Tools For Your Bikes

MwKid19 · 08-21-2007, 09:28 PM

Well I'm starting to acquire tools so that I can work on my bike. I've bought a 3/8 inch drive basic mechanics set, a 3/8 drive torque wrench, and a whole bunch of miscellanious stuff for the bike. I'm going to go take the brake pads off tomorrow after work. I think that learning how to repair and work on the bike makes you a much better rider. Knowing how the bike works can help you in the event something goes wrong as well as it is a whole hell of a lot cheaper and satisfying doing the work yourself. I'm basically a new mechanic but have been reading a few books about motorcycle maintenance and have the factory manuals. I wouldn't be comfortable doing engine work myself but feel comfortable with some of the more basic stuff. I'm looking forward to both learning how to ride the bike better and how to make the bike better as well. Do you other new riders work on your bikes as well?

Half-fast Rider · 08-21-2007, 09:42 PM

I do quite a bit of the work, but I let my shop mount and balance tires. Adjustments, fluids, brake pads, plugs, etc., I do myself.

As you work on the bike, pay attention to what size and type sockets and wrenches you actually use. Then upgrade that POS toolkit that came with the bike. A 1/4" drive ratchet, some extensions, sockets, a couple of wrenches, a crescent wrench, tire pressure guage, screwdrivers, and sparkplug socket will all go into a pouch that can replace the OEM kit.

A tire plug kit with CO2 cartridges can go into a pouch that fits between the frame rail and the body panel on the left side, under the seat. You can also find room under there to tuck a small flashlight.

MwKid19 · 08-21-2007, 09:46 PM

Explain more about this tire plug kit and where I can get one.

MwKid19 · 08-21-2007, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Half-fast Rider

I do quite a bit of the work, but I let my shop mount and balance tires. Adjustments, fluids, brake pads, plugs, etc., I do myself.

As you work on the bike, pay attention to what size and type sockets and wrenches you actually use. Then upgrade that POS toolkit that came with the bike. A 1/4" drive ratchet, some extensions, sockets, a couple of wrenches, a crescent wrench, tire pressure guage, screwdrivers, and sparkplug socket will all go into a pouch that can replace the OEM kit.

A tire plug kit with CO2 cartridges can go into a pouch that fits between the frame rail and the body panel on the left side, under the seat. You can also find room under there to tuck a small flashlight.

Yeah I'm on board with letting them do the tire mounting. I'm not skilled enough to do that. I want to take some classes to learn how to do some engine stuff as well.

RayOSV · 08-22-2007, 11:23 AM

I'd add an oil filter wrench of the right size (maybe the ex500 is a different type). There are less $$ versions out there:

http://www.cyclegear.com/spgm.cfm?L1...-1326&tier2=12

A front axle socket if needed:

http://www.cyclegear.com/spgm.cfm?L1..._TOOL&tier2=14

Here's a tire plug kit:

http://www.cyclegear.com/spgm.cfm?L1..._3518&tier2=53

And hex t-handle wrenches come in handy:

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...BVC ookie=Yes

Rear and front stands are very handy as well.

mjfan12 · 08-22-2007, 05:16 PM

I bought a 250 piece set from sears a few years back. has 80% of what you'll need/

there are always good deals at sears and lifetime warranty.

use it as the base and ass specialty tools as you need them.

no bike yet but i took highschool autoshop for a few semesters and I know the basics of cars. bikes should be easier.

I do the maintanence on my car myself.

this guys ducati website has a good tool section. has a checklist of what you should get.

Check craigslist too, lots of people sell old tools cheap. if you get craftsmen or snapon or other lifetime warranty brands, you can exchange the old worn ones for brand new ones.

sears does it with no probs, but snapon truck may hassle you if he thinks its abused, so I would buy used craftsmen.

http://www.buschandbusch.com/ducatisuite/tools.html

Half-fast Rider · 08-22-2007, 09:29 PM

It's sometimes tough to fit an oil filter wrench between the exhaust pipes and have room to work. I put a large hose clamp around my filter before I install it, and I can then get a grip on it with my hand for removal.

Don't use the OEM oil filter, BTW. You want a Purolator PL14610. Take a look at http://motorcycleinfo.calsci.com/FilterXRef.html and do a little exploring on that website. You'll learn a lot about filters.

MwKid19 · 08-22-2007, 09:34 PM

Yeah the oil change will be my next mechanical venture after the brake pads. I need to get a better filter and some better quality oil because the shop did it for me last time and you know they are using the cheapest thing they can get.

WildManWiles · 08-22-2007, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MwKid19

Yeah the oil change will be my next mechanical venture after the brake pads. I need to get a better filter and some better quality oil because the shop did it for me last time and you know they are using the cheapest thing they can get.

I have your same bike... just a little bit older. What sort of oil do you use?

MwKid19 · 08-23-2007, 05:07 PM

I don't know seeing as how the shop did my oil change. I've got the manual and will change it with the appropriate oil for the time of year. I'm moving to SC so it looks like year round riding for me soon.