"tool kit"

[Chaps]

Newmember and new rider here. The "tool kit" that came with my bike has a wrench, and an allen wrench....that's it? Should I supplement this or is this all I really will need?

[joe in calif]

Depending on the bike, you might need a phillips and flat head screwdriver, a couple box/open end wrenches, pliers, plug wrench and a few allen head wrenches.

[tgelphman]

do a search on this site as there are some good threads on this topic. I personally was lucky (didn't even consider tool kit when first bought bike) and mine came with complete original kit. Now after doing some work on bike one tool i realize is as important as any was the spark plug wrench. I would not have been able to change mine if not for the one in the kit as my deep sockets wouldn't fit. I added a flash ligh and a few multi purpose tools to the kit.

[gdb069]

Two issues regarding bike tool kits: one if this is your only tools they are not very good and I would suspect are meant for emergency use only. I have an extensive set of tools at home. Two: Its difficult to say exactly when that tool kit would be used ie if you have a part malfunction; do you have the part? Probably not, so you have to go get it at a dealer and they would likely have the correct tools and a manual and trained mechanic. So in about 40 years of riding I have never used most of the the toolkit while on a bike.
Lets say you begin to carry some basic parts for emergency: I doubt you will need to change oil/oil filter/air filter/brake fluid/brake pads/front fork oil/final drive oil/spark plugs so that leaves coolant. But you are not likely to carry coolant so need to visit a garage which will also have enough tools to refill coolant. I tried carrying spare bulbs but when I needed one, my spare had broken. In the old days I carried a small fibreglass kit in case I needed to fill a hole but never did.

So that leads us back to the beginning: is there any repairs that could be made with the toolkit on the road?

Last I think the one thing a toolkit might do is to tighten a loose bolt or nut such as windshield or license plate so I carry two small adjustable wrenches and a multi driver. Some also carry a tire plug kit but I have tube tires. I do carry a credit card and use a towing service.

G.

[Slowmo]

I went and got a crescent wrench and an allen wrench multi-key thingy just so I can tighten up little stuff if needed. My mirrors always seem to come loose and need to be tightened at random. Everything else is in the toolbox at home.

[Chaps]

Thanks for the feedback! Even if I HAD a complete toolkit I would not know how to use it....I am definately not a gear head but willing to learn.

[gdb069]

Originally Posted by Chaps

Thanks for the feedback! Even if I HAD a complete toolkit I would not know how to use it....I am definately not a gear head but willing to learn.

Then you may want to begin by reviewing the simple maintenance items in the owners manual. The owners manual also has a list of the tools that should be in the toolkit. Also, browse the internet for community college motorcycle repair/maintenance courses. And if you don't want the expense of owning tools you may only use once or have a good work area, there may be a DIY motorcycle repair facitilty that lets you use their bay and tools (and advice).

G.

[gat803]

If you're not mechanical....a cell phone, a credit card, and some water to drink while you're waiting are probably the best things to carry.

Factory tool kits are junk, quality wise. You can buy better tools at Kmart, including the plug wrench. The only thing slightly usefull is the shock tool, and even that can be replaced by something better, easily/cheaply.

[tgelphman]

Originally Posted by Chaps

Thanks for the feedback! Even if I HAD a complete toolkit I would not know how to use it....I am definately not a gear head but willing to learn.

I found this site to be a great place for me as a beginner willing to learn. Good details with pictures on almost everything. I subscribed for a year and figured by then i'd either have printed out everything i needed or done some things enough that i would know them. CYCLEPEDIA Online Manuals ATV Motorcycle Scooter UTV Repair Service Maintenance