Motorcycles · Travel · Guide

What tools to take on a multi-day motorcycle trip across Europe

A punctured tyre, a loose bolt or a blown fuse can interrupt even a well-planned trip. A small, tried-and-tested toolkit helps with simple problems. Alongside the list, we outline equipment for travel through selected European countries.

Okretaji · Guide · 4 November 2026

Hands using tools to maintain a motorcycle — Motorcycle maintenance photograph: Kindel Media / Pexels · Pexels licence.

Carry tools you know how to use and that fit your motorcycle. A serious electronics, clutch or gearbox fault usually requires a workshop. Before departure, check whether your roadside assistance covers the countries on your route, motorcycle recovery and any onward travel.

A punctured tyre: what a travel kit can do

A travel kit may provide a temporary solution for a small puncture in the central tread area of a tubeless tyre. Sidewall or shoulder damage, a tear, bead damage or a tyre that will not hold pressure requires professional help and motorcycle recovery.

Tubeless tyres: a plug kit (reamer, plug tool, plugs and glue) and something to inflate the tyre with.
Mini 12V compressor or CO₂ canisters: canisters are smaller and lighter, but run out quickly, especially on a rear tyre. A compressor takes up more space, but it does not run out.
Tyres with an inner tube: besides a puncture repair kit, you need tyre levers and wheel removal tools, which is a noticeably harder roadside job.
Pressure gauge: small and cheap, and pressure should be checked both after a repair and when the bike is loaded with luggage.

A plug is only a temporary solution for reaching the nearest specialist, subject to the tyre and repair-kit manufacturers’ limits. If the repair is appropriate and the tyre holds the specified pressure, ride carefully to a workshop. A final assessment requires an internal inspection after the tyre has been removed from the rim.

What to put in the bag

Spanners and keys

Torx and Allen keys in the sizes your bike actually uses
Small 1/4" ratchet with sockets
Combination pliers or a multi-tool
Adjustable spanner
Wheel axle spanner, if the factory kit does not have one

Consumables

Electrical tape and duct tape
Cable ties of various lengths and Velcro strap
A bag of spare bolts, nuts and washers
Spare fuses
Work gloves and a rag

Spares and fluids

Spare bulbs for lights with replaceable filaments, as a practical backup
A little engine oil, if the bike consumes oil
Grease and chain spray for a longer trip; shaft drive does not require this
Spare motorcycle key, stored separately from the main one

For the rider

Small first aid kit
High-visibility vest within easy reach, not at the bottom of the case
Mobile phone charging cable from the bike
Assistance number (motoring club, insurance or manufacturer) also written down on paper

Test before the trip

Before the trip, check that each tool fits the bolts and nuts you might need to access: on the wheels, mirrors, battery cover, seat and luggage mounts. Do not loosen axles or other safety-critical fasteners just to test your tools. If you do dismantle a joint, reassemble it according to the service instructions and specified tightening torque. The factory toolkit may be a good starting point, but check that it covers the required sizes.

What the laws require by country

Motorcycle rules differ from those for cars. This is an overview of selected requirements and recommendations for travel, rather than a complete set of traffic regulations. It draws on ÖAMTC and FEMA guides; national sources for Croatia, Germany and French protective equipment are also listed at the end of the article.

Country	Requirement for motorcyclists
Croatia	Dipped headlights must be on during the day throughout the year. Spare bulbs are not mandatory motorcycle equipment under Article 99 of Croatia’s vehicle technical requirements regulation.
Slovenia	First aid kit only for motorcycles registered in Slovenia.
Austria	First aid kit.
Hungary	A high-visibility vest, including for the passenger; a first aid kit according to FEMA’s guide.
Slovakia	High-visibility vest (also for the passenger) and first aid kit.
Czechia	First aid kit.
Serbia	First aid kit.
Montenegro	First aid kit and spare bulbs, except with xenon or LED lights.
France	A high-visibility vest, including for the passenger. Rider and passenger must wear an approved helmet with four reflective elements and CE-marked motorcycle gloves. The vest must be accessible and worn when stepping onto the carriageway or roadside after an emergency stop.
Italy, Germany, Switzerland	ÖAMTC lists no specific requirement to carry this additional equipment. Daytime lighting is mandatory in all three countries. In Germany, dipped headlights or daytime running lights are permitted during the day; dipped headlights are required in reduced visibility.

A vest for each person and a small first aid kit are practical choices for the whole trip. The ÖAMTC and FEMA guides differ for Slovenia and Hungary: FEMA also lists a vest for Slovenia and first aid supplies for Hungary. Before travelling, check national regulations, including whether individual requirements apply to foreign-registered motorcycles.

In short

For a multi-day trip on tarmac, a kit suited to your tyre type, a few correctly sized tools, consumables, a vest and a first aid kit are a good starting point. Adapt your equipment to the motorcycle, route and your skills, and check the terms and limits of your roadside assistance before departure.

Sources

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