What tools should I be buying?

A toolkit is a fundamental requirement for servicing and repairing a motorcycle. Although there will be an initial expense in building up enough tools for servicing, this will soon be offset by the savings made by doing the job yourself. As experience and confidence grow, additional tools can be added to enable the repair and overhaul of the motorcycle.

As a rule, it is better to buy more expensive, good quality tools. Cheaper tools are likely to wear out faster and need to be renewed more often, nullifying the original saving. 

The following lists of tools do not represent the manufacturer’s service tools, but serve as a guide to help the owner decide which tools are needed for this level of work. In addition, items such as an electric drill, hacksaw, files, soldering iron and a workbench equipped with a vice, may be needed. Although not classed as tools, a selection of bolts, screws, nuts, washers and pieces of tubing always come in useful. 

Maintenance Tools
 

• set of Flat (-) screwdrivers
• set of Philips (+) screwdrivers
• combination open-end and ring spanners
• socket set (3/8 inch or 1/2 inch drive)
• set of Allen keys or bits
• Set of Torx keys or bits
• Pliers, cutters and self-locking grips
• C-spanners
• Tread depth gauge and tyre pressure gauge
• Cable oiler clamp
• Feeler gauges
• Spark plug spanner or deep plug sockets
• Wire brush and emery paper
• Oil filter adapters
• Contact cleaner
• Oil drainer can or tray
• Pump type oil can
• Chain cleaning brush
• Battery charger

Repair Tools

• Torque wrench (small and mid-ranges)
• Conventional, plastic or soft-faced hammers
• Vernier gauge
• Circlip pliers (internal and external, or combination)
• Set of cold chisels and punches
• Selection of pullers
• Breaker bars
• Chain breaking/ riveting tool set
• Wire stripper and crimper tool
• Multimeter (measures amps, volts and ohms)
• Fork seal driver
• Fault code reader
• Clutch holding tool
• One-man brake/clutch bleeder kit
• Approved can for storing petrol

(From the Haynes Manual)

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