next ride and lo here it is

[@drdcon1152]

A can do attitude is definitely an essential thing to pack, as you say. I once used a pair of hemostats (my favorite electrical tool) to rip a piece out of a roadside beer can and fold it into a jumper wire to put into the connector of the clutch interlock on my girlfriend's bike so we could continue the weekend after a kickstand fall in the boonies.

[@desert4seat]

Damn, awesome video. Thanks bro!

[@ahungryzygote2917]

This was such a good video

[@Rover4387]

dammit. I thought my tool kit was good!! Thanks Ari!

[@Designer_Opine]

It’s good to know what could fail on your bike that might leave you totally jacked. Like a faulty starter button.

[@MrDan1713]

My friends and I rode 2 mid 70s KZs and a Ural to Rockerbox in Fond Du Lac Wisconsin a few years ago. It was an 800 mile round trip, so we had every tool we could possibly fit (including a Dewalt 1/2” drive electric impact wrench) into the trunk on my Ural’s sidecar. The only thing we needed the whole trip was one zip tie to replace a missing license plate bolt.

[@greghunter6951]

I like switching all bolts that you regularly use to access panels, etc., to allen head bolts. Hex keys are smaller and easier to use and store.

[@smrangers22]

hi from dorset uk !! great advice !

[@mrrogersrabbit]

To lift the rear tire for chain maintenance or wheel removal, the SnapJack v2 makes for a good portable stand.