Up & away!

[guest7]

If you do fit spare cables alongside the control cables, make sure that they are fully oiled/greased and then seal the ends with greased plastic bags or somesuch, attached using cable ties. It's a good bodge and has been beneficial for me in the past.

Another good way of sealing the cable ends is to cut up an old pushbike inner tube into short sections and use these to cover the ends. The rubber is much more robust, but thin enough to be sealed using a cable tie, even when folded over onto itself.

GC

[OMEGAMAN]

 
Thanks peeps,

                     lots of good ones so far!  keep em going & I'll publish my own lists soon, so you can see things I've missed too!

         Useful items might be things that double up to save weight & space                                             (ie. screwdriver with changeble end?)

   

[guest7]

Those replaceable bit screwdrivers are great, but make sure you get a long one. Some of them are a bit too stubby for good access to some bike screws. Actually I picked up a good secondhand one today. I'll send you a piccy and if it's suitable you can have that too.

A good quality (Bahco, etc.) adjustable spanner is a good investment. I have one here that will tackle everything from my steering stem nut down to 12mm nuts and bolts. They are a bit pants for smaller bolts though. People who scoff at adjustable spanners often base their criticism on experiences of using cheaper spanners. The good stuff works very well. When I adjust my chain I use one adjustable spanner... and even then I sometimes lose it mid-job 

GC

[guest7]

Screwdriver update - sorry, when I dug out my new 'driver I realised that it's almost certainly too heavy for your needs. I'll see if I can turn up a lighter one.

GC

[OMEGAMAN]

Screwdriver update - sorry, when I dug out my new 'driver I realised that it's almost certainly too heavy for your needs. I'll see if I can turn up a lighter one.

GC

 Thanks for the offer!   but remember, I probably have all the tools I may need here?

 It's a case of deciding which to take..................(reasons?)

[Andy M]

I always get a plastic box out on service day. Any tools I use get chucked in the box. You then put all the tools away except for the ones in the box, have a look round for any bits you didn't disturb but might need to (mudguards typically for some reason no doubt related to domed nuts), then chuck out the duplicates and hey presto, one bike tool kit.

I hate "what if" stuff and have repeatedly threatened to chuck stuff I havn't used off the ferry, but some bits I think are just useful. I carry a cap type spark plug tester because I've seen plugs that'd spark near the edge of the hole but not in it (*****y Triumphs!) and a multi socket (lots of little pins) because I've used them to shift rounded nuts before. Did you get Chris Scott's book? His list is a good start.

Where you keeping tools? Bits of drain pipe on the sump or rack are popular, but I'm betting every thieving scrote between here and Timbucktoo knows that but can't get your seat off or be bothered to open a pannier.

Andy

[OMEGAMAN]

 Open question?

     chain & sprockets  (on the CB500 oem  is a 525 pitch  14t front / 39t rear 108 links)

    Should I fit the same size?   or should I go for a stronger (heavier?)  530 set up.

    OR!  could I even go down size (much lighter?)  to a 520 & even use an alloy rear sprocket? (taking a spare alloy rear= hardly any weight?)

  I also wouldn't mind going up just 1 tooth on the front sprocket as I am very gentle on the throttle & would not be pushing fast anywhere!   giving a little extra mpg?

[Steve H]

Not sure on chain size, but a Scottoiler will make a big difference to chain/sprocket life.

[guest288]

Fit a cigarette socket to 12volts supply, you can 12volt kettles....

Always time for tea!!!

[OMEGAMAN]

Not sure on chain size, but a Scottoiler will make a big difference to chain/sprocket life.

 Found a scottoiler hidden behind the no plate!!!     Big reservoir too! so, hopefully, can get that working properly?   (nice bonus?)

[OMEGAMAN]

Fit a cigarette socket to 12volts supply, you can 12volt kettles....

Always time for tea!!!

  Yes, plan to fit a 12v socket (so I can charge my camera & have a spotlight, to light up the lions in the dark?)

[OMEGAMAN]

 I am after a pair of strong boots (high leg) for aforementioned trip!

 Size   9--- 9 1/2    No buckles, worn is ok but need to be vgc.

 Anyone got anything?

[squirrelciv]

Why don't you get some ex-army ones?? Mine set me back about £25 and are the best boots I ever had. Reasonably OK to wear with jeans if your on foot too and if you keep them well polished they won't leak either.

[OMEGAMAN]

Why don't you get some ex-army ones?? Mine set me back about £25 and are the best boots I ever had. Reasonably OK to wear with jeans if your on foot too and if you keep them well polished they won't leak either.

             Have considered those, but would like high shin protection up to the knees?

[OMEGAMAN]

 Just been thinking!        about the possibility of fitting some spoked wheels tto the Cb500?