"Must have" motorcycle tools

matthew

matthew

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I feel like being reckless and spending some money.
What are some "must have" tools when working on a motorcycle? I'm open to suggestions like T-handle Hex keys but nothing $nap On.
 
When you say must have, do you mean nice to have? I can get a whole lot done with a metric hex key set, a basic ratchet set with metric sockets, and a 3/8" torque wrench
 
related to topic, anyone recommend a good quality tire gauge? (preferably one with an actual hose to attach with)
 
TwistedKestrel said:
When you say must have, do you mean nice to have? I can get a whole lot done with a metric hex key set, a basic ratchet set with metric sockets, and a 3/8" torque wrench
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I suppose nice to have is a better way to put it. I already have a good amount of tools so I'm open to any suggestions to make maintenance easier, like those handy dandy telescopic magnets (i recently bought two).
 
An oil filter wrench that matches your filter, if you do your own oil changes.
A bunch of crush washers for the same.
 
- Torque Wrench.
- Oil catch bin.
- T handle Hex set.
- Socket Set/Wrench
- Extra 8 & 10mm sockets (lol)
- Vise Grips
- Blue Shop Towels
- Oil filter wrench specific for you filter size
 
Ok, things I kinda wish I had but don't:

-A lift
-Drain pan with a grate on it that catches things like valve shims and drain plugs
-Manual tire changer
-A really nice chain breaker/riveting tool
-Laser chain alignment tool (absolutely getting by without it, but after seeing one I still kinda want it)
-Some kind of stand to hang a manometer off of
-I've seen dealer techs with some pretty slick carts for keeping parts organized during disassembly, that would be sweet
 
-Long swivel head 3/8" ratchet (Princess Auto has some decent ones)
-Long flex head 3/8" ratchet (I have an SK which is my fave ratchet ever)
-Extra long hex sockets
-Shallow, regular, deep and extra deep 3/8" sockets

Repeat for 1/2" (regular handles) and 1/4" (extra long handles)

I don't know what bike(s) you have but on the stuff I work on all of these come into play. There's always a sumb1tch that's impossible to get a good grip on unless you have the exact length socket, then you need leverage to break them free (hence the long handles on 3/8" and 1/4" ratchets).

BTW most hardware store sets are missing useful socket sizes and the ratchets are too short and lack the flex/swivel functionality. Assemble your own kit instead.
 
This ratchet looks like Chinesium junk, but it's actually kind of awesome. I like it better than T-handle tools because you can get better leverage for breaking things free, but still have the ability to run a bolt in or out quickly like a ratcheting screwdriver without needing to switch tools. It's even on sale right now for $15: https://www.princessauto.com/en/1-4-in-dr-extendable-flex-head-ratchet/product/PA0008317802

This gauge is too expensive, but it's a joy to use and measures in 0.1 psi increments: https://fortnine.ca/en/motion-pro-digital-tire-pressure-gauge-0-60psi-08-0684

This chain alignment thing is worth the $20: https://fortnine.ca/en/motion-pro-chain-alignment-tool
 
Ash said:
This ratchet looks like Chinesium junk, but it's actually kind of awesome. I like it better than T-handle tools because you can get better leverage for breaking things free, but still have the ability to run a bolt in or out quickly like a ratcheting screwdriver without needing to switch tools. It's even on sale right now for $15: https://www.princessauto.com/en/1-4-in-dr-extendable-flex-head-ratchet/product/PA0008317802

This gauge is too expensive, but it's a joy to use and measures in 0.1 psi increments: https://fortnine.ca/en/motion-pro-digital-tire-pressure-gauge-0-60psi-08-0684

This chain alignment thing is worth the $20: https://fortnine.ca/en/motion-pro-chain-alignment-tool
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That rachet looks great - I'm going to get one.

That tire pressure gauge is crazy expensive. Not sure if I'm missing something, but grabbed this one for 1/4 the price.

I had that chain maintenance tool in my toolbox unopened in the package for the last 5 years. Just sold it for $20.
 
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matthew said:
I'm very tempted to get a lift but I'm worried it will end up getting in the way. I only have a single car garage and I'm constantly shuffling bikes around and trying to build stuff for the house.
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I did have three bikes in my single car garage for a while and the lift definitely got in the way. The only way around it was that I had to keep one of the bikes on the lift. Sometimes even with 2 bikes, I would keep one on the lift, unless you can repurpose the lift for storing other things when you aren't using it.
 
Spring tool
Telescopic magnet
Dental pick
Syringe
 
shanekingsley said:
That tire pressure gauge is crazy expensive. Not sure if I'm missing something, but grabbed this one for 1/4 the price.
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Yeah, the price is kind of outrageous. I just got totally fed up with how hard it was to get a good seal with any of my other gauges. I'd always lose 2 or 3 psi every time I checked and then I'd have to dig out the inflator again. The chuck on the Motion Pro is just really nice to use - no leaks, ever. I bought mine specifically for the track, where I'm checking the pressures after every session.
 
Ash said:
Yeah, the price is kind of outrageous. I just got totally fed up with how hard it was to get a good seal with any of my other gauges. I'd always lose 2 or 3 psi every time I checked and then I'd have to dig out the inflator again. The chuck on the Motion Pro is just really nice to use - no leaks, ever. I bought mine specifically for the track, where I'm checking the pressures after every session.
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Makes sense. The one from Amazon is good and I've only had minimal psi loss, but the chuck can be a bit finicky to get on the rear tire. The Motion Pro one looks much easier in that regard, especially for frequent use like you are doing.
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