The Forgotten Tool Kit
THE FORGOTTEN TOOL KIT
UP FRONT
EDITOR'S LETTER
MOTORCYCLE MAKERS, PLEASE THROW A WRENCH (OR TWO) IN THE WORKS
It's true we don't have much need to field strip a motorcycle with a factory tool kit these days. So little seems to go wrong; why do you need a plug wrench or feeler gauge? And if you are unfortunate enough to face a ride-stopping mechanical failure, the likelihood that you'll be able to fix it roadside and get going again is slim.
Still, I'd like to vote for a reasonable tool kit on every motorcycle. If the bike has adjustable suspension, include the tools necessary to operate any adjuster. We've had, for example, many bikes come through the CW garage over the years with stepped or threaded shock spring preload collars but no wrench to fit. Or a screwdriver too short to reach the damping adjuster. That's just not right.
Please also include tools to reposition handlebar controls and tighten mirror mounts. If tools are necessary to access the battery, include them, as well as a way to tighten the terminals. Does the motorcycle have wire wheel spokes? A spoke wrench is mandatory. Inner tubes? Tire irons should be there.
There was a time in the 1990s that BMWs had not only a great tool kit, but also a tire-repair kit. Our 2014 R1200GS testbike has two wrenches and a Torx driver. And it's an "adventure" bike! Sure, the suspension is electronically adjustable, so no need for a preload wrench or to turn damping screws. But still. Same with the 2014 Yamaha FJR1300ES and its pushbutton suspension. That bike, however, has a great kit with lots of useful items.
But both of those machines are relatively high-dollar "luxury" bikes for travelers. I was pleasantly surprised to find a good tool kit on our 2014 Yamaha FZ-09 long-term testbike. Its small underseat collection allows you to fully adjust the suspension front and rear.
I was surprised in a brief survey of manufacturers that there wasn't a set policy on tool kits, though most said they considered each bike individually.
Harley-Davids on, though, really knows how to take care of business. It includes a pretty cool Leatherman-like multi-tool. And, in a description I take from the parts list, "2 separate loose multi wrenches (1/2", 9/16", 10mm and a bottle opener)."
Yep, a bottle opener. Damn civilized.
Use of tools, they say, is what separates us from other primates. Don't make monkeys out of us.
CHANGING TOPIC, I'd like to welcome Laura Milton to the staff of Cycle World as our new art director. Assistant Art Director Christina Pendón leaves us to take over art directorship of our brother publication, Baggers. Milton comes to us with much experience in magazine making and in motorcycles. Job one will be to continue the artistic evolution of CW. Bumping up the font size was the first step in aiding readability, and there will be more items to massage as we balance artistic impact with utility and functionality.
A second welcome goes to three-time World Champion Freddie Spencer, who joins us as a regular columnist and writer/ tester. Spencer's insight and unique perspective, gained from a life lived at the pinnacle of the sport, inform his very fine writing. See page 30 for his take on 2013 MotoGP champ Marc Marquez.
And, finally, after much staff debate, we have opened up Slipstream to more than just funny photos with (hopefully) funny captions. We'll still do the occasional traditional fare (and run our Facebook caption contest), but we also now will include dramatic photos that make us say "wow" and remind us why we love motorcycling so much. If you find (or take) a truly amazing photo, send it to us at intake@cycleworld.com.
MARK HOYER
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
THIS MONTH'S STATS
2
NUMBER OF ELBOWS DRAGGED AT THE STREETS OF WILLOW DURING THE BIG MIDS COMPARISON TEST.
INDIVIDUAL PIECES IN THE YAMAHA FZ-09 TOOL KIT
ZERO
NUMBER OF STAFF MOVING VIOLATIONS THIS MONTH
