Hope everyone had/is having a Merry Christmas. I'm looking for some specific tool suggestions as a lot of the roads I travel are very isolated and my SW does not have the factory tool kit.

First of all, I am not planning on replacing a belt by the roadside or similar. This is more for simple fixes. I carry a flashlight, tire kit and pump, cell phone (often useless), spare fuses, zip ties and duct tape and an emergency $200 in cash.

It looks like a phillips screwdriver is necessary to get at the main fuse plus a small adjustable wrench for things like loosened mirrors etc. Any other small tools that would be nice to have? Is a plug wrench and spare plugs really necessary? I'm trying to keep a positive attitude that riding season will get here soon. Thanks in advance.

The tool kit that came with my SWing was a screwdriver, of some kind, and another small wrench. I really have no idea what I would use them for but I think most of us got a useless kit. I wouldn't be too worried about a spark plug wrench as long as you change/maintain your plugs as required. I can't really remember anyone complaining of 'fouling' a plug on the SWing. Is your pump one of those 12v pumps? It sounds like you have what you need really, of what you mentioned.

I bought a cool flashlight at Pepboys, and they have them at target too, that is not only solar powered but also a crank flashlight. It is by far the brightest crank flashlight I have ever had, and I've had quite a few. This way you don't ever have to worry about dead batteries.

The pump is a high tech bicycle pump, small but very effective. I tried it just for giggles on my Helix and it won't kill me to get to "limp to the nearest station" if the CO2 fails to work.

Thanks for the reply.

Must admit that I only carry my mobile or cell phone as you call it over the pond and my breakdown card. Whilst it's under warranty I take advantage of the breakdown cover that is provided when buying from new.

I used to carry a high end cycle pump, (on top of having tyre sealant in my tyres,). Basic tool kit, small roll of 'duct tape', some electrical tape and again, mobile and wallet. Will again when the warranty expires.

Another convenient item, depending on how nimble your fingers are, is a fuse puller, or tester to check blade fuses. either one is about the size of a match book and as thick has half a deck of cards. Avalailable from any autoshop, and easy to use and carry. Made of plastic so its light weight.
Carrying a spare fuse is an easy way to solve many problems of consequence.

Dan

I carry a screwdriver with Phillips, and standard tips, a Gerber multitool that has strong pliers, a 1/4 inch drive ratchet with the metric sizes i need to access the bike, and about 15 feet each of 16 18 and 22 gauge wire with small wire nuts and solder-less connections. And a big wad of high tensile baling wire. People really underestimate the value of a good wad of high tension wire!

I carry a set of metric Allen (hex) keys.
The only must have is the Phillips screwdriver. Without it, you can't access the battery. It's more likely you will need a boost or have to boost someone else than ever change your spark plugs on the road.

I don't know BB. I dont think Honda would approve of a hex wrench that wasn't Honda approved, they know better than anyone, remember?

I wonder if its a coincidence that there both over 70. Hmmmmmm.

Damn, almost forgot the baling wire. It will definitely work for things the duct tape won't fix. I keep some in my '63 Beetle and have used it along with some rope to limp home with a broken throttle cable. Put a loop of wire around the arm on the carb then rope out the back looped around the bumper and up to the side window. Not very responsive but it works.

+1 on the fuse puller. I also take along my Leatherman for odds and ends. Keep 'em comin'.

Some tie-wraps (zip-ties). Can be used or a multitude of situations.
Not sure if t ha already been mentioned but a tyre repair kit.
Cheers,

I carry a small air compressor and a tire plug kit. My rain gear. A first aid kit.

In addition to above mentioned stuff, complete set of sockets/wrenches/ that allow front and rear wheel removal. Remember muffler/exhaust pipe packings (spare). Tire irons, centerstand leg can be used as bead breaker

Even if you cannot do/fix yourself with proper tools somebody may be able to help you. No tools=no go.

On tire pump, make sure you can reach valve stem, at home.

Little can of WD 40 can come in handy.

Most important keep bike in tip top shape-----I have ridden to some out of the way places---James Bay/North Cap in Norway/Central America.....and always ridden back.

Knowing your machine, carrying shop manual helps in pinch......or you can do like the cars that seem to be on market for yuppies---call somebody---my new BMW came with no jack/no spare/lug wrench, horrible run flat tires----it is now history.

It is amazing what scooters can do---don't overload, slow down in the ruff stuff. Don't expect today's new type riders.....the trailer bikers to stop and help you as you sit along the road....when in bind, I have been helped by the GoldWing Types who really ride or BMW riders. I stop and check on all stranded riders as we used to do

Last in addition to tools/know bike.....make sure any add on electric stuff you really understand and know how to by pass it to get home.

Test tool selection at home to make sure you really have what you need.

In addition to many of the items previously mentioned, I also carry a pint of Courvoisier. Stranded in the boonies?...snake bites?...rescue by a Bond girl?...ya just never know!...

John does bring up one point I can agree with him on (only one),
But I bet its something we never thought of before...

There is no reason we can't keep our Silverwing shop manual with us, in pdf format, on a smart phone that can read it.

If you are handy enough to use the manual in an emergency, than why not?
It takes up just a few megs on the phone and is searchable.

Of course now John will suggest we keep a spare charged phone battery on the bike at all times.

Dan

Update:
http://www.servicehonda.com/hard%20parts/street/fsc600%20'02-'04/2002-2004%20fsc600%20silverwing.pdf


Open in your MSIE. Go to FILE-->Save As, and save it where you like.



Dan

I would like to see photos of the places you expect to travel. Seems like you will need a space suit and oxygen for travels on the moon. C'mon you are planning to ride on this planet on one of the most reliable scoots available. Sure, take whatever you think you might need but you won't need most of it- and that's good. You will need toilet paper for those bathrooms in several of the states but not a great excess, just a roll or two, maybe. (be sure to take it in with you)
I have traveled over 84000 mi on the same scooter without a breakdown in a bunch of states because the beast is reliable and is maintained when close to home. On the road it just runs and runs. Try it. You will like it. Oh, yes, when in doubt, take money.

I agree, pre-tour preparation is easier than roadside maintenance. The old saying "take half as much gear, and twice as much money" is good advice.

I Xerox'd the Wiring Diagram from my shop manual and keep it in a plastic document protector stashed under the seat. It has come in very useful a few times. I also carry a small digital multi meter I picked up from Harbor Freight for $1.99. It's small, accurate & not worth the worry if it gets lost (after its done its roadside job).

Having checked out my 'Wing' I found I carry a camera!!!! And a coppers extendable baton!!!! Someone messes with me and I'll have your headlights or kneecaps! They can take their pick!! Amazing what you actually have in the various pockets until you check!

"I need someone to delegate the scanning of the 23 chapters.
Any volunteers to scan a section?
As long as they're saved as a pdf we're good to go."

The admin/mods have terminated discussion of this topic..
For more info email me.

To all forum members:

I humbly and sincerely apologize if encouraging this direction has made anyone feel uncomfortable. Sometimes the road to perdition is paved with good intentions, and I honestly felt this would have been a perfectly legal team effort to benefit all that contributed.

Dan Spevack

I will admit to being somewhat perplexed about the need to carry the service manual and a tool box. Yes, I understand that anything can happen, you could run into a tree and get buggered by a grizzley bear... You could crack a head and need the mining tools to get the ore out of the ground, fire up that bauxite smelter and set up the small cylinder head sand cast to work. Then set up the portable milling machine to work the final touches to finish it off before installing the new head on your bike....

Most folks when asked why a Honda? invariably reply something along the lines of reliability, bullet proof, it's a Honda, blah, blah, blah... Yet I need to carry the service manual with me when I go on my 90 mile round trip?

Rode from Alabama to Minnesota in two days to attend a funeral then back to Alabama in three days (stopped for a visit in Iowa). Number of tools toted other than the kit that came with the bike: zero (0). I needed room for the suit. Foolish? Possibly, but it is a Honda.