Tools to Take

[Chris of Motocross Africa]

This may be a bit of a novice question, but what do people tend to take in terms of tools? I'm planning an Africa trip and I would like to travel as light as possible. Has anyone gone with no tools but simply crossed their fingers (not that I am planning to do that!)? Is a pencilcase sized toolbox with a few basic tools sufficient?

I am still deciding on a bike but it is looking like a CCM 404, CCM 644 or a Suzuki DRZ400.

I do not have much experience in bike repairs but I would like to think I will be able to maintain the bike and if there are any problems beyond my small scope of repairs, surely we can tow the bike (two of us going) or 'stick it on the back of a truck'. Also, in terms of punctures, does anyone have suggestions of how many to expect, particularly for Africa - as offroad as possible.

What have people found with experience and what would you recommend?

Thanks,

Chris

[mollydog]

important but what really counts is good technique.
Research this.

[Lone Rider]

Originally Posted by Chris of Motocross Africa

This may be a bit of a novice question, but what do people tend to take in terms of tools? I'm planning an Africa trip and I would like to travel as light as possible. Has anyone gone with no tools but simply crossed their fingers (not that I am planning to do that!)? Is a pencilcase sized toolbox with a few basic tools sufficient?

I am still deciding on a bike but it is looking like a CCM 404, CCM 644 or a Suzuki DRZ400.

I do not have much experience in bike repairs but I would like to think I will be able to maintain the bike and if there are any problems beyond my small scope of repairs, surely we can tow the bike (two of us going) or 'stick it on the back of a truck'. Also, in terms of punctures, does anyone have suggestions of how many to expect, particularly for Africa - as offroad as possible.

What have people found with experience and what would you recommend?

Thanks,

Chris

I suggest buying your bike, riding it for a few months (if you're unfamiliar with that basic style of bike) and performing 'all' basic maintenance yourself. There will also be other tools you might/should/will need that go beyond regular maintenance and you should source that information from many people (not just one) that reguarly ride that specific machine.

As Patrick alluded to, the bike will be your lifeline to the trip. Sure, you can put a dead horse in the back of a truck...or just bury it where it fell due to lack of care...or whatever. Sht happens anyway....

What's most important? Cool trip via bike, or just cool trip thru Afrika?

You didn't say how long the trip will be....
Under 10,000 miles...skip the valve clearance feeler gauges...saves weight.

[DirtyInOz]

Hey Molly, im guessing you`re a boy scout?

[mollydog]

Molly is my dogs name.

[Deke in AK]

I ride a different bike (BMW), but here is what I suggest you do. Perform every type of maintence you can think of on your bike in your own garage using only the tools that come with your bike. Every time you use a tool from your tool box or one from somewhere other than the factory tool kit, put it aside to be included in your kit. Do not take sets of anything, period! Only take the tools you actually need.

Definitely dismount and remount your tires/tubes multiple times in your garage, even do it in the dark using only a flashlight (or whatever type light you will be taking). Make sure you can do it almost entirely by feel, much easier to learn in your garage.

Cheers, Dennis

[mollydog]

For RTW or Africa I'd run 1 to 1 lbs in dirt, 2 to
2 lbs. on pavement. (knobbies or semi-knobs)