Tips To Survive A Motorcycle Crash

Nothing puts a kink in traveling by motorcycle like an off. One second you're blissfully carving unknown asphalt, the next you're skidding across it, your bike shedding pieces. But just because a few things are bent and broken doesn't mean the ride has to be over. After a few unscheduled ballistic re-entries of our own, we've gathered up the perfect kit to keep going.

This cheap collection is the same one we carry. It comes with enough bare essentials to take care of minor abrasions and the like, and doesn’t take up much space.

Lacerations happen. The ZipStitch Laceration Kit saves a well-trained rider the hassle of contending with the local, possibly unreliable emergency room, and works much better than our previous go-tos: super glue, duct tape, or butterfly bandages. Throw one in the first-aid kit as cheap insurance.

Forget duct tape. This stuff is the real deal: more adhesive, more weather-resistant, and easier to work with. It’s perfect for patching torn gear, seats, or saddlebags. No need to pack a full roll. Simply wind a few feet around a pen or wrench and unroll what you need when you need it.

Asphalt loves nothing more than to grind through an engine case. This epoxy putty is perfect for quick fixes, setting in five minutes and curing completely in around one hour. It can also tolerate heat of up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Have a hole larger than the epoxy alone can contend with? Get creative. Pennies make great filler.

Our generation’s duct tape, quality zip ties are the ultimate multitool. We keep a few dozen discreetly hidden away on every bike we own. They can stitch together body panels, secure lights, hold boxes closed, and even keep knobby tires from spinning on the rim when your tube is flat.

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There’s a reason the U.S. military throws a roll of this stuff in every Recovery and Battle Damage Assessment and Repair Kit. It can handle up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit and 950 psi, which means it’s perfect for repairing punctured radiator hoses. It’s also a great insulator, and when wrapped around damaged wiring, it can keep aggravating shorts at bay.

If it can’t be glued, taped, or zip-tied, it can be wired together. And in a pinch, wire can replace missing panel bolts, keeping things in place until you can find a hardware store. Like the Gorilla tape, there’s no need to bring a whole roll. Peel off a small coil and pack it away.