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Mr. Adventure

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Is their such a thing as the perfect tool kit? I guess what I'm asking is their a kit for the BMW that has every size Torx fitting on the bike (I think I am saying that right torx)? If not does anyone have a list of the most common sizes on the bike so that I can build one?

Ready Go!!!
 
I have the model specific tool kit from ADVDesigns.com. It's all very high quality tools that includes a number of thoughtful goodies that I probably would have put in the kit, and maybe a few I wouldn't have thought of. Here's the link to it:

BMW R1200 Tool Kit: BMW R1200GS, GSA, RT, S, HP2 Tool Kit

http://www.advdesigns.com/ulcotokitfor.html

Good company with good customer service. When I bought my kit, they were still trying to source of couple of things that they were not finding the quality they wanted to sell. They shipped me a partial kit and sent the other parts along shortly after.

It packs up nice and tidy and about as small as you could expect these tools to be. Check the site closely because the kits are very model specific. They have both 2014 - current and 2013 backward tool kits.
 
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What tools to carry is such a subjective call, I am an experienced rider and I ride in some very remote areas often alone and I don't pack many tools.
I have ridden with guys that carry every conceivable tool that could be needed, they are most often carrying these tools to assist someone else because they are so anal their bike is in flawless condition and impeccably maintained so they never have an issue, these guys are also normally the type that don't venture far away from civilization or black-top and rarely are out of cell phone range.

From experience I know that I am far more likely to crash than break down and that a small first aid kit along with some food and water is far more important than to go overboard on tools (not that you are), I can only carry so much weight so I prioritize what to take.

As far as tools go I carry a tire plug kit with lots of worms in case I get a real good gash which I have, I also carry a small electric tire pump and a very small and light weight hand pump, a Husky folding Torx tool that I picked up at Home Depot for under ten bucks, a pair of needle-nose pliers also some spot ties and a small roll of duct tape, a handheld GPS with spare batteries and my spare plastic emergency key laced into my riding boots.

As you know it best to keep your bike in good repair, prevention is 100 times better than attempting a fix on the side of the road....or worse.

The worst thing that ever happened to me was in the wilderness of central Idaho near Yellow Pine, I was camping and lost the key to my GS and wound up having to hike out more than 10 miles, luckily I had a handheld GPS, the water and food made it bearable as it took a better part of the day to find a ride into town (McCall) and cell phone service.
 
I also concern myself more with after-crash fixes than being able to field strip the bike in a hotel parking lot. With that in mind I carry a small bag containint:

* tape, both electrical and gaffers (or duct tape)
* cable ties. You can not have too many cable ties
* safety wire for those times that cable ties are not enough
* electrical wire. At least enough to bypass some broken safety switch
* fuses
* a bag of small hardware
* a small jump start battery
* JB Stik

in addition to a small set of tools. Hmmm, my JB Stik is probably older than its use-by date and should be replaced. Better check that. Also, be sure to check the goop that comes with your tire repair kit once in a while. I've had it solidify in a never opened tube.
 
Discussion starter · #5 ·
Thanks guys

I just mean tools to do everything to the bike in your garage not take with you per say!

I just never owned any of those weird torx things and just have craftsman regular tools.

Is there a kit of every size for the bike of the torx things all in one that you just buy at Home Depot or something?
 
Thanks guys

I just mean tools to do everything to the bike in your garage not take with you per say!

I just never owned any of those weird torx things and just have craftsman regular tools.

Is there a kit of every size for the bike of the torx things all in one that you just buy at Home Depot or something?

Boy did I miss that one.

I wound up buying a set of 3/8 drive Torx sockets, I've been through a few sets over the years, the best was a set that came in a small blue plastic case (I lost these) then I purchased a set in a rush from a local auto parts chain and they broke easily, I now have a set of Craftsman ranging from T15 to T40 along with a T50, T55 and T60 and that pretty much covers every size you will need.
I caution against buying the sockets that are either cast all in one piece or the ones that have the bit insert held in place with an Allen screw as they come loose and strip or fall out.
The Husky brand at Home Depot are decent.
You'll find that 95% of the maintenance work you need to do requires a Torx bit tool.
A good metric socket set, pliers and the assorted motorcycle and GS specific tools depending on just what it is you plan on doing on the bike.
 
When you get your Torx set mark the T27 socket. There are no T27 screws on your bike. However, if you are not careful you'll wind up trying to use the T27 socket on a T30 screw. It may work. Or you may ruin the head of the screw.

A dab of enamel (wife/girlfriend nail polish) on the T27 helps. Mine is dabbed in RED for DANGER!
 
I too have had an ADVDesigns tool kit for many years. It is good quality and covers pretty much everything you may need. Also saves trying to assemble a kit if your own with all of the attendant hassles. Their kit is the best I have come across in a ready made sense. So good in fact, I have just purchased a Yamaha specific one for my Yamaha Tracer.
 
This Torx set from Adv Designs is a great addition to a traveling tool set. They can function as a screw driver or wrench.

Image


Six-Piece Star Pro Torx Wrench Set with Pivoting Head

This Star Pro pivot-head Torx six-piece wrench set will speed up your work in the shop or on the road. The key advantage over normal Torx wrenches is the pivoting head instead of the usual solid 90-degree bend. The 180-degree movement of the pivot lets you reach into tight areas and apply more torque and also lets you flip the handle to continue turning without removing the tool from the bolt head. This flexibility makes the job go much faster. Made of heat-treated alloy steel, the Star Pro wrenches are guaranteed to stand up to the pressure, too. The set includes the T50 wrench needed to remove the rear wheel on many BMWs.

Set includes these sizes: T25, T27, T30, T40, T45 and T50
Includes compact storage pouch
 
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