Just in case

... I've spent enough of my life grovelling in gutters with rain running down my neck. Now I don't have to.

Mind you I still have enough tools with the ES2 for a minor rebuild.

If you have electronic ignition then it is considered that a spare ignition is a good idea. But I have had failed coils more often then failed ignitions. And another thing, you can have a loss of spark on one cylinder. But it turns out the working spark is the broken coil!! (Twins only Electronic ignition only) If you must take a spare ignition system or a spare regulator /rectifier, then fit the SPARE before you go out, so that A) you know the new unit is a worker. B)the Connectors all fit. It is rubbish carrying a spare then find you haven't got the right connectors on the NEW bit. Also if a reg/rect miss-behaves, a good 'get out' and 'check to see what is going on' is fit a straight forward rectifier. (very cheap) Yes you will tend to over charge, put the lights on! and/or fit a voltage monitor.

Spare clutch cable, clutch lever, fuses, tools, some wire, plug spanner, plugs, quantity of oil, wonder wipes (useful even if you don't break down, gives you the ability to clean your hands after a good rummage at an autojumble!) tie wraps, electricians black tape, penknife (or multi tool i.e. Leatherman or similar) , shock absorber adjuster 'c' spanners, tyre pump, Mobile phone.

I carry all the above on my bike for normal use and the only thing obvious is the tyre pump clipped under the rear right frame loop. Distance touring i'll pack a spare ignition, rectifier/reg, tyre pressure gauge etc     

In the last !0 years  I have had to be recovered  3 times due to  tiny punctures in Tubed tyres , and once for  a broken chain  Getting the Wheel out on my bike is a workshop job. Punctures caused by almost invisible rust /chrome flakes or sharp moulding flash on tire wired edge of. Avon SM. .  Some form of internal tube  sealer would seem to be the answer ,but have had no luck with them . A spare chain link and a piece of stiff wire to pull chain back on would have saved one day.Duct taping the rim has prevented the rust issue returning. Rims are 25 ish years old. A charge warning light would give an early heads up.  If you fear charging failure ,one of those emergency battery booster packs £30 (,as big as a phone ) would power ignition to get you home and provide a torch/phone charger ,( might save your dinner from the dog ! ).

I have a magnetic tank bag which goes on whichever bike I am riding. It has adjustable spanner, multi-tool, spare inner tube, cable repair kit, mag brushes, tow rope, tape, cable ties, first aid kit, bivvy bag, hat, water, lighter, spring link and probably a few more things.

It has only been used in recent memory to help a stranded MZ with the moulded-in HT lead from the coil adrift. Successfully.