Tool Time!

[Kraczar]

Hi there, new to everything here; my terra, motorcycles/maintenance. I was wondering what kind of tools you find to be essential, what you carry when riding, etc. Pics are helpful. Thx

 

[Kenneth Webb]

Tell me that pic is not real!

 

[Kraczar]

Tell me that pic is not real!

I certainly hope not!

 

[Kraczar]

Also if anyone recommends certain brands, or brands to avoid... (do brands even matter?)
So far I've based most of my knowledge off of this article:
http://www.bikebandit.com/community/guides/the-buyers-guide-to-motorcycle-tools

 

[drzcharlie]

ok, it's not real.

 

[CatskillBill]

Do you mean to say that you have no tools at all?

 

[Kraczar]

Do you mean to say that you have no tools at all?

At the moment I'm as green as can be. No tools/No clue, but ready to learn

 

[Riding Again]

Well The biggest tools would be torx bits need long and short ones. Also will probably not have a socket big enough to fit the oil plug on the bottom. A torque wrench preferably one that goes to 120 ft lbs. Spark plug gapper meant for new plugs or a feeler gauge to adjust valves will work on spark plugs as well. Make sure you have the tool kit that came with the bike. It has the spanner wrench the right torx keys and spark plug socket.

 

[nev..]

Well The biggest tools would be torx bits need long and short ones. Also will probably not have a socket big enough to fit the oil plug on the bottom.

The 24mm oil drain plug is the same size as the 24mm nuts on the front and rear axles, so you'll probably want to carry this one around. My local tool shop had a bucket full of sockets, so I picked out a couple of 24mm sockets for a couple of bucks each, so I have one for each of my bikes. Both have 24mm rear axle nuts.

 

[Riding Again]

Thank you Nev at work and forgot the size of the socket.

 

[PaulC]

When buying sockets look around for a 6 point set or a single 24mm, they are much more reassuring to use, don't tend to slip, fit better, last longer and don't cost much more.
Rather than a 12 point socket set. Look in a trades tools shops. A single 24mm set me back $4.50. Bargain


With Torque specs, a Newton meter is not the same as Foot pounds.

 

[Riding Again]

Yes but here in the states a lot easier to get in ft lbs. Can easily convert newton meters to ft lbs. Good point on 6 point sockets also less wear on the bolts and nuts you are using the socket on. Name brand does not matter as much unless you are wrenching every day.

 

[PaulC]

Point taken!!!. My torque wrenches have both marked/stamped on them and I find it wise to double check
Having a trade behind me, I remember the day back in the late 70's we jumped for joy when Aust went metric.... But that's an argument for another day

 

[glitch_oz]

When buying sockets look around for a 6 point set .....they are much more reassuring to use, don't tend to slip, fit better, last longer and don't cost much more.
Rather than a 12 point socket set. Look in a trades tools shops.
With Torque specs, a Newton meter is not the same as Foot pounds.

HALLELUJAH!! clap, clap!

As for torque wrenches...I'll NEVER trust ANY of them with my life.
If it's critical....it's all common sense and FEEEEL!! Stuff the numbers, just look at what you're working on and decide from there.
(haven't used a torque wrench, even a $400 one, in decades...but it DOES take practice and a long time of wrenching)