Do New Harley's Still Come With Tool Kits? I'm Shocked!

Just read this article about Harley-Davidson tool kits. I remember when every bike came with a decent set of tools, even the old 70s bikes I worked on. Now it sounds like they're just a $150 add-on? That's a shame. My grandpa always said you ain't a real rider if you can't fix your own bike on the side of the road. Anyone else remember the good old days?

Honestly, I never understood why they'd remove the tool kit. It's not like a wrench or two weighs that much. But then again, these new bikes are all computerized and stuff. A standard tool kit wouldn't do much if your ECU fails, right? Still, I always carry a small pouch with a few essentials when I ride my old Honda. You never know when you'll need to tighten a loose bolt.

Tool kits? Ha! My first Harley was a 1982 Ironhead Sportster. That bike came with a leather bag with a decent set of wrenches, a screwdriver, and a spark plug wrench. Saved my hide more than once. Now my nephew bought a new Street Bob, and he pays extra for the tool kit and it's all cheap chinese aluminum. Back in the day, you could practically rebuild the bike with the factory tools. Seems like they're nickel-and-diming you now.

Good point Sparky. I guess it's all about making money now. But I still think it's a safety issue. What if someone breaks down in the middle of nowhere with no cell service? A basic tool kit should be standard equipment. But you know, there's always a way to pack your own. I've got a small roll with a multi-tool and a few sockets that I keep in my saddlebag all year round. Old habits die hard.