Build Your Harley-Davidson® Motorcycle Maintenance Toolkit

You likely spent a pretty penny on your beloved Harley-Davidson bike when you purchased it. That’s because you wanted a machine at the peak of its abilities with all the performance and power you need to get to wherever you wish to go. But even the most well-manufactured bike is going to require regular maintenance to keep it functional. After all, a neglected bike is one that’s much more likely to break down in the middle of a ride, and the results could be anything from mildly frustrating to lethally dangerous, depending on how severe the breakdown is!

Fortunately, there are several motorcycle maintenance tasks that are reasonably simple to perform at home. This spares you a trip to the mechanic every time something seems amiss and gives you the satisfaction of knowing you can repair your own bike. But you can’t do anything without the right tools.

If you haven’t got a motorcycle maintenance toolkit, this guide by your friends here at Barnes Harley-Davidson Langley should help you out significantly. Not only do we carry a great selection of Harley bikes for sale, but we also have an experienced service team who will be happy to help you address any major concerns you might have.

What’s Your Skill Level?

If you aren’t confident in your repair abilities, it’s wise to spend some time brushing up on general maintenance tasks. You can watch videos online, read books or ask experienced friends about what they do to keep their bikes in good shape and whether they can show you how to do it. Don’t purchase any complicated tools that you don’t know how to use! It’ll just be a waste of space and money.

Which Tools To Choose?

The following list of tools for motorcycle maintenance is by no means exhaustive. You should use it as a jumping-off point for building your kit. You can always add to it as necessary if you discover other items that can help you repair your ride efficiently. Ask your fellow bikers for their advice, too.

Flat-Head Screwdriver

This handy tool should be thin and narrow to help you maneuver in tight spots. A magnetized screwdriver can hold onto loosened screws and prevent them from dropping and getting lost. You may wish to have a few sizes of screwdriver for different sizes of screws.

Pliers

You’ll inevitably need to grip something tightly to pull it out, straighten it or twist it. Pliers enhance your grip, particularly when trying to work with wires or other small components. They’re also great for days when your hands may be cold or wet from the weather and unable to keep hold of components.

Foldable Allen Wrench

Allen wrenches are ideal for loosening and tightening a variety of fasteners on your bike. Make sure you get one that matches up with your bike’s parts. Foldable versions are compact and ideal for bike travel.

Flashlight

Having a small light will help you see into nooks and crannies, and it’ll be even more useful if you’re trying to do repairs in dim or dark conditions.

Air Compressor & Tire Pressure Gauge

Low tire pressure is a common issue with any type of vehicle, and motorcycles are no exception. Keep a tire pressure gauge in your toolkit and make a habit of regularly checking the pressure on both tires. You can then use an air compressor to air your wheels up to the manufacturer’s suggested psi levels.

While air compressors are a bit pricey, they can also be used for other tires and around the house for inflating pool toys or air mattresses, so you should consider investing in one to spare yourself from having to go to a gas station or mechanic each time your tires are a bit low.

With a little know-how and the proper tools, you can easily tune up your Harley bike at home in your shed or garage. This means you won’t have to twiddle your thumbs while your motorcycle is in the shop for a task you could have completed at home within an hour.

If you’re in search of a Harley dealer near Richmond, then you’ve come to the right place! Stop by our Langley location to check out our range of Harley-Davidson motorcycles for sale. Barnes Harley-Davidson Langley proudly serves the cities of Surrey and Coquitlam, British Columbia.