JCR Johnny Campbell Replica Tool Kit

What it is

• Johnny Campbell's personal tool kit just for you.

The Johnny Campbell Replica Tool kit is built using a Fly Racing tool pack filled tools and helpful items that 11-time Baja 1000 champion Campbell uses in racing and pre-running. Years of experience in being a mechanic and a rider who can take care of himself and the bike during long rides has led to a very well equipped trail tool pack. It includes many of the common items but some you may never think of. Available in Japanese and European versions with different variations of wrench sizes depending on the bike (some customization is available) there is also the deluxe version that includes titanium wrenches. This kit is said to be an exact replica of Johnny Campbell’s tool kit he carries with him even today. The black Fly Racing pack features a gripper belt and a side pouch to hold a radio or water bottle and the European version we tested has these items included:
Steel combination wrenches: 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 13mm
Motion Pro T-6 combo levers: 27mm & 12/13mm
T-handle: 1/4" drive with 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm & 13mm sockets.
1/4" drive bit holder with Philips, slotted, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm & 8mm bit inserts.
Wiha 7" box pliers
6" wire cutters
Johnny Campbell compact chain breaker & master link
Mountain Pipe hand pump/CO2 inflator with one CO2 cartridge
Inner tube patches with glue
15' tow strap with looped ends
Multi tool: Includes needle-nose pliers, knife blades and LED light
Spoke wrench: Billet aluminum with multiple wrench tips
Quick-acting epoxy stick
Assorted zip-ties
Hose clamps
Safety wire
Duct tape
Sharpie pen
Matches
Foam earplugs
Velcro strap 24" long
Motion Pro Nitro Tape
Wet wipes
Water purification tablets

How it works

• Very complete with quality tools and stuff you'd never think of.
• Good fitting and compact pack that isn't very heavy for the quantity of stuff it has.
• Not much room for anything else.

I’ve known Johnny Campbell for a long time and spent plenty of trail miles riding with him and this kit is very familiar. I’ve seen it evolve over the years in real time. It is not only Johnny’s knowledge but generations of smart and resourceful riders he learned from during his career that has helped shape this pack. Dirt Bike Test has been using the Standard Husky/KTM version for almost a year now. It has never let us down and a lot of time been the only tools we have needed or used. In fact to see just how useful and complete it was I quit using tools out of my tool box for a good portion of time to see just when I’d not be able to complete a task using only the kit. It took a long time until I needed to drill out a snapped-off bolt. I was getting frustrated not finding a tool missing from the kit while working on KTMs and Huskies. The tools may not be the most convenient, especially when compared to the powered Makita drivers and Motion Pro T-Handles I normally use, but it still got the jobs done.
The kit is very complete but in that there is always some room for slight customization, we’ll get to that later. The biggest selling point for this item is the convenience of having someone else sort and prepare a proper and complete set of tools that are ready to travel. There are not too many and just enough with an eye for weight and the experience of having some things that you’ll need in a pinch. Some stuff you may have never thought about needing and likely some stuff you’ll now always carry. Just reading the list of equipment may be helpful.
I found the need to add a few Torx bits for KTM sub-frame and kickstand bolts and a length of heavier-duty bailing wire for strange uses but other than that the kit needed nothing additional. Well I threw in a magnesium strike stick and a lighter to ignite the end-of-the-world fire but I really like to be prepared. The wrenches and pliers are good quality--thin and light. Motion Pro combo levers/tire irons are some of the best tire levers out there and light as well. I used the quick-steel and the Nitro Tape during my time. I was happy to have the little things like ear plugs and wet wipes just in case.
If there was one thing I missed it was having a 4-in-1 screwdriver for when I get picky and want to start making suspension changes. The T-handle driver with its bits just does not slip out and back in the pack as quickly as I like and switching small bits between flat for clickers and Philips for bleeding air was a bit of a hassle. I could easily throw a screwdriver in. The tiny air pump will take some time to fill a tube by hand but it will do the job and doubles as a CO2 adapter for a burst or to fill it in the first place. Pump as a backup or emergency.
The durability of the Fly pack was great and nothing failed. But I could see that it will be the first thing to cause an issue. Some seams are frayed but still holding strong. Fine-tooth zippers might be an issue if I were to ride in more muddy or wet conditions, but this is speculation. There is ample strapping to accommodate very large waists. Yet the flap closure straps are very short so you cannot wrap and stuff a windbreaker under it, something I like to do when not wearing a true backpack. There is an interesting pop-out pocket that can hold a full-size handheld radio (this is what Johnny uses if for) and you can pack a water bottle or something of that size.
You may think $270 is a lot for a few tools and a pack and you are right. But what you are paying for is experience and someone to do the work of putting it all together without you having to think about it. This pack will save you about 75% of the time on the trail (the other 25% is usually beyond the care of tools, no matter the amount of them.) and could easily replace the tool box you carry with you when going riding. For some riders I know it is better and more complete than the tool box they already have. Who needs three 11mm wrenches but no 10mm or 13mm? About every 2-3 years I rebuild and refurbish my trail riding tool pack and that time was about a year ago. Since getting this pack I have not had to worry about that task one bit. And for one pack to accommodate the wide range of bike’s I’m riding is no easy task. Aside from some different sized axles (JCR will customize your kit for this) this kit has met every ordinary challenge and then some.

Support Dirt Bike Test and get a discount on either standard or deluxe JCR tool kits by shopping through the links below.

(DBT)