What Every Rider Should Carry on Every Ride
One of the advantages of riding a Can-Am Spyder or Ryker is having more storage capacity than many traditional motorcycles. That extra space gives you an opportunity to carry a few essentials that can make an unexpected situation safer and much easier to handle.
You do not need to pack for a cross-country expedition every time you leave home. A compact, well-planned riding kit can prepare you for changing weather, minor mechanical problems, personal emergencies, and delays along the road.
Personal Identification and Important Information
Always carry your driver’s license, vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and any required medical information.
It is also helpful to keep an emergency-contact card somewhere responders can easily find it. Include:
Your name
Emergency contact’s name and telephone number
Important medical conditions
Medication allergies
Current medications that emergency personnel should know about
Do not rely entirely on information stored in your phone. Responders may not be able to unlock it, and the phone could be damaged or lose power.
A Charged Phone and Backup Power
Your phone may provide navigation, weather alerts, emergency communication, and access to roadside assistance. Begin every ride with it fully charged.
Carry a charging cable that works with your Can-Am On-Road vehicle’s available connection. A compact portable power bank provides additional protection if your vehicle cannot charge the phone or you become separated from it.
Before leaving, let someone know where you are going—especially when riding alone or traveling through unfamiliar or lightly populated areas.
Basic First-Aid Supplies
A compact first-aid kit can help with small cuts, insect bites, burns, blisters, and other minor problems.
A practical kit might contain:
Adhesive bandages in several sizes
Sterile gauze and medical tape
Antiseptic wipes
Disposable gloves
Tweezers
Insect-sting treatment
Any personal emergency medication
Carry supplies you understand how to use. A basic first-aid course can be even more valuable than the contents of the kit.
For a serious injury or medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
Water and a Small Snack
Heat, delays, construction, traffic, or a mechanical problem can leave you stopped longer than expected. Carry water even when the planned ride is short.
A shelf-stable snack can also be useful for riders who need to manage blood sugar or take medication with food. Replace water and snacks regularly so they remain fresh.
Weather Protection
Conditions can change quickly during a ride. A lightweight rain jacket or compact rain suit can make the difference between continuing safely and riding while cold, wet, and distracted.
Depending on the season, consider carrying:
An extra pair of gloves
A lightweight insulating layer
A neck gaiter
Clear glasses or a clear helmet shield for nighttime riding
Sunscreen
Pack these items in a waterproof bag or storage compartment so they are dry when you need them.
Tire-Pressure Gauge
Tire pressure affects handling, tire wear, braking, and ride quality. A small, reliable pressure gauge takes almost no storage space.
Check your tires while they are cold and use the pressure listed for your specific Spyder or Ryker. Do not assume that a tire looks properly inflated simply because it does not appear flat.
If a tire repeatedly loses pressure, find and correct the cause rather than continuing to add air.
Compact Tool Kit
The factory-supplied tools are a good starting point, but inspect them before depending on them. You may want to add a few tools appropriate for your vehicle and installed accessories.
A small kit could include:
A multi-bit screwdriver
A few commonly needed sockets or wrenches
Pliers
A flashlight or headlamp
Electrical tape
Several zip ties
A clean shop towel
The purpose of this kit is to handle simple, safe tasks such as tightening a loose accessory or removing a panel when appropriate. Major roadside repairs should be left to a qualified technician.
Tire-Repair and Inflation Equipment
A compact tire-plug kit and portable inflator may allow a qualified rider to temporarily address a simple puncture in the tread area.
These products require knowledge and may not be suitable for every type of tire damage. A damaged sidewall, large puncture, bent wheel, or tire that has been ridden while flat generally requires professional assistance.
Treat any roadside plug as a temporary measure and have the tire inspected as soon as possible.
Visibility and Emergency Items
If you must stop near traffic, being seen is essential. Carry a reflective vest or compact reflective triangles and move yourself as far away from traffic as safely possible.
Other useful items include:
A small flashlight
A whistle
A few disposable gloves
A paper list of important telephone numbers
A small amount of emergency cash
Never stand directly behind or in front of a disabled vehicle where another vehicle could strike you.
Your Roadside-Assistance Information
Keep your roadside-assistance provider’s telephone number and membership information where you can find them quickly. Confirm that the service covers motorcycles or three-wheeled vehicles and that appropriate towing equipment is available.
A standard automobile tow truck may not be suitable for every Spyder or Ryker. When requesting help, clearly identify the vehicle as a three-wheeled Can-Am On-Road vehicle.
Add AllySOS to Your Riding Safety Plan
Spyder Riders Hub members should also make sure their AllySOS information is current before heading out.
AllySOS is being designed to connect a rider who needs help with participating members who may be nearby and able to assist. Depending on the situation, another rider might provide local knowledge, bring a needed item, help assess a minor problem, or simply remain with the rider until professional assistance arrives.
AllySOS does not replace 911, emergency medical services, law enforcement, or professional roadside assistance. For an accident, injury, dangerous location, fire, or other immediate threat, call 911 first.
Keeping your SRH profile, mobile number, location, and assistance preferences current will help AllySOS work as intended.
Adjust the Kit for the Ride
Your basic kit should remain on the vehicle, but some rides require additional preparation.
A short local ride may only require the basic essentials. A group ride, nighttime trip, remote scenic route, or multiday tour may call for additional water, clothing, medications, tools, and navigation options.
Review the kit at the beginning of each riding season. Replace expired supplies, recharge the power bank, inspect the inflator, and make sure everything still fits your needs.
Key Takeaways
Carry identification, emergency-contact details, and medical information.
Begin every ride with a charged phone and a backup charging option.
Keep basic first-aid supplies, water, and weather protection aboard.
A pressure gauge, compact tool kit, and flashlight can solve small problems before they become larger ones.
Know the limitations of tire-repair products and roadside tools.
Keep roadside-assistance information readily available.
Adjust what you carry for the distance, weather, location, and type of ride.
Final Thoughts
The best riding kit is not necessarily the largest. It is the one that contains useful, dependable items you know how to use.
A few minutes spent preparing before a ride can prevent a minor inconvenience from turning into a serious problem. Build your kit gradually, keep it organized, and check it regularly.
Preparation provides something every rider can appreciate: more confidence to enjoy the road ahead.
Stay Connected with Spyder Riders Hub
What do you always carry on your Spyder or Ryker? Share your recommendations in the Spyder Riders Hub Forum and learn from the experience of other riders.
Join SRH to explore nearby clubs, rider-friendly businesses, events, technical resources, and AllySOS—our member-powered system being built to help connect riders with nearby assistance when problems arise on the road.
Join Spyder Riders Hub today and help build a safer, stronger, and better-connected Can-Am On-Road community.
