Picture this: you are out exploring the countryside, miles away from the nearest repair shop, when your motorcycle unexpectedly breaks down. What’s your first instinct? Sure, you can call for help, provided your cell phone is working. If not, you can flag down a passing motorist and hope for the best. But if you have all the necessary tools and spare parts on board, you might be able to solve the problem yourself and get back on the road.
Does that sound like a better option? If so, consider packing your bike with the items on this list. You can stock up on spare parts for your Honda® motorcycle here at Honda Parts Direct. We ship to customers all over the world from our home base in Palestine, TX.
Basic Toolkit
Most motorcycles come with a toolkit that covers all the bare essentials, like spanners and wrenches. Some good additions to your toolkit include hex keys, screwdrivers, zip ties, safety wire, and a small flashlight. You might want to carry several kinds of tape, such as duct tape and electrical tape, along with a razor blade or pocket knife. An assortment of nuts, bolts, and washers can also come in handy.
Tire Repair Kit
If you are riding on tubeless tires, you should have a good tire puncture kit on board – and know how to use it. Some of these kits include CO2 cartridges that can provide just enough inflation to hold you over until you reach a gas station. But if you plan to venture far away from civilization, you might want to have a portable air compressor on hand. These devices can get you back up to 40 psi.
Chain Lubricant
A faulty chain can easily lead to a roadside breakdown, so pay close attention here. The general rule is to clean and lubricate your chain every 500 to 600 miles. You might need to freshen up your chain more frequently when riding in inclement weather, or in dusty environments. On trips lasting more than a day or two, you should always pack a chain cleaning brush, a rag, and a can of chain lube.
Jump Starter (or Jumper Cables)
A portable battery jump starter can save the day when your battery dies in the middle of nowhere. As an added bonus, they can also double as chargers for your electronic devices. That being said, these gadgets are heavy, and not everyone has room in their saddlebags for a jump starter. In that case, the next best thing is a set of jumper cables. When you have jumper cables on board, a riding buddy or a good samaritan can get you out of trouble.
Spare Levers
The clutch levers, front brake levers, and shifter levers are some of the most vulnerable components of your motorcycle. When you get in a minor scrape, these are often the first parts to get damaged. Fortunately, levers are easy to replace – so long as you have a replacement handy. Keep a set of spare levers on board, and make sure you know how to install them.
Extra Bulbs
Lightbulbs can go dead at any time and without warning. If your headlight flickers out on a country road after dark, you will be grateful you stocked up on spare bulbs! Make sure to purchase bulbs that fit, and bring all the necessary tools to install them.
Clutch and Throttle Cables
A broken clutch or throttle cable can bring your joyride to a screeching halt. These problems can usually be prevented with proper maintenance, but if you suspect that your cables might be wearing out, you should pack replacements. This is not a simple repair, but if you have the skills, you can replace your clutch and throttle cables on the fly.
Fuses
Last but not least, you should carry at least one replacement fuse on your motorcycle. Consult your owner’s manual to determine what fuses are compatible with your bike, and make sure you know how to access the fuse box.
If you have a Honda motorcycle, you can find all the replacement parts you need at Honda Parts Direct. If Honda makes it, we can get it! Our local customers can enjoy free pickup at our headquarters in Palestine, TX.