A year ago I started using the 650 as a primary form of transportation.  I logged on about 8K during that time.  I can’t use saddle bags because the back wheel rubbed the rear bolts even without the supports on.  I got stuck in the rain a couple times and have needed some odds and ends from time to time.  Most the time I learned the hard way.

Necessity helped me come up with a pretty good solution.  I found a dry bag designed for motorcycles that fits great and also adds 6 inches of back support.  I have attached a couple pics of a Wolfman motorcycle dry bag.  I am putting this on the site because it is pretty cheap ($70) and has proven to be beneficial.  It has two straps that I run under the seat, than I used a bit extra  to keep it in place.  I also wanted to see what other items I should keep in it.  

I keep the following:
Rainsuit – cheap yet effective
Gloves
Bungee net
Flashlight  
Batteries
Small socket set 5 – 13
M allen wrenches
Zip ties
40 inch nyon compression straps
Screwdriver with multiple bits
Crescent wrench
Pliers – normal & needle nose
Zip ties
Extra fuses
Electrical tape

What else am  missing?  By the way Harbour Freight is a good place to start.  Thanks for your assistance.

Cheese crackers... ...

Tire gauge
Quarters for the air compressor
Oil and funnel
Sun screen
Something to take the sting out of bug bites


Good hunting

When motoring the States, I was shocked to disciover I need to pay to pump air in my tires... and that air pumps don't have a pressure gauge!

In Europe, air is free and pumps have gauges! (or... should I drive to the fuel pump with a funnel and my own length of hose?)


Anyway... more than quarters, a small +12V plug and a miniature air pump are a safe choice.
Some double up as a flashlight and LD starter.



If the small electric pump is too bulky, a HD bicycle pump is just as good for pressures up to 30-35psi.



Also... H4 lamps for the front light, spare tail/stop and indicator lights, and some red transparent tape to fix the taillight.

Last... we all know inner tubes have the tendency to leak a little bit of air so a possible option is to deflate your tires completely and refill them with FIX-A-FLAT (tube type) and ride with "unflattable mousse".
I did this to my old Guzzi and she maintained the proper pressure for years! (until I sold her to a loving new owner)



Else, who knows, these guys might manufacture motorcycle tubes as well !!!

Maurizio Pescatori, I too was shocked when I went to the local gas station and found that the old air pump had been replaced with a new one that required a quarter to run!

It is a relatively new trend, at least in my area. Chances are they will eventually change over the pumps in Europe.

Is there any difference between the msr fuel canister and an aluminum water bottle?

Thanks, I should probably get one as opposed to leaking fuel on my stuff and the road.

For rain time under a bridge, book or magazine, and a small hand crank radio.