Toolkits (travel + garage) suggestions...

Hi Guys!

Just got myself a new '08. Yipee! Nice to get back into riding after around 6 years!
After I managed to take the seat off to access the manual (thanks to VFRworld forums!) Had to laugh to see the toolkit supplied with the bike. Coupla questions:

1- The manual mentions that a larger kit is available at Honda dealers - is it worth getting it to keep with the bike on trips? Or does anyone have aftermarket suggestions.
2- Any recommendations for a set of tools for 'regular' maintenance. I am in the US so need to make sure things are metric.

Cheers! and Happy Riding!

dss

 

For "regular" maintenance all I've needed so far is a set of metric allen keys, the chain adjuster spanner wrench thingie (supplied in factory kit), a 17mm swivel socket to loosen the swingarm pinch bolt (I think there's a wrench in the kit for this though), a couple screwdrivers, oil filter wrench if you're using one without a built in nut on the end, and the appropriate size socket for the oil drain bolt (I think that's a 17mm too, maybe). What other than checkin/changin fluids and adjusting the chain were you speakin of?

Oh, and :welcome:

 

The only thing that I would add is that every oil filter manufacturer seems to use a slightly different size case on their bike filters. The K&N filter has a hex nut on the end (I'm assuming that's the one Metallican525 is referring to), but all the others are different. Just so you know.

My "road kit" that I keep in my tank bag (goes bike-to-bike) has a 1/4" ratchet with 6-12mm sockets & short extension, a few metric allen wrenches, a miniature interchangeable-tip screwdriver, 4" adjustable open-end wrench, small long nosed vice-grips and a small pair of pliers. I'd be more comfortable with some double open-end wrenches, too, but I tend to obsess on this stuff. After all, this is an "emergency" repair kit. If the emergency gets much worse than what these tools will cover, then I'm probably not going to be able to fix it on the spot.

And then there's the portable air compressor, voltmeter, flashlight, Swiss army knife and multi-purpose Buck tool in the large duffle bag that goes with me on trips... :biggrin:

 

Thanks!

Thanks for the tips guys.

Wanted to know what should be on the bike (tankbag - which reminds me of another post!) and what extensive collecetion I should keep at home.

Cheers!

 

As for tools to carry on the bike you have to keep one very important thing in mind (which Lgn001 touched on). If something goes wrong on the road, there is little chance of actually repairing it, because you aren't carrying a whole duffel bag full of spare parts. Aside from adjusting the chain, replacing a light bulb, topping off fluids there isn't much to do on the side of the road. That being said, I carry a little set of jumper cables, a pair of Nitrile gloves, some zip ties, and a couple rags for side of the road stuff. Also, a good tire gauge is allways a good thing to keep with you on the bike.

As for the home kit, mmmmm toooooooooolsss!! I'm a professional wrench, and have an utlimate set of tools. I don't really have dedicated tool set's for the bike alone. But if you're thinking of doing service and repairs to your own machine I would suggest investing in a good set of stands (I have front only and use it with the center stand after removal of the rear wheel) and a wheel balancer. Also you will need a drain pan and something to store used fluids in, more than one container if you plan on changing oil, coolant, and hydraulic fluids as they all must be disposed of seaparately. Old milk jugs and such have allways worked great they just don't stay sealed very well during transport so keep that in mind. Magnet tray's are also and awesome invention and extremely useful in not losing little bolts nuts and bits of motorcycle to the great shop floor abyss. Keep some sort of absorbant (kitty litter, absorbant mats) handy for spills to contain and clean them up quickly, everybody knows us guys have bad aim with fluids sometimes :biggrin:. Otherwise for your home tool kit I would just reccomend getting a basic set of metric wrenches and sockets and build on you tool collection as needed. It's pretty easy to go blow lots of money on tools you think are great that you'll never even use!!

Holy sheep shit I talk a lot!! Sorry guys..............

 

Thanks!

Thanks for the tips guys! Appreciate your reminding me what I can (and cannot) do on the road!

Have a gr8 riding season (for those that cannot enjoy it all year round!)

dss

 

One thing I have is a flat repair kit. It include everything you need to not only put a plug or patch in the tire, but a few CO2 cartridges to re-inflate it. I'm not trying to start the "is a repaired tire safe" debate, but this has saved my ass when I've been in the middle of no where.

Motorcycle Tire Repair | ATV Tire Repair | Motorcycle Tire Plug | ATV Tire Plug