Motorcycle Tools

[PartsGuy27]

Hello all,

What are some motorcycle tools that you are very happy with and/or consider "must haves"?

I'm looking to expand my collection.

Thanks!

 

[DFB]

What motorcycle you got

Or is this a blanket coverage question just to have certain tools?

Many manufactures have specific engine and driveline tools though quite often certain ones can be homemade. Years ago the ol' Easyrider magazine had an entire series of tech tips an tricks to work around things


Other things are more generic like chain tools, belt tensioners, spark plug chasers, of course feeler gauges, bore gauges, piston ring expanders, piston pin pullers, spring pullers, wiring pin disconnect tools, carb jet wire tools, and low pressure air pumps for forks. Even basic tools like 12 point sockets, internal hex drivers, torx, retaining ring pliers. Electrical...simple test lights, spark testers, and DMM's.

Should we even talk about the fuel injections systems on new bikes

 

[B_Bimmer]

Whatever the specific flywheel/generator puller for your bike will eventually be essential if you own it long enough. If you have japanese bikes JIS drivers are amazing. A hand impact driver can save you some serious grief, I own virtually all of them, snap on's is the best. Lots of bikes use oversize flat blade plugs over timing covers and such, usually made of plastic, a variety of drag link sockets can save marring. There's more, but that is what comes to mind.

A cylinder leakdown tester can save a lot of detective work.

 

[mudflap]

I just have a primary fill funnel, endcap style oil filter wrench, and the oil filter drip catcher thing that i would consider Bike only tools. I picked them up at my local HD Dealer. Fitment is alot better than some aftermarket ones i have had. So cuts down on having to clean the frame after an oil change. Also have the HF bike lift..had to get better hardware for the front tire lock after a couple years, the threads galled on the original ones..but other than that..very happy with it.

 

[General Geoff]

The only moto specific tool I have is a Harbor Freight lift:

https://www.harborfreight.com/1500-lbs-capacity-atvmotorcycle-lift-61632.html

Paid for itself with one set of tires changed. Cost to replace the tires with wheels on the bike are $95 per, compared to $35 per tire if you bring them just the wheels.

 

[BigBoreFan]

Motion Pro T-Handles. I especially like the smaller ones.

https://www.motionpro.com/product/08-0340

Motion Pro makes a ton of MC specific cool tools. Rocky Mountain ATV makes a lot of house brand knock offs of MP tools.

PitPosse wheel bearing driver set works really well IMO.

https://www.pitposse.com/pit-posse-9-piece-bearing-remover-set.html

 

[PartsGuy27]

What motorcycle you got

Or is this a blanket coverage question just to have certain tools?

Many manufactures have specific engine and driveline tools though quite often certain ones can be homemade. Years ago the ol' Easyrider magazine had an entire series of tech tips an tricks to work around things


Other things are more generic like chain tools, belt tensioners, spark plug chasers, of course feeler gauges, bore gauges, piston ring expanders, piston pin pullers, spring pullers, wiring pin disconnect tools, carb jet wire tools, and low pressure air pumps for forks. Even basic tools like 12 point sockets, internal hex drivers, torx, retaining ring pliers. Electrical...simple test lights, spark testers, and DMM's.

Should we even talk about the fuel injections systems on new bikes

I have 5 bikes, 4 Japanese 1 Italian.

I have a lot of basic tools but I'm looking for things like spring pullers, and tools like the Sealmate.

 

[ZRX61]

Decent chain riveter/breaker
Carb sync vacuum set up

 

[JoeMcGov]

JIS screwdrivers if you're doing Japanese stuff.

 

[mudflap]

Oh...and i also have a schumacher battery tender thats a total POS...

 

[TheLurker]

- carb/throttle body sync tool
- chain breaker/masterlink press
- spoke wrenches
- tire changer
- measuring cup and long stick (for replacing and checking fork oil level)
- spring compressors (for rear shock and fork springs)
- large sockets (30mm and up) for rear axle nuts

edit to add:
small fuel tank, stand, and line for starting bike when tank is removed

 

[TheLurker]

bearing removal tools (kit or shadetree mechanic style)

 

[PartsGuy27]

I checked out Motion Pro's website, that is exactly the stuff I'm looking for!

 

[driftpin]

Probably all these have been mentioned, but I consider these 'must-haves.'

If you don't have a bike lift, the table-type, you need one, especially if you have > 1 bike. Yes, your roll-about floor lift is ok, but a proper table lift is much-better. The standard in dealerships is a Handy-Lift.

If you have carb'ed bikes, which are multi-cylinders, you need a set of vacuum gauges to synch your carbs. There are different types.

A hand impact driver and replacement tips are invaluable.

Some access to factory manuals for your stable is necessary.

Buy the best screwdrivers you can find. JIS screwdrivers work best for Japanese bikes. A series of different sizes and tips will allow removal of nearly-all fasteners you find.

A 60 ml (or cc) syringe is useful to reverse-flush hydraulic systems, though you don't want to do that with ABS systems. I used-to use a Mityvac, but a big syringe at the caliper bleeder or slave cylinder bleeder is quicker.

 

[rpcraft]

Motion pro tools are pricey but they are well made and they seem to have something to service every make of bike. I would only buy them as you find you need them, because often they are specific for one use, and while they work well, it might take a long long time to recoup spending money on the one thing it does on a very narrow range of bikes. I would look at getting a couple of bike stands for raising the front or bike to service tires, wheels and brakes, plus a screw jack that is made to go under the engine and lift there. As far as tools, motorcyles are kind of unique in that usually you don't need much anything larger than basic hand tools, unless it comes to axle nuts, and even then you are not torquing stuff to crazy amounts. If you go with some of the newer tools sets I'd look at maybe around a 200 dollar "mechanics" set, lowes, home despot, etc etc all have a good set, and maybe make sure you get some good socket headed Torx because some of the newer bikes have Torx stuff, and then maybe look at getting a Milwaukee 1/4 inch and 3/8 ratchet along with one of the 3/8 m12 stubby impacts (huge game changer and you will probably never need a large air compressor setup). Couple that with a few things for tuning, like carb tools, a test tank (for fuel), and maybe the famous HF bike lift, with a height appropriate seat and you will have yourself a well equipped starting setep. I think the only thing I would look at outside of that is maybe a good bench grinder and a 4.5 inch death wheel as well as a Dremel, but you might compromise and go with the Milwaukee cordless version of that. From most reviews I have heard that is a very capable device for making small cuts and delicate work. One last thing I would say is maybe a decent work bench and a vice to go on it. Depending on your work space you can get a lot done wiht a good 24 x 60 bench (at about 37 inches high). You might invest in a way to strap bikes down and a decent ramp in case you are going to be moving them from where-ever they die to your work space as well. I started off with about that much stuff and it's just grown from there to include custom stuff, fabrication and powder coating so be careful and make sure you have plenty of space as your aspirations grow, lol.

 

[rpcraft]

Oh yeah, a good selection of various sized JIS screwdrivers. Any Japanese motorcycle will never have a philips and if you try using you crapsman screwdrivers on them you will strip them in a hurry, lol. Vessel and Hozan both make very good sets that should last forever. And one final thing is a setup for bleading brakes. some people will recomend the mity-vac setup but I prefer to use one from Phoenix and it allows you to reverse bleed stuff really easily and does a better job of wasting less brake fluid when you are changing out lines or flushing the brake system of old fluid.

 

[M6erfan]

Yep.

A word on Motion Pro. They can be hit or miss on their tools IMO. Some are overpriced and cheaply made others are great and worth the money. Shop around, as someone else mentioned RMATV has their own tool brand that is the same as MP for less money.

-JIS PH screwdrivers
-Clutch holding tool (EBC makes nice ones, or you can make your own with an old clutch disc) The universal ones are a **** shoot
-Flywheel puller
-Hand impact wrench (with JIS bits)
-Chain breaker/riveter ( a GOOD one)
-Fork oil level tool
-Bike lift/stand
-Seal/O-ring pullers/picks
-6"-12" brass drifts (I use simple 3/8" brass round stock, cut to any length you want)
-Seal drivers are nice but 1/2" impact sockets work well
-Valve adjusting tools
-Good caliper and Micrometer
-Torque wrenches
-carb sync tool
-Impact gun. Makes removing flywheels, clutch baskets, primary gears, etc. a piece of cake
-Bench vise with aluminum jaws
-Shop press is handy
-Anti seize, greases, and thread locking compounds
-Safety wire
-Plastic graduated measuring jugs (I use .5l, 1l, 2l, 4l)

 

[B_Bimmer]

Since we're on bike tools, does anyone make really good spoke wrenches with snug fit and large contact area? I have not found anything that is all that impressive.

 

[driftpin]

I've bought some of these tools and have gotten good service out of them. Internet service has been good, and any issues (just one, I received a bearing driver removal set with two of the same) I've had were resolved quickly and to my satisfaction.

https://www.pitposse.com/tools.html

Here is their spoke wrench:

https://www.pitposse.com/pit-posse-6-in-1-spoke-wrench.html

Be sure to view the complete website.

I'll second a Dremel, very handy for all-sorts of work in confined places, or just getting things done, I like the thicker cut-off discs. One place I've used them is to grind a slot into the small screws holding on the master cylinder tops on vintage Japanese bikes, do it until a blade screwdriver fits tightly. A few taps with a hammer and a punch after some PB Blaster or similar helps.

 

[Bagherra]

The only moto specific tool I have is a Harbor Freight lift:

https://www.harborfreight.com/1500-lbs-capacity-atvmotorcycle-lift-61632.html

Paid for itself with one set of tires changed. Cost to replace the tires with wheels on the bike are $95 per, compared to $35 per tire if you bring them just the wheels.

I need to stop bullshittin and get one of these...my only concern is...my garage is a one car garage...Worried about how much floor space it will take up with 2 bikes, tool chest, work bench, etc...

 

[kb1982]

A few specific motorcyle tools that I have and like are the motion pro axle socket. Next up is the DID KM 500 R chain cutter and rivet tool. Its for 520 to 532 chains and the most durable ive owned thus far. Another motion pro product I use is the chain alignment tool. Fairly simple and cheap but works. I would love a laser one but I cant justify it. Next up are my pit bull stands. Very sturdy and durable. A cheap homemade tool that i find useful is a wooden dowel rod slightly undersized compared to the axles. Wrestling a tire in place, while aligning brakes and wheel spacers is a pita. For rear tires, I insert it first into the brake caliper hole while on the slider, through the wheel spacer and hub on the non drive side, and finally through the drive side hub and spacer. I then use my axle to push out the dowel and aligning everything easily.

Sent from my LML713DL using Tapatalk

 

[1foxracing]

Front axle tool.

Kowa T-handles, the motion pro ones **** and no need for deep wells on a bike.

Various steering head bearing service tools.

Bike lift and motorcycle jack

 

[wood02]

I buy the tool/tools needed to do the job at hand. This has allowed me to acquire all the tools I need for my specific bike (2003 FLSTCI Heritage Classic). When I bought the bike, I purchased the service manual, parts manual, & electric schematic parts manual. I bought new in 2002. The manual will tell what tools are needed for the particular job. I purchased from George's Garage for bulk of my tools. I am a believer if you have it you will never need it. I had to replace the cam tensioner's twice. Put a different cam in and rebuilt the transmission once. I purchased this lift http://www.completehydraulic.com/lifts-motorcycle-tcmlw.html when I bought it was about $650.00 I lived close enough to pick it up myself. I was tired of rolling around on the garage floor. I do use the HF motorcycle tire changer with the modifications found on line. I have 87,000 miles on the bike and have serviced it since new. I knew I was going down this road the first time I took the bike back to the dealership for the "free" 1000 mile "check-up". Good luck with you decisions.

 

[M6erfan]

Since we're on bike tools, does anyone make really good spoke wrenches with snug fit and large contact area? I have not found anything that is all that impressive.

Look into these from MP...

https://www.motionpro.com/product/08-0527

They grip the ******* on 4 sides



They sell them individually or in a set

 

[M6erfan]

+1 on the D.I.D KM500R.

 

[M6erfan]

Various steering head bearing service tools.

Very nice.

 

[RPH]

I got old. Bike lift is mandatory these days for old guys like me.

 

[DFB]

I have 5 bikes, 4 Japanese 1 Italian.

I have a lot of basic tools but I'm looking for things like spring pullers, and tools like the Sealmate.

Didn't say if you intend to maintain your own wheels but I like using a cone style bearing packer to regrease my wheel bearings after inspection.

There are seal removal tools out on the market too though not always necessary.

I have a portable bead breaker stand and though it doesn't look like much it works just fine. A carpeted block of wood helps protect rims from scratches.

Don't forget your assortment of tire irons and rim protectors

You could buy or make up your static wheel balancer unit.

Thank you lord for pneumatic tire changing machines

 

[BigBoreFan]

I have three sets of T-Handles, Kowa, Motion Pro and the Motion Pro short set. The MP shorts are my go to's. I mostly work on dirt bikes.

I do have a Phillips #2 T-Handle, made by Kowa, so JIS I assume, I have had it for years. That is one of my favorite tools.

My MP tools have all been good, expect for a brake bleeder, it was ****, the rubber dissolved in less than a year.

 

[fang123]

My motorcycle work has been all on dirt bikes for the last 7 years, so what I have now is geared towards them. I only work on my own, so what I have is just for my convenience/sanity. I also have the chain breaker press tools etc.,I just didn't get pics.

 

[fang123]

I actually like to use this balljoint u-joint tool held in a vise for doing suspension linkage bushing/bearings. It actually gives a pretty good feel

 

[fang123]

This is a tool that I have that is purely just for my personal sanity. It also keep the neiborhood kids from learning new swear words that I just made up. Master link clip install and removal pliers. I never had any luck with the clips without them. It seem I either ruined them or they flew into the abyss, and then the loud swearing would begin. They work like a charm.

 

[Motorman55]

I need to stop bullshittin and get one of these...my only concern is...my garage is a one car garage...Worried about how much floor space it will take up with 2 bikes, tool chest, work bench, etc...

I'm still setting up my 1 Car garage that measures 12x22.

I have a Handy Lift MC table set in the middle of the floor. That lift measures 24"x81" with the drop down ramp removed. I have 24" deep benches and roller cabinet, toolbox and various shelving and equipment running down the full length of the garage on both sides. I have a 24" bench on the front wall of the garage.

I have the front of the lift set back 5 ft. from the front bench. That gives me a 5'D x 7'W work space in front of the lift and 30" of working space on both sides of the lift, which leaves about a 8'D x 7'W work space or parking space from the back of the lift to the overhead garage door.

So in answer to your question, yes I think you'll have plenty of room depending on how you set it up. Of course your not going to be able to park a car in the garage, but you'd have enough space to pull it in to do oil/filter changes.

Once you get a MC lift you'll wonder how you survived without one.

 

[drsung]

Ha. I was wondering what those pliers were. I didn't know they made such a thing. I have done quite a bit of cursing dealing with master clips as well.

 

[Motorman55]

One of the best tools or rather equipment I purchase was the HF Tire changer with the MC tire changing attachment along with some good rim protectors and a couple of HF long tire irons.

You could probably get a better one, but the HF works well enough for me.

 

[fang123]

Look into these from MP...

https://www.motionpro.com/product/08-0527

They grip the ******* on 4 sides



They sell them individually or in a set

Those are nice. It should be illegal to sell those multi size universal spoke wrenches.

 

[fang123]

Two more things that make life easier. Tapered blade feeler gauge and the right tools for old school four stroke valve adjustments.

 

[rharman]

Look into these from MP...

https://www.motionpro.com/product/08-0527

They grip the ******* on 4 sides



They sell them individually or in a set

I was going to suggest Buchanan's but those are very nice.

 

[fang123]

Yep.

A word on Motion Pro. They can be hit or miss on their tools IMO. Some are overpriced and cheaply made others are great and worth the money. Shop around, as someone else mentioned RMATV has their own tool brand that is the same as MP for less money.

-JIS PH screwdrivers
-Clutch holding tool (EBC makes nice ones, or you can make your own with an old clutch disc) The universal ones are a **** shoot
-Flywheel puller
-Hand impact wrench (with JIS bits)
-Chain breaker/riveter ( a GOOD one)
-Fork oil level tool
-Bike lift/stand
-Seal/O-ring pullers/picks
-6"-12" brass drifts (I use simple 3/8" brass round stock, cut to any length you want)
-Seal drivers are nice but 1/2" impact sockets work well
-Valve adjusting tools
-Good caliper and Micrometer
-Torque wrenches
-carb sync tool
-Impact gun. Makes removing flywheels, clutch baskets, primary gears, etc. a piece of cake
-Bench vise with aluminum jaws
-Shop press is handy
-Anti seize, greases, and thread locking compounds
-Safety wire
-Plastic graduated measuring jugs (I use .5l, 1l, 2l, 4l)

M6erfan, do you have a source for JIS impact bits?

 

[M6erfan]

M6erfan, do you have a source for JIS impact bits?

Check Vessel Tools (JDV)...

https://www.vesseltools.com/industrial-bits/insert-bits/421241-detail