No motorized bike is immune to a mishap on the road. Should you experience a motorized bicycle emergency while riding, it’s important that you’re equipped with the proper tools and spare motorized bike parts to fix the issue so you don’t end up walking home.
Sometimes the solution can be as simple as replacing the spark plug on your 2-stroke engine. Other times you may need to pull over and change a flat tire. Whatever the case may be, being prepared with the proper equipment will help you avoid a major headache and make your roadside emergency a lot less stressful.
To help you know exactly what you should take with you, we’ve put together a list of the essential items every motorized bike rider should keep handy at all times. But first, let’s talk a little bit about the importance of being prepared for a motorized bicycle emergency.
Why Carry Spare Motorized Bicycle Parts?
It’s not uncommon for people to ask themselves, “Do I really need to carry spare motorized bike parts? Come on. What’s the likelihood something will actually happen?”
Well, a motorized bicycle emergency may not be likely, but it can still happen to anyone. As such, you should always be prepared with a few spare parts for your motorized bike.
The truth is, you can be a safe rider and follow every precaution, but you never know what hazards or situations you might encounter on the road:
- Chain breakage — Motorized bikes are typically chain driven. As such, the chain is an integral part of the bike's operation. If you hit a sudden bump out of nowhere, it could cause your chain to become misaligned or break completely off.
- Flat tire — You never know what hazards or obstacles you're going to encounter while riding your motorized bicycle. Sharp turns, sudden bumps, and nails on the road could all lead to a flat tire.
- Damaged engine case covers — Over time, debris can begin to cause wear-and-tear on your engine's case covers. Not to mention, if you collide with an obstacle on the road, or you use your motorized bike for off-roading, you're going to see increased bumps and damage to your motorized bike engine case.
- Oil leaks — Whether it's an installation issue, running the engine too long, or a worn-out component, you could eventually experience oil leaks while riding a motorized bike, just like you would with a car.
- Damage due to prolonged wear-and-tear — Over time, your motorized bike's parts will begin to feel the effects of prolonged use and wear-and-tear. It's important to be ready with the proper spare parts, especially if you've been running the same engine for a long time.
- Improper maintenance — If you don't keep up with performing proper maintenance on your motorized bicycle, you're likely to encounter more problems with time. Always be sure to keep your motorized bike chain clean, do oil changes regularly, and keep an eye on the smaller moving parts of your engine.
So with that, let’s talk about the essential parts you should take with you when you head out on your motorized bike.
The Basics
Just like it’s a good idea to carry a spare tire in the trunk of your car or a first-aid kit when you go camping, having spare motorized bicycle parts close by is just smart thinking. That said, you're going to need some basics before you can swap out any parts.
Tools for Repairs
First things first: You always want to have some tools handy in your saddle bag or backpack.
It doesn’t matter how many parts you’re carrying around with you if you don’t have the proper tools to install those parts when your motorized bike needs maintenance. As a rule of thumb, it’s always a good idea to carry:
- An adjustable wrench to get big components off of your bike, like wheels.
- A multi-tool will allow you to screw and unscrew different nuts around your bike and engine.
- Tire levers for tire and tube repairs on the road.
Plan ahead and don’t just grab random tools out of your toolbox, either. When you get a chance, see what size wrenches and screwdrivers fit the different components on your bicycle and bike engine. These are the tools you’ll want to have with you when you go out.
Recommended Tools:
- SunLite 9 Function Multi-Tool (Our Price: $10.99)
- Sunlite Steel Tire Lever Set (Our Price: $4.95)
- Adjustable Wrenches (Make sure they're the right size for your wheel.)
Chain Drive Repairs
Your motorized bike's speed and stress are handled by its 415 chain. If you're chain breaks, your motorized bicycle will be inoperable.
Motorized Bike Chain Components
You should always have links with you in case you lose one during a rough ride. If you still have a long way to go on your commute, you’ll be glad you carried a few extras with you. A motorized bike chain master link is compatible with plenty of different bike frames, and it’s super easy to install, so you’ll be back on your way in no time.
If your chain breaks, however, you’ll want a motorized bike chain half link, as replacing it with a master link could be potentially unsafe. In any case, it’s always a good idea to carry a handful of both of these with you when you’re on the road.
Recommended Parts:
- 415 Chain Master Link (Our Price: $2.95)
- 415 Half Link (Our Price: $2.95)
Full Chain Replacement
Though you should be fine with a few spare master links and half links, sometimes your chain might suffer some really severe damage. Unfortunately, in a worst case scenario, replacing a few links might not be much of a solution.
You can never be too cautious, so you’ll want to keep a spare motorized bicycle chain handy, as well. Fortunately, these chains are versatile and built to last, so when you do make that replacement, you won’t have to worry about swapping it out again for a long time.
Recommended Part:
- 415 Heavy Duty Motorized Bike Chain (Our Price: $14.95)
Chain Removal Tool
When the time comes for you to replace your chain, you’ll need more than just the motorized bike chain itself — you’ll need a motorized bicycle chain breaker, too.
As long as you have a chain breaker with you, replacing or repairing a chain won’t be a problem. Its long extracting punch can handle nearly any chain. Just line up the punch with the pin, tighten the breaker, pop the chain off, and you’ll be able to install one of those half links or master links you have handy. Just pop the pin back into place when you’re done and you’re good to go.
If you need to do emergency chain maintenance, you’ll be glad you brought a chain breaker with you.
Recommended Tool:
- Heavy Duty 410/415 Motorized Bicycle Chain (Our Price: $9.99)
Electrical Part Replacements
Without a proper spark, your engine won't turn over. You want to make sure you're covered with the proper replacement parts in case your motorized bike's motor won't start.
Electric Current: CDI and Magneto
Your 2-stroke engine's electrical components such as the CDI are bound to wear out eventually. That’s why it’s a great idea to have a spare CDI on hand.
A CDI is responsible for transferring energy between the magneto magnet and spark plug. So if you notice you're not getting a strong enough spark to start your 2-stroke engine, a faulty CDI could very well be the cause.
Another electrical component that will likely need to be replaced after extensive use is your 2-stroke engine’s magneto. This is the part that captures the magnetic force that is then sent to the CDI to help create a spark.
Having an extra magneto with you while you’re on the road is always a good call. If your CDI is working fine and your engine won't start, the magneto could be the culprit.
Recommended Parts:
- CDI Electron Ignition Coil (Our Price: $16.95)
- Magneto Loop Set (Our Price: $14.95)
- CDI and Magneto Replacement Set (Our Price: $24.95)
Spark Plug
If you’re stuck in the middle of the road and find that your engine is having trouble getting started, the solution could be as simple as replacing the spark plug.
Your motor may not start even if your magneto and CDI are working properly. When that happens, it’s definitely time to take a look at your spark plug.
Always carry an extra spark plug in case your motorized bike isn’t starting and needs a replacement. You’ll want to make sure you have a spark plug removal tool, too, as that’ll make swapping out your existing part a breeze.
Recommended Parts:
- 2-Stroke Bike Engine Spark Plug (Our Price $4.95)
- Spark Plug Removal Tool (Our Price $2.95)
Engine Maintenance
As far as your 2-stroke engine is concerned, you could experience wear-and-tear-related issues while riding. This is especially true if you're traveling on a bumpy road. Always be prepared for anything.
2-Stroke Engine Oil
It’s important to carry some extra motorized bike engine oil in case your 2-stroke engine experiences an oil leak when you’re on the road. Carrying some extra oil with you could help you avoid major issues while riding if your engine starts leaking.
Synthetic oil has special lubricants and advanced additives that promote maximum engine performance, protection, and cleanliness. As an added bonus, high-quality synthetic oil ensures minimal exhaust smoke, which is great for both your motorized bicycle engine and the environment.
Note: An oil leak in your 2-stroke engine could indicate a bigger problem, though that’s not always the case. If you notice an oil leak, it’s best to inspect your engine thoroughly or visit a mechanic. Carrying spare oil is always a great idea in case you experience a leak and need to top off your engine so you can make it home or to your local motorized bike repair shop.
Recommended Oil:
- Maxima Scooter Pro 2-Stroke Synthetic Motor Oil 1 Liter (Our Price: $12.95)
Engine Case
Several factors can affect the external case of your 2-stroke engine over time. You don’t want any of the internal components on your 2-stroke engine exposed, so eventually you’ll need to replace the case cover. If you’ve been operating your motorized bicycle for a while and have an especially worn-out engine case, make sure you have a 2-stroke engine case cover replacement set handy.
Though you may not need it with you at all times, if you’ve got a dinged up case, it’s a good precaution to have some case covers ready just in case something pops off while you ride. This is especially true if you’re the adventurous type and enjoy taking your motorized bike off-roading as this type of performance riding will make the outer casing of your engine more prone to damage and wear. Similarly, if you ride on especially bumpy roads, you’ll begin to see more wear as time goes on.
An engine case cover set is one of those things you might think you don’t need… until you realize you do. So be prepared for anything, especially if your engine case is showing signs of wear-and-tear.
Recommended Parts:
- BBR Tuning Billet Aluminum Engine Case Cover Set (Our Price: $59.95)
Tire Repair
Nothing can put a damper on your motorized bike ride — and your day — like getting a flat tire. To minimize the headache, you'd do well to carry the proper parts and tools so that you can easily swap out that flat.
Spare Tire
This one is pretty self explanatory: It’s always a good idea to have a spare tire.
We can't recommend carrying a spare enough. Typically, you'll want a tire that's highly durable and that offers a strong grip whether you’re going on a rough off-road ride or just your standard commute.
You never know when you’re going to run over a nail or piece of glass. You’ll want to be prepared in case you get a flat tire on the road and need to swap it out.
As previously mentioned, it's also essential to have tire levers with you, too. Tire levers will provide a safer way to replace your tire compared to just prying your flat using a screwdriver, which can cause damage to the rim.
Recommended Part:
- Duro Flame 26 Inch Bicycle Tire (Our Price: $19.95)
Inner Tube
Inner tubes are responsible for maintaining your motorized bike tires' pressure.
Strong bumps and sharp objects can affect both the tire and the inner tube. This Heavy Duty 26 Inch Inner Tube is a great replacement if you find yourself having to perform tire maintenance while on the road or in an off-road park.
Too often people keep a spare tire handy but forget to carry a spare inner tube. We've already said it, but it bears repeating: Always be prepared for any obstacle you might encounter on the road. With this heavy duty tube, you'll give your motorized bike's tire the proper reinforcement it needs.
Recommended Part:
- Standard 26 Inch Inner Tube (Our Price: $5.99)
Never Leave Home Without Spare Parts for Your Motorized Bike
So there you have it: The essential motorized bike rider checklist.
Remember that like with any vehicle, experiencing problems with your motorized bicycle is a possibility. If you’re prepared, though, you won’t have to worry about being stranded on the side of the road or walking the rest of the way home.
With the parts and tools listed here, you’ll be ready for any roadside situation or motorized bicycle emergency. So the next time you go for a ride, just fill your bag with everything on this list — or at the very least, most of the parts on this list — and you’ll be ready to handle whatever the journey throws at you.
