Friday, February 4, 2022

Vintage ride EDC - Every Day Carry

 I consider my Stella a vintage designed scooter.  She may not have pedigree or be old, but she's the same design as vintage scooters.  Therefore tools are needed.  If not for me, then for my fellow riders benefit.  Don't get me wrong, she's always got me home, but you have to be prepared.

So folks may be interested in what is carried all the time in that massive storage compartment.

#1 Flash Light!  I keep a magnetic mount USB rechargeable LED light.  This is essential, because I do ride in the dark and would not want to fumble around making a repair in the dark.

#2 Wheel Jack.  I made a scooter jack out of some wood.  It doesn't have to be complicated.  Two blocks sit under each side of the center stand feet.  This allows removal of the front wheel.  The cradled jack side can be used under the rear shock absorber to get the rear off the ground.  Sure, you can tip the scooter over in the grass and let the fluids leak out of the tanks, but that's no fun.  It can be propped up against a building, but what if you are in the middle of nowhere?

#3 Hand Tools.  The most important are the tubing spanners and tommy bars, then a set of open-end wrenches.  A 6" Crescent wrench, just in case a bolt needs held while the nut is removed.  A combo screwdriver.  Fourth Hand cable tool, and spare cables with nipples.


I also keep a few inner tube patches, bicycle hand pump, and tire gauge as well.  Flat tires happen.

The point is to be prepared for about anything.  The tool you don't have is the one you need.