What tools do I need to service my motorcycle?

[@timsatchell6713]

Excellent video Ian. I've been a mechanic since the mid 70s. Aircraft support equipment and large Boeings. Can't add anything to that. Around aircraft you never stop checking everything is accounted for. If something goes missing, everyone looks until it's found. Lost stuff is called FOD (Foreign Object Damage) can bring down £150 million aircraft not to mention the lives. One tip for cutting cable ties, I keep a side cutter style nail clipper in my toolbox. It cuts the tails off flush with out leaving sharp bits to slash you skin.

[@joebloggs1583]

As an engineer for 30 years all the gear and no idea is a bigger problem than lack of tools especially with our American KZbinrs .😂👍

[@alvindavenport5657]

I’ve had good luck removing oil filters using a strap wrench. It doesn’t damage the filter, and can be used to install a new filter without over tightening. It’s also handy for removing old handlebar grips. If you’re working on a Japanese bike, you’ll need JIS screw drivers. If you have a BMW, you’ll need torx tools. Can’t take much off a BMW without them. You didn’t mention hammers. I find a nice soft blow hammer is vital. As a mechanic told my dad years ago, “don’t force it, just use a bigger hammer”. Of course, the most important tool is patience. Without it you’ll never succeed at wrenching. Thanks for the tips.

[@Trev350]

Nice work Ian. A very crisp and easy to understand presentation.

[@richardyardley5127]

Great video Ian. I've had my Halfords main socket set for over 35 years but have added to it over the years. Great advice regarding ratchets and types of socket to use, hex etc. Another couple of vital tools are fluids, such as E45 spray for pre treating potentially seized bolts and copper grease to help prevent bolts seizing.

[@BillCook62]

Highly informative for the budding mechanic. Plus I find copper grease is a godsend to stop bolts seizing up.

[@theodavies8754]

My Harley is 25 years old. Don't know if they are metric yet but it's clear to see someone with metric hex set didn't know why Harley can't make hex head bolts to fit metric. 100% agree about a sump plug with an O ring. Threads were gone with plumbers tape on my Harley sump. Don't use silicone O rings just because they are cheap, Viton or OEM,if it leaks stripping the threads doesn't fix it.

[@iantoy7778]

Think the latter ones are metric

[@theodavies8754]

@@iantoy7778 it made it easier for them to get the parts made in China. Some OEM parts are made where the imperial was lost in translation. 0.0025" isn't 0.75mm ect. The factory workshop manual for my 1999 FXDL has metric and imperial torque that I always cross reference, exhaust stud tightening sequence in imperial would have me strip the threads. Sump plug is only 16ft lbs with an O ring but ebay sell packs of 10 silicone at an irresistible cheap as chips for tight wad Harley owners. Never spend the whole budget on buying a used bike, usually gets sold on when issues make it easier to trade in and a warranty is not a guarantee. Great there are good people like yourself sharing the wealth of knowledge. Started with an fs1 and a plug spanner.

[@triumphrider572]

You missed out a 10mm socket dispenser and a Whitworth shifter in case they ran out of metric bolts! Only kidding. Great channel mate. All the best from Durham.

[@rupertbollywood1190]

Nice video, and I enjoyed it. I like Britool and Halfords Advanced - not just because of the lovely polish on these brands but because they're really good. However, I only have a couple of Britool and Halfords Advanced tools lol. I went the cheapo route, destroyed a few nuts with B&Q 12-sided sockets, etc. and ended up slowly improving my tool set by buying better sockets, apiece. I don't think ordinary people should be encouraged to work on bikes though. I think it should all be left to professionals.

[@felixVanDiemen]

Thank you Ian! Very helpful information indeed, and beautifully explained, cheers mate 😊

[@iantoy7778]

My pleasure!

[@DonHenderson]

Common sense very well put. As valuable today as it was to me 40 odd years ago, Didn't know the spindles were 16mm flats (no punctures) but will add one to my emergency toolkit that I carry. incase I need to change a tube, but will always try the tyre weld? repair first. (edited to add) Not an A/F spanner in sight (bane of my life with old triumphs and landrovers lol)😁

[@duncanmclean6416]

Almost at my level lol. Good video

[@iantoy7778]

Never too late to learn mate lol

[@mattyb7736]

One very critical tool for a Himalayan, red locktite 😂 nothing has come loose on mine now.

[@Gerodunord]

Always good advice 👍

[@iantoy7778]

Thanks 👍

[@andyhowe6140]

Hi Ian I’m not a professional mechanic by any stretch but had always enjoyed maintaining my bikes and have found the Haynes manual a must I wasn’t aware they had stop printing them that’s a great shame I find working with on line manuals a real pain thanks for another great video 👏

[@iantoy7778]

Absolutely

[@trevorloveday114]

Haynes manuals are still available in printed or online form.

[@gudgengrebe]

Thanks so much for this. I was worried about getting the right tools.

[@iantoy7778]

Glad I could help

[@garethedwards3725]

Every time I have refunded to the net for manual information, they always want payment, so it's correct to buy the manual.

[@iantoy7778]

Good point!

[@Stefan_trekkie]

To add a bit of rant about the service manuals. With the new models, there are not service manuals available at all.. Not paper, nor online. Only very short owners manuals. It's like they keep them in secret only for the dealers.

[@iantoy7778]

I have one for Himalayan and interceptor but they are not the latest bike I know.

[@Stefan_trekkie]

@@iantoy7778 I am scraping everywhere for the Hunter.. Nothing. There is only for the J series Classic 350. It's ok for the engine but not much else.