Newbie--what tools will I need?
#32
03-16-2012, 10:03 AM
For everyone w/ no mechanical ability, and for all those who would rather be victims than help themselves, a credit card and a cell phone will do.
#33
03-16-2012, 11:50 AM
The service manual will list the tools you will need. Luckily I have a Sears, Lowes, Home Depot and several auto parts stores all within 3 miles on my house, so if I do not have a tool I can usually get what I need relatively quickly. But I normally try to read the procedure before starting to figure out if I have all of the necessary tools and which bolts,, screws and nuts I should buy because I will drop one and not be able to find it.
#34
05-18-2012, 03:46 PM
I've actually found I need BOTH metric and SAE tools for my 07'XL 1200L. Why, I have no idea but it seems half the bike is metric and half is standard. I've worked on the bike anywhere from replacing rocker box gaskets and covers to quick on the road tweaks. The MOST common tools I've used are:
Screwdriver that allows you to flip out between phillips and flat (now sense carrying 2 drivers when 1 double-sided bit will do)
5/16, 9/16 seem to be the most common sized bolts I need to work with so I keep a standard and a deep-set socket plus a compact ratchet on hand. Plus those sizes in wrenches as well.
I have a COMPLETE set of metric and SAE allen wrenches - you'll likely use these the most as they are needed for anything from handlebars, rocker boxes, signals, to pegs. A well-made kit is inexpensive and ABSOLUTELY worth getting the full kit for each.
I tend to stay away from adjustable wrenches or pliers because they do not grab well and you risk stripping bolts a lot faster that way.
The best advise I can give you - take your tool set outside, sit down with you bike, some tunes, and a cold beer and start sizing things up. You'll see real quick which sizes you'll need over and over again so you can ride with just a few pieces instead of half a saddle bag full not to mention you won't be back and forth as much in the garage looking for the pieces you need all the time.
Screwdriver that allows you to flip out between phillips and flat (now sense carrying 2 drivers when 1 double-sided bit will do)
5/16, 9/16 seem to be the most common sized bolts I need to work with so I keep a standard and a deep-set socket plus a compact ratchet on hand. Plus those sizes in wrenches as well.
I have a COMPLETE set of metric and SAE allen wrenches - you'll likely use these the most as they are needed for anything from handlebars, rocker boxes, signals, to pegs. A well-made kit is inexpensive and ABSOLUTELY worth getting the full kit for each.
I tend to stay away from adjustable wrenches or pliers because they do not grab well and you risk stripping bolts a lot faster that way.
The best advise I can give you - take your tool set outside, sit down with you bike, some tunes, and a cold beer and start sizing things up. You'll see real quick which sizes you'll need over and over again so you can ride with just a few pieces instead of half a saddle bag full not to mention you won't be back and forth as much in the garage looking for the pieces you need all the time.
#35
05-18-2012, 05:33 PM
I've actually found I need BOTH metric and SAE tools for my 07'XL 1200L. Why, I have no idea but it seems half the bike is metric and half is standard. I've worked on the bike anywhere from replacing rocker box gaskets and covers to quick on the road tweaks. The MOST common tools I've used are:
Screwdriver that allows you to flip out between phillips and flat (now sense carrying 2 drivers when 1 double-sided bit will do)
5/16, 9/16 seem to be the most common sized bolts I need to work with so I keep a standard and a deep-set socket plus a compact ratchet on hand. Plus those sizes in wrenches as well.
I have a COMPLETE set of metric and SAE allen wrenches - you'll likely use these the most as they are needed for anything from handlebars, rocker boxes, signals, to pegs. A well-made kit is inexpensive and ABSOLUTELY worth getting the full kit for each.
I tend to stay away from adjustable wrenches or pliers because they do not grab well and you risk stripping bolts a lot faster that way.
The best advise I can give you - take your tool set outside, sit down with you bike, some tunes, and a cold beer and start sizing things up. You'll see real quick which sizes you'll need over and over again so you can ride with just a few pieces instead of half a saddle bag full not to mention you won't be back and forth as much in the garage looking for the pieces you need all the time.
Screwdriver that allows you to flip out between phillips and flat (now sense carrying 2 drivers when 1 double-sided bit will do)
5/16, 9/16 seem to be the most common sized bolts I need to work with so I keep a standard and a deep-set socket plus a compact ratchet on hand. Plus those sizes in wrenches as well.
I have a COMPLETE set of metric and SAE allen wrenches - you'll likely use these the most as they are needed for anything from handlebars, rocker boxes, signals, to pegs. A well-made kit is inexpensive and ABSOLUTELY worth getting the full kit for each.
I tend to stay away from adjustable wrenches or pliers because they do not grab well and you risk stripping bolts a lot faster that way.
The best advise I can give you - take your tool set outside, sit down with you bike, some tunes, and a cold beer and start sizing things up. You'll see real quick which sizes you'll need over and over again so you can ride with just a few pieces instead of half a saddle bag full not to mention you won't be back and forth as much in the garage looking for the pieces you need all the time.
#36
05-18-2012, 05:56 PM
Don't forget a needle nose pliers. If you're going to travel with your tools carry an eyeglass repair kit. Also a 6" adjustable wrench and regular pliers. A tire repair kit and a small 12v air pump with alligator clips. A spark plug socket. Locking pliers. Spark plug gapper. A dental mirror. A socket to convert from 3/8 to 1/4 sockets. A pocket knife. Wire clippers and strippers. Sissors and forceps. Spare bulbs. Bailing wire. One of those headband lights. Hole punch. Box cutter and exacto. Twine.
#38
02-06-2013, 09:53 PM
Some of you guys carry so many fricken tools that you must not have room for anything else in your saddlebags. I must say that I have ridden 60,000 miles in the last 4 years and I have yet to stop and get out my Harley tool kit, even once! The time to prepare for when **** hits the fan is before **** hits the fan. Check for loose fasteners while you are still at home.
They seem to have left that vital little tidbit out of all the service manuals.
They seem to have left that vital little tidbit out of all the service manuals.
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