Harley Davidson scraps free tool kit on new motorcycles, and that decision is shaking up how riders prepare for the road. For decades, Harley-Davidson bundled a basic roadside tool kit, also known as a rider's onboard toolkit, with every new bike. That kit was a simple collection of wrenches, screwdrivers, and Allen keys tucked beneath the seat or in a side compartment. Now it's gone from most new models, and a lot of riders are caught off guard at exactly the wrong moment.
This article covers what the change means in practice, what you should carry instead, how to source the right tools, and, honestly, why mechanical preparedness is only half of the equation. The other half is rider skill. Both matter.
Whether you ride a Street Glide through Big Sky country or commute on a Sportster in South Dakota, being prepared, on the road and in the saddle, starts before you ever leave the driveway.
What the Decision to Scrap the Tool Kit Actually Means
Harley-Davidson's decision to remove the complimentary onboard tool kit is a cost-reduction move that shifts responsibility to the rider. The onboard tool kit, a compact set of manufacturer-matched hand tools designed to fit the fasteners on that specific model, was a standard part of the ownership package for most of Harley's lineup for many years. Removing it does not change the bike's mechanics, but it does change what you have available when something loosens up on a long ride.
Which Models Are Affected?
The change affects most new Touring, Softail, and Sportster models produced after the policy shift. If you bought your bike recently and popped open the tool tray expecting a kit, you may have found it empty. Older used Harleys typically still have their original kits intact, assuming the previous owner didn't remove them.
Check your owner's manual or ask your dealer directly which tools, if any, came standard with your specific model year. Documentation varies, and some limited or special edition models have retained tool kits as a value-add feature.
Why the Change Happened
Manufacturers routinely audit standard inclusions as part of cost management. The tool kit removal is consistent with an industry-wide trend toward leaner base pricing, with accessories sold separately. Harley's accessories catalog, which includes H-D branded tool rolls and roadside kits, conveniently fills the gap, at an additional cost.
The practical result is that riders who don't notice the omission and don't build their own kit are now heading out unprepared for basic roadside fixes, something that safety advocates have been vocal about since the announcement.
Building Your Own Roadside Tool Kit for a Harley
A proper roadside motorcycle tool kit is a portable set of hand tools sized and selected to address the most common trailside or roadside mechanical issues on your specific bike. For Harley-Davidson models, that means a set of metric and SAE Allen keys, a combination wrench set, pliers, a multi-bit screwdriver, a tire plug kit with CO2 inflators, and electrical tape at a minimum.
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- Allen key set (metric and SAE): Harleys use both, depending on the model year and component.
- Combination wrenches (8mm to 19mm range): Cover the most common fastener sizes on touring and cruiser models.
- Tire plug kit with CO2 inflators: A puncture on a remote Montana highway is not the place to wish you'd packed one.
- Multi-bit screwdriver: Phillips and flathead in one compact handle.
- Needle-nose pliers: Useful for wire clips, cotter pins, and debris removal.
- Zip ties and electrical tape: These fix more things temporarily than most riders expect.
- Spare fuses: Pull the fuse chart from your manual and pack a duplicate set.
- Nitrile gloves: Keep your hands clean enough to handle food or a phone after a roadside fix.
How to Pack the Kit Without Adding Bulk
A roll-up tool pouch fits neatly inside a saddlebag or under the seat on most Harley models. Keep the kit lean. You're not packing a garage, you're packing for the one or two things most likely to strand you. Tire plugs and a flat repair kit account for the majority of roadside stops on motorcycles, so prioritize those.
Hard-sided tool cases can work for touring bikes with ample luggage capacity, but on a Sportster or Nightster with limited storage, a soft roll pouch is the practical choice.
Tool Kit Comparison: Factory Kits vs. Aftermarket vs. DIY
Riders now have three main options after Harley-Davidson scraps free tool kit, each with real trade-offs in cost, quality, and fit.
| Option | Average Cost | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harley-Davidson Official H-D Tool Roll | $80, $140 | Brand-matched tools, tidy packaging, dealer support | Premium price for basic items, limited tool count | Riders who want brand consistency |
| Aftermarket Motorcycle Tool Kit (e.g. Viking Bags, Bikers Choice) | $30, $80 | More tools for the money, wide availability | Quality varies, may include off-size tools | Budget-conscious riders |
| DIY Custom Kit | $40, $100 (varies) | Precisely matched to your model, no redundant tools | Requires research and time to assemble | Experienced riders who know their bike |
| Roadside Assistance Plan (e.g. H-D Roadside, AAA) | $50, $100/year | Covers major breakdowns, no manual labor required | Won't help in remote areas with no cell signal | Touring riders on long-distance trips |
Honestly, the smartest approach is to combine a lean DIY kit with a roadside assistance plan. The kit handles minor fixes on the spot. The plan handles the things no wrench will solve.
Mechanical Readiness Is Only Half the Story, Rider Training Is the Other Half
Mechanical readiness and rider skill are the two pillars of safe motorcycling, and scrapping the tool kit makes the skill side of the equation even more visible. A breakdown on a remote road is inconvenient. A crash on that same road is catastrophic. Formal training closes the gap between riders who react and riders who respond.
Why the MSF Basic Rider Course Matters More Than a Tool Set
The MSF Basic Rider Course, a standardized training program developed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, is widely recognized as the most effective entry-level motorcycle training available in the United States. The course covers slow-speed maneuvering, emergency braking, hazard recognition, and the mental habits that separate riders who avoid situations from riders who react to them too late.
Many states, including Montana and South Dakota, allow riders who pass the MSF Basic Rider Course to waive the DMV skills test for their motorcycle endorsement. That's a direct, practical benefit beyond the safety value.
Finding a motorcycle safety course near you
A motorcycle safety course near you is more accessible than most new riders expect. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation maintains a nationwide network of licensed training sites. Most offer weekend formats so working riders don't have to take time off. Fees typically range from free (in states with subsidy programs) to around $250, $350 for private providers.
Montana runs state-funded programs that make training affordable for residents. If you're in South Dakota or another state, check with your state's DMV or transportation department for subsidy availability. Some employers and insurance companies also offer reimbursement for completing an MSF course.
Advanced Training for Experienced Harley Riders
Experienced riders are not exempt from the benefits of formal training. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Rider Course has advanced and experienced rider versions designed for people who already hold an endorsement. These courses focus on higher-speed hazard avoidance, cornering technique, and the decision-making habits that prevent the kinds of crashes that happen to riders with years of experience but no formal instruction.
Over 5,000 riders have come through registration and training support programs that pair mechanical preparation with rider education, a combination that consistently produces better outcomes than either alone (internal data, lifetime through current month, n=5,262).
Montana and South Dakota Riders: Registration and Preparedness Together
Montana and South Dakota riders face specific conditions, long distances between towns, variable weather, and remote terrain, that make both mechanical preparedness and rider training non-negotiable. Registering your Harley properly in your home state is part of that foundation.
Montana Motorcycle Registration Basics
Montana vehicle registration is handled through the county treasurer's office in the county where you reside. Fees are based on vehicle age and type. You can find the current fee schedule on the Montana Motor Vehicle Division website. Keeping your registration current is a basic legal requirement and part of responsible ownership.
Riders interested in Montana LLC registration for vehicles, a structure that can offer asset protection and other advantages, can find more information through resources like Ride Legal, which specializes in motorcycle and powersport registration through Montana LLCs.
South Dakota Riders and Vehicle Registration
South Dakota is another state with a straightforward registration process and relatively low fees. The South Dakota Division of Motor Vehicles handles titles and registration statewide. If you're a South Dakota resident riding a Harley, make sure your title is clean and your registration is current before heading out on any extended trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Harley Davidson really stop including a tool kit with new bikes?
Yes. Harley-Davidson has removed the complimentary onboard tool kit from most new model configurations as part of a cost-reduction initiative. The change affects the majority of current production models. Riders who want a tool kit must now purchase one separately, either from Harley's accessories catalog or from an aftermarket supplier. Always confirm with your dealer whether your specific model year and trim level includes any tools.
What tools should I carry on a Harley Davidson for roadside repairs?
The core kit for any Harley should include metric and SAE Allen keys, combination wrenches in common sizes, a multi-bit screwdriver, needle-nose pliers, a tire plug kit with CO2 inflators, spare fuses matched to your bike's fuse chart, zip ties, and electrical tape. A compact first aid kit and a portable phone charger are also worth including on longer rides. Keep the kit light and matched to your specific model's fastener sizes.
Is the MSF Basic Rider Course worth it for experienced Harley riders?
Yes. The MSF course near you offers both beginner and experienced rider formats. Even seasoned riders benefit from structured practice on emergency braking, hazard avoidance, and cornering. Many riders report that formal training identified gaps in their technique they didn't know existed. Insurance discounts are also available from many providers for riders who complete an approved course.
Can completing a motorcycle safety course waive the DMV skills test?
In most states, yes. Montana and South Dakota both allow riders who successfully complete an approved motorcycle safety course to waive the DMV skills test as part of the endorsement process. Requirements vary by state, so confirm the current rules with your state's DMV before registering for a course. The DPS approved motorcycle safety course page covers state-specific details for riders in applicable jurisdictions.
Where can I find a motorcycle safety course near me?
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation maintains a searchable directory of training sites at msf-usa.org. You can also check with your state's DMV, local Harley dealers (many host or refer riders to approved courses), and community colleges. Montana offers subsidized programs for state residents. A dedicated guide to finding a motorcycle course near you can walk you through the options by region.
What is the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and who runs it?
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation, commonly abbreviated as MSF, is a nonprofit organization founded in 1973 and funded by major motorcycle manufacturers. It develops rider training curricula, certifies instructors, and partners with state governments to deliver subsidized motorcycle education programs. The MSF Basic Rider Course is its flagship offering and is recognized in all 50 states. More background on what the organization does is available at the Motorcycle Safety Foundation overview page.
Are there free motorcycle safety courses available?
Yes, in some states. Pennsylvania, for example, offers a free motorcycle safety course for eligible residents through its state-funded program. Other states provide partial subsidies that reduce the cost significantly. The availability of free or reduced-cost training depends on your state's funding and program structure. Check your state DMV website or the MSF course locator for current pricing in your area. The motorcycle safety course near me guide covers cost options by state.
Does removing the tool kit affect Harley's warranty?
No. The absence of a factory tool kit does not affect the manufacturer's warranty on your Harley-Davidson. The warranty covers mechanical defects in the bike itself, not the accessories included at sale. That said, using improper tools for roadside repairs can cause damage that voids warranty coverage on affected components. Using quality, correctly sized tools for any adjustments is always the right call.
Harley Davidson scraps free tool kit from its lineup, and that's a reminder that being a prepared rider means more than having the right wrench. It means building the skills, habits, and knowledge that keep you rolling safely, whether you're 10 miles from home or 200 miles into a Montana back-road run. A good tool kit helps. A solid foundation in rider training keeps you from needing it quite as often. Both belong in your preparation plan. Get started today.