A motorcycle is not a warehouse! But I still have to keep a limited selection of supplies that will allow me to overcome any mechanical problems and do the basic maintenance each 5000 km.
As mentioned in the previous post, I will have all the tools I normally use for maintenance of the bike at home.
I made a point, for the past 10 years, to use only what is in my small portable box in order to be able to reproduce these tasks on the road.
The challenge here is to keep a sufficient variety and an acceptable amount of stuff. It should not be too heavy and limited the essentials.
Also keep in mind that I will have access, in a very limited way, to BMW dealers in major cities. However, it is well known that sometimes, inventories are kept very low.
First point, I made the decision to keep an Antenna Ring in case of malfunction. This failure is well documented on the web and considering that I’ll often be in inaccessible areas and far from major cities, there is no doubt in my mind that I have to protect myself so I’m not stuck with a dead machine because of a 100$ part.
Same for the fuel pump controller.
I will use a K&N filter so I’ll carry small containers of cleaner and oil (enough for 8 to 10 cleaning).
For tires. Although I’d rather not, I’ll carry an extra rear tire (Heidenau K60) for a change in Panama, just before taking the boat across the Darién Gap. I hope to be able to complete the journey with these tires. I am also able to repair a minor puncture with a patch kit and a pump. I also keep an inner tube in case of a more serious problem.
On my laptop, I have a copy the BMW DVD for maintenance and instructional videos to help me during the less common and complex tasks.
Obviously, preparation is the best prevention so I made a complete maintenance check before my departure (engine oil change, differential, transmission, brakes, spark plugs, brake pads, sync injectors …).
Maintenance List #
| Servicing items | Comments | Price |
|---|---|---|
| WD-40 | Small bottle | 10.00 |
| Oil filters and o-rings | BMW 2X | 40.00 |
| Octane booster | STP and plastic containers | 10.00 |
| K&N Filter Kit | Cleaner + oil + grease | 20.00 |
| Battery for Alarm remote | CR2032 | 10.00 |
| Extra HID bulb and balast | In case of failure | 40.00 |
| Spare Tube 18" | In case of major puncture | 20.00 |
| Ti-raps | multiple sizes | 10.00 |
| Rubber gloves | 20 pairs | 10.00 |
| Fuses | 15 amp, 7.5 amp | 10.00 |
| Antenna Ring | BMW | 55.00 |
| Fuel Pump Controller | BMW | 160.00 |
| Water Bottle 650 ml | For emergency oil | 10.00 |
| OEM Shift Lever | BMW | 120.00 |
| JB Weld / Epoxy | 20.00 | |
| BMW Workshop DVD | 25.00 | |
| Maintenance DVD | 40.00 | |
| Extra Rear Tire | Heidenau | 200.00 |
| Total: | 932.00 |
The next post will cover my choices with respect to the protective clothing to face the heat, cold and rain!