A motorcycle trip of 600 or 1,000 km a day offers a freedom no car can match. But far from home even a small problem such as a puncture, a loose bolt or a damp connector can end the ride. So as well as preparing the bike itself, it is worth packing a compact just in case kit.
Such a kit takes up little room in a pannier or under the seat, yet lets you reach the nearest workshop or carry on with your route.
What you will need
Important: Do not use lubricants near brake discs, pads or tyre treads. After any roadside repair, check the brakes and fastener tightness before you set off.
Step 1
Keep your documents on you
Documents are not part of the repair kit, but they deserve a reminder first. On a bike you are more exposed than in a car, so keep your licence, registration and insurance in a waterproof pouch in an inside jacket pocket rather than in a pannier. Photos of them on your phone are a sensible backup.
Step 2
Tyre repair kit
A puncture in the middle of nowhere without a repair kit almost certainly means calling a recovery truck. A compact tubeless kit with plugs, a reamer and cement lets you seal the hole without removing the wheel. Add a mini compressor or CO2 cartridges and a pressure gauge.
This repair is temporary: its purpose is to get you to a tyre shop at moderate speed.
Step 3
Basic tool kit
Even for short rides, carry the bike's own tool kit topped up with what it lacks: screwdrivers, pliers, sockets for the main fasteners, hex keys, cable ties, insulating tape, spare fuses and wire cutters.
Check at home that the tools really fit the axle, spark plugs and any covers you may need to remove.
Step 4
Lubricants for the chain and small repairs
Many manufacturers recommend lubricating the chain every 300-400 km, and on a long trip that distance passes in a few hours. Pack WD-40 Specialist Motorcycle Chain Lube and treat the chain at your evening stop while it is still warm.
Add a pocket-size WD-40 100 ml too: it helps free a seized bolt, drive water out of a lock or switch after a downpour and protect metal from corrosion. For wet connectors and battery terminals, WD-40 Specialist Contact Cleaner cleans the contacts and evaporates quickly. Compact cans take up almost no space.
Step 5
First aid kit
A first aid kit is a must on every ride. It should cover minor injuries and mild illness: bandages, plasters, antiseptic, painkillers, allergy relief and your personal medication. If you are unsure what to include, ask a pharmacist.
Tip: Pack the kit in a soft bag and secure it so it does not rattle or wear through the pannier. Review the contents before each season: check the expiry dates of tyre cement and first aid items, and how much is left in each can.
What next
Before every long trip, check tyre pressures, chain slack and engine oil level. Back home, wash the bike, lubricate the chain and treat metal parts with WD-40 Multi-Use, especially if you rode through rain.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
More guides in «How to use».