Motorcycle tool kit guide for beginners.
The tools you’ll need to start working on your bike as a beginner.
If you're new to the world of motorcycle maintenance, the sheer number of tools available can be overwhelming. From basic wrenches to specialized diagnostic equipment. It can be difficult to know which tools you really need and which ones are nice to have but not essential.
In this guide, I'll provide you with a comprehensive list of the essential motorcycle maintenance tools that every beginner should have in their arsenal. Whether you're looking to do basic maintenance or more advanced repairs, I'll help you get started on the right foot. So, let's dive in and learn about the tools you need to keep your motorcycle running smoothly for years to come.
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Tools List 1: Basic tools needed
Ratchets - This in conjunction with the sockets are going to be your bread and butters when working on your bike. There are typically three sizes of ratchet. The sizes refer to the width in inches of the drive of the ratchet. The three sizes are 1/4 (smallest), 3/8 (medium-est), and 1/2 (largest).
tip: It is best to have all 3 sizes. But, if you can only afford 1 when starting out, choose the 3/8th size. This is the most versatile.
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Sockets - Of course this is next. The other major part of your tool kit will be a good set of sockets. Typically when working on bikes you will primarily be using metric sizes (referred to as M or mm) . On rare occasions you may need SAE or also referred to as standard size (this is represented as a fraction). Sockets come in a great many sizes and shapes or for many different uses. To break it do simply :
There is 3 drive sized once again 1/4, 3/8, 1/2. These will fit onto the ratchets.
Typically there is two different lengths, short and tall (or called “deep”). This is just the length of the socket.
Then you have the actual size of the socket. This is the number printed on the side of it. It would be easier to buy a set and anything larger that is not included in the set you can buy separately as needed.
Most basic socket sets would have a size range of 6mm through 14mm. However on motorcycles the other most common sizes are 16mm, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24, 27, 32, 34, 36mm. If you notice some numbers are skipped, that’s not to say that they aren’t used. Its just a lot less common.
Tip: like before, buy a basic set and fill-in only what you need specific to your bike.
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wrenches - Another important part of the tool kit is the noble wrench. So basic yet highly functional. A good set of wrenches can make all the difference between a 10sec bolt removal and 20min bolt extraction after you’ve stripped / rounded the head.
There is such an abundance of choices but lets keep it simple. A basic set of no frills wrenches will work perfectly fine. If you want to splurge for the nicer ones that’s fine too.
Tip: The same rules applies here as it did for sockets. Buy a basic set (metric) and whatever you don’t have buy as needed.
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Allen keys and Torx bits - Both Allen keys and torx bits are used for removing certain types of fasteners found on motorcycles. Allen keys are the hexagonal shaped tools and the torx bits are sometimes referred to as star bits but looks more like a six pointed star.
Tip : If you can get the security version of both it might then they can be used on security fasteners. The security version has the hole in the middle.
The photo on the left is the hex bits and the right is a photo of security torx bits.
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Plier - These are the pinchy, grabby things. I’m going to clump 4 different types of pliers under this heading because I can. Here they are:
slip joint plier (right) or combo pliers- these are usually the the most common and general purpose of pliers.
needle nose (right mid)- this is the longer skinny nose one for more precise gripping or to get into smaller spaces
snips (diagonal cutter)(left mid) - these are the cutting ones and are great for cutting zip ties or small cable.
channel locks (left)- these are great because of their adjustability. You can move the jaws of the tool to be smaller or larger depending on the task at hand.
Tip: no way to get around it but buy one of each. You may need them at some point.
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Screwdrivers - Yet another essential in the tool box. Great for loosening screws and not so great as punches or pry bars. The two most common screwdriver types are flathead and philips. These too also come in different sizes. The smaller the number, the smaller the tool and conversely the bigger the number the bigger the tool.
The common sizes for both tool types are very easy, it size 1, 2, 3.
Of course there is more to it than that. We also have different lengths of each of those sizes.
But to make it easy here is exactly what you need
stubby flat head & philips size 2
medium length (about 4inches) flat head & philips size 1, 2, 3,
long flat head & philips size 2
Tip: most of the time a combo kit will work perfectly as a beginner set or screwdrivers.
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Hammers - a basic rubber / metal hammer. This will get you by about 99% of time that a hammer is required. Any thing more than this I might consider a specialty hammer.
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Bonus : Accessory tools - These are not required to do maintenance but they sure make the job easier.
Extensions - My favorites and these give you reach and keeps your knuckles away from the bike.
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size adapters - allow you to use different size sockets with different size drive ratchets.
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flex adapters - these allow you to reach other wise hard to reach places that might be angled.
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T - Handles - It is a T-shaped driver tool that can be used in place of a ratchet.
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Tools List 2: Intermediate tools needed.
Torque Wrench - This a tool that will require some amount of practice and patience to learn how to use properly. But what a torque wrench is, is a special type of ratchet and is a tool used to control and apply a specific torque (rotational tightness) to a fastener such as a bolt or a nut. This tool will also be used with sockets in order to apply the torque.
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Multimeter - This will be the most advance tool Ill list here, but once mastered this can be one of the most useful ones you can ever own. A multimeter is commonly used for diagnostic of electrical systems and testing of electrical components. It’s an instrument designed to measure electric current, voltage, and usually resistance, typically over several ranges of value.
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Tools List: Common use
Misc - This next list of tool or supplies will be included here as they apply to general shop equipment and not necessarily tools.
Eye protection - to protect your eyes of course
Rubber gloves - to protect your hands from chemicals
shop towels - either paper or fabric to aid in clean up
Hand wipes - cleaning your hands after a job well done
tool trays / zip lock baggies - this is to help with fastener organization
zip ties or velcro - helps with cable management
flash light or headlamp - more light the better
funnels - to aid in pouring fluids
drain pan - to aid in catching fluids
chain cleaning tools - chains get dirty so they need to be clean regularly
chain cleaning chemicals - chain cleaner and chain lube.
oil filter tools - either a oil filter socket or a oil filter wrench.
tire tools - primarily a way to check air pressure
12volt battery charger - used to maintain and charge your battery.
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tire air gauge - used to fill tires and additional check air pressure.
Rear Stand - A rear stand is used to help support the back of the motorcycle when doing maintenance. This provides additional stability to mitigate any tip over accidents. Additionally if your bike has a center stand this can be utilized as well.
The rear stand I prefer as most people do for its simplicity in use and it great quality are the pit bull stands. I have provided a link here. This will take you to the page to find the rear stand. This is not an affiliate link.
