What´s in your Zong Toolbox?

[DaytonaMike]

I´ve been searching for this info and havent had any luck finding anything. I am starting from scratch as far as tools go and with a limited budget I want to have the right tools on hand to do my own wrenching on the Zong, with the invaluable help of all of you of course.

My question is
1. Whats tools are a must have for your garage toolbox?
2. What tools are a must have for your on bike tool kit?

Maybe broken down farther with tools that are an absolute must and tools that are just damn nice to have to save knuckles, a third six pack, late nights or your wrenching friends never speaking to you again.

Detailed information will be appreciated. I want to have a base set of tools for the house and a set for the road. Labor to work on the motorcycle here is very very cheap but my experience is that most of the bike repair shops (one on every corner here) are staffed with shade tree mechanics and repairs are a lot more guess work than they should be. Anyway I want to get my hands dirty and get to know the bike so if any problems arise I can tackle them myself. If this information already exists please point me in the right direction, if not please post your .02 cents for a good cause. Thanks in advance for your input.

[SpudRider]

Here are some basic tools for repair/maintenance done at home.

Socket ratchet and sockets
Socket extensions
Combination wrenches
T-handle Allen wrenches
Large and small crescent wrenches

[keithmaine]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

Here are some basic tools for repair/maintenance done at home.

Socket ratchet and sockets
Socket extensions
Combination wrenches
T-handle Allen wrenches
Large and small crescent wrenches

Do not forget hammers, ball peen and dead blow

[SpudRider]

I would also include a rubber mallet, which I use instead of a dead blow hammer.

[SpudRider]

A variety of punches are also helpful at times.

http://www.harborfreight.com/12-piec...set-66337.html

[rtking]

Home garage (most of these are "nice to haves", but are not strictly necessary):
- Electric impact wrench
- Torque wrench
- Allen Head sockets
- Dremel or grinder (replacement of original chain)
- Tire tools (2 or 3)
- Tube patch kit
- 30mm socket (for counter sprocket - better to have one handy than look for one later if needed)

[DaytonaMike]

Excellent info. Thanks for the quick replies. Harbor Freight was my best friend when I was there. Not sure where to look here. We have a Home Depot type store here so I guess thats as good a place as any to start.

What about specific metric sizes? Anything odd other than the 30mm mentioned?

[keithmaine]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

A variety of punches are also helpful at times.

http://www.harborfreight.com/12-piec...set-66337.html

Spud you keep posting listings for Chinese tools are you trying to tell us something

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by keithmaine

Spud you keep posting listings for Chinese tools are you trying to tell us something

Disclamer

Weldangrind and I are merely enablers; we can't actually force anyone to spend money on new tools.

[rtking]

Originally Posted by DaytonaMike

What about specific metric sizes? Anything odd other than the 30mm mentioned?

You'll want:

Sockets:
8mm socket or ratcheting wrench
10mm socket or ratcheting wrench
12mm socket or ratcheting wrench
14mm socket or ratcheting wrench
18mm socket (left side of rear axle, left side front axle)
19mm socket (right side of rear axle)

3/8" ratchet
1/2" ratchet

You'll want Allen Wrenches or sockets in the following sizes:
4 mm (some of the body panels)
5 mm (most other Allen head bolts)
6 mm (I think I used this once... can't recall)

And for screwdrivers:
Phillips
Flat head (long and short lengths)

I think that, along with the 30mm socket, will be most of what you'll want to have on hand.

As for mallet... I have both a steel, brass hammer... but for most automotive and motorcycle related uses, I use a hammer I have that has a rubber and urethane head (rubber one side, urethane on the other.) I keep the steel and brass hammers for punch/metal work.

[DaytonaMike]

Thank you!!! Friday isnt coming fast enough. I guess Im going tool shopping tonight.

[AZRider]

I'd add a hydraulic motorcycle stand, if you don't have a center stand.
Forgot to add threadlock.

[rjmorel]

Here's my tool pouch that I transfer between my RX3 and Honda NC700x.
Tool pouch from Christian Motorcycle Association. Adding to things already mentioned: zip ties, master link for chain emergencies, chain cleaning brush and lube, multitool, spoke wrench , spark plug socket wrench, adj. cresent wrench for axle nuts, feeler gages for setting valves, tire tube patch kit, air pump, appropriate fuse puller.

I put the longer tools in these tubes under the side cases held on with hose clamps.

chiropractor $$$$$ a visit, Harbor Freight lift PRICELESS

Cell phone pics ,but you get the idea.
It never ends, rj

[SpudRider]

Indeed, the list of tools you can purchase seems almost endless. Since you are just starting out with motorcycle maintenance, I suggest you purchase only the essential tools. After you work on your bike for a while, you will incrementally start to add other tools as the need arises.

[DaytonaMike]

I really appreciate all the replies. Going to start with the basics you guys have noted and work my way up. I doubt I´ll ever get to the hydraulic lift since I currently park the bike in the living room of my apartment but I definitely want to start wrenching as soon as i get it so I know what I have to deal when when/if the time arises that I have to do it. First step will be double checking fasteners and learning to take off the pretty parts to get to the dirty parts. Come on Friday!!!! Suppose to call today and they will confirm if I can pick it up Friday. Only have to work one more week and then start a 6 week vacation. So will have plenty of time to play. Thanks again all!!!
Here´s the Yamaha FZ16 packed and ready in my living room last year for a road trip.