Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Chat Forum > The HUBB PUB
Jumper pack or jumper cables? Jumper pack or jumper cables?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
The HUBB PUB Chat forum - no useful content required!

BUT the basic rules of polite and civil conduct which everyone agreed to when signing up for the HUBB, will still apply, though moderation will be a LITTLE looser than elsewhere on the HUBB.
Photo by Marc Gibaud, Clouds on Tres Cerros and Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia

25 years of HU Events


Destination ANYWHERE...
Adventure EVERYWHERE!




Photo by Marc Gibaud,
Clouds on Tres Cerros and
Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia



Poll: What do you carry (more than one option)
Poll Options
What do you carry (more than one option)

Like Tree25Likes

Reply
Page 1 of 3 1 23
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 16 May 2021
Wheelie's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Oslo, Norway
Posts: 658
Jumper pack or jumper cables?
What do you carry?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 16 May 2021
Wheelie's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Oslo, Norway
Posts: 658
I've never carried any of the options. Now that jumper packs are becoming so compact and affordable, and serve a dual purpose as a power bank for my other gadgets, I have contemplated getting one. Best thing with jumper packs is that you don't need another bike or car.

As for jumper cables, I often travel solo, so unless another vehicle passes by, would be of little use. And, if on a road with other vehicles passing by every now and then, I've been gambling on me being able to flag down a car with cables, or that I could hitch a ride with.

I already carry too much stuff as is.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 16 May 2021
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
Jumpers go in the pile with stuff (like the torque wrench ) that are just too much weight for too little gain.

Batteries fail slowly. If you have unswitched drains like alarms fitted you didn't prep the bike properly. Old bikes can be kicked, all bikes with semi-dead batteries can be bumped, many petrol stations and owners of old vehicles will help you out.

Andy
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 16 May 2021
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Wessex, UK
Posts: 2,136
Quote:
Originally Posted by Threewheelbonnie View Post
Jumpers go in the pile with stuff (like the torque wrench ) that are just too much weight for too little gain.

Batteries fail slowly. If you have unswitched drains like alarms fitted you didn't prep the bike properly. Old bikes can be kicked, all bikes with semi-dead batteries can be bumped, many petrol stations and owners of old vehicles will help you out.

Andy
Says it all.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 16 May 2021
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 54
Jumper pack
I have a Ring jumper pack cost about £80.00, it doubles as a light and power pack, about the size of a couple of bars of chocolate. I don't carry much but I like to have it.
Battery is in good nick, always keep an eye on it...I know you can bump start bikes and have much experience 45+ years ago of that with a BSA Lightning, but this is my preference. Thank you Japan for decent electrics.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 16 May 2021
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Scottish but now in just touring.
Posts: 35
As most fuel injected bikes (like mine) are extremely difficult to start with a completely dead battery, cables are ok when near habitation and you can get a jump from another vehicle However, when you are in the middle of nowhere that is not an option. Resultantly, as I often camp in isolated rural locations, I carry a lightweight pair of cables and a jumper pack. The pack is no more than 1 lb (0.5 kg) in weight. The jumper pack I can also use to recharge anything with a USB charging cable.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 16 May 2021
Snakeboy's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Back into the hamster wheel again, in Oslo - Norway. Did a 5 year RTW trip/250 k kms, 2014-2019
Posts: 1,551
Whatever you pack with you on a long trip - dont use a bike with the battery placed under the fuel tank! It takes an extra hour of wrenching just to get to the battery. That is if ever get off that bloody tank....

Dont ask me why I know......

That said - I was able to bumb start my Tenere (a bike well beyond the 200 kilos mark without equipement and luggage) several times when the battery was too low to turn the engine around.

If I was to do another long trip Im not sure if I would have taken cabels or a battery pack.... its just another item who «could come in handy but rarely does» and add up weight and space on an already overloaded bike.
__________________
In the end everything will be fine. If its not fine its not the end....
Last edited by Snakeboy; 16 May 2021 at 21:13.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 17 May 2021
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Tartu, Estonia
Posts: 1,139
Quote:
Originally Posted by Madbiker View Post
As most fuel injected bikes (like mine) are extremely difficult to start with a completely dead battery
Are they?

A friend of mine would keep his Hayabusa in an unheated garage overwinter... With two small kids, he didn't get much of a chance to ride it. Fortunately, the garage was at the top of a hill, so it was only ever a mild inconvenience.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 17 May 2021
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Tartu, Estonia
Posts: 1,139
I own a jump pack. A fairly compact one. I don't carry it on my bike.

If I get a flat battery somewhere far out of town, in a way where a jump pack or cables would actually help... I get someone to push me from behind and bump-start the bike.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 18 May 2021
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 276
Are you traveling on the bike or in the car? I wouldn't carry any on bike but if cage and you are going into remote areas pack is an obvious choice.

As others mentioned battery fails are rarely sudden if you have old battery with aging signs replace it before the trip good luck.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 18 May 2021
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,679
Quote:
Originally Posted by cyclopathic View Post
Are you traveling on the bike or in the car? I wouldn't carry any on bike but if cage and you are going into remote areas pack is an obvious choice.

As others mentioned battery fails are rarely sudden if you have old battery with aging signs replace it before the trip good luck.
Where you are correct that prevention is better than cure; there can be many reasons why you can end up with a flat battery.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 18 May 2021
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,120
Quote:
Originally Posted by cyclopathic View Post
Are you traveling on the bike or in the car? I wouldn't carry any on bike but if cage and you are going into remote areas pack is an obvious choice.

As others mentioned battery fails are rarely sudden if you have old battery with aging signs replace it before the trip good luck.
Batteries are strange things. A few years ago I had one about 18 months old and working perfectly. One day it started the bike normally, I rode a mile to the local garage for fuel and it was completely dead when I came to restart again. I had to push the bike the mile home. No bike / charging fault, just a sudden death AGM battery.
On the other hand I left the ignition turned on on one of my bikes by accident over the winter 19-20. It was under a cover so I didn't notice for over three months. That should have been the kiss of death but it charged up ok and I'm still using it.

Never had much luck with bike jump leads (or car ones come to that). Back when bikes had kickstarts and carburettors I used to pack lightweight DIY 'jump leads' to 'borrow' a battery from another bike / car - and even used them once that I can remember, but mostly it was easier to bump start. Battery packs yes but only to charge electronics - phones etc - when there's no mains electricity
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 18 May 2021
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
.... torque wrench, spare drive shaft, revolver, replacement tyres, Kendal mint cake mixed with pemmican, spare torque wrench, OBD reader, tea bags, marmalade, baked beans, 2nd spare torque wrench, clean underwear with your name and blood group stitched inside, condom...

I'll see your cultural divide and raise you one self fulfilling prophecy that the weight and time spend shopping instead of preparing helps finish off any minor niggles. I'll additionally raise you a prediction that a couple of lads in downtown Delhi know more about sourcing the bits you need but failed to find a space for than is ever necessary.

Andy
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 18 May 2021
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 4,017
Nah. No "culture divide:" just some folks concluding differently from others. Your caricature is just a caricature, and while it may attract laughs it really doesn't further the discussion at all. There are reasons to carry cables (I do), and it's not because I'm afraid to ask for help IF anyone else is around. There are reasons, I have no doubt, to bring GoPro, auxiliary lights, merino wool, fancy helmet, GPS, and alarms (I don't).

Few of us fit neatly into cute categories--I no more than you or anyone else posting above. Fewer still fail to have fun riding, with or without spare tires.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 18 May 2021
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Colombia,(when not travelling)
Posts: 384
In the car we always carry jumper cables, and have used them frequently, nearly always to help others. I've never carried cables on a bike.
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 3 1 23

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Snow Pack in Siberia fredster Route Planning 1 11 May 2018 19:21
Btwin 902 Hydration Pack Review deelip Equipment Reviews 4 21 Jan 2017 02:09
Cables - when to replace, maintenance, etc. ridetheworld Tech 6 9 Nov 2015 03:29
Pack up the bike.. where goes what ? niquedouille Equipment Reviews 44 14 Sep 2014 02:29
Turkey - Help - Fuel Pack Needed! fritzsampson West and South Asia 2 30 Aug 2014 21:51

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
Ecuador June 13-15
Bulgaria Mini: June 27-29
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Aug 14-17
Romania: Aug 22-24
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)

Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 05:57.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top