Favorite Tool carrying bags/methods

[humanrace]

Originally Posted by mmaiden

As I read various lists of the extra tools folks carry, I keep running across "tow rope". How the heck do you tow a motorcycle with a rope? Specifically, where would you attach a tow rope to a KLR?

I wrap it around the middle of the handle bar a couple of times and just hold it. That way, if something happens, just let go and the rope unwinds.

[AustinJake]

I carry all my tools in 2 packs on the waist. LOTS of tools, extra nuts and bolts, hose clamps, JBweld, rad stop-leak, compressor, buncha stuff.

[AustinJake]

Originally Posted by mmaiden

As I read various lists of the extra tools folks carry, I keep running across "tow rope". How the heck do you tow a motorcycle with a rope? Specifically, where would you attach a tow rope to a KLR?

Here's a Suz DRZ400 towing a Suz DR650 thru the sand washes of southern New Mexico, near the Rio Grande. Nylon straps

[RollingJ]

A strap is also good for this-

Chris stuck in the mud - YouTube

Chris stuck in the mud - YouTube

[mmaiden]

Like I said, where would one attach the tow rope on a KLR?

[RollingJ]

Footpeg to footpeg. You tie a big knot in both ends. The puller puts the strap on his right peg and steps down. The person being pulled puts the other end on the left footpeg. It is the person being pulled responsibility to keep the strap taunt (by staying on the brakes a little) and out of the rear tire/chain/brake of the puller. Either party can lift a foot and be free of the other. On double track it is easy peasy. It's harder on single track.

[mmaiden]

I like the footpeg to footpeg idea. It solves the concern of getting drug behind. Of course, could get towed by a truck or car, too. Thanks! What do you think- 30 to 40 feet of rope? More? Would a ski rope be strong enough?

[RollingJ]

I use the straps from two 15" cam-lock tiedowns. A stretch of mule tape would be just as good.

Rope would work fine, if it has the tensile strength to handle 500lbs jerking around on it. Straps compact so nicely...

[swoody126]

Originally Posted by Tourmeister

Where do people carry things like sockets?

I had a Cruz Tools roll bag for the Beemer and really liked it. Unfortunately, it went with the bike as part of the sale. I may get another. I like having some way of keeping all the stuff from banging around like it would loose in a bag.

hey scott

try using a(1 or more) 1/4" extension w/ the 3/8" sockets strung on it

use a 1/4">3/8" adapter to cap the end

i use a 1/4" T handle to power them

shiny side up

[kojack06]

I suggest wrapping the strap around the left hand grip of the bike towed a couple of time and the rider holds the strap as he grasps the grip. If something happens, all the towed rider has to do is let go and the strap should slip off and the bike being towed just stops. I've heard of some nasty crashes tying the bikes together without any "quick release".

I like using the Moose Racing fanny packs for tools and one of my favite accessories, the Wolfman Enduro tank bag. Aside from an extra inner tube, I carry a high-tech small bicycle pump, small poly tarp to lay a wheel and parts on, JB Weld, zip ties, and a small plastic container of extra nuts,bolts, cotter pins, etc.

I just purched the Moose Racing Front fender bag to hold an inner tube. Thought I'd try since I've seen so many riders using them.

[Meriden]

Tire tools and two spare tubes in a 9x12 camp pocket that is mesh on one side and nylon on the other. About $10 from Academy.

Spares like superglue, rubber cement, various nuts, bolts, washers, wire ties, siezing wire, etc in a small waterproof plastic box under the seat. Again Academy $5 or $6.

Tools are all carried in a small TechGear 9x2x3pouch meant to carry a laptop brick and cord. This ends up in the tail bag or tank bag.


http://www.twtex.com/forums/showpost...0&postcount=68

[MotoTex]

Originally Posted by kojack06

I suggest wrapping the strap around the left hand grip of the bike towed a couple of time and the rider holds the strap as he grasps the grip. If something happens, all the towed rider has to do is let go and the strap should slip off and the bike being towed just stops. I've heard of some nasty crashes tying the bikes together without any "quick release".

Pulling from the handlebars has been a problem, as when the towed bike hit a sharp dip or log, etc. the forks will compress rather than letting the wheel roll over. Things get pretty wild. Having springs compressed can make for some unexpected antics from the bike when they get the chance to unload.

The foot peg method is done the same way you describe. A single wrap around the peg, then stand on it. Want loose? Just lift the foot and it unwraps.

Tying low on both bikes prevents suspension compression from the load.

As for trail tools, this is an amazingly compact and complete set from Motion Pro.

Here's the description from the Motion Pro site:

MP Tool Metric

• A must-have for on-the-trail repairs or adjustments
• Can be used to remove 8, 10, 12 & 14mm bolts, #2 & #3 Phillips screws, small & medium straight-slot screws and 5 & 6mm Allen bolts
• Includes a 1/4 in. & 3/8 in. socket driver
• 10mm & 12mm 1/4 in. drive sockets included
• Enhance it by adding your own 1/4 in. or 3/8 in. drive socket attachments
• Includes convenient carrying case
• Hard nickel pewter finish
• Replacement bits available separately

[swoody126]

Originally Posted by MotoTex

Pulling from the handlebars has been a problem, as when the towed bike hit a sharp dip or log, etc. the forks will compress rather than letting the wheel roll over. Things get pretty wild. Having springs compressed can make for some unexpected antics from the bike when they get the chance to unload.

HAS A TENDENCY TO TEST YOUR VOCABULARY SKILLS, DOESN'T IT???

shiny side up

[Drumboy]

My buddy towed me on my KLR a few miles through the streets of Mazatlan and I tied the strap around one of the forks. It was scary a few times when the strap jerked and the bars shifted one direction but we made it.