T handle allen wrenches are very nice to have. everything else I have found is basic tools for me.

 

a full set of T handle allen keys

 

Hammer, vice grips, superglue, duct tape.


If none of those can fix it, buy a new one.



:lol

 

everything in those three toolboxes

no but seriously all you need is a good selection of wrenches, sockets, allen bits, torx bits, and whatnot. ive found that gearwrench makes some handy tools for working on bikes and i dont know what i would do without the ratcheting wrenches now that ive gotten so used to using them. most jobs can be performed with simple tools but the more tools you have it makes the job that much easier and faster

 

What is that hideous thing in the middle of your garage floor? It's blocking the view of the toolbox.:lol

 

i am starting to build my garage slowly. I have a few tools but those few tools i took apart a few bikes with hellp from a friend but pretty basic stuff. breaks, suspesnion, exhaust, etc

 

i have an addiction to tools. i wont buy anything for a few months then ill see something on sale and pick that up then it just goes on from there. usually a couple grand later ill stop for awhile lol. plus working at napa and getting everything for cost doesnt help much

 

wow thats nice. Where do you recommend to shop for tools. My buddy owns a mechanic shop and all hsi tools are snap on pretty much which is way pricey for me. He recommend bringing him broken snap on tools so he can exchange for me. i been searching craigs everyday for tools but nothing yet. I am looking for a nice tool box rolling one and then i want to move from there. U recommend Sears ? I like craftman tools not that pricey

 

Unless you're turning wrenches for a living don't go nuts with buying the super quality tools like mac or Snap on etc... You'll just go broke.

I did it for a living for almost 20 years and have some nice quality stuff but for all of my replacements I use Craftsman or buy them through these guys. http://www.mcmaster.com/#

Most of the time when I get a tool from them it's a Craftsman anyway and costs less than Sears. And the package is usually on my doorstep the next day...without paying for overnight shipping!:flex:

 

A lift and a Tire Machine are by far the most valued tools I have in my garage....Here is my 2000 project sitting on it now...

 

A lift and a Tire Machine are by far the most valued tools I have in my garage....Here is my 2000 project sitting on it now...

not too many of us have "Baller" $ like you Marc!! hahaha

 

i agree i dont need expensive tools. the little tools i have are craftsman

 

- Set of metric allen keys
- Set of metric sockets + ratchet
- Set of metric combination wrenches
- 1/2" breaker bar
- Spark plug socket
- Socket for steering stem nut (typical socket set won't go this large)
- Socket for rear axle nut (typical socket set won't go this large)
- Oil filter wrench
- Flat head and phillips screw drivers
- 12-18" of latex tubing that fits on the brake bleeder valves

That ought to cover most of the maintenance you'd want to do on a Yamaha. Should be able to take apart most of the motorcycle with that stuff. There anything I'm missing that'd be useful? Chain breaker tool maybe?

 

since you have an 09 I'm sure you can answer this question for me. Socket size needed for rear axle nut and the stem nut. always forgot to check manual before i head out for one of those random tools you dont know you need until you need it.

 

Good stuff fallis

 

+1 for Craftsman. Good stuff at reasonable prices. I've even had to get a few ratchets replaced. No questions asked. Go buy one of those sets. That's how I got started. Bought a 200 piece set and have just added on to it over the years. A good selection of pliers and screwdrivers come in handy too.

Also, get a decent air compressor, vise, drill & bits, dremel, grinder, saws, hammers, crescent wrenches, torque wrench.

Motorcycle specific stuff...chain breaker, master link press, tire machine, stands.

I also bought a really nice, big stainless steel tool box, a smaller rolling tool box, a low rolling workseat, and a creeper. Just add as you go along. I'm never done...seems like there is always more tools on my wishlist.

Oh...and don't forget the garage refrigerator (full of beer), big-ass fan, and boom box!

 

Oh...and don't forget the garage refrigerator (full of beer)

one mustnt forget this. it makes spending hours working on a project that much more enjoyable lol:thumbup

 

For a motorcycle the most used are

socket and wrench set, 8, 10, 12 mm

allen wrenchs, 4,5,6,8, 10 mm

a good philips and flathead screwdriver

individual sockets for the front and back wheel.


Most of these are actually found in the toolkit that comes with the bike. :fact

Then build it up from there.

A good torque wrench is a must

 

thanks bro. I am looking for a used craftsman tall roll cab. 200 bux hoping

 

You can also look in the shop manual for specialty tools, depending on how intensive work you plan on doing. Ive done most work by improvising those tools. valve work, gear box rebuild, fork seals, shock replacement, depending on how often you change tires a good set of bars and rim savers are good to have. also front and rear stands should be first on your list. I prefer a stem front stand it makes fork work a cinch, but watch for scratching the front fender when you use it.

 

Stereo! Can't work without tunes! :rock

And I guess if you live in the great white north a heater in the winter! :hammer:

 

some tunes, a beer cooler and a plastic mallet(prevents alot of the peening of threads on axle bolts while tapping out) to go along with the regular metric tools mentioned before.

 

I have a real good mix of stuff at this point my Dad was a mechanic. So I have a bunch of snap on and mac stuff. I have a lot of craftsman stuff that I bought over the times.

I would say to buy a few things from snapon. Like good ratches your going to use them all the time. But I can't see paying 300 dollars for a set of sockets.

Becarfull though don't buy cheap crap either they will cause you to strip shit out.

 

Plenty of good info there about tools. Don't forget a model specific workshop manual, all your specs, torques, fliud types etc in one place, and good lighting. Money spent on tools is money saved at the worshop, plus satisfaction and learning about your bike.

 

TV, Fridge, are a must... Yes good lighting helps find those bolts you drop... Here was my place before the lift...

 

I was an automotive technician for 5 yrs. I have over 12k in tools and box. But at home I have a small Sears tool chest w/ nothing but Craftsman and Harbor Freight tools. They work just as well as the Snap On & Matco tools I use at the dealership. I do plenty of side jobs on cars and have slowly started working on my own bikes and friends bikes. The only thing I'd say don't skimp on is your torque wrench. Snap ON!!

 

Basic kit

T-Handles are a MUST. Best $5 I ever spent (harbor freight)
Basic sockets - 8,10,12,14,17 + socket for front/rear axles and steering stem
8,10,12mm wrenchs
T26 torx socket for rotor bolts
Torque wrench
Stands

 

I'd also like to add:

Speed bleeders + bleeder bag

http://stores.sportbiketrackgear.com/Detail.bok?no=5092
http://stores.sportbiketrackgear.com/Detail.bok?no=3347

 

good stuff guys keep it coming

 

cool thread for winter...

i just picket up one of these!! reg. $250 +, got it for $80!!!! a steal of a deal.!! so far it has been great {233 piece socket set!}.. and yes of course a set of long allen keys!!!

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/6/Tools/Sockets/SocketSets/PRDOVR~0589235P/Mastercraft%252B233-piece%252BSocket%252BSet.jsp?locale=en

*

Includes 48 (1/4" drive) accessories: 23 reg. sockets, 20 deep sockets, 2 extension bars - 3 & 6", 1 spinner handle, 1 bit holder, 1 ratchet
*

75 (3/8" drive) accessories: 19 reg. 12-pt. sockets, 20 reg. 6-pt. sockets, 12 deep sockets, 18 bit sockets, 2 extension bars - 3 & 6", 2 spark plug sockets - 5/8 & 13/16", 1 universal joint socket, 1 ratchet
*

Includes 26 (1/2" drive) accessories: 23 reg. sockets, 2 extension bars, 1 ratchet
*

30-piece bit set
*

14 wrenches
*

40 accessories: 3/8" female to 1/4" male adaptor, 11 Torx keys, 28 hex keys (SAE and metric)
*

Lifetime manufacturer's warranty

 

Exhaust spring puller, bought or homemade like mine. :thumbup

 

hahaha.. good point... my LEO EVO II 3/4 system came with 2 of them!!! great little gadget!:fork