Errrr

Safety ! Do NOT carry tools in pockets They can and do brake bones in a fall. If you want them handy ... then in the tank bag or at the top of your other luggage.

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If you need your tools frequently then consider replacing whatever it is that needs that frequent servicing with something else that does not need that frequent a service.

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Tools -
For weight savings - you don't need ratchets ...
Open end and ring spanners should be all you need?

Possibly some tube spanners for recessed nuts/bolts if required (lighter than ratchets). However for those recessed bolts consider replacing them with allen headed bolts or putting spacers under the bolt head so they are not recessed ..... Some are difficult - lock nuts on tappets spring to mind. Some manufactures make special tools for specific tasks.

Isnt that everyones individual call?

Personally, I will take convenience over risk. I have had hundreds of falls, and always have one or two tools in my pocket. So I can deduce that so far the empirical evidence seems to indicate a very very very low risk. Your iphone in your pocket can break your ribs in a fall. Your pen in your pocket can stab you in a fall. A bunch of coins in your pocket could break bones. There is some degree of risk associated with every single thing you do, or you wear..... and some degree of risk with every single thing that you put in your jacket.

If I didnt want any risk I wouldnt be riding motorcycles,

Or riding off road

Or riding in third world countries.

Or using an open face helmet.

Or all of the above together ...

Having an 8-10 mm double ended swivel socket spanner in my pocket is a negligible addition to net risk after all that lot.

Its a bit like saying never go adventure motorcycling and listen to music while you ride, as it detracts from your ability to concentrate. Yes its true, yes it adds to risk, but isnt it each persons individual call?

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All pockets are not equal

I'd shy away from stuffing the leg pockets of my riding trousers full of sharp objects, because most times I fall off the side of my leg is probably the first thing to hit the ground, and said pockets are right between the hip and knee armour.

But almost all the pockets on every jacket I've ever had are on the front. Anyone ever had an accident where they land flat on the ground on their stomach (rather than on hands/knees)? Me neither.

I have, however suffered several bashes to the plums from having tools in a bag on the tank while crossing rough ground. Sufficiently painful that I try to avoid tankbags on dirt bikes.

I also like the tool kit to be finely tuned to suit the bike and have different kits for day to day use and longer trips. For local use I only take enough stuff to deal with beakdowns that stop you from getting home (punctures, broken chains etc.) or accidental damage (broken levers etc.). For longer trips I take everything for more major repairs and servicing which would include a ratchet with the appropriate sockets for the bike. I avoid open ended spanners where possible but you do need them to adjust the chain on a KTM.

Motion Pro tyre levers with spanner ends are great but generally would be wary of aluminium tools

Three universal tools I always carry, on the bike but easily accessible, are:

Leatherman Wave.

Articulated 1/4" ratchet wrench/screwdriver with all the bits and sockets stored in the handle (not very strong but handy for small fixes/adjustments).

Double ended ratchet ring spanner giving 8,10, 12 and 13mm. I also take it's bigger brother on longer trips.

I agree with Colebatch regarding carrying tools in pockets, it's a matter for the individual using some common sense, however, I tend to stuff my pockets with first aid materials (in plastic bags) and paperwork.

Presuming you have a motorcycle made in the last decade and largely engineered in that period (ie, not alot of Japanese bikes that are essentially 80's or 90's bikes with some upgraded electrics) . . .

You don't need tools built for a Cummins diesel. The torque ratings rarely exceed 40Nm with the primary exceptions being wheel axle nuts, countershaft sprockets and . . . primary drive nuts (which is unlikely to be an actual roadside repair).

The Motion Pro levers are fantastic, are rated to 90 ft-lbs (~120 Newton meters) and there's an insert which will permit them to hold 3/8" drive tools including sockets.

I carry a short, 1/4" drive Snap-On ratchet - T72 - that weighs almost nothing, has a fine ratchet (5-degree engagement arc) and can withstand 90 ft-pounds of torque. 1/4" drive tools mean SMALL and light and that compromising about where to carry tools is largely a matter of taste.

A REALLY cheap ($10) compact toolkit that facilitates removing tanks, fairing bolts, etc and one that if pinched, I won't miss, is stowed for fast access.

Short(y) combo wrenches are deemed sufficient due to the lack of torque required, and they can be "chained" to effect a longer lever arm, if necessary.

Vise-Grips seem like a good idea but . . . I don't carry them. Heavy, not very elegant and . . . I've yet to experience a failure that they would help me nurse back to a proper shop. Knipex 7" locking pliers . . . amazing. Pliers are ugly tools . . . not these.

If one inventories there needs (every bolt, nut & fastener size) . . . generally, you find you don't need very much to be "complete".

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Orange, it's the new black.