Triumphrat

zugspitz · 06-18-2006

Well.. very pleased with every aspect of the new Triumphs.. except the fact they came with no Tool Kit..

Even though I have rarely used the kits on previous bikes, It is just one of those things that seemed to be a standard item..

Are all sizes on the new Bonnevilles METRIC ? Any suggestions on putting together a kit ? ( sizes, etc. ) I am going to take my new SCRAMBLER on a desert adventure in the Fall.. ( LA to Vegas the long way.... )

Thanks :???:

richleasure · 06-18-2006

I was also a little surprised that no kit came standard. I put a Nebo Ultra Socket Screwdriver Combo Set, Planet Bike Mini Versair Pump, Stop & Go Pocket Tire Plugger, and ToolLogic Firesteel Knife in one of my saddlebags. I was beginning to question the Versair Pump, but yesterday a friend's bike had a slow leak and the only gas station around had a busted air compressor.

Sheepdog · 06-18-2006

If you wish to go absolutely bare-bones (ie small enough to fit in that little space above the battery), pack the following:

4, 5, 6mm allen key
8, 10, 12, & 13mm combination wrench (box/open)
combination screwdriver (w/double ended shaft)
3' of ss wire
small roll of duct tape (roll it yourself to keep it small)
compact vise grip
small canvas tool roll

That should get you through the worst of things, save a flat tire. For a flat some folks just carry along "Fix A Flat", but I prefer to carry a proper kit:

2 each 11" long tire irons
a patch kit
valve core removal tool
rim buttons (for holding the bead from slipping back on the rim)
compact bicycle pump
axle wrench

The flat kit only comes along on trips away from town. Otherwise, the cell phone will get me home. In time, you may find some elegant little tools that work better than the above. For example, I have some old tool that consists of an Allen key with 8mm and 10mm sockets that fit on each end. There is no tool in my kit that is more convenient or used more often...

Thunder_Forever · 06-18-2006

No need to be quite so specific.....

just buy a decent set of metric box wrenches, a metric allen wrench set, adjustable wrench (which I'm sure is already laying around somewhere), and some screw drivers (one part orange juice and three parts vodka!!!)

SmokinJoe · 06-18-2006

I've thought about this a lot, but haven't made any big purchases yet, just scavenging spares from by garage. Here are some ideas.

On my '02 Bonnie America I have found 2 Torx screws, both the same size I believe. One is at the rear of the chain guard, and the other is on the battery holder (or somewhere close to it, I can't remember). I happened to have the right Torx screwdriver in by junk box so I threw it in, but I thought about going to the hardware store and buying allen screw or regular bolts to replace them, thereby eliminating that tool.

The rear wheel axle bolt takes a 22mm and a 24mm. I opted for a big 24mm wrench for the nut and adjustable for the head of the bolt. I haven't figured out the front axle yet. It looks like about a 13mm Hex and a 17mm hex. Rather than buying allen wrenches I will probably find bolts that fit, weld the nuts to the bolts, and use that like an allen wrench.

I'm one of those strange people who carry a 2-AA Maglite and a Gerber tool (like a Leatherman)on my person at all times, so that comes in handy. Especially the flashlight.

I've been looking closely to figure out if there are places that really need a socket/ratchet instead of a wrench. At this point, I think not, at least for the kind of things I would need to do on the side of the road.

In the old days it was good to have 2 spare master links and a half link, but our chains don't use master links. I've thought about trying to find one that I could use to "make it fit" so I could nurse it home, and replace the whole chain when I got home.

Getting to the spark plugs is a pain. If I pull the tank I can use the socket from the kit of my old Honda. I plan to pull the AI and get the right socket.

I purchased spare inner tubes, but then realized they are kind of big to carry around. At least I have them at home, and don't have to wait for the store to open.

Hope that helps. Good luck.

wrack · 06-18-2006

i bought this craftsman set that seems to have quite a bit of stuff. in fact, it's a little heavy in the backpack but it's quite complete.

zugspitz · 06-18-2006

Thanks for the advice... I guess I will start off the usual things that I always carry... A leatherman, flashlight, and one thing that I dont like to carry, a cell phone..

Nice T-100 by the way... If there would of been a black one in the showroom, I would probably be driving one right now..

As far as the 3 parts vodka and 1 part orange juice.. I have to disagree... Vodka with a spash of orange juice.. You have to be able to read a newspaper through it...

cheers