looking to get into rebuilding motorcycles what tools should I buy?

Q

Quester

New Member
After moving across the US from Seattle to Virginia last year I purchased my first motorcycle a gs550. The guys I was working with all had bikes. I got on one for the first time at 31 years old and bought one the next week.

I have no idea how to work on my bike but I am really wanting to get into learning how to fix and customizemotorcyclesasa hobby. I have a max budget of $1000 to spend on tools to get me started. What should I get?
 
You have to decide what you want to do; each bike is completely different.

Do you just want to do general maintenance on a bike then you just need a generic tool kit from any store that has basic sockets and wrenches.

If you want to actually chop up and make a bike your own.. welders, grinders, drills, etc etc. Its all up to you what you need what others need.
 
I say look through some of the builds on here see what kind of fab others are doing....there is more than one way to bend a pipe etc.... Your gonna want to check out the DIY tools also so your not buying something you could just make..... Also $1,000 only buys $1,000 worth of new tools however the same $1,000 could buy $4,000-$6,000 in excellent quality used equipment if you search out deals on craigslist/ yard sales/ flea markets....

Just my 2 cents
 
I am on my first bike too.
I think that the best advice I've heard here, especially regarding an older bike, is to get a shop manual and some basic hand tools.
Doing the basic maintenance and learning how to set up brakes and suspension will make your ride safe.
I've always worked on my cars but there are issues that don't transfer, and look-cool-mods affect performance, especially if the bike is not tight to begin with.
 
japsche said:
I am on my first bike too.
I think that the best advice I've heard here, especially regarding an older bike, is to get a shop manual and some basic hand tools.
Doing the basic maintenance and learning how to set up brakes and suspension will make your ride safe.
I've always worked on my cars but there are issues that don't transfer, and look-cool-mods affect performance, especially if the bike is not tight to begin with.
Click to expand...

+1

.
 
The one thing I didn't anticipate, and value truly, is Tupperware-sized containers. Heaps of them. I use nappy wipe tubs, about 20, for degreasing parts in groups or assemblies. Invaluable.


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For general maintenance, get yourself a metric socket set and some metric open/box end wrenches. Typical sizes range from 8mm to 17mm.
Another necessary tool for these old bikes is a manual impact driver.
Obliviously, you'll need some adjustable wrenches, assorted screwdrivers, and pliers. A hammer too.
Hope this kind of list is what you're looking for.
 
Most people tend to accumulate tools as they need them so just start off with your basic wrenches and ratchets but I wouldn't get the "kits" that you'd buy from Sears and Lowes make sure you buy full sets of sockets and wrenches. And you'll want 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" drive sockets when you get them.
 
This is actually a decent starter set

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-413-pc-mechanics-tool-set/p-00933413000P?prdNo=5&blockNo=5&blockType=G5
 
Metric box wrench set (make sure you get a 22mm wrench, too)
Metric socket set (3/8" is fine) with several extension lengths
Metric allen keys (especially 4mm, 5mm, and 6mm)
Screwdriver set
Crescent wrench
Impact driver
Bench grinder
Angle grinder
Multimeter
Hacksaw
Rubber mallet
Torque wrench (up to 40 ft/lb is fine)
Soldering iron
Blow torch
 
get a table lift
springtime is here,coming into yardsale time that and craigslist are great ways to pick some tools
 
I would add a dead blow hammer, a cordless drill, chop saw and a Dremel with tungsten bits, cut off wheels and grinding bits to Sonreir's list.
 
I will echo the one on the Multimeter.. Single most inexpsensive and most used tool you'll ever have.
 
;D a bottle opener / comfy chair / cup holder /radio :p haha and all thats been posted here already welcome in mate ;) lot of us start out with bits n pieces tend to build up ya tools and stuff over time and you'll be suprised how many makeshift tools ya make for yerself . i couldn't have got good results if i didn't have a polishing kit for my drill 8)
 
Good suggestions here. More than 3/4 of my tools are from yard sales and estate sales bought for next to nothing. A lot of them are quality brands. I tend to go after estate sales, in my area they are usually family selling off their fathers or grandfathers old tools, quite a few were just given to me because they were happy to see that they would get used and enjoyed.
 
As mentioned garage sales, estate sales, auctions for used "brand name" wrenches, sockets, ratchets, and extensions. Snap-On, Mac, Matco, Craftsman, and even S/K have LIFTIME warrenty. So if it is broken when you buy it, you can exchange it for a new one.
One thing I had to buy specifically for when I got into motorcycles that I didn't know you need was a 18mm deep-well socket for spark plugs. The standard automotive 5/8 and 13/16 spark plug sockets won't cut it.
+1 on the multi-meter... a 12v test light is handy... and a hand impact driver is invaluable!
 
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