Motorcycle Explorer September 2016 Issue 13 | Page 74

So lets look into the detail. Starting with the big bits, one of
the main things you need is a first aid kit. Bikes can be
mended; you might not be so lucky, so it’s best to carry a
patch-up kit. Of course, we carry much more extensive
medical kits on our motorcycle expeditions, but for a day out
on the trails a generic first aid kit bought from a hiking shop
would suffice. You are not looking to perform surgery on the
side of the trail, just stick yourself and others together until
you get home, and a basic first aid kit will cover everything
from an exhaust burn to a bramble cut. You are up to date on
Tetanus jabs aren’t you ???
OK next on the list is the bolt bag – a selection of the bolts
that hold your bike together, hose clips, split links, spare plug,
washers, grommets – all the usual suspects. KTM do a fantastic
aftermarket bolt kit, so if you ride orange get one.
Third up is a set of latex gloves in a bag. If you need to do
trail-side mechanics, put them on beforehand as this prevents
the inside of your riding gloves becoming lined with grease
when the job is complete. Once done, invert them and put
them back in the bag to seal away the muck. Simple
Number four on this picture is a towrope or strap. If your bike
is terminally ill, you may need a tow to safety. We’ll do
another blog on how to tow, but as a quick guide it’s right foot
peg on the towing bike to left foot peg on the towed bike. Use
a loop on the towing bike but just wrap the strap around the
peg of the towed bike and hold it on by standing on it – do not
tie it!
The strap we use is one of KTMs packing crate straps – your
local dealer will have hundreds of these as every new KTM
comes with two holding down the bike, so ask him if he could
spare one.
Last in this image is the humble electrical insulation tape – a
cure all from mending electrical wires to preventing riding
blisters and holding your waterproofs in place around your
ankles. A trail must.