Here's to wishing I lived near Nitrus..sorry I couldn't be of more help:eh:
See blue annotations above - thanks a ton for your input! I appreciate it greatly!!!Unless your working on a Harley, your probably not going to need any SAE size tools. Every bike built outside the US will be metric only.
My thought was that we should probably have SAE given that we'll be working on bikes that have been destroyed and probably messed with previously...so who knows what size bolts will be in there since some dingleberry messed with it :O
Your going to need some select large sockets in 1/2" drive size, 27mm and 32mm plus a 1/2" breaker bar to go along with them. For axels and countershaft sprocket nuts and clutch basket nuts.
We've got a breaker bar, but I figured I'd hold off on the bigger sockets until we actually need them and then maybe I'll just bring in mine. I don't want to go overboard before I know how successful the club will be long-term.
An impact driver is invaluable when disassembling old bikes. Most are 1/2" drive so a 1/2" to 3/8" drive adapter will be needed. Also, a 3/8" socket set of allen bits is very handy to have.
4 Pc High Visibility Socket Adapter Set
9 Piece 3/8" and 1/2" Drive Metric Hex Bit Socket Set
Impact Screwdriver Set with Case
Same as above for impact gun - I've got one that we can use when we need it and I don't want to go overboard right away.
Suspension tools will be mostly standard sockets and wrenches. HOWEVER, all suspension systems require at least some specialized tools. Forks and shocks all require special tools to work on. And a lot are very specific to a particular suspension manufacturer and model of suspension. For at least the first couple bikes, I'd work with a local shop to see if they will loan you the tools as you need them. Shocks are probably not going to be something you will be able to service without help from a shop. They require some fairly expensive tools to recharge the gas in them. Also, not all shocks are serviceable. Many inexpensive motorcycles and scooters come with shocks that are welded closed and are just thrown out at end of life.
My assumptions exactly for most of this - we'll deal with suspension issues as we get to them and probably through as shop (I've already talked to one locally that is interested in helping when/how they can and I'll be talking to two more today)
I would also include a 1/4" drive metric socket set and a T handle or T spinner. They make things go much quicker. Also, when using 1/4" drive tools it much less likely someone will over torque a fastener and strip it.
T-Handle 1/4 Drive, 8.5" Long | Motion Pro
Spinner T-Handle, 1/4" Drive | Motion Pro
I've never used T-handles or spinners at all. Interesting thought - I can see how they could make life a lot easier, quicker, and safer for some things.
If you where closer, I'd give you some of my duplicate/spare tools. I've got lots of sockets and wrenches that you could have.
Could you give me some more detail on "Fork service tools" since I've never done any fork servicing before?- Fork service tools
- Swingarm castle nut socket
Yes, thanks - I wrote gun, but have both - no worries (only I've got a pneumatic one, not like the one you linked)Impact DRIVER not impact GUN. See the links I put in my response, big difference.
Thanks so much for the info - I knew you'd end up having a list when you chimed in :sigh:1/4" drive torque wrench for all the low torque items like cam caps, spark plugs, engine cover bolts etc... of course a decent set of 1/4" sockets etc
I use 1/4" stuff far more than all my 3/8" and 1/2" drive combined
On damper rod forks- there is little in the way of "needed" tools besides basics and seal drivers (which you can make easily). On Cartridge forks you need a spring compressor for sure at a minimum (on top of the seal drivers)
Racetech sells a nice cartridge spring compressor (~120$) tool way easy to use- much better than the hand held unit (~40$) that requires 3 hands
Fork oil level measuring tool- (~20$) for the cheapo or (~130$) for a power unit
Spanner wrenches, the correct socket for steering head bearings so you can torque them properly, there are dozens to fit the gammit of jap bikes
wobble head allens 3mm upto 8 or even 10mm (although I rarely use anything but the 3,4,5mm sizes in the wobbleheads)
High quality screwdrivers in tons of sizes because you need them fit properly and have sharp crisp edges for a good grip
Vise with soft jaws, chain tools, various hammers and puches and chisels
micrometers, dial gauges, dial calipers
The list is virtually endless depending on how far you want to crawl down the rabbit hole of repairs.
Yes, thank you so much for mentioning that! We have a bunch of that type of stuff already that I make kids use for pretty much every little thing in my classes, but it never hurts to have a little larger stock :bigthumb:Oh, I guess I should mention it (I assumed it since your working in a school).
SAFETY GEAR!
Gloves, aprons, eye protection and hearing protection.
It may seem trivial when working on motorcycles but it can't be over emphasized. Eyes, ears and fingers are irreplaceable.
Looks like riverszzr covered it in one of his posts above. Also, some forks will require a fork cap socket or wrench (e.g. here is what mine need: Showa BPF Fork Cap Socket | Motion Pro)Could you give me some more detail on "Fork service tools" since I've never done any fork servicing before?
Fluids is definitely something I'll need to be asking for - not sure how that will end up working out, but I'm hoping I'll be able to form some long-term partnerships and will be able to continue to get fluids over the long-term.I've never torn a bike down completely but the list looks pretty complete.
A couple of thoughts:
Fluids - The right motor oils, antifreeze, bearing grease, maybe some never-seize, loctitie, dielectric, etc.
Electrical: Multimeter, some crimping tools and terminals, maybe some electrical tape and zip ties.
Air guns, 3/8 drive and 1/2 inch drive.... while I don't use them much- they do get used and when you need it you need itSo, as of right now, this is my list of needed tools with an additional small list of things I'd like, but aren't necessarily needed:
- Safety glasses
- Work gloves
- 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 drive socket set – metric and USwith numerous extensions, some wobble extension....deep and shallow sockets too
- Spark plug sockets really only need 18mm and 5/8" for 99% of the bikes
- Box end wrenches – metric and US 6 and 12 point
- Screw driver sets – flat and Phillips (lots of variety in size) high quality, good handles, #0,#1,#2,#3 in phillips
- Allen wrench sets – metric and US t-handle, regular L shaped (you'll inevitably cut some of these to be real short, some shorty on a socket and some long on a socket
- Wobble head allens - 3mm-8mm 3,4,5 I would have in 1/4 drive and 3/8 drive
- Pliers and vice grips side cutters, needle nose, duck bills, angled needle nose etc....
- Torque wrenches – 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 drive
- Wire strippers
- Spanner wrenches adjustable one would be fantastic and eliminate the need to have tons of them, but there are 6 main sizes
- Micrometers/calipers
- Various hammers rubber, dead blow, brass, ball peen
- Punches and cold chisels and pry bars, even a 24" pry bar will come in handy more often that it should
- Engine compression tester (for small engines like motorcycles)
- Carb sync tool--home made ones work every bit as good and often better than the $100 bought units.... I would go that route
- Valve feeler gauges
- Cartridge spring compressor (racetech or similar preferably)
- Fork oil level measuring tool
- Front and rear motorcycle stands
- Tool chest for all this stuff
Anybody who hasn't chimed in yet (or those who have) see anything glaring that's missing?
Thanks again so much for the input! I maybe should have been a bit more clear about one aspect of my list - there are some items that I intentionally left off because we already have them, but I may need to edit that a bit to make it clear (just note the things we already have).Air guns, 3/8 drive and 1/2 inch drive.... while I don't use them much- they do get used and when you need it you need it
likewise have impact sockets in 10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 17mm, 19mm and impact adaptors to go from 1/2 gun to the 3/8 sockets
Chain tool?
grinder for cutting of the old chain?
tape measure
You will end up grinding and bending some tools to make the tool you actually need, so doubling up on just about every tool is pretty much a must
That may get you started.