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One fact that all scooterists must face is that all machines, especially old machines, break down. Ask anyone who has been
scootering for a while and they'll tell you about the time they got a flat during a long rally ride, or the time one of their
friends seized on the side of the road in Mexico. While breakdowns are a fact of life, you can be prepared for many of them
if you pack the right tool kit.
While you may entrust your local scooter shop with your scooter whenever it needs
a repair or tune-up, scooter shops can't be there everytime, so carry the tools that will get you out of a pinch, especially
if that pinch is in Hunter's Point! Here is a list of tools we recommend you carry in that little spot that scooter manufacturers
designate for tools:
a flashlight
a Vespa Spark plug tool (doubles as a lugnut tool)
metric wrenches and sockets
(5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11mm)
flat-head and phillips screwdrivers
adjustable wrench
vise grips
air pump (small
bike pump will work)
spark Plug
2-stroke oil
rag/paper towel (I use bar towels I won at rallies)
clutch and
throttle cables with pinch nuts
electrical tape and zip ties
spare Fuse
first aid kit (able to handle road rash)
The right tool can make the difference.
While many people would also say to inlcude a tire repair kit or extra tube, I would rather just have a spare tire on the
scooter and not have to deal with roadside patching. But, if you don't carry a spare, consider those items. If you do have
a spare, make sure you check its air level regularly. A flat spare is still a bummer to inflate.
In addition to a flashlight, I carry some cool flashlight glasses that my friend Josh recommended. They are 2 mini flashlights
that you wear like glasses and are great for night repairs when you need both hands free.
I mentioned it above, but I can't stress enough to you how important it is to carry a decent first aid kit. I had a crummy
accident and my first aid kit was nearly useless. Small band-aids don't come in to play often in a motorcycle accident. Keep
some large gauze bandages and tape and plenty of antiseptic and antibiotic ointment. Also make sure you have scissors in case
you need to cut clothing.
One of the most important things I carry with me is my cell phone. Whatever your opinion is on cell phones in cars or
in general, I can assure you that a phone call to a helpful friend can be invaluable, especially if your scooter is toast
and that friend has a truck.
This article contributed by April Whitney. If she missed anything that you think should be in a must-have toolkit, let us
know!
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