7 Must Have tools for your motorcycle
Introduction
“No one can take better care of your motorcycle than you” – there are many in our country who might entrust this job to their friendly neighbourhood dealer, but the truth world over is that one is not a real biker if you can’t get your hands dirty and fix at least minor issues on your bike.
In any case, you are probably missing out on half the fun of motorcycling if you are not handy with tools and the habit of showering TLC on your beloved possession.
The objective of this article is to help yoyu get started with what we consider an essential tool set. The list is not intended to be exhaustive but should be seen as just one of the many starting points.
1. Multi-Tool Kit
A small compact tool kit with allen wrench, hex keys, multi bit screwdriver, pliers is the first item on the list and an absolute must have for any work to be done on a motorcycle. Cross check with your motorcycle’s owner or workshop manual to verify that the kit addresses commonly used nut and bit sizes.
For advanced users, consider adding a torque socket wrench to your collection.
2. Motorcycle paddock stand
Most modern motorbikes come with only a side stand, therefore to perform tasks such as cleaning and lubing the chain or anything where the bike needs to be upright and in a stable condition, a paddock stand is a must have accessory.
3. Tyre Care Kit
A very specific area of bike maintenance is the ability to take care of your motorbike’s tyres to ensure not just a long life of tyres but also to ensure maximum safety while riding.
An Air Pump, a Tyre Pressure Gauge and a Puncture Repair Kit are must have to take good care of the rubbers.
Air pumps are of many types, 12V battery operated type as well as mechanically operated ones. Mechanical ones are considered more reliable than the 12V version.
Tyre pressure gauge come with digital as well as analog displays. For tubeless tyres, choose a puncture repair kit with mushroom plugs.
Avoid the cheap strip type puncture repair kits used by roadside car puncture repair shops. They can be absolutely disastrous on a motorbike tyre at high speeds.
4. Battery Charger
If you are a weekend warrior or there are long gaps in your motorbike riding pattern, then a good quality Battery charger is an essential device in any bikers garage to keep your motorcycle battery in top shape.
5. Grunge Brush
A grunge brush is a wonderful aid to help keep your motorcycle chain in top shape for a long time.
6. Accessories
In addition to above tools. here is a suggested list of items which do not necessary qualify as tools but can prove really handy in times of emergency on the road –
- Duct Tape
- Steel Wire
- Plastic Tie Clips,
- a multipurpose Spray can (e.g. the very versatile WD40)
7. Miscellaneous Items
If you are the kind who likes to ride into the great wide open, every now and then here is a mix of knick knacks which one is likely to find in every seasoned tourer’s tool kit:
- Mini torch
- Multifunctional knife
- Nitrile gloves,
- Bungee cords