carrying tire-changing stuff

[sh8knj8kster]

I would like to hear from those that carry tire repair tools onboard their KLR Here's where I'm coming from... I've been riding every Friday in the north end of the Ocala National Forest for the last couple months. I'm slowly outfitting my KLR to suit this purpose. I'll ride the KLR for errands and joy rides but during my forrest runs when I'm literally miles from any services (like a beer and a telephone w/antennae signal=:-) I need to be self sufficient in the event I get a flat tire. So lately I started carrying the minimum I felt I need to facilitate a tire R&R The OEM tool kit has what I need to get either wheel off the bike (minus the center stand) so what I assembled has been a set of three tire irons, a bead buddy (Pro Motion), some tube patches, glue, sand paper to scuff the tube to prep for the patch, hand cleaner sheets...I think that's it. Oh!, and a hand operated air pump I took a couple pics of how I have this stuff stashed on my KLR here- http://www.flickr.com/photos/26137108@N04/4609541262/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/26137108@N04/4608992331/ Admittedly, it's real rinky dink how I'm carrying this stuff but I figure if I'm in BFE and get a flat tire, I have what I need on board to get the flat fixed and be on my way. Not shown is a frame jack I just whipped up...okay, I'll load the pic onto flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/26137108@N04/4611068280/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/26137108@N04/4611071596/ Getting back to my querry, I'd like to hear from those of you that are carrying tools to repair tires...how are, or what are you, or where are you carrying these tools. There has to be a better way to carry tire repair tools, and tubes...are you carrying tubes?, where do you carry them? Yes I realize you can use a front tube in a rear tire so as to carrty only one tube (to save space)...but I'm getting to the point I would like to be able to carry this equipment, in a more permanent type of fashion Pictures of how you are carrying this stuff would be nice. Typed descriptions are welcomed too I've been thinking of rigging up some saddlebags for this purpose but have resisted spending the $$$. I have an old set of Chase Harper 'Stealth' saddle bags I could use that would look more out of place on the KLR than my duct taped front fender bag=:-)...but that would mean I have to figure out frame work to keep the bags off the pipe on the right side in back...and wouldn't want to mess up the purdy left rear side cover=:-) Again, more money spent on some luggage racks. I don't want to build side racks, I'm not a welder. yeah, happy-trail has a pair for $100 A tail bag is an option but, I've been lashing a soft luggage type of bag to hold my cold drinks on the luggae rack (bungied)...and I'm not really fond of that. It has fallen off when the ice gets low riding technical terrain (ie-bumpy, whoop de doo trails)...and I'm not liken that. I don't mind ghetto rig, so long as it is functional, but the duct taped bag on the front fender needs an upgrade, for when it rains...I need a water prroof bag up there, and a better way to fasten it...I'm all ears=:-) What are my options? School me peeps! Jake Reddick Fla. "There's a fine line between hobby and mental illness." - Anon. http://www.shakinjake.blogspot.com/

[Nichols]

Check out the photo section - there are photos of a home made tool kit holder that may meet your needs or give you some ideas. Looks like something you could make out of PVC if you did not want to purchase one.

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "sh8knj8kster" wrote: > > I would like to hear from those that carry tire repair tools onboard their KLR > > > Here's where I'm coming from... > > > I've been riding every Friday in the north end of the Ocala National Forest for the last couple months. I'm slowly outfitting my KLR to suit this purpose. I'll ride the KLR for errands and joy rides but during my forrest runs when I'm literally miles from any services (like a beer and a telephone w/antennae signal=:-) I need to be self sufficient in the event I get a flat tire. So lately I started carrying the minimum I felt I need to facilitate a tire R&R > > > The OEM tool kit has what I need to get either wheel off the bike (minus the center stand) so what I assembled has been a set of three tire irons, a bead buddy (Pro Motion), some tube patches, glue, sand paper to scuff the tube to prep for the patch, hand cleaner sheets...I think that's it. Oh!, and a hand operated air pump > > > I took a couple pics of how I have this stuff stashed on my KLR here- > > > http://www.flickr.com/photos/26137108@N04/4609541262/ > > http://www.flickr.com/photos/26137108@N04/4608992331/ > > > Admittedly, it's real rinky dink how I'm carrying this stuff but I figure if I'm in BFE and get a flat tire, I have what I need on board to get the flat fixed and be on my way. Not shown is a frame jack I just whipped up...okay, I'll load the pic onto flickr > > > http://www.flickr.com/photos/26137108@N04/4611068280/ > > http://www.flickr.com/photos/26137108@N04/4611071596/ > > > Getting back to my querry, I'd like to hear from those of you that are carrying tools to repair tires...how are, or what are you, or where are you carrying these tools. There has to be a better way to carry tire repair tools, and tubes...are you carrying tubes?, where do you carry them? Yes I realize you can use a front tube in a rear tire so as to carrty only one tube (to save space)...but I'm getting to the point I would like to be able to carry this equipment, in a more permanent type of fashion > > > Pictures of how you are carrying this stuff would be nice. Typed descriptions are welcomed too > > > I've been thinking of rigging up some saddlebags for this purpose but have resisted spending the $$$. I have an old set of Chase Harper 'Stealth' saddle bags I could use that would look more out of place on the KLR than my duct taped front fender bag=:-)...but that would mean I have to figure out frame work to keep the bags off the pipe on the right side in back...and wouldn't want to mess up the purdy left rear side cover=:-) Again, more money spent on some luggage racks. I don't want to build side racks, I'm not a welder. yeah, happy-trail has a pair for $100 > > > A tail bag is an option but, I've been lashing a soft luggage type of bag to hold my cold drinks on the luggae rack (bungied)...and I'm not really fond of that. It has fallen off when the ice gets low riding technical terrain (ie-bumpy, whoop de doo trails)...and I'm not liken that. I don't mind ghetto rig, so long as it is functional, but the duct taped bag on the front fender needs an upgrade, for when it rains...I need a water prroof bag up there, and a better way to fasten it...I'm all ears=:-) What are my options? School me peeps! > > > > Jake > Reddick Fla. > "There's a fine line between hobby and mental illness." - Anon. > > > > http://www.shakinjake.blogspot.com/ >

[Mark Harfenist]

I carry all tire-changing stuff permanently attached to the bike.  My other bike has its own set.  This is because otherwise I get tempted to start switching things around, then forget, then get caught out.   This means: hand pump zip-tied to bike.  Tool tube of 4" pipe low in front containing tubes, talc, tire irons, patch kit, etc.  Valve-stem removing valve caps.  Axle wrench.  In the same tube are spare valve seals, brake pads, and lots of other odds and ends.   If you don t carry a tube, you ll someday find yourself trying to patch a bad puncture or (worse) a tear....in the dark, while it s raining, with mosquitoes and dying headtorch batteries.  Carry a tube.   FWIW, I`ve gone 25,000 miles without a flat, then had three in a week.  You never, ever know.    Hope that helps.   Mark

[skypilot110]

First, your jack stand is brilliant. Please add the photo or a link to it to the following folder. Your idea and a quick trip to the dump may help others once it is in there http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/DSN_KLR650/files/KLR-stands/ Now for what's missing in your plan. You have everything you think you need but have you ever tried pulling the tube to patch it with what you carry on the bike? I recomend this to everybody because we always forget things. A big one is a pair of pliers to pull screws or nails out of the tires. You can not do it by hand in most cases. You may want to try pumping your tire from empty with that pump one time too. I ended up going with a mini foot pump and/or an electric one with the plastic case removed (careful as they get real hot) since the one I had took all day to fill the tire. The stock tool kit has most of the important stuff but I leave it at home and have each of the included items replaced with real wrenches. Learned that trick when a frozenbolt could not be removed with the crappy Kawasaki whench while sitting in the woods. The best way to learn these things is to do all you tire changes with what you carry on board. ONLY then do you know that you have what you need when crunch time comes. By the way. Duct taping to the fender and cross bar is a great idea!

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "sh8knj8kster" wrote: > > I would like to hear from those that carry tire repair tools onboard their KLR > > > Here's where I'm coming from... > > > I've been riding every Friday in the north end of the Ocala National Forest for the last couple months. I'm slowly outfitting my KLR to suit this purpose. I'll ride the KLR for errands and joy rides but during my forrest runs when I'm literally miles from any services (like a beer and a telephone w/antennae signal=:-) I need to be self sufficient in the event I get a flat tire. So lately I started carrying the minimum I felt I need to facilitate a tire R&R > > > The OEM tool kit has what I need to get either wheel off the bike (minus the center stand) so what I assembled has been a set of three tire irons, a bead buddy (Pro Motion), some tube patches, glue, sand paper to scuff the tube to prep for the patch, hand cleaner sheets...I think that's it. Oh!, and a hand operated air pump > > > I took a couple pics of how I have this stuff stashed on my KLR here- > > > http://www.flickr.com/photos/26137108@N04/4609541262/ > > http://www.flickr.com/photos/26137108@N04/4608992331/ > > > Admittedly, it's real rinky dink how I'm carrying this stuff but I figure if I'm in BFE and get a flat tire, I have what I need on board to get the flat fixed and be on my way. Not shown is a frame jack I just whipped up...okay, I'll load the pic onto flickr > > > http://www.flickr.com/photos/26137108@N04/4611068280/ > > http://www.flickr.com/photos/26137108@N04/4611071596/ > > > Getting back to my querry, I'd like to hear from those of you that are carrying tools to repair tires...how are, or what are you, or where are you carrying these tools. There has to be a better way to carry tire repair tools, and tubes...are you carrying tubes?, where do you carry them? Yes I realize you can use a front tube in a rear tire so as to carrty only one tube (to save space)...but I'm getting to the point I would like to be able to carry this equipment, in a more permanent type of fashion > > > Pictures of how you are carrying this stuff would be nice. Typed descriptions are welcomed too > > > I've been thinking of rigging up some saddlebags for this purpose but have resisted spending the $$$. I have an old set of Chase Harper 'Stealth' saddle bags I could use that would look more out of place on the KLR than my duct taped front fender bag=:-)...but that would mean I have to figure out frame work to keep the bags off the pipe on the right side in back...and wouldn't want to mess up the purdy left rear side cover=:-) Again, more money spent on some luggage racks. I don't want to build side racks, I'm not a welder. yeah, happy-trail has a pair for $100 > > > A tail bag is an option but, I've been lashing a soft luggage type of bag to hold my cold drinks on the luggae rack (bungied)...and I'm not really fond of that. It has fallen off when the ice gets low riding technical terrain (ie-bumpy, whoop de doo trails)...and I'm not liken that. I don't mind ghetto rig, so long as it is functional, but the duct taped bag on the front fender needs an upgrade, for when it rains...I need a water prroof bag up there, and a better way to fasten it...I'm all ears=:-) What are my options? School me peeps! > > > > Jake > Reddick Fla. > "There's a fine line between hobby and mental illness." - Anon. > > > > http://www.shakinjake.blogspot.com/ >