Top Ten Must-Haves on a Ride

Neck Socks

Commonly known as Buffs or Nek Soks they are usually made of Merino wool or Polyester Microfibre. Neck Socks increase comfort with warmth in winter and, when soaked in water, cooling in summer. They also protect against inset strikes. It can also be worn in different ways from a headband to full head coverage. It's one of the most versatile pieces of apparel you’ll ever own.

Ear Plugs

Motorcyclists often experience ringing in their ears and exhaustion after a long ride due to the high volume of wind noise in their helmet. Even with the highest quality helmet you are at risk of permanently damaging your hearing. You become tired more easily and as a result you are less focused in traffic. Reusable and washable, you must add these to your kit and enjoy those longer rides.

 

Tri-fold Hat

This lightweight baseball style cap folds down to a size that you can fit in your pocket or tank bag. With a stiff peak it will keep the sun out of your eyes and cover up that helmet hair on those short pit stops.

 

Nac Pak Hydration/Nutrition

Any experienced rider will tell you that hydration is essential for rider survival. Hydration systems in backpacks are the most popular from enduro to adventure riders. Starting out as simple MTB style hydration packs, you can now buy backpacks that will carry up to three litres of water, snacks, spare eyewear and camera.

 

Tyre Repair Kit

It’s not a matter of if, but when, you get a puncture and it’s when you least expect it. It’s always important to have a fresh tyre kit with everything you need to handle any tyre repair on the side of the trail. Motorrad and Rocky Creek are solid options.

 

Tyre Pump

Changing a tyre is exhausting so when you finally get the tyre back on the rim the last thing you want to do is mainly inflate the tyre with a bicycle hand pump. Its worse than trying to kick start a flooded two stroke. Electric 12 volt tyre inflators are becoming smaller and lighter. That way you can get your tyre up to the correct pressure and ride on with confidence.

 

Tool Kit

Your OEM Tool Kit is totally inadequate so if you want to keep yourself on the road and carry out most trail side repairs you need to have the right tool for every fastener on the bike from axle nuts to plastics screws. Common sizes on different motorcycle brands vary so look for specialist brand kits be it KTM/Husqvarna, Yamaha, Honda and general universal kits. Once you purchase a kit do a dress rehearsal by going over the bike checking tool fit. To save weight you can discard the pieces you don’t need unless you ride with a mate who carries none.

 

Garmin InReach

We’ve personally witnessed the value of personal satellite communicators. The Garmin InReach is a compact satellite communicator that adds peace of mind to every adventure, without adding weight to your pack. Most importantly, global satellite coverage keeps you connected when mobile phones can’t.

 

Chain Lube

Chain maintenance is something that should be done at the beginning of every day of every ride and failure to do so may cause major damage. Not just to longevity of your chain and sprockets but potentially damage to your wheel hubs and engine cases. Chain lubrication is at the top of the list - not only lubricates but also repels dirt and dust, preserves O-ring chains and helps waterproofing. Motul and Motorex both have great chain care packs containing chain cleaner, chain brush and chain lube to help keep your drive chain in tip top condition.

 

ROK Straps

ROK Straps are the most popular luggage strap on the market for adventure riders. The straps are hook-less, they feature a sewn loop for safety while offering a wider range of mounting choices. Made from flat rubber shock-cord with a U.V. resistant woven nylon outer and are designed to resist twisting and have significantly less recoil than a conventional 'bungee' if released under tension. It can securely strap down your whole kit or carry a spare set in case your regular straps fail or get damaged on the road.