How to Build a Motorcycle Maintenance Tool Kit for Under $500 | The Shop Manual

How to Build a Motorcycle Maintenance Tool Kit for Under $500 | The Shop Manual
For a detailed explanation of the recommended tools, click here: rvz.la/3irO0EO
If you’re going to maintain your own motorcycle, you’ll need some tools. In this episode of The Shop Manual, Ari outlines a compact and affordable tool kit that will equip you to tackle all of your bike’s basic maintenance.

[@RevZilla]

For a detailed explanation of the recommended tools, click here: rvz.la/38pulRh

[@richardarroyo5136]

havnt even seen the video saving for later when i have time ,but just by title alone it's worth a like and sub Any way can you make up a tool list for vehicles as well I need this in my life

[@joshuaholmes7929]

RevZilla Y’all need to check your channel I have notifications on and haven’t seen a single revzilla notification or video in my subscription box since the last “Revzilla works from home” video until I saw this one.

[@joemaffei3760]

joshua holmes press the bell next to subscribe and make sure you have All selected not personalized, same was true for me until I noticed the bell.

[@FrozenIn907]

@@richardarroyo5136 The same tool list in this video will work for your vehicle as well. Like it says in the video, you may need to switch SAE standard for Metric sizes depending on what you're working on, or get both, but all of the basic tools are there.

[@thatguy1306]

Feeler gauges

[@saltysealion]

Oh boy. I can really see where this series is going. I"M LOVING IT.

[@Leave_Nothing_Stock]

You mean to being an exact copy of mc garage complete with identical host? Me too! I'm actually also excited because hes a great host for this type of content

[@Random-ed2xf]

Badabababa

[@ImLeuff]

When will you make a video on how can I get ripped arms like that Ari?

[@FragEightyfive]

Pretty sure he is huge into fitness stuff like biking.

[@movingforward6099]

Every good actor always does some push ups and curls before the shoot. LOL Good one ! First laugh of the day! Thanks!

[@Racer57]

@@FragEightyfive Biking with his arms?

[@quinnkirlew9892]

Those veins tho

[@innopriest]

Lose some weight and do some deadlifts. It'll take time but even small arms can look good(ari isn't a big guy). You could also do some wrist curls but start REALLY light so you get the form down and don't hurt yourself.

[@matthewbrown7659]

Ari, you and Zack are 99% of the reason I subscribed to RevZilla on here. The motorcycling world is fortunate to have you guys!

[@ashishransingh9086]

That's it! Old ari is back on KZbin with his DIY stuff. 😍😍😍

[@SydneySlowRider]

God it’s brilliant having you here. Thanks for the upload, always love your stuff Ari

[@AriH211]

Happy to be back!

[@naustin09]

Teacher, Life Coach, role model? Love it Ari. Great vid! I spent over $300 this week at Revzilla instead of Twisted Throttle - and I love those guys too. Why? Zack and Ari.

[@stephenx2857]

only thing i'd mention. an impact driver is a good tool to have. Especially if you buy an older or used bike. As you're bound to encounter a stuck bolt or screw that needs the impact driver to shake it loose if you happen to get an older UJM (or maybe even just check on any japanese bike) be sure to get Jis screwdrivers. it makes a difference in how many screw heads you strip ---the linked article does mention this. so kuudos for looking out.

[@nadzrey]

Thank you God for blessing us with Ari Henning

[@redbarond1]

Ari is completely right that fixing stuff becomes a habit when you have the right tools. I am blessed in that I inherited a significant amount of high quality tools from family and friends, but all you need is a simple and cheap kit, and it will pay for itself in a year.

[@reaperzrides3094]

Ari unlocked. I'm kinda glad revzilla scooped him up

[@icecreamtruckog3667]

A service manual for your bike should be a must have.

[@joseluissoto6064]

Dude this was an awesome video, the dreadlocks wig was hilarious, and the Hagerty T-shirt is super cool. Gotta add too, doing your own maintenance not only teaches you a new skill, also fills your weekend mornings with plenty of fun.

[@AriH211]

Agreed on all fronts! Gotta give the nod to our director Spenser for ordering the wig (and making me wear it).

[@ACoustaDC]

Nice video. What makes it perfect is it is so simple, yet missed by so many other MC you tubers.

[@trwilliams22]

For first tool kit build out, buy Harbor freight. As you break things, replace with nicer tools. You will end up with nice tools for what you use all the time and cheap solutions for those that turns out you don’t use much.

[@AriH211]

That's great advice.

[@BadDriverrr]

I was waiting anxiously for a tool to pop up that I didn’t already own and pleasantly surprised not to see one Bear in mind that the collecting of tools has occurred over 20 years and was usually done by trips to Napa... on a bicycle 😅

[@albertoj.mollinedo4116]

Ari and Chad are simply the best. I used to do all my work on my old honda when i was a a teen. I want to be able to to that again

[@Kevin-px7so]

Ari is a modern day Jedi. Great stuff.

[@HamzaFaruqui]

you know you're good when you carry your show format from production to production

[@chris3407]

Great video! The tool selection seems very reasonable. I agree it doesn’t make sense to buy an existing tool kit with “900 pieces.” They are packed with unnecessary tools. I also like the balance of quality and budget friendly tools, such as investing in the Icon ratchet that will get used a lot. A new mechanic doesn’t need top of the line sockets so those cheaper Harbor Freight selections are just fine. Finally, thank you for not throwing the torque wrench!!

[@AriH211]

Glad you liked it. Agreed that low-end or mid-tier tools are fine for occasional use. That's what I bought when I first assembled my tool kit, and all those same tools are still going strong over a decade later!

[@beo2421]

All those pre-assembled kits that are "900 pieces" always end up being 60% bits.

[@wyattedgecomb6297]

So happy to see Ari working at RevZilla!!!

[@sv650nyc7]

After having rounded out a couple of bolts and screws I would highly recommend to skip Harbor Freight's Allen keys for a quality set made by Bondhus (iit's inexpensive as well). If you own a Japanese motorcycle use a JIS screwdriver instead of the Philips for cross-headed screws; it's a huge improvement in fit. I'd also add a T-handle shaped socket driver (much faster to use than a ratcheting socket wrench), zip-ties, and an extendable 1/2in socket wrench (eliminates the need for a breaker bar).

[@jamieshields9521]

Great vid👍I look at what size sockets, spanners to keep tools to minimal, LED light, oil filler bottle(plastic), 1 Phillip screwdriver, WD40, chain cleaner, air filter oil, grease, grease gun, bottle wash fluid n spray bottle, micro clothes, sandwich bags for parts. I all keep spare service parts like spark plug, oil filter, oil, chain, light globes n air filter. When you get old like me a service mat with padding is must.

[@keshmo12]

My dirt bike kit that I throw in my backpack is like 4 common wrenches, small set of pliers, screwdriver with different bits and 4-5 1/4 sockets. Also throw in a spark plug, spark plug wrench, and a multi tool. Most everything on Hondas is 8,10,12. Haven't had to use it yet but I imagine it should work. Keep a chain break and links in the truck (too big and heavy for the bag). The main problem is when you lose the bolts on the trail and can't find them!

[@Heisssam]

Great video. bought a new street triple rs and really wanna learn to maintain the bike.

[@shawntoronto7967]

So awesome to have Ari on this platform

[@tHaH4x0r]

Absolutely excellent list. Addition to the article, for anyone with a semi-modern Honda, get the Factory shop manual. It is extremely well illustrated with step by step guidance, exceeding the Haynes.

[@aspinaki]

I bet revzilla subscriber will be sky high soon. I was waiting exactly the same set up with ARI what we were used to with MC. Keep it up ARI. I love you.

[@Jmacfann]

Great video, One thing to note though is spend the money and get a set of JIS drivers. if you have ever looked at an older Japanese motorcycle and seen all the stripped "Philips head" screws its because they are actually JIS type screws and some one used a Philips head driver to try and remove/tighten them.

[@tommartz1909]

Love these shows and have started the whole series again from the first one

[@JPBARON25]

Great! For a new rider and someone who is finally getting a garage, this is perfect. Look forward to the next episode. Mahalo from Hawaii!

[@chriscs9080]

expensive as f*ck .. you can buy a good set with 150$ and spend 150-200$ for a good torque wrench !

[@wolfgangrembeck]

@@chriscs9080 you mean the tool kit in the video? If you know where to find most of the kit in this vidoe without the tourque wrench for 150$ please show us because i don't believe it

[@331moto]

Tire irons, pancake air compressor, balancing stand. The tire shop that i USED charged me $100 to mount both tires, $16 to balance them and charged $180 more for the tires than what revzilla sold them for.

[@Lennartnieuwland]

Ari with the zen and art of motorcycle maintenance.

[@jnault6441]

I love the message Ari is giving in this video.

[@blonditbg15]

I'd also recommend to get a rear stand, makes chain/sprocket so much easier

[@clarkwg247]

This Series might get me to finally get me to do Cosmos' maintenance myself.

[@nate9948]

About to get my first bike and plan on learning to do my own maintenance, thanks for making my hunt for tools super easy

[@THEGEEK2001]

Im 19 an a motorbike mechanic if you want to maintain your bike you need: set of allen keys (ped &motor) , deep & shallow sockets 6-19mm allen and hex, metric spanners and Ph2/JIS2 driver. Everything else will come with time :)

[@FragEightyfive]

I can tell you that after years and years of working on cars and bikes on the driveway, having even a platform lift is freakin awesome. The $200 on sale harbor freight one has served me well. Totally worth it.

[@AriH211]

Yup, having a lift was a game changer for me, but in no way necessary.

[@atcjoe1600]

Great info, you’ll never regret buying tools. They are helpful in so many ways.

[@andyk4676]

PLEASE KEEP THIS SERIES GOING

[@baljeetd]

Great start. Also need ... breaker bar, spark plug socket/s, thread locker fluid, various greases (anti-seize, general), various torches (inspection/general/work-floodlight), safety goggles, some scuffing & scraping tools, aaand... a technical rag :-p Then comes detailing stuff... inevitably you'll need to clean and protect your pride n joy/s. Same approach for a car or truck... but add hydraulic/static jack stands for example. But these days, it's safe to assume most people would also want portable drill and impact drivers.

[@dogsnmotorcycles]

Doing your own maintenance and knowing it's done right is the most satisfying thing you can do and is integral to the whole motorcycling experience.

[@ThaSideWeed]

Satisfying, depends, not entirely for me. Routine stuff is pretty boring and tedious. I would rather do without them but integral, definitely. I don't generally do tyre swaps, suspension rebuilds/maintenance since they're cheap as fuck in my corner of the world, 20$ per tyre swap, 50-60$ per front fork rebuild for standard and 110~$ for usd forks. Hell, even a valve check/adjustment is around 120$. With the combo of low prices and the fact that I've been through most maintenance tasks myself, I only do what's really quick like adjusting/cleaning/replacing chains/consumables, do something I want to personally adjust and test, or wire management because I hate chaotic looking looms, or I do what's needed if it's urgent and the mechanic has a spot for me in like 2 weeks. Have to give other stuff in life some attention too, no? :)

[@frecklemouth6791]

I am psyched to watch this series! This is the kind of content that I like most from Ari.

[@AriH211]

Well this is the kinda content I most enjoy making. Works out great.

[@6GoodBoy6]

Looking forward to save money on garage! Thanks RevZilla and Ari!

[@paraspacescalar]

So happy to see ari again!

[@angelocardoc]

+1 for bringing back the dreads.

[@broderp]

Good practical info, some humor and solid logical thinking for the DIY motorcycle owner.

[@BBao.Cao08]

It's good to see you back on new video, Ari

[@sreecharannv]

No dislikes and that’s how loved u guys are

[@Firestorm637]

Great video. Glade your on Revzilla with Zach!

[@jamesevans7537]

Glad to find you back on the interwebs! I watched all your MC garage videos including your goodbye announcement. I will be watching all these as well! I'll wait with anticipation for each video!

[@ourworld6848]

Ari man u always make my day. I love your videos.. i wanna do more for my bike now. I just dont have space enough to work on it

[@davidsgerson]

Im glad you guys are doing this. too many videos on chain cleaning and bleeding brakes and not enough on everything else. so, thank you.

[@AriH211]

We'll get to that, too. Lol.

[@davidsgerson]

Ari Henning hopefully AFTER brake changes, electrical, etc.

[@ralphvalkenhoff2887]

Your tool choice is good to get started. Great video. Thanks for sharing

[@iamneallyons4263]

This is brilliant and im looking forward to this little series.

[@destroyerxd4499]

It's time to open up the manual on how to get extremely JACKED!!! 💪💪💪

[@joseluissoto6064]

Quarantine and a few dumbbells will do that to ya

[@ericweber1969]

Jose Luis Soto exactly.

[@Cologne_Trooper]

ARI I MISSED YOU MAN!!! Hope these videos keep comin!

[@willhorsley2105]

Good vid, really great to have Ari back on KZbin 👍🇬🇧

[@ericweber1969]

Outstanding series, this is so exciting! Just replaced my brake fluid this weekend, using a plastic line, an old soda bottle, and an 8mm wrench. Easy-peasy! Looking for forward to more of these videos.

[@LockieNZ]

Yay! Ari's back on KZbin!

[@Dgall78]

Can’t wait to see how this progresses!

[@CrispyRRider]

This is such a good video idea, I see so many videos of people working on bikes and they always seem to have the right tool for every occasion. Instead of watching several videos and building a roster of tools, there’s finally a video that addresses what tools you should own all at once.

[@jasperdomacena6491]

gotta also have a feeler gauge.. Tappet Clearance Adjustments and for older bikes Contact Breaker Clearance

[@lidioleite1768]

Was missing you on KZbin bro👊 it's nice to see you back

[@rene5853]

I had dreadlocks when I have gotten serious into building motorcycles. this episode is giving me goosebumps lol! Good stuff Ari

[@russndc8461]

Zack and ari are amazing at what they do !!

[@VirberelloScooterTips]

Fantastic video! Your seamless blend of informative content and captivating visuals is truly commendable. Engaging from start to finish. Excited for more from your channel - keep up the great work

[@shishkatian]

Love you Ari... Watching your videos on MC Garage, now I'm doing my basic maintenance easly... Always thankful...

[@AriH211]

That's the highest compliment someone could pay. Thanks.

[@SmallSpoonBrigade]

This is good, you can get ratcheting combination wrenches for not that much money if you don't mind used. I got a set of lightly used Kobalt ones for not that much money. By the time they break, assuming that I can't get them warranty replaced, I'll have saved enough money to buy something really nice. Also, it's really good to have an appropriate tool for removing those plastic bolts when working on bikes with fairings.

[@DarnosChannels]

Thanks for the very useful information

[@narutointel]

👍can't wait for more. I want to get into motorcycle and this is going to help a lot.

[@Atilla8huno]

Exactly what I was looking for. Cheers!

[@mastergogoy6166]

I learned a ton on your maintenance videos on the mc garage. Im stoked to see that the inflow of knowledge to my lil brain would continue! Looking forward to more videos on this sort of stuff.

[@russndc8461]

Always wanted this !! U guys are awesome 👍👍

[@Seveneleven44]

Knipex makes a set of soft jaw cobra style pliers. It is a must have item for the home gamer. They are great for grabbing anything you don’t want to damage.

[@dirkstuff5820]

Ari’s on Revzilla now?? WOO!

[@RemyRodrigues]

Thanks for the video. I'm no mechanic but started to look at my manual and KZbin to do some maintenance work that already saved me hundreds of dollars in labor. Appreciate the list of tools video you put out and will look out for more of your videos.

[@williamrobinson4265]

thank you so so..sooo much for just listing things out efficiently real thing of beauty lads

[@Robnoxious77]

a decent chain breaker/riveter too

[@tscomponents33]

Glad I found you Ari. I wasn't subscribed to RevZilla, but now that you've joined them, I'll definitely subscribe. This kind of episodes are my favourite and I missed them since you left MC garage. Keep them coming!

[@AriH211]

Excellent, thanks for the support.

[@marcodimaio3087]

Revzilla I wanted you to know that I subscribe just because of Aris video, top man

[@bensimpson9175]

Harbor Freight ftw. Thank you, Ari. We can't all be Team Snap-On.

[@michaelbrinks8089]

Don't forget JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard) Phillips screw drivers for Japanese motorcycles. Using a standard Phillips screwdriver on Japanese Phillips screws loves to strip the heads.

[@paulotex19]

I also do maintenance on my bike on the street, and I live in an apartment on the second floor. I can assure it is doable. But I suggest you start small. For example: get the tools for the oil change. Then get the tools for brake fluid change and bleeding. Then the tools for a wheel change and brake caliper change. Little by little you get a very nice tool set, with just the ones you need. BTW, I think the list of tools here are legit.

[@AriH211]

Great advice. Thanks! 👍

[@MonkeyMagic4649]

I am so happy to see Zach and Ari on youtube again. Great pick up Revzilla.

[@Kyle-ue5uj]

I use the Harley SAE version of this kit to do basic maintenance on my sporty and also the oil changes on the family cars and basic house stuff!!

[@zacksmith479]

I am so stoked to find ahri doing videos again. I haven't seen him since MC garage!

[@Pmason718]

I may be late to the party but when did Ari come on board with RevZilla? Anyway Kudos to RevZilla for the new hire smart choice and congrats to Ari, welcome aboard the MC community can benefit from your continuing knowledge, THX ✌🏽

[@breakwood8531]

The one tool is necessary to have is the bike master pneumatic brake fluid change. And husky t-handle torque drive metric.

[@AriH211]

A pneumatic bleeder is definitely a convenience (and required a source of compressed air). I still do it the old-fashioned way, by pumping the lever.

[@breakwood8531]

Ya for sure, thanks for the correction. Idk why but every time i bleed the brakes makes me nervous, just like coolant, these air bubbles got me worried lol. Thanks man.

[@rudolphwinston2440]

Love your stuff, Ari! Didn't read through all the comments, but one thing I'd add is an impact driver -- the hand tool for loosening screws, not the air/electric type driver (although I suppose they'd be a nice addition for some work, too!). Great video; keep it up, Brother!

[@BaldKiwi117]

I would recommend getting JIS screw drivers instead of a regular phillips head because it will prevent you from stripping screws

[@steve-wu7jp]

I’d also get vacuum gauge for the throttle body sync which is a regular check on a lot of Japanese bikes

[@daveco1270]

The only thing I didn't see, and maybe I missed it, was a set of feeler gauge for adjusting valves...and a caliper, which I use to measure float heights (for those of us with carbs.) I've probably spent almost as much on tools as I spent to buy my bike (an old Honda CB750) but now I have everything I need and it's really satisfying to do the maintenance and upgrades myself. (There's so many great instructional videos on line, you can learn to do anything these days.)

[@AriH211]

I mentioned feeler gauges, or more appropriately, mentioned omitting them from this kit. On modern bikes, valves are only due every 10,000-20,000 miles and are often shim-type, so a slightly more advanced procedure than on your CB.

[@dannybeard2861]

I like the idea that you are going to actually use the tools recommended. Looking forward to the coming videos!

[@AriH211]

Yup! Gotta make sure it's up to the tasks ;)

[@CCitis]

I try everything... usually goes fine, if it doesn't only then do I haul it to the shop lol. So many resources to help do all sorts of jobs on your bike.

[@chrisrocker4742]

Thank you Ari great video.

[@damundaka13]

dude I had the same dreadlocks style when I was 17 nice dude

[@timbarnett3898]

This is great! Hope to add if I may: find adjustable tool for chain or belt (belt deflection pin for my Harley- very small light an needed for belt life), shock adjuster tool, air pressure gauge also small an needed!

[@Cruz474]

Working on my bike educated me immensely on all things mechanical. I started working on my car too. Pretty proud of myself in a family that takes their fancy cars to the dealership for everything. I am now the mechanic of the family lol. Like most people, I started doing it myself because of the cost savings, plus I only trust myself to do it right lol.