Hitchcocks Forum

Hi guys,

My Enfield didn't come with a tool kit and i'm off to France on it next week for the bank holiday weekend. Its a 2008 500 Sixty-5 model ( i think!)

I'm just after suggestions of the basic tools you think i may need. I have a large selection of spanners. metric, imperial & whitworth, but so far I've only used metric to do basic jobs.

So, any suggestions for doing basic maintenance on the road, I've looked at the tool kits but don't really want to be forking out £20 for a set of basic tools and a plastic bag when i suspect i may have all the tools already, i just need to know which type and the sizes to take.

Thanks
Ian

Dont think would want to do an engine strip whilst abroad so i guess find the spanners that fit the wheels incase of puncture.. good pliers, screwdrivers, spare link for drive chain, condensor/points if you still have them... clutch/throttle cable, spare bulbs/fuses, electrical tape and a few plastic strap tyes... 1 metre vehicle wire and a few connector blocks. Most of this would fit in a tabbaco tin.
wrap the tools in an old towel you can use to kneel on and wipe your hands. Magnetic torch light is handy to see what your doing... credit card and insurance tel number.. This list is not exhaustive.
Enjoy have a great time...gwilly

Hi Guys---IAN D, as per GWILLY plus}---------- a couple of small, adjustable spanners rather than a lot of loose items.... Our hosts do item No.}---- 98092, (dedicated push-rod spanners), as standard spanners just won't go in there... A roll of Duct Tape----- spark plugs (not new but proven working ones ) and a plug spanner---- tin of "instant tyre repair" --------- OR have your tyres proofed against punctures (I use "slime", works a treat)--Now this next one may be a bit contentious but, if it is a Bullet 65 then I would avoid using the electric start until back on UK soil ( Just in case--- that's all..Don't want a failed sprag clutch to ruin the Hols, eh ??? )....PASSPORT for re-entry into the UK !!!!!(Unless that's been changed again ??)------ Post us some pics when you return ??

Adusting push rods, take out the cover plate stud and you can manage with normal spanners, cable ties and solderless nipples handy

AHHH !! NEDDY (Wasn't that on the goon show ??)- now that's a good thought... Might be an idea to convert the stud to a bolt within the cover plate, such that it is removed each time ???

thanks guys, i'll start putting a bag together. Alan, the sprag clutch was done before i bought it, that's why the dealer got it cheap and sold it on. Everything else i think i have, i'll start a little collection and maybe try a few things to see what size spanners i need. There's 7 bikes going, 2 harleys, triumph bonny (2008 hinkley) '77 bwm 650/r7 (?) '04 honda fireblade, aprilia mille (100cc v-twin) & me. By far the slowest with the exception of 1 of the harleys. i'll try to put a few photos up but didnt know i could on this board. I'd like to put a couple up of my bike anyway along with the modifications i have already carried out.

Thanks for the help and advice.

Ian

Hi IanD. Good luck with the trip over to France. I'm thinking of doing the same thing (but in reverse) so it would be good to hear how you got on. It would be interesting to know how they secure the bike on the ferry to stop them toppling over in rough seas. Had a couple of bad experiences with the car but never had to think about securing bikes until now.

Good luck with your invasion of France, I hope you have a wonderful time. A Harley slower than an Enfield you say??????? Well it surely be the rider rather than the bike. LOL.

Regards the tying down of bikes on ferries, it depends on the route. From some they give you some rope and it's up to you to tie down ( I carry a couple of ratchet straps) Some of them throw a large ratchet strap over the seat and crank it down hard( put your gloves under the strap to protect seat and paint)If the trip is like this http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=444380724842 just check your insurance policy.

------------ Looked at from another perspective, there's your definite proof that ghosts do exist !!...or was it too much "spirits" in the bar ??......Anyway, that's a woosie compared to the IoM or Scilly ferries----good fun for us though..