Tools required during bike trip to leh

Hi Friends,

I have never carried tools serious during any of my past tour (even delhi to srinagar) but now I planning to leh and after having a discussion with many people it seems to be I should carry necessary tools.

Please suggest whether below list is ok :

Box Spanner (sizes I need , I have pulsar 180 UG 2) OR a cross spanner ?
Chain bit
Chain locks
smal hammer
clutch wires
screw driver (star and normal)
Plier (small tiped nose and bigger one)
2 pcs of tyre leveler (for puncture repar)
a small compressor (not sure of its size and weight)
extra tyre tube.
Headlight bulb
CDI
some fuse
Also is tubeless are better ? I heard it is easy to repairt them , plz suggest.

Regards
Yogesh Malhotra

Yogesh - Just a thougt.
Are you too worried on the chain part? I mean yes anything can happen but do you seriously think you might have a chain failure and you might be able to fix it?

I think the most important would
1. Puncture repair kit- Includes tools to remove the wheel from the fork, undo the tyre to pull out the tube, a new spare tube and also rubber patches and the sticky tube. Most importantly the foot pump. (The pump and tools is going to add up to the volume and weight of your luggage. So be smart in chosing the right one instead of the entire set). VERY imp which you might forget - there is a small X shaped pin which is used to unscrew the valve of the tube without which you will not be able to seperate the tyre and tube.
2. Light bulb- yes, we took it but we never intended to night ride. We just took it.
3. Clutch wire - yes
4. Screw drivers and spanners - I suggest only select the ones which you require for the limited things like fixing puncture, changing clutch wire, tightening brake etc. Too many tools are going to burden you and too less are a risk if your bike fails.

Do an additionaly check of brakes, cluth wire and oil if you find any mechanic on way. (Fix any rattles or check air pressure etc )

THanks dear, small X pin was really an eye opener.

For chain bit , I am not too worried but since its small part (lock and a bit) , hence I think we should carry it, might be it will helpful to someone else if not to me

Coz a small chain bit means you need a hammer. So you take this all just because you think someone (including you) might need it.

I am not saying do not take it, I am saying a small requirement can increase the size and weight of your lugagge. Which you are very well aware can become a pain when you move around.

Yeah you are right friend.

I am also looking for shop in Delhi to but air compressor ,if you know kindly help !

I dont know about delhi, but I paid 350 INR in pune last month for the foot pump which the local puncturewala's use.

The cost is not huge but the weight and volume is. There are chinese pumps which are smaller and compact- BUT I did not go for them as I did not want something to fail when most needed.

Imagine carrying a foot pump and youget a flat tyre in nubra but the pump breaks and you are as good as without one. So the whole thought and planning failed because of a wrong product.

I also heard that there are liquids available to fill in tube which can be helpful im case of punctue, is it really works ?

kindly let me know if someone knows it.

Not recommended Heaven.Riders. This designed for tubeless tyres. If you use on a tubed tyre, it will really create a mess inside.
However, if you are unable to fix a puncture yourself, then carry one of these for emergencies only. I would strongly recommend being able to fix the puncture yourself, and just take the extra 30 minutes.

I am guessing that you have never fixed a puncture. PRACTICE!!! Use only the tool kit you will be taking with you. You will soon understand what is needed and what not.

Are you riding alone? If riding with friends, then only one guy needs a pump. You can split some of the larger tools, etc.
If all else fails, you can always hitch a lift with a friendly trucker.

Take the chain bit. You do not need a hammer, you use a set of pliers to close the chain bit. In ladakh, it is better to be slower and steady, than fast and light. If you have to take a few extra things, and not use them, don't sad, be VERY VERY happy

The best preparation is to ensure the bike is in A1 condition before you start.
On an enfield, the weakest point is the clutch. Whichever bike you are riding, I would suggest a full service: new clutch plates, oil, spark plugs, air filter, change all the cables, and take the old ones as spares, check good amount of tread on all tyres. Then the chances of needing your tool kit are greatly reduced. Also include in the tool kit a good length of wire, and some spare fuses.

Agree with the other advice about not carrying too much - but definitely carry enough

1. You see a lot of Enfields in Leh, and people use them a lot up there, they are even a sellin gpoint for westerners to do a Bullet tour! My point is there are going to be people who can fix most things that can go wrong.
2. Start out with a thorough check of the bike's main systems - elctrics, suspension, brakes, chain, clutch plates, tyres, exhaust, engine leaks/noises. If you do it yourself, go over every bolt and check its torque is correct. Also check you can remove the main things, look for rounded nuts etc. Pay particular attention to luggage racks and work out how you are goin gto carry what you need on it - do a test pack at least. Check tyres carefully for cuts and nails, etc. Tighten spokes if spoked wheels are on it. Tighten all fork components, like triple clamps, axles, etc.
3. Check your gear also, boots, jacket, gloves, sunglasses, raingear (at least light stuff) and so on.
4. I would take what you need for your particular bike (evey bike is different in what breaks or needs attention), plus a tool roll with a set of ring spanners, screw drivers, any special tools required for wheel removal, a robust container of engine oil (it's an old pommy bike) at least 500mls, spares for cables (throttle and clutch, front brake), two tubes and patch repair kit, tyre levers, and know how to use them, and know how to change a flat, take a small plastic container of talcum powder for the tube, work cloths, a small pump (even a bicycle pump will do). Crash bars maybe? Check pannier mounts and do a testing test ride.
Fit a new chain and check the cain spockets for wear, take a small watertight container of chain lube and use it liberally on the ride - each night at least. Take a connecting link, but new chains don't break. good luck, be careful on passes...

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