My round-up of the tools and spares that you need to take along when touring on a Royal Enfield.
One of the things that every person who has ridden a Royal Enfield over long distances (sometimes even short distances) is aware of, is that there is a high likelihood that you will have some trouble with the bike. One needs to be prepared to try and deal with issues whenever they arise. In this post I’ve set out a list of the tools and spares that I like to carry when I’m touring on my Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500
I’ve divided each list into categories to differentiate between the stuff I carry on a normal tour and the additional things that I take when I’m doing a more adventurous ride or riding to remote places. In respect of spares, I’ve also got a separate category of “Extras” which are things that I don’t think are absolutely necessary but can be taken along as a matter of abundant caution.
TOOLS
Mandatory (no matter where I go)
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- Spanners – Sizes 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 24 and 30 (or adjustable spanner for larger sizes)
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Add-ons for more adventurous tours
- Tyre Levers (to remove the tube)
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- Air Pump (I use a cycle pump)
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SPARES
Mandatory (no matter where I go)
- Spare fuses (10 amp and 15 amp)
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- Breather Pipe (this wears out pretty quickly on my Thunderbird)
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Add-ons for more adventurous tours
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- Spare wire – to replace any electrical connection
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- Spare Tubes (front and rear tyres)
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- Spare nuts and bolts (different sizes)
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This is only an indicative list and is entirely based on my own personal preferences, and things I’ve learnt through experience. There may be others who would recommend taking along additional things and several who might think that even this much is not necessary. It depends on how you like to travel. I tend to be a bit cautious, so I don’t mind the additional weight that these things add. I’m all for learning and sharing though, so if you would like to add something to this list please do leave a comment below.
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Hi, good to have this list handy for someone who is new to long distance touring. I too own a TB500. I can carry these stuffs, but I really don’t know how to use them if ever stuck in such situations. It would be helpful, given your experience, if you could list down the list of DIY stuff (like changing tube, changing clutch cable) which a rider should acquaint themselves with. And if possible give suggestions on how to learn about them . I have seen your couple of DIY videos, but how to acquaint oneself with all the basic skillsets.
Thanks,
Rohit
That’s definitely something that I intend to do in the future. I had started making a series of DIY videos on my YouTube channel (Toll Free Traveller), but haven’t yet had a chance to see that project through. Maybe I will do some more work on that after I finish my current road trip.
Hi Rohith
It would be great if you could you tell me the size of spanners (in the picture / or as per your use) apart from the toolkit which RE provides,, there are a few nuts and bolts which need a different size of spanner. Tyre for instance need 24 no. Pls share. I have RE Electra 350, but i guess most of the nut-bolt etc. sizes would be common and identical to all REs
Thanks a bunch 🙂
Hi Dhiraj – my spanner kit usually consists of the following sizes – 10, 11, 12, 13, 24 and 30.I also carry a full set of allen keys + spark plug spanners.
Very useful post. Thanks!
Glad to hear that! Cheers, Parashar!
Hi Dhiraj, I’ve just begun reading vlogs and watching your videos! Very nice informative videos. I live in the northeast usa and ride my bike everywhere most of the year except in extremely cold weather. I especially liked your video where you spoke about planning a trip, but not having a totally set plan. Things change constantly and when they do you just have to roll with it. I like that, and I operate the exact same way! Anyway, I’m enjoy what you’re doing, so keep up the good work! It’s freezing cold winter here now, so I am working on my bike in the garage to be ready for spring. By the way, my bike is a 1981 honda gl1100. Oldie but goodie as they say. Just wanted to touch base and hope to hear from you. I can only hope to travel to India one day, but one never knows. Ride safe and God bless. Jim
Hi James. My name is Rohith. Not sure where you found Dhiraj. Hahaha. It’s lovely to hear from you. Just like you want to come to this side of the world, I dream of someday travelling through your side too. It’s great to connect. Do keep reading the blog and watching videos as they come up on Youtube. Hope our paths cross someday!