Building a Motorcycle Toolkit

Whether you’re looking at a quick repair, want to upgrade your bike, or simply wish to do a thorough check to ensure smooth running, certain basic tools in your motorcycle maintenance kit are going to be you and your bike’s best friends. Your very own motorcycle tool kit ensures that you don’t have to keep showing up at your mechanic’s door for every little thing. And let’s not forget about the maintenance bills you’ll drum up each time a professional tends to your bike! 

Though some jobs are better left to professionals, owning some basic motorcycle maintenance tools ensures that you can save money and time by accomplishing the basics yourself. Biggs Harley-Davidson® has rustled up a list of six tools every biker should own. For the more complex tasks, swing by our dealership located in San Marcos, California and check out the latest bikes in the market, then get your bike upgraded, serviced, and accessorized! We also serve San Diego, Oceanside, and Poway. 

Tire Pressure Gauge

The tire pressure gauge is a crucial addition to your motorcycle tool kit, considering how important tire pressure is on a motorcycle. It is always advised to check your tire pressure before heading out on the road. Be sure to get a good one and make it a point to use it during your motorcycle maintenance drill. 

Heavy Duty Nitrile Gloves

Keep a pair of nitrile or latex gloves handy when working on your bike. They prevent dirt, oil, grime, and chain lube from getting under your fingernails or staining your hands. Nitrile or latex gloves are disposable, thick enough for tough work, don’t tear easily, and don’t allow oil to seep in. This is the hand gear mechanics usually go in for to keep things less messy. 

Snap-On Torque Wrench

The fasteners in your bike should be torqued properly. When tightened to the proper torque, bolts will remain firmly in place. This is why you need a wrench, to help ensure that everything is tightened to the right pressure using a clicker or built-in digital torque meter. Using the Snap-On torque wrench means that checking if your torque wrench is properly calibrated is not necessary, as it will already ready for use.

Bike Stand

Most cruiser bikes lack center stands, so it might be a sensible idea to buy a basic work stand for maintenance. Stands are super helpful when it comes to supporting motorcycles when the wheels come off and during oil level checks, as well as when you’re testing chain tension or spoke tightness. 

Screwdrivers

Here’s a truly versatile tool which can be of great use, not just for your motorcycle but for numerous odd jobs around the house. It is advised that you don’t skimp on the quality of the screwdriver which you plan to add to your arsenal. Good screwdrivers are made of strong metal and can get leverage on stubborn screws without stripping the screws or getting damaged. This tool can be used for more than just driving screws: prying, scraping, and stabbing can be surprisingly effective when done with this handy tool.

Blowtorch

The blowtorch can work its magic with even the most stubborn and rusty bolts, which usually come free after 30 seconds under this miracle tool. Used to heat and unstick frozen threads, the blowtorch is also a tool that requires cautious use. Make sure to keep the flame away from brake and fuel lines and be careful about overheating any nearby seals.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned biker, we at Biggs Harley-Davidson promise the ultimate customer experience. Check out a wide range of motorcycles, schedule a servicing of your motorcycle, check out our parts replacement service, and get your bike fitted up! Come visit us in San Marcos, California, located just a short drive away from San Diego, Oceanside, and Poway.