I would like to be a lot more self-sufficient this season, with the ability to change my tires, change fluids, remove body panels, and overall maintenance. I'd appreciate any advice on the top tools I should have in my toolbox. Assume I have none at this point (which would be true!). Thanks in advance.
A large craftsmans mechanics tool set should get most of what you need. http://www.craftsman.com/hand-tools-sets-mechanics-tool-sets/b-1305580 The 309 is what I have and has been great for me. Obviously there will be some specialty tools you'll need that you'll learn of along the way but something like this is a great start.
Something similar to this is a good starting point for basic tools: You can NEVER go wrong w/ a good set of screwdrivers, sockets, box end wrenches and pliers. I have one of those tool kits and it was all i needed to drop the engine out of the frame. Add to that list 1. Safety wire pliers: 2. Whatever socket you need to remove your rear axle. 3. Allen sockets 3-6mm make life easy for loosening pinch bolts and other items. 4. Zip Ties 5. Some will say torque wrench. 6. Loc-Tite Blue 7. Anti-sieze paste 8. T-Handle allen wrenches in metric and standard last two always seem to come in handy and can live in your toolbox By "changing tires" do you mean removing wheels and having tires mounted or do you intend to have tools to mount your own tires? There is a big difference and one is a huge PITA w/out a tire machine. For simple removal, you will be fine w/ basic hand tools. ***EDIT**** I just saw you have a Buell. Make sure you have both metric and SAE wrenches and allens.
Thanks, this is really helpful. I only want to remove the wheels so the tire experts at the track can fit new tires if needed.
I have a special socket for my front axle too. Not sure if you will need it with your bikes tho. HEX AXLE TOOL
Hex Axel Tool. http://stores.sportbiketrackgear.com/Detail.bok?no=6441 Very handy and works on multiple bikes.
when it comes to fast brake fluid change, read about "speed bleeders", they're cheap and it's a good stuff
motion pro stuff is pretty good axle tool is a must. good quality allens and torx for the buell. digital tire pressure gauge
Here is whats in my toolbox. I can completely strip the bike down, including pulling the motor out. Philips screwdriver flat head screwdriver sockets: 8, 10, 12, 14, 17, 22, 32, 36mm, HEX axle tool, and castle nut 1/4", 3/8", 1/2" ratchets 3", 6" extensions 8, 10, 12, 14, 17mm combination wrench standard L shaped metric allens Pliers, vice grips, needle nose, crescent wrench, safety wire pliers, side cutter chain tool air guage
Pretty much what everyone has said - you don't need much. A nice battery powered drill with 1/4" & 3/8" attachments make some jobs go much quicker. But I change my tires the old fashion way: two 12" tire spoons, Moose tire changing stand (or similar competitor), a bead breaker and tire balancer, and some One Point Seven Tire lubricant (this stuff works great - never use soap and water). There are a few tricks to getting them on but after the first couple times it becomes a lot easier. A No-Mar tire changer is also a great investment and much easier to use but I don't change my tires that frequently to justify the cost of one, nor is it nearly as portable.
No Damned way I could list what is in my Box.... However the most used things are my Nut and Bolt boxes... Every weekend people are snooping through them looking for this and that... They have served many people well... Also My Rivet Gun....
I need to check.... I might have some Hydro Turf left from the Jetski's if anything.. very thin....... If I were you Tony do a search for Minicelli Foam.... Its the Kayak Knee stuff they use.... NOC will ship it to you cheap.. I used that cut it sanded the edges and contacted it to the tails on a few bikes... It lasted forever..:thumb:
I will add only a few comments. I have a standard craftsman kit (similar to above) and it really is nice to have everything in a nice molded case. However Craftsman now has cheap china, decent china, and better USA grade products. Mine is the USA 6 POINT ONLY grade kit. It costs a little more, but I notice a big difference. And again only get 6 point sockets. My overall tool set is basically similar to post 10, except I have both torx and hex bits in a socket set (instead of L shape) finally as noted in post 11 8 years ago I bought a NO Mar Classic. One of the best payback on investments I have ever made. I can flip tires any time, mount tires purchased on sale and delivered late evening at midnight if I want. I love the convenience. I usually only ride on Sundays. So I can flip before I go to the track I do understand for those riders doing multiple days the No Mar is less portable. For this year my goal is a good quality but small air pump. I bought a nice small unit last year from Northern Tools. Lasted two weekends. I am talking small, maybe 6" round and 14" long, it was the perfect size for just topping off a tire (not setting a bead). But it did not last at all. So looking again. Adventure riders highly recommend this little device so I think I will try it MotoPumps Mini Pro Deluxe
to big, and yes I have one for my home, and a large belt driven, fairly nice air compressor. When I am at track days, I do not need to set a bead, just air up or down a little. I wanted something very small but good quality. The northern tool item got decent reviews, and for once or twice a month usage I really thought I had found "it", The MotoPumps Mini Pro Deluxe is expensive, but gets fantastic reviews, and one user said they actually set a bead with it. Did not want to spend that much, but I want small, so looks like it will have to do. Aerostitch has a couple options, but none of the other units seem to get the universal approval that MotoPumps does.