USEFUL TIPS TO SHARE FOR GARAGE OR TRAIL?.

[mark1150]

Following thehttp://www.adventurebikerider.com/forum/27-tec ... works.html thread; I thought I'd mention a couple of simple but effective ways of using some of the stuff in your workshop / toolbox / fanny pack; either at home or on the trail.

First off don't you hate it when you're washing the bike down and you have to avoid drowning the exhaust tail pipe, as you haven't got a pipe bung?
Well here are some things that you've probably got and discard after using them, latex gloves.
A picture speaks a thousand words so here you go.

IMG_0011_2011-07-17.JPG (49.78 KiB) Viewed 2554 times

If it stretches over a Beemer can it should do almost anything.

Second up, is a technique for getting a bit more torque or leverage on a spanner.
I've used this plenty of times to crack open a stubborn nut or two; but if your out on the trail with no access to a breaker bar etc it could prove useful.
Again a picture will show you how to do it better than I can describe.

IMG_0009_2011-07-17.JPG (45.12 KiB) Viewed 2554 times

So have any of you guys got any useful tips to share?

[900Fantrider]

Following thehttp://www.adventurebikerider.com/forum/29-mee ... this-.html thread; I thought I'd mention a couple of simple but effective ways of using some of the stuff in your workshop / toolbox / fanny pack; either at home or on the trail.

First off don't you hate it when you're washing the bike down and you have to avoid drowning the exhaust tail pipe, as you haven't got a pipe bung?
Well here are some things that you've probably got and discard after using them, latex gloves.
A picture speaks a thousand words so here you go.

IMG_0011_2011-07-17.JPG

If it stretches over a Beemer can it should do almost anything.

Second up, is a technique for getting a bit more torque or leverage on a spanner.
I've used this plenty of times to crack open a stubborn nut or two; but if your out on the trail with no access to a breaker bar etc it could prove useful.
Again a picture will show you how to do it better than I can describe.

IMG_0009_2011-07-17.JPG

So have any of you guys got any useful tips to share?

The second method also works real well with Allen keys, I have a set off cut off keys (to save space) and use this method.

[Steve T]

Adapt, improvise & overcome is my motto (well, I might have borrowed it from somewhere :whistle: )
Nice work that man & thanks for sharing

Steve T

B)

[Jon Caveman]

I have a tube of KY gel in my kit hmy: to use as tire lube........Honest!!

Oh & some monster cable ties.

[mark1150]

Here's a couple more to add to the arsenal....

When trying to undo a stuck Phillips / X head screw, and the screw driver head starts to slip, EG brake master cylinder, try a touch of Valve grinding paste in the slot to aid traction..... you can also try giving the screw head a turn clockwise [Righty Tighty] counter intuitive I know; which sometimes breaks the bond between the screw and the thread, and saves chewing the head in the direction that you'll be relying upon to withdraw said item.
However do not put the paste on yer sarnies as it tastes vile!!

Second while talking abrasives; after getting your hands nice and greasy, try a couple of tea spoons of sugar in with the Swarfega or washing up liquid, it gets into the ridges and bumps of your skin and is better than the green stuff alone; Aerial washing powder is also ace, but a lot of peeps have delicate digits and won't use it.

[mark1150]

I have a tube of KY gel in my kit hmy: to use as tire lube........Honest!!

Oh & some monster cable ties.

While talking dirty, a condom makes a great emergency water carrier for those of you who ride water cooled machines, weighs nothing, and takes up no space at all, also make sure you have a First Aid kit handy, as your Mrs will never believe why you are carrying them! hmy:

[Nickj]

When changing a tube on the trail have your wheel nut size spanner cut off and welded to your tyre lever to save space.
Place your removed axel in your exhaust pipe to stop it getting covered in dirt.
Carry a front 21" tube which will do front and rear.
Make sure your dust caps have a valve remover on the other end and don't tighten your valve nut or you'll rip out the valve

[Nickj]

Find spots on the bike to cable tie spares.
I have a gear lever under the rear guard, a brake and clutch lever under the seat ,
and run a spare clutch cable and throttle pull cable next to the exsisting ones , this saves space and makes replacing a broken cable very quick

[GB]

If you want to put your bike on axle stands to work on it whether it be wheel changing or what ever and you don't have a mainstand, swap your footrests from oneside to the other so they are upsidedown, then put the stands under your footrests
No magnetic screwdriver, a touch of grease on the end will usually keep the screw on long enough to position it.

[Treadtrader]

If you don't have a spanner to fit the nut, use an open ended one bigger and wedge the gap with a screwdriver blade.

Before attempting to undo a pozi or phillips screw, give it a tap with a small hammer and punch to shock it first.