Beginner's toolbox motorcycle specific

Hey guys,


I am the classic definition of a beginner when it comes to working on motorcycles. I have never invested money into a good tool kit for various types of repair. I wanted to know what you experts would recommend when shopping for a basic tool kit for motorcycles. I would love it if I could be pointed in a good direction for any tools for motorcycle repair.

 

You need many tools for working on bikes but for just riding around I always carry a screw driver and a pliers in my tool bag. These would help with most quick fixes.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/60pc-Profession ... 20ddc9619c

I found this. I think this is probably what with help me get bigger jobs done. I need EVERY tool out there. I'm breaking this beast down, and building it back up with very little knowledge of what I'm doing. Can't believe I'm doing this!!! SUPER nervous!

 

You'll definitely need metric sockets, open/box-end wrenches, allen wrenches and a torque wrench. A set of screw drivers, slot and phillips head. As you go along, you'll find you'll need special tools. For instance, if you change fork seals, there is a special socket for removing the bolt at the bottom of the fork. We can help you with anything. Don't be nervous. Just dive in. It ain't fun until you're getting dirty.

 

I don't know what the definition of professional kit is but don't be nervous, it is fun to wrench on bikes. This is what I have found to be essential or extremely handy when working on an XJ

- Metric socket set (the link you posted)

This is what I have and has worked just fine: http://www.amazon.com/Kobalt-63-Mechani ... socket+set

- set of JIS scredrivers, don't even try phillips screw drivers if the screws are tight. http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/190941638722?lpid=82

- Impact Screwdriver is super handy when trying to loosen old tight screws: http://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-2910-2-Inc ... crewdriver

- Feeler gauges to check your valve shims: http://www.amazon.com/Great-Neck-OEM-25 ... ler+gauges

- Metric Hex sockets: http://www.amazon.com/Kobalt-7-Piece-Dr ... en+sockets

And your always good friend: http://www.amazon.com/Aero-Kroil-Lubric ... rating+oil


You may need a 19 and 23mm wrenches to turn the engine when doing the valve shim job and get the rear wheel off. But these should take care of most jobs.

With these tools you should be able to do almost anything on your bike. So far I have taken apart two of them down to the frame with these tools.

Good luck.

 

I have been working on cars and bikes for about 40 years but I still had many questions and all of them were answered here. No need to worry.
Just buy tools as you need them. There is no need to buy all that you may need all at one time. You may even be able to rent or borrow tools from local mechanics and or friends.

 

Old biker is right. I was always bugging my steps ad for his torque wrench & impact driver. So much so, guess what I had for Xmas

 

That's what I was gonna say...

But if your gonna start with the valves go to o'reillys auto parts you can pick up the impact 10$ feeler gauges 6/7$ Allen wrenches 10$. I'm sure there one near you if ur in la. They might even rent the torque wrench for free which you'll need as put the valve cover back on. Trust me you don't want to snap one of them off.

For the rest just go to sears or something as you need. Everything you get off the net is just gonna take more time for shipping.

Hope this helps 8)
Jim

 

Just about everything I had to do on my bike over the years had the tool I needed under the seat in a Yamaha bag. I still can't believe it! I needed the valve shim replacer tool, a manometer, small screwdriver to turn the mixture screws, and a hammer and brass punch for the headset races. The tool I needed most was the drill bit for the carb bowls from Len. Without that bit, I would never have been able to get it to start cold without starting fluid.

This might be a good start for you.
http://www.harborfreight.com/profession ... 69312.html

 

bgh,

All is great advice except you kinda' don't want to use a torque wrench on the valve cover bolts if your new to bike mechanics. It's real easy to strip the head if you're not careful. When the donuts bottom out they will be as tight as they need to be. Use a allen wrench. Don't ask me how I know this. Can you say Helicoil. 8O Hope this helps.

Roc

 

Supplement your socket set.
6-Point: 10mm Std & Deep-well.
6-Point: 17mm Std & Deep-well.
6-Point: 19mm Std & Deep-well.

Supplement your Wrench set:
6-Point: 8, 10, 12, 14, 17, 19mm Combination Wrenches.

JIS Screwdriver Set.

18" Hardwood Hammer Handle for prying without scratching things.

Lg.-Med.-Sm "Cross-Head" Screwdrivers.
These are NOT Phillips -- Cross-Head.

 

Actually it's recommended to ALWAYS use a torque wrench when tightening the valve cover. The spec is only 7.2 lb-ft which isn't much. I usually use a 1/4" drive torque wrench and convert it to lb-in, which is 86.4. If you use an accurate torque wrench at the proper setting, there's no chance of overtightening and stripping it.

 

XJ4EVER offerings:

http://www.xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=44630.html

 

I like the 1/4 inch drive too but for a starter set go 3/8. + to 6 point, don't even bother with 12. Did anyone say hand impact driver.

 

HUGE can of WD40 or other penetrating oil!

 

WD40 is not penetrating oil.

WD40 is about useless except for drying wet parts. There are much better products out there; for anyone located in the USA I recommend KROIL. (I don't think they sell overseas.)

 

WD-40 does nothing half of the time since it is not penetrating oil.

Try this: http://www.amazon.com/Aero-Kroil-Lubric ... rating+oil

This was the lat item listed on my first post here.

Cheers!

 

Even cheaper bought direct: http://www.kanolabs.com/google/

 

+1 on the Aero Kroil.
If not that then PB Blaster works well.

 

Something most people overlook this one attitude when working on their bike(s) - patience

 

PB Blaster WAS my favorite until (thanks to XJBikes) I learned about Kroil.

It simply worked when PBB and a whole bunch of others did not.

 

The whole "patience" thing is because so many people fail to realize that cars and motorcycles are NOT the same when they're 30 years old. People will buy an '80s Yamaha (or any old bike) expecting the same situation that they would have had they bought an '80s car. The used car can probably be driven. The 30-year old bike is probably NOT safe to be riding around on. New riders who don't realize this difference are often in a hurry to get riding; after all, that's why they bought the bike. Then they find out that they can't just take it to the corner shop and get it "fixed." (It's not a car...) Then they realize they have to do it themselves.

This situation often leads to a distinct lack of patience. Which leads to shortcuts, and sloppy work. Which leads to frustration and patience really suffers then.

The most important tool in the toolbox, besides patience, is a SERVICE MANUAL.

 

[quote="bigfitz52"

The most important tool in the toolbox, besides patience, is a SERVICE MANUAL.[/quote]

Very good point.

 

I read somewhere recently that automatic trans fluid and acetone mixed makes a great penetrating oil. better than kroil even.

CN