Ok, so this is the yarn.

So far this month I have had 5 bikes on my winch pulling from mud holes and lakes. I have also performed one long distance tow job. Truth be known I have been on a winch myself as a victim of a mud slide, and I have also suffered two flat tires. Yes our trails are nasty. You have to earn your place out front!

Bottom line, each time we come in contact with a new situation we see a need for other stock items on the bike for rescues and emergencies.

Last night was a perfect example of how poor the stock Polaris tool kit was that comes on the bike. Believe it or not, there is no flat tip screw driver in the 06 sportsman. We found this to be real pain in the "ring clamp".

I run what I like to call a full utility bike, I enjoy going out on the trails prepared to be the one everyone counts on to bail them out. After last nights episode I thought it best to do a spot check on my ride kits. I was wondering if a few people could chip in here and ID some things I might not have on the bike. This is the list so far.....



Vice grips
Polaris tool kit (for what its worth)
Hatchet Axe
Tire patches, and plugs, and tools to effect tire repairs.
DC air pump
Air pressue gauge
Tow rope
DC work light
Knife
Duct Tape
Lug nut socket and bar
Small first aid kit
Field Powder bottle of fire extinguisher
Shovel strapped to front rack
Trail mark neon tape
Spare Socks
Spare gloves
Water proof matches
Cell phone (works in some places)
Small water/cook pot
Roll of toilet paper




Now before anyone gets the giggles and thinks I am silly. .... please understand that the possibility of spending the night in the bush from a breakdown is a real risk in some of the distance runs around here.


Wow... in doing this list, I just realized a very obvious one.... Compass....


Any input appreciated, especially when it comes to tools for the Sportsman 500 bikes........ And before someone says it, I already have the kitchen sink added on my list here on the desk... lol.


cheers
d

 

I like to have a gps and spare batteries for when I leave the ride. Around here though if You dont have a chain saw and gas/chain oil and tools for the saw things could get ugly. I just carry mine out in the open to have easy access as it gets used alot. Last week while camping we got a good thunder storm with high winds and I had to cut 6 trees on the way back in.Plus its so handy for fire wood!

 

Some things to think about.....things I carry...(besides what was mentioned)

Tarp(for down pours or overnight stays)
Magnesium stick for fire starting
Permanent marker....don't know why except if you had to leave a note for someone looking for you
Folding saw
Bungee cords
Lots of braided rope
Channel Locks
Very expanded tool kit
Block(for winch cable)
OFF
Leatherman Multi-Tool
GUN
GUN
GUN
Did I say GUN?
Yes...GUN

I will post more if I think of it

 

Couple of things to add. Cheap rainsuit. Pair of heavy work gloves, and also some nitrile or latex gloves to protect hands during repairs. A good plugin light or LED flashlight also.

 

you could bring a parts store w/ you and still not have enough. all i can add is never go riding alone (with just one bike) and always tell some one there area your riding in to be on the safe side.

 

Always make sure you have a Honda available to pull you out....




LOL Just kidding I'm a Polaris guy. Just thought it was funny.

 

ALWAYS have plenty of water

 

some thing your all forgeting
GAS GAS AND OH YEA MORE GAS[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

a craftsman mechanics tool set
ur brain dont freek out if you brake down (by ur self) or losst(by ur self)
tarp
oil for the bike



any thing eles

 

How about a hot babe to take with you. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]