Tools and Spares

I kept the "Tools 'n' Spares'" compartment fairly small, but it still allows to do most standard maintenance jobs such as oil changes, changing brake pads and fixing flat tires. Most things can be done with a few nuts/spanners and a fine selection of torx & hex (allen key) screwdriver bits.

For the bigger jobs, I usually borrowed tools from local mechanics down the road. And as for real emergencies: I won't be able to fix an engine or a gearbox on the road anyway.

Spares to cater for some of the F650's known weaknesses, such as head bearings & fuel pump.
I wouldn't be surprised if the biker's version of "Murphy's Law" will keep me entertained on the odd occasion: Whatever spare or tool you decided to leave behind – you'll need it. And vice versa. I hope not – touch wood!

 


Tools:

Torx bits 20, 25, 30, 40, 45 fairings, airfilter
  5 mobile phone (you never know)
Hex bits 5, 6, 8mm + punch brakes
Sockets 10, 13mm  
  15/16" fits sump better than 24mm
  18 mm spark plugs key
Wrench adjustable  
Screwdriver (+ extension)  
Tyre Irons 2x 240mm brand: "Buzetti"
Tyre Pump Shimano (for bicycles) bought in Istanbul for €10
Mole Grip 7" (can also be used as a spare gear shifter)

 

Spares:

Brake Pads 3x front brakes, 2x back brakes
Air Filter every 20000 km (+ in-between cleaning)
Spark Plugs spare set of Iridium spark plugs (though the original Iridium ones have done 25000km now and are still looking good)
Oil Filter every 12000 km
Oil Sump Plug in case of rounding off or overtightening the original one
Front & Rear Tyre Tubes  
Wheel Spokes 2 front left, 2 front right, 4 rear
Nuts & Bolts including subframe bolts
Fuses 3x 7.5, 15, 20A (one broken fuse for the horn in India - I just had to adopt to local customs ;)
Engine Oil 1 litre (10W/40 or 20W/50); Trip-Update: over the last 50000km I never had to top up any engine-oil between the services.
Water Pump Repair Kit one of the F650's problem areas (just in case); Trip-Update: no problem so far (55000km on the clock), but I did replace it anyway when I checked the clutch & replaced coolant on a big service in Kuala Lumpur
Wheel Bearings 2 front, 2 rear; Trip-Update: 50000km and still good. Not necessary to carry as spares I think. They're readily available.
Head Bearings

1x – Trip-Update: head bearings replaced after 50000km