Can anyone recommend a compact tool kit for our bikes? One that includes 8-12mm sockets, hex keys, spark plug tool, etc. ? I want something that I can carry in my Camelbak. I searched the forums here and ADVrider but surprisingly couldn't find anything.

 

Whilst there is a number of off the shelf trail tool kits from a range of suppliers, I chose to make up my own.
And here it is.



8,10,12mm 1/4" drive sockets, t-bar and extension
8,10-12,14-17mm open end spanners
22mm ring spanner (end cut off so it can be used as a 3rd tyre lever)
2 8" tyre levers
Leatherman multi tool.
Short but wide jaw shifter
Plug socket which doubles up as a screw driver handle.
3 allen keys
Small flat bladed screwdriver
Pump
Pressure gauge
Electrical tape
WD40
Chain lube
Lens cleaner (doubles up as lube when changing tubes)
2 elastic cords
Spare front tube
Clutch and brake levers
Thick and thin wire
Zip ties
Various spare nuts, bolts and washers
2 lengths of small hose
Pen and paper
First aid kit
Toilet paper

The green dots show stuff I have used on the trail.

Any suggestions?
The thing that I have thought about is chain repair gear and some spare links.
But in 36 years of riding I have never broken a chain.

Tube, pump, gauge and Zip ties fit in the front fender bag.
The tyre levers are held under the seat.
The rest used to be all in the otter box I bolted to the rear fender.
But since I've put on a Nomad aux fuel tank, they are either in the Dirtbagz or back pack.

 

I also made my own up, but I'd have to go looks and see everything I carry. Basically, anything I've used to work on the bike at home (within reason) goes with me on the trail. Plus some basic survival gear. I carry all my tools/parts in front and (stock) rear fender bags, and the survival stuff/water in a backpack. I'll make a list at some point.

Neil... have you thought about a spare (foot) shift lever? That is the main thing I want to add to my pack, don't want to be stuck without one of those...

 

Yep I have thought about it.
I have bent, but never broken, a few over the years.
Recently,


I tend to only carry stuff that will get me home and so far I have managed to bend the lever back enough to make it rideable.
But if I was away for a week, it might be worth taking.

Some guys fit "snakes" to both the shifter and the rear brake lever to stop them bending. It's a good idea.

 

My ktm came with a nice starter kit- avail for about $45.00 but it has grown to look like the above kit- I have 99% of the above plus matches, candle and power bars.

One day my son snapped a chain, ( new chain new master like let go) And I did not have a spare to fit his new chain in my pack- left him and his friend with a small fire and power bar while I rode for a new link- about 1 1/2 hour round trip. Gave them something to do as well as keep warm.

So add master links as well- also a msr tow strap.

 

I agree with those who've already mentioned assembling your own kit. Go over your bike carefully, noting the sizes and types of wrenches and/or sockets to get all the reasonable nuts and bolts accessed. A tool kit can be awfully heavy, so use common sense about what's necessary for a trailside repair. Tire tools can be the most diferent tools because of the personal technique of the individual and the type of tires and wheels involved. I don't think any over-the-counter tool kit is ideal, as it will probably have more than you need in some repects and yet missing something critical for a specific bike. It's nice to just sit down with your bike and formulate in your mind all the reasonably potential trailside mishaps that you might encounter. Go through the motions with the tools you select to carry to see if they can get you through. Take no more than that. The KLX is a small bike, and toting 20 pounds of tools can kill some of your enjoyment.

A removeable circliped master link is a must in my book as well as a 10" crescent wrench. The other tools will vary greatly. Tubes are a pain, and my KLX is equipped with the Neutech tubeless system...but...whatever tire/tube/tubeless setup that you run, having a spare tube is a must IMO. I like at least one 14" tire iron to accompany my two small spoons along with my tiny Motion Pro 3rd Hand tool kit version. These make a trailside flat repair a breeze. I mounted the tire iron to that threaded lug where the upper chain roller bolts by using a different bolt and nut. Be careful by insulating the tire iron from the frame with some heavy duty heater hose or similar material. I only mount this tire iron on my longer trips or rides where I can't afford to be stranded way out in the boondocks.

 

Yea I still have the stock one in my tail bag, but I also bought another one and on long trips I also carry that one along with the 4 tire irons.



And for the really way out there trips, I also carry this.




But I am really going to studu Neil's tool kit and see if I can improve on mine.

 

Anyone else notice that Neil's outlets are all screwy? LOL J/K

 

Hmmmm...deej, this is where dan's avitar pic of the little boy sticking a screwdriver in the wall socket would be so applicable.

 

Don't forget the JB Weld!
I wrap duct tape around my tire irons so that I have some on the trail.
Those four way screw drivers you see at all the hardware stores are very useful.
I have a foldup hex key set that works well - I don't have to hunt for hex keys.

In order to reach the float bowl drain past the non-oem header pipe I need to use a ball end hex.