Forum

[Davie Hall]

Hi all, I'm going to be doing an 800 mile plus weekend to northern Scotland on my Electra x in a few weeks time. So I was wondering what tools /spares etc do you recommend I take with me. I would like to think I wont need anything or is that wishful thinking

[Bertie the Bullet]

Hi Davie, I listed all of the spanners needed for a classic Bullet some time ago, search the message board for "Tools / Spanner sizes" and you should find it, have fun going to Scotland..

[Chris [Stockport]]

... and a charged mobile phone JUST in case. And what to do if there's no signal!

[jaffa90]

Breakdown cover.

[Davie Hall]

Jaffa90, I have breakdown cover. Im expecting it to run ok. I have had the bike for about 6weeks now and after a couple of initial problems the bike has done nearly 1000 miles without a problem. It will be given a good check over and a service before I go. Its not going to get a hard time as I may be riding with a 125 yamaha, so it will be a scenic run at 50mph

[Dennis O]

Hello Davie, Have done your planned trip up to the north of Scotland several times and had no problems. I carried a spare tube, patches and a small 12 volt pump plus tools to remove the wheels. I never had to use any. Have you the standard 18 tooth gearbox sprocket? I fitted a 19 tooth one after my first trip to move the vibration from around 50 mph to 55 mph and the bike performed without any loss of performance on the steepest hills while fully loaded with camping gear. Very limited mobile phone coverage up there but the main thing is you are going with another bike and local farms and crofts will have phones if the worst happens one of you can get help. Clean out the bike engine breather catch can and all rubber pipes in the system. West coast is wonderful and Ullapool is a good base and has a great campsite plus many B&B accommodation. Recommend you have a ride to see the Summer Isles just north of Ullapool then take the tiny road to Lochinver. You should miss the midgies which can be terrible during July and August but take some repellent with you. Best is Skin So Soft cream sold by Avon. Don't laugh but out troops use it on our nearby Otterburn training ranges and it beats all others.
If you are using B&B look at East-Breaks Scotland and Shearings self drive as they do 3 or 4 night deals at very good prices dinner and breakfast both are on internet. Easy - Breaks have the CALODONIAN hotel in Ullapool and Shearings have the same named hotel at Fort William. I have used both and found it great to have a good breakfast and have a evening meal awaiting after being out on the bike all day.
Do not miss Applecross and the Pass of cattle road there. Well worth a visit. Have a great trip and if the weather is kind you will be back.

[PeteF]

It's amazing what can be "fixed" with; cable ties, stiff wire, jubilee clips (various), pvc tape.
Spare cables are a good idea as well as spare chain link, bulbs and plug. A simple circuit tester wouldn't go amiss.
Mind you, 800 miles in a weekend won't leave you much time for fixing things.

[Alan R]

Duct tape-------- and my money's on the 125 !! LoL .... Seriously, get out there, have F-U-N !! and post some photos when (or if ) you return.........

[Scalyback]

Electra X ?


Towing hitch, small bike trailer, portable workshop.

[Davie Hall]

Hi Dennis, I'm going camping so the bike will be loaded but not overloaded. It has the highway kit and bigger sprocket fitted. You have pretty much summed up what I was thinking about taking for repairs. As for midge relief I have known and used skin so soft for years and I am just at the other side of the Cheviots from Otterburn so I know about the wee beasties in the hills. Im heading to Gairloch for a small bike camping weekend on the weekend of the longest day and leaving at 7am so plenty of daylight hours to have a relaxing ride up. Just hope my backside is up to it, the standard seat is not that comfortable especially after a Bmw K1200lt. May have to do a short ride report on my return