Bike's tool kit.

[Joe Rocket]

I bought my AL5 complete with Owner's Manual and a tool kit under the seat. You'd think it would have all you need to carry out simple operations on the bike, afterall it has general servicing instructions and a maintenance schedule in the manual......

As it happens I've decided to change my tyres this week and set about taking the wheels off to take to the bike shop to be re-shod. Rear wheel, no problems. Front wheel, errr stuck.....! Why? There's need for an (oversize) 12mm allen key to remove the axle. Look in the bike's tool kit, ah...there it is, a box spanner that fits the bolt. Noooooo....too big! So how are you supposed to get the wheel off when you really need to? Check the Owner's Manual and it says.....with a Special Suzuki tool.  Why isn't it in the standard tool kit? You can demount the rear wheel so why not the front? 

OK, the bike's tool kit is simple and of weak construction but in an era of not being able to touch the electrics and fuel systems on the bike why do you not have the where-for-all to at least assist you incase of a roadside emergency. 

My advice is to go out and buy yourself a 12mm Allen key and put it under your seat as part of your 'necessary' tools....... 

[mr_diver]

 Simple answer.

Taking the front wheel of is something Suzuki expect most people to take the bike to a dealer for.

But slakening the rear spindle nut and adjusting the drive chain tension is something the owner can do at home.

[Joe Rocket]

That is what I thought Mr D, so why include that operation in the Owner's Manual if you don't have the tools? (Or declare it's a special tool, which it isn't.....)

Yes, it's not an argument as you wouldn't expect to take the front wheel off roadside....... but I would if necessary! 

The Owner's Handbook is far more detailed than I expected though with daily checks, changing bulbs, levels, adjustments etc. (in French that is) and how to take the wheels off. 

[Mr Nick]

They also have to think of the safety aspect and the subsequent law suits.

That said, alongside Mr D's point about adjustment, they provide the means to remove the rear wheel as they also sell a centre stand that allows you to do so. You can't remove a front wheel without external assistance that they don't provide or sell, so they don't give you the tools to. The toolkit isn't meant for regular maintenance, it's for emergencies, and you tend not to have a front lift under the seat...

[Joe Rocket]

Perhaps, Mr Nick, times have changed and we don't look on breakdown or just a puncture like years gone by.

I've had two punctures on bikes while touring. The first back in 1981 when I took the rear tyre out, hitched a lift to the nearest garage, waited for the Frenchman to finish his lunch (usual 2 hour stoppage) and have the tube repaired then back to the bike, wheel back in and continue; communication was face to face with people, ambiance and a thumb. Cost was some genorous time by a local, about three hours and a few Francs.

The second was a couple of years back, roadside telephone call for Assistance, bike put on a lorry, bike shops shut on 'jour ferié', work next day so hire car home, return next weekend via train and taxi to pick up bike; Assistance, car hire and fares to fetch the bike covered by insurance. Cost was hundreds of Euros, many people involved, inconvenience of a day getting home and then back to fetch the bike. Two new tyres by choice although the puncture was irreparable, petrol for the hire car at my expense.

Times change eh? 

[Mr Nick]

Times change, but the fact that you have no way of supporting a bike with no front wheel at the roadside doesn't, so why do you need the tool to remove it. No doubt, an argument would be made for supplying a paddock stand free if they did give you the hex driver in the kit, so there is no win for them is there? if you have the tools to support the bike to remove a wheel, then you should have all the tools surely.
Bottom line, you can buy a 12mm sump plug key with a hole for a bar for under £4: if it's such a major tool you can't tour without, get one.

Personally, I go with the standard toolkit and comprehensive breakdown cover. Not that I have the space under the seat to even add another allen key anyway...

[Joe Rocket]

I have to admit I bought the Allen Key (5€) anyway. The wheels are out for new tyres and I'm readying the bike for trips away at the end of this month, May and June so it's Spring clean.

You never know what might come up, I had a sprocket bearing go on a Yamaha whilst back in England and again the rear wheel comes out and a delay to get a new bearing put in the rear sprocket carrier. I had the tools with me though to remove either wheel.

The Allen key will be on my bike from now on, I do have a centre stand so you could say I'm prepared for that emergency, which might not arise. I'd rather do what I can to keep going than not have prepared enough just in case. Insurance and adequate cover is necessary and relatively cheap, at least over here. There's another thread going on at the moment on essentials for touring. Well, get either wheel out is an essential to me. We all have our preferences as you will no doubt agree......... 

[timangus]

Just ordered a 12mm allen key. Didn't realise the issue till I read this. Better safe than sorry