Hope for the Best
Plan for the Worst

No matter what you ride, someday you will be standing beside your bike scratching your head. Though you meticulously maintain your motorcycle, fate has a funny way of being random. One solution is a roadside membership.

Not all associations cater to motorcycles. Make sure yours does.
The best scenario is to be a mechanic with tools. Second best is knowing what every rider can and should learn about their bike. T.E.A.M. Arizona offers a Basic Care Course that teaches you maintenance and troubleshooting tips using your bike.

This course is designed for people who aren't as fortunate as myself. Before ever riding, I had good friends who spent hours in their garages tinkering with bikes. They were patient enough to answer my questions and let me tinker, too. That created a rider who doesn't leave home without the prerequisite tools and parts.
Here's a short list of things to have and know how to use:

• Travel kit with basic tools
• Mini mag-lite
• Fresh spark plugs, gapper and wrench
• Wire cutters
• Electrical tape and connectors
• Spare bulbs/ flasher and shifter peg.

Add to that your Owner's Manual. Manual implies "study" or "read" at the very least. If you are unable to fix the problem, and have a pristine manual, it makes good reading until the tow truck arrives. On long rides, take stuff that could wear out, or leak. I have a temporary, reusable drive belt that I can install. Learning how to find and fix small problems is not only practical, but fun. Also, let's face it, any girl (or guy) who has tools and knows how to use them is cool!
Until you learn, those of us who can will stop to aid any scratching head we see!

Sincerely, Claire