Your on-road inventory will be determined by factors such as distance, the bike's load capacity and the kind of riding you intend to do.

Below is a list of suggested items:

• Spare earplugs. These are easily lost with helmet removal.
• Sunglasses or a tinted visor.
• Cell phone.
• Simple first aid kit.
• Visor cleaning gear. Cleaning is required often during a ride. Options include a wet cloth in a plastic bag plus a small piece of clean towel. The paper towels available at service stations are okay, but you may need to clean it other than when re-fuelling.
• Lip and sunscreen applications. You can get sunburnt through clear visors!
• Rain over-suit. If you wear leathers you'll need an over-suit. It's also an easy way to add warmth during a ride.
• Spare gloves. Cool and warm ones to cope with any conditions or if your initial pair gets wet. In cold conditions include polyprop inner gloves.
• A small towel. It's almost impossible to put wet hands into lined gloves.
• Security lock. Always lock your bike when parked and if left after a breakdown.
• Chain lubricant spray. Without an automatic chain oiler, a chain needs lubrication every 300 to 400km.

Tool kits can range from basic to elaborate but it's pointless carrying anything you would never use. A basic kit should include:

• The bike's standard kit and handbook.
• Tyre-pressure gauge.
• Side cutter pliers to remove nails from tyres, or to cut off nails.
• Small roll or flat pack of duct tape.
• Plastic cable ties.