Hello everyone!

I've recently finished my '73 RT3 resto, and I have a leather goods shop as a side hustle.

I figured, I've got the means, so I am attempting to design a tool roll that will fit all of the necessary gear one would need for side of the road repairs (not that my bike will likely ever see a road trip), and for moto-camping etc.

If anyone has an original tool kit they could send me measurements and pictures of on here, that would be great.

eventually once I get the aftermarket kit down to a science, I'll post the product on the forum here and try to sell a few.

Also, are there any other tools one would want on said kit that there isn't currently a spot for?

thanks!

John 

John,

The RT3 owner's manual in Tech Library has a picture of stock tool kit.  They fit it a plastic pouch which barely fits in the tool box.  Really not much room to spare for even a thickness of leather. 

Might be best to make a tool roll with new tools?  Not sure what to include as old Yamahas NEVER break down.  Might have better luck making a HONDA tool kit? 

(Just kidding about Honda of course...)

I've got an original with the factory tools and can send pics if you want them, however, like John said the pouch is tiny and with the tools in it you can barely squeeze it back in the tray.  It is made out of thin plastic now so I imagine if you recreated it out of leather you would struggle to get it back in the OEM spot.  It may be more realistic to build a tool roll that straps to the back rack.

Let me know if you want pics and of what and I'll get them to you.

I would love some pictures of that , my email is This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Either email or posting on here works !

Thanks

I remember the original tool kit. Just a thin vinyl pouch, some double ended wrenches, a spark plug socket, that doubled as a handle for a phillips/slotted screwdriver bit, and I believe one end fit the rear axle and swing arm nuts. The long double ended screwdriver bit could be inserted through holes in the socket, as a handle to turn it with. There was also a pair of pliers, and I'm pretty sure there was a hex wrench for the case bolts.

A couple days ago I scrounged through my garage, and my sock drawer, and came up with the kit that covers a lot of bases, and fits into the frame toolbox.

Can't post a picture, but basically it's a spark plug socket, a large jaw stubby adjustable wrench, a mini adjustable wrench, a mini ratchet handle with an H5 bit on one side (for the case bolts) and a 10 mm socket on the other (fits the gear shift, oil tank and rear fender bolts). Also a stubby screwdriver that has a reversible philips/slotted bit, and a small pair of needle nose pliers. The large jaw adjustable wrench can be used to turn the spark plug socket, and it fits the axle nuts.

Then I couldn't figure out what to put it in. At first I tried using a small silicone ziploc bag, and it worked okay. Then as I was putting my shoes and socks on, it occurred to me that a small "no-show" sock would work. I dug through my sock drawer and found a package of "no-show" socks I purchased that were too small. I grabbed a black one, and all the tools fit into that, and slip into the frame box perfectly!

If the picture function returns, I'll post a picture of the tools.

Good thinking on the sock, in my tool kits I always added a spare spark plug, a bit of electric tape, a few zip ties, and a small roll of baling wire, all those items came in handy on more than a few occasions.

Needle nose Vise-Grip (or small Vise Grip) come in handy.  Can be used for broken shift lever and a lot of other things...  even saw them used to grab broken throttle cable and limp back home. 

I'd be hesitant to use a sock as the fabric would hold moisture.

To elaborate, the cable had broken in the throttle grip housing...  front brake cable was disconnected and small vise grips used to clamp broken inner cable to lever...  front brake lever then became the throttle.  We were many miles from camp in a remote area and using this arrangement allowed the rider to (carefully!) make it back to camp under his own power.

It was apparently a little tricky to get used to pulling front brake to give throttle...  The alternative of towing with another bike to someplace where a recovery vehicle could pick up the bike would have been a time-consuming and difficult nightmare. 

Little vise-grips saved the day.  I've carried a pair of the needle nose type since the mid-70's.  They have come in handy a few times.

Small vice grips are a great idea! I could always put a few more tools in my tail bag as well, but for my use, and at my age, I'm most likely not not going to be trail riding. I'm just scooting around town and up and down Pacific Coast Highway to a few nearby towns, and I don't ride in the rain, so I'm not worried about the sock retaining moisture. In fact it could be used to help dry off the spark plug. it's just something I came up with for now, and it holds the tools so they don't rattle around. Mainly just wanted to have some basic tools to carry in that frame box.

By the way, I found a nice way to carry my registration and insurance card. I have clear vinyl covid vaccination card sleeves that seal closed. I put them in the sleeve, and have it velcroed underneath the seat.