Toolless In Torrance | COOK's CORNER

This is the actual tool kit delivered with a 2013 Honda. And it’s not a mistake: You’re looking at everything intended to come with the bike. Really.

The hoopy/wiry thing is the helmet lock—the open ends loop through some part of your helmet and hook to tangs beneath the seat. Never mind that you could cut the wire with a strong pair of nail clippers.

The white plastic clip helps you pull fuses.

The L-shaped hex key removes the sidecover screws. (Sadly, the pin punch you need to release the diabolical plastic panel fasteners that litter modern sportbikes is not in the kit.)

The foam? Presumably to keep this sad collection of “tools” from rattling around in the under-seat tray clearly intended to hold a useful set.

So, no screwdriver, no axle wrenches, nothing to adjust the controls—not even a cheesy pair of pliers.

No doubt Honda figures its bikes are so boringly reliable that you will never really need tools, or that you’re just so much better off swinging by the dealer for things like chain adjustment. Schedule an appointment to adjust your mirrors, sir?

Obviously, I’m giving Honda an overdose of grief for the simple tactic of cutting costs and saving weight. And it’s probably just a natural progression. Owners of BMW Airheads remember that the company provided a tool kit comprehensive enough to rebuild half the bike (and included a flat-repair kit), and if you own a modern Ural, you get the same (or even better) Mr. Goodwrench treatment. But not on your new Honda. Times change.

What do I want, then? How about a small kit as useful as the CruzTOOLS EconoKIT M2? Even a good-quality multi-tool will do, like this one from Bikemaster. And maybe a flat-repair kit so you're not beholden to Triple-A or your buddy with the pickup truck should you run over a drywall screw at the mall.

In truth, I don’t want to carry a lot on everyday rides. But I want more than what Honda’s content to provide. You should, too.