Without the right tools, easy jobs can get complicated. A stuck bolt gets stripped, or a carefully balanced bike falls off a makeshift stand. On the other hand, working on a motorcycle with the right tools - like these - can be a pleasure.
1. Snap-on Torque Wrench
When you're leaned over in a tree-lined corner, it's comforting to know that all the important fasteners on your bike are torqued properly. When tightened to the proper torque - the right values can be found in a service manual - bolts will neither strip nor rattle loose. We like Snap-On's 5-75 foot-pounds 3/8-inch drive torque wrench. Like most torque wrenches, it clicks when you reach the specified torque. For a thriftier option, consider Craftsman's Micro-Clicker torque wrench, which works the same way but costs just US$40. Price: US$290.
2. Morgan Carbtune Carb and Fuel Injector Synchronizer
When the carburettors or fuel injectors on a multi-cylinder bike are synchronized properly, each cylinder will get exactly the same amount of fuel, do the same amount of work, and help the engine run smoothly. If, on the other hand, each cylinder doesn't get the same amount of fuel, a bike can be hard to start, can idle poorly, or can develop less power. There are various tools available to help balance the fuel that reaches each cylinder, and these include mechanical and electronic vacuum gauges. The tools connect to tiny ports built in to each intake manifold - between the fuelling system and the intake valves - and read the vacuum generated by each cylinder while the bike is running. A screw between each carburettor (or injector) adjusts their relative openings for a given twist of the motorcycle's handgrip. Our favourite version is Morgan's Carbtune, which uses steel pucks that measure vacuum by sliding up clear tubes. With it we balanced the carbs on our Ducati 900SS, and it's now running more smoothly than ever. Price: US$95.
3. RK Chain Tool
A chain and sprocket set generally last 10,000 to 15,000 miles. Sprocket replacement requires only undoing a few bolts, but installing the rivet-type master link found on most motorcycle chains is nearly impossible without a chain tool. We like the RK Chain Tool. With it, we installed and riveted the master link on a DID VX2 chain in seconds and with little effort. The tool is too big to carry on the road, but it is perfect for the home mechanic. Price: US$98.
4. Mityvac Brake Bleeder
The Mityvac is a vacuum brake bleeder, and makes replacing the hydraulic fluid in brakes and clutches a quick, one-person job. We used the MV8000 to change the brake fluid on our Yamaha R1 in less than a half-hour. First we used the pump to remove old brake fluid from the brake reservoir and filled it with fresh fluid. Then we cracked the bleeder valve on the caliper, tached the Mityvac, and started pumping. As the old fluid was sucked through the lines, it was replaced with the new fluid from the reservoir. Fresh fluid keeps brake cylinders from corroding, and has a higher boiling point than old fluid, which can improve braking performance under extreme conditions. Price: US$32.
5. Pit Bull Stands
Most modern bikes don't have centre stands, which means you need a bike stand whenever the wheels come off. A rear stand will let you change the chain and sprockets, replace the wheel bearings, and change the rear tire. Use a front stand to hold the bike while replacing fork oil or changing the front tire. Pit Bull's stands are the industry standard. They're burly, made in the USA, and come with a host of optional accessories so they can be customized to lift just about any bike. Price: US$140.
6. Goss Blowtorch
Fighting a stuck brake rotor bolt or a rusty exhaust-collar nut? A blowtorch can heat and unstick frozen threads. Even the most stubborn, rusty bolts come free after about 30 seconds under a blowtorch. Just remember not to overheat any nearby seals and to keep the flame away from brake and fuel lines. We use MAPP gas in our American-made Goss GP-600. Price: US$90.
7. String-Type Tire Plugs
It's always best to replace a tire in the event of a puncture. In a ping, however, you can plug it. String plugs work on holes smaller than about 3/16 inch. First remove the foreign object and ream out the hole. Then use the special tool to insert the string plug. Trim the excess string and reinflate the tire. We covered 1000 miles on a sport bike tire repaired with a string plug, and it lost just 1 psi. Price: US$7.
8. Motion Pro 6-in-1 Allen Key
Can't remember what size Allen key to bring? With this 3/8-inch drive 6-in-1 Allen key, it doesn't matter. We most recently used it to take the front axle off our Yamaha R1 (which takes the 19-mm key, for the record). Price: US$14.
9. Traxxion Dynamics Fork Rebuild Tools
Forks are a bit of a mystery for many home mechanics, but disassembling them isn't too difficult with the right tools. We like Traxxion Dynamics' fork tool kit, which comes with a spring compressor as well as a tool that pulls the damper rod out for easy access when reassembling the fork. Combine it with a fork seal driver from Race Tech, and you'll be able to rebuild forks in your garage. Price: US$99.
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These are the five must have things that are needed anytime for servicing your motorcycle.
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Henry Jordan
Hydraulic Seals.
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