FloridaEdd wrote:
It's all part of the dance my friend. The more u get to know u r machine you will be able to identify and repair many issues on the trail.
Obiously u enjoy a good adventure and are not scared of going way out ,20 miles,impressive.
I can't say what trail repair items are must haves for the pilot but just off the top of my head I'd carry some easy spare parts with me and a few basic tools.
Replacement belt
Spark plug
Fuel filter
Fuel pump
A short section of fuel line
A couple hose clamps
A short section of electrical wire
Wire ties
And self fusing silacone tape (this stuff is the new duck tape can get it at Walmart for 1/2 the price of discount auto)
Tool wise I carry 10mm to 14mm wrenches.
Screwdriver with changeable tips
Small vice grips
Leatherman multi tool
Last but not least a clean rag.
I carry pre moistened hand wipes. Great for cleaning off after a repair or just wiping the dust off you're face. Also make great toilet paper. Guess they should have been at the top of the list though.
Items and tools suitable for the pilot will vary from mine but will give u some food for thought.
My starter went out one day way out in the woods. Used my extra electrical wire as a pull starter. Wrapped it around my crank pulley and yanked it. Started right up.
Point being u never know what u will need but if you have a few basic items it might just save you're day.
Another thing I do is any tool I use on the buggy goes in my tool box on the trailer with all my spare parts. This way I always have any tools I may need no mtater how far from home. . I also have a vise welded to my trailer as well as a small generator and air compressor. I tend to go over board some times but I'm an old school Boy Scout,be prepared .
Hey FloridaEdd thanks for taking the time to respond, a lot of good ideas. I took a plug, belt, some basic tools, and a tow strap. We were basically at the far end of our favorite loop. If the pilot died closer to our loading spot I would have just towed it back. It was quicker to have my brothers haul ass riding back and returning with the trailer. We only ride for 40 miles or so, taking maybe 3 to 4 hours for the day and than head back home. I never do overnite weekend trips, 20 some years ago a local judge and my wife both strongly suggested I quit partying, and I did. I avoid temptation with the guys by making just making day trips. My brothers, son and other Daddyrat riders have always understood and it works out. So, long trail side wrenching sessions are usually just passed on opting for a quicker recovery. Because of this, all of my guys including me, have had to sit out a ride over the years when broke down. My riding weekend always eat 2 days, I like to ride on Saturdays and throw a video together on Sunday.
I already did my choirs today to make her happy, so I will go out and compression check #2, and pull the pipe and carb on #1 for a leak down test. No wrenching today, brief testing only.