Great Rides

[embee]

As for spares/tools, the best approach is always "prevention is better than cure". A database of your make dealers on your satnav is very reassuring.

Always fully service the bike at least a couple of weeks before you go, then you have chance to find and fix anything which might have been missed, (leaking drain plug etc). Engine oil+filter, air filter if it needs one, fork oil, plugs, brake fluid if it needs it, coolant, anything which needs doing. It's a lot easier to do it here at home than trying to get something fixed abroad, plus you don't really want to spend time and money while you ought to be enjoying holiday.

Tyres and brake pads need to be capable of at least the mileage you're planning, preferably a decent bit in hand. If in doubt, renew before you go. Check the clutch cable is OK, renew if in doubt. You can ride reasonably easily without a clutch in emergency just to get to a garage, so I never carry a spare (though some do).

Fit a chain oiler, Scottoiler, Tutoro, Lubeman or P.D.Oiler etc.

Check the charging circuit is working properly, and is the battery getting old?

Take some sort of puncture kit. While you hope you won't need it, being stuck in the middle of nowhere with a flat is not much fun, and it does happen. The sticky string ("gorilla snot") type plugs are reckoned to be the easiest to use when in tricky circumstances (wet/dark etc). If you use the CO2 canisters you'll ideally need 3 available for a complete flat, though 2 will usually get it rideable.

Cable ties are your friend, a small roll of insulation tape, a short length of electrical cable is a nice touch (I've fixed someone's Moto Guzzi on holiday once with this), I also carry one each M6 & M8 nut+setscrew of a reasonable length to do things like pannier mounts etc.
These things can be tucked into nooks and crannies under the seat. I've only needed to use any of these on other people's bikes, but it shows how useful they can be.

A spare hadlamp/stop+tail/indicator bulb is a good idea, some countries require them anyway.

Tools, you need to asses what sockets/spanners you need for any jobs you might need to do to keep you mobile. Anything bigger than that will probably mean a visit to a garage. You can usually pare down the tools to a pretty small pack. Don't try to cover all eventualities, it's just a question of routine maintenance, and getting mobile enough to reach somewhere bigger problems can be sorted properly.

The worst problem I've ever had was an HT lead go down on a BMW in the rain. I limped to the next village in France and a kind chap pulled one off a 2CV for me. Folks can be very friendly!

[JulesW]

Embee, that's brilliant mate and just what I was looking for, many thanks!

Would you take the tools needed for adjusting the chain? I was thinking that it would be essential but then I thought hang on, I only have a side stand and I'm not going to carry a paddock stand. How would I do that, is it a garage job?

[NTECUK]

You can check best bikeing roads Web site.
It's got lots of info.
Plan away

[JulesW]

Thanks Ntecuk !

[NTECUK]

Oh get a chain oiler.
Then no messing with the chain.