Essential Tools for Motorcycle Maintenance
Bike maintenance and wrentching is a vital task for any rider who wants to ensure their bike's longevity and performance. It can be a daunting task to know what tools are necessary for effective maintenance, and there’s a lot of information (and opinions!) out there. SheADV’s Eva Rupert and Kris Fant let us in on their secrets during the June Trailside call, including sharing their insights on the essential tools required.
The Importance of a Well-Crafted Tool Kit
Eva, a proud owner of a well-crafted toolkit, emphasizes the importance of having a toolkit specifically tailored to your motorcycle needs. The toolkit should be portable and contain the necessary tools for on-the-go repairs. Eva appreciates the convenience of tool roll-ups, which are compact and can be customized to fit all the tools you need. However, some tools, like a drill or a long breaker bar, are better suited for garage use due to their size and specific use cases.
For trail repairs, bring along screwdrivers and wrenches specific to your bike bolts, along with a tire pressure gauge and pump, tools needed for tire repair including plugs or tubes, and a digital version of your shop manual.
Specialty Tools and Their Uses
One specialty tool that Eva recommends for those frequently working on motorcycles is a torque wrench. Every bolt on a motorcycle should be tightened to a specific amount, measured in Newton meters (Nm). This tool ensures that you are not over tightening or under tightening as you're putting pieces on and off, and helps your motorcycle function better and live longer. Another set of tools that Kris Fant finds useful are socket sets. While these are bulkier and may not typically be included in a small road tool set, they are great to keep in your garage or tool closet.
Additional Tools
Eva also highlighted the usefulness of screwdrivers, wrenches, and pliers.
A flat head screwdriver can be used for prying things off, while phillips head screws are common in most bikes
Adjustable wrenches are convenient in a pinch, but you’re more likely to strip bolts. Carry one, along with the wrenches specific for your bike
Needle nose pliers and a small poker (also known as an "awl") are indispensable for handling smaller, more precise tasks
Finally, if you're running a chain, a chain breaker is an essential tool to have in your kit for trail repairs
Conclusion
With the right set of tools, bike maintenance and repair becomes not only manageable but enjoyable. By understanding the purpose of each tool and how to use it effectively, you can keep your bike in top shape and ensure your safety on the road. Happy wrenching!
