Motorcycle Repair Tools - A Rundown of the Basics

A good bike needs a little love and care from time to time, which means that owners will need a few basic tools to perform routine maintenance or make repairs. While you can get away with a lot of repairs and maintenance on a motorcycle without spending much, having the right tools will make things go much smoother. Here’s a rundown of the basics to help you start your own motorcycle tool collection:

A basic set of wrenches is a must, and if you want to save some space consider a ratcheting combination wrench. Many of these come with both standard flat heads and Phillips head tips at varying lengths, which is useful for working in tight spaces. You should also have a breaker bar in your kit; this can be used to multiply your strength when loosening stuck or stubborn fasteners.

Depending on the nature of your work, you may also want to have a good set of pliers to hold and squeeze items, as well as a pair of snips for removing zip-ties and wires. A magnetic parts tray is another handy item for keeping nuts and bolts from scattering everywhere.

If you’re going to be doing any sort of oil changes or lubrication, then it’s worth getting a quality torque wrench. These are typically more expensive than normal wrenches, but the added accuracy and precision that they offer will more than pay for themselves over time. A high-quality set of feeler gauges is also a smart addition to any tool kit. These allow you to get fairly precise measurements of threads, holes and other dimensions, making it easier to put your motorcycle back together when it’s done.

Having the right set of hex keys is important too. It’s also worth investing in a socket set, which will give you more options when it comes to wrenching. You should look for a set that has short and deep sets, as well as hex keys for a variety of different sizes. A few socket handles is also a great idea, as these can be a real lifesaver.

A good hammer is a must, and it’s especially helpful when you need extra leverage to break or pry something loose. Having a good pair of needle-nose pliers can be very useful for pulling, pinching and holding stuff as well as getting into small spaces.

There are many other types of tools that you can add to your collection, but this is a solid starter set for any motorcycle owner. The most important thing is that you have a good, sturdy set of hand tools to use when you’re working on your bike. Without them, you’re more likely to damage your motorcycle than to fix it. And a damaged motorcycle is the last thing you want! So start with this starter set and then see if there are any other tools you need to make your ride more comfortable, safe and enjoyable.