Essential Tools & Supplies for Beginner Powersports Mechanics
Beginner mechanic's tools don't have to set you back thousands of dollars, especially if you start with the basics. Having basic tools for do-it-yourself motorcycle and ATV repairs save you time and money on regular maintenance and costly visits to the shop.
Even the best shop or dealership around won't care about your bike as much as you do, which is why you should invest in the right tools for at-home motorcycle or ATV maintenance. To get the wheels rolling for you, we've compiled a list of important basic tools and supplies to help you become a DIY mechanic in no time!
Torque Wrench
If you're planning on doing your own repairs at home, you'll likely come across specific torque settings for each bolt on your machine. When it comes to ease of use and adaptability to almost any part, we highly recommend picking up a torque wrench for all of your machine's repair and maintenance needs.
Drive Chain Tool
The chain and sprocket are important parts of your machine's driveline. As your owner's manual might point out, a responsible rider replaces the chain and sprocket multiple times over the course of the vehicle's lifetime. Over time, you might learn that removing the chain entirely for regular cleanings is effective for riding in the dirt. For the sake of time and your sanity, a simple chain breaker tool can make this a routine service task that doesn't need to test your skills, or your patience.
Oil Filter Wrench
The oil change might be the simplest and most common maintenance project you'll come across, but it still leaves room for error. By using the proper oil filter wrench on your machine, you can ensure that you don't strip or break the involved parts. Simply put, an oil filter wrench is a tool you can't afford not to have.
Chain Cleaner and Lubricant
After spending all that time cleaning your prized machine and doing some maintenance to get it running perfectly, go the extra mile! Cleaning and lubricating the chain on a regular basis adds years to your drivetrain. A chain care kit is essential to your basic motorcycle and ATV maintenance routine.
Wrenches
When it comes to working on a motorcycle or ATV, you can never have too many wrenches! Having doubles of some sizes allows you to get your repairs done faster and work with two hands at a time. To outfit your workspace with the most useful tools for motorcycle or ATV repairs, we recommend these three styles of wrenches:
3 Basic Wrench Types for Beginner Mechanics
- Standard open-ended wrench
- Socket wrench
- Hex wrench
From common engine parts to body panel and electrical system repairs, the use of these different wrenches are standard fare for motorcycles, ATVs and UTVs alike.
Oil Drain Pan
Changing the oil on your motorcycle or ATV is a great initiation into basic repair projects. To get started on the right note, adding an oil drain pan to your basic tools list helps you drain and later store your oil for recycling.
Inflator
Having enough air in your tires is just as important to your motorcycle or ATV as it is to your car or bicycle. The air in the tires is something you should check before every single ride. It's not always easy to run down to the local gas station for a quick fill-up, so having a small air compressor or tire inflator makes your basic maintenance tools list that much more effective.
Bike Stand
Working on your machine often requires the front or back wheel to be completely off the ground. Most motorcycles are too heavy to work on without keeping them completely stable, so we highly recommend a bike stand for all basic repairs and maintenance. A basic bike stand also saves you a lot of time and frustration when performing a maintenance or repair task.
These must-have tools and supplies for beginner motorcycle maintenance help make it easy for you to complete repair projects in your very own garage. You don't have to be the most mechanically adept person to use these tools. And you'll certainly learn more about your machine by doing the work yourself.
