Ok so i have a possible "not easy" question to answer.... I recently moved out and live in my own apartment and no longer have access to my dads tools. I was wondering what are the common wrench sizes i will need to work on my bike. Such as changing the oil, checking valves, adjusting the chain, taking off the tank and air cleaner etc.....  I go home on some weekends and can take tools i need with me since he has spares i would just like to know what i need. I dont want to buy a full set as a) nice tools are expensive and b) i dont have the room.

Yes I know im being lazy and could go take measurements but im at work and its a Friday...........

Not all necessary all the time but it would be nice to have:

8, 10, 12, 14, 17, 19 mm combination box/open end wrenches and a 22 mm open end for the rear axle nut.  I like a deep 17 mm socket for the oil drain plug but a regular socket and short extension will do.

7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 17 mm 3/8" drive sockets; 3 and 6" extensions; and a ratchet.

Metric allen wrenches, phillips and regular screw drivers, cross cut and regular pliers, and some snap ring pliers for the front sprocket.

I only use a torque wrench for engine work.  I have a small tackle box to carry that all to the garage across the street, keep it in my bedroom closet, takes little space.

I'd answer but I am appalled at your laziness so i'll be lazy and try to mind meld the sizes to you

go to harbor freight and buy a cheap azz metric tool set for 20 bucks

I always wondered why they used (only 3)    7mm bolts on the dang bike 

Should have been 8 mm on the signal generator cover like they used on the front sprocket cover on the other side of the engine.   

Thanks Jack!

On come on werase, at least i owned up to being lazy 

I went with a set of metric combination wrenches and eventually a set of metric half inch drive deep well sockets and a half inch drive torque wrench.  I needed that for my lug nuts on my car too though.  If you don't get the deep well sockets you can usually get regular ones in a better variety for about the same price.  Most of my tools are from walmart.

I've been eyeballing these.  It'd be decent for GP, with a 6" extension. 
http://www.gearwrench.com/catalog/wrenches/ratcheting/quadbox/setdetails.jsp?part=85210

Ohhhhhh.......tool porn 

Congrats on stepping out into the world, good luck!  Places like Lowes and Home Depot have "decent" metric starter kits in small carry cases.  Not too much coin needed either.  Then you add other stuff as you need.  When you get to the "Phillips" screw drivers, you don't want them.  Go online and find a deal on JIS (Japaneese Industrial Standrd) screw drivers, these fit our screws without making a mess of the heads.  Here is one set from Stanley's site:

http://www.stanleysupplyservices.com/product-group.aspx?id=7899

prs

Yeh, Pigeon is spot on about the JIS screwdrivers. Not always easy to source so snap 'em up when you see 'em. The JIS pattern really eliminates those screw ruining moments in life!

If you're just borrowing them, picking and choosing took sizes works out ok, but if you're ever gonna get to buying them don't buy a few at a time. You can buy an entire set for what it costs to buy 2-3 individual wrenches. If you're just getting started I fully recommend the harbor freight recommendation. I just had to pick up some new tools since my new bike has some sae bolts on it, and I've only ever owned metric. I picked up a 9 or 10 piece set of sockets for $4, and some other stuff for good deals. There are some things that are much better to buy at nicer quality, but if you just need an assortment of wrenches and sockets to get started you could go there when they're having a sale, which is all the time, and head home with a ton of stuff for not too much money.

don't forget to get some vice grips, the most crucial of all tools. especially if you plan on rejetting.

Quote from: jrains89 on July 10, 2010, 10:33:38 AM
don't forget to get some vice grips, the most crucial of all tools. especially if you plan on rejetting.

And a hammer to bang on those visegrips........

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