Tool kit

Dave, I always make up a toolkit for each bike and what I put in it depends on what is on the bike. This means taking account of any non standard parts that might require a non standard tool or two. Otherwise the toolkit a bike would have come with would be a good starting point.

Ideally a bag to put the tools in is a good start. You could even get one with a Norton logo from Simon Hillock or other traders.

The pre F/bed Model 50 toolkit is something I'll need to think about in the next year, if I ever get any engine plates... 6 year saga Grrrrrrrr & same model as yours.

OK, with a magneto you should have a set of mag spanners. These don't take up much room and can be often found at auto jumbles for about a fiver. You will also need a folding 14mm plug spanner, imperial feeler guages and a spare plug. My Model 50 Slimline runs perfectly on a Champion N5. Spare points a good idea too.

If you're planning riding at night then I would suggest a spare head lamp and tail /stop light bulbs.35mm film plastic filmtubs with a lid are ideal to store these. You try finding a 6V bulb on the road.

I'd also consider a spare split link for each chain, all different sizes of chain. Spanners to remove the wheels and adjust the chainare useful as are tyre levers, especially in the event of a puncture. Though a tin of tyreweld etc is always a better option on a run. (But this is extra to the toolkit) For wheel spindles 1/4 Whitworth is the best size I have found but might be big to get inside the tool kit.(Unless you can find a short one with a sieve to give you the fulcrum) Don't forget the spanner for the L/H pinch bolt, needs to be loose whenwithdrawing the frontspindle and never tighten it past meeting resistance. Pinch bolt sliders not welded are at a premium now. ping!

A flat screwdriver comes in for a multitude of jobs, think about changing those bulbs for example at the side of the road in the dark. I also carry one of those LED lamps you strap around your head, allowing the use of both hands. Tools to undo the L/H footrest andprimary cover + drain screwto give access to the clutch are a necessity.

Acable breaking could let you down. Riders on very long runs can sometimes be seen with throttle and clutchcables routed and taped upready for use. Good thing about Amal is that the choke cable and throttle cable can be swapped around.

Just think about what you will need to get you home. A few spare nuts and bolts are always useful. Cycle and 1/4 Whitworth for you and finally a couple of spare fuses, a pen knife and some electrical tape.

If the above doesn't fix it then a mobile phone!

PS: How did you get on with your crown nut? The points cover is straight forward.

Neil.

Saw this on eBay a while ago. Although I wouldn't dream of paying what they where asking for it it gives some idea of what should be in it.

You'd be amazed what you can get working on the side of the road with cable ties and a roll of insulation tape. Always have plenty of both in my tool kits!

Yes Andy, reminds me of my 16H tool kit. Most of it made by RT Shelley.

But you are right, a few cable ties should have been in the list above. Esential if a stand spring breaks or even to hold cold bits together if you lose the fixings.

Sods law is that when I go to the MGP I will take a pannier full of tools and spares and use nothing on my bike. (Always someone in need) But set off with nowt, other than the basic kit and something will happen. That is why you need essentials in your basic kit always with the bike.

A 6inch adjustable spanner ,tools to clean out carb or fuel tap and mag brushes or points.Box spanner to tighten clutch center nut.

In case of electrical failure. you could do a lot worse than have a bicycle red LED light and a LED torch which you could tape to your handlebars. Having ridden from Shrewsbury (where I ran out of charge) to Norwich without lights I can recommend some sort of back up...

As Robert said, take a box spanner for the clutch center. It's rather frustrating being stuck on the side of the road with the clutch falling off and nothing to tighten it up, don't ask how I know that.

Anna knows this too!

If anyone is looking for a tool kit (either authentic or practical) to carry on our bikes, I received good service from www.thevintagetoolco.com . Dave is the man to speak to and he's most helpful.

A tyre pump is rather useful. Imagine you have just patched a puncture, or fitted a new tube, and you can't blow the tyre up! Country road, nowt in sight, it's raining, sun gone - yep, been there.

Tyre pressure gauge, pliers, whatever is needed to adjust chains, whatever you need to remove engine /gearbox covers (allen bolts or cheeseheads....) Spare valve core, and at least one valve cover with the little dogs to fit them.

And a trailer to carry it all in

And make sure the pump has the correct Schrader connector - a lesson in the evaporation in smugness as you realise you can't connect the pump as the rainstorm moves ever closer and traffic thunders past on the A9...

My favorite adjustable spanner is from Bahco nr 31, 8", grips 34mm.

Fondly called the hajen ( shark ) in Sweden. Qnce upon a time they made them with a tyre lever in one end. When I was a dispatch rider, we always had hammer in the toolbox.