Building Your Motorcycle Toolkit

All machines eventually need maintenance, and motorcycles are no different. Luckily, there are many maintenance tasks so minor that they wouldn’t require a service appointment. However, no amount of technical knowledge will allow you to complete a job without the requisite tools. Road Track & Trail has created this guide to help you figure out what kinds of motorcycle maintenance tools you will want to have on hand.

Assessing Your Ability

Before attempting any maintenance work, it is important that you have a realistic idea of your own skill level. For example, if you do not understand how to use a fold-up allen wrench, then you should not be using one to repair your motorcycle. We recommend that you become familiar with your tools in a controlled environment like a garage. In particular, practice fixing maintenance issues that often crop up on the road so that you will be prepared if disaster does strike.

Picking the Tools

The number of tools you have on hand to make a repair will depend upon your available space. For example, if you are transporting your motorcycle in a truck or making a repair in your own garage, there will be plenty of room to stuff as many tools as you want. On the other hand, if it is just you and your bike, you will have to be more selective about what tools to bring. If you are riding with a group, coordinate with them and find out what tools they will be bringing. You can save space by borrowing and sharing tools.

Packing the Toolkit

Every motorcycle model is unique in its maintenance needs. The following list just covers the most basic tools that will help you repair almost any bike. Check your owners manual to see if there are tools specific to your model that you might want to add to your toolkit.

Fold-Up Allen Wrench

A fold-up Allen wrench is used to remove or tighten the fasteners on your motorcycle. Allen wrenches come in various sizes, so check to make sure that the one you pack corresponds to your bike’s parts. A wrench that is too big or too small will do you no good.

A Flat Head Screwdriver

Pack the most thin and narrow flat head screwdriver that you can find, as this will make it easier to maneuver around in tight areas. It is also ideal if one end has a magnet on it so that you can pick up any dropped fasteners.

Pliers

Pliers improve your grip so you can straighten, loosen, or tighten parts and fasteners. They can also be helpful in situations that make it harder for you to manipulate components, such as cold or wet days where your hands may be shaking.

Multipurpose Pocket Knife

This tool can offer many functions in a single lightweight package. Look for one that has the attachments you need.

Flashlight

Motorcycles are full of little nooks and crannies that sometimes need to be investigated. A flashlight can be a big help when it comes to inspecting your bike’s internal components. They are also very useful when making repairs at night.

Battery Cables

Battery cables are lightweight and can be used to solve a variety of common battery problems. Roll them up so that they don’t take up too much space and take them with you.

Spare Fuses

Fuses are easy to replace, but you will need the correct size. Luckily, your owner’s manual should be able to tell you what size you need to order.

Of course, there will always be some repairs best left to the professionals. For those, we recommend you schedule an appointment with Road Track & Trail’s service department. We also offer other services, like parts ordering and financing, so visit us at our dealership in Big Bend, Wisconsin. We are proud to serve southeastern Wisconsin, including local communities like Milwaukee and Waukesha. We also welcome customers coming to us from places a bit further away like Chicago, Illinois.