Basic servicing and repairs

[Fatt Max]

Ok my lovelies, after some advice.

I am not the most mechanically minded of people but reckon I should be able to do basic service and maintenance tasks on the bike. Basic oil and filter changes, brake fluid, that kind of thing.

So, can you please advise me on:

1 - A basic toolkit that I should have
2 - A bike Jack..??..where can I get my hands on one of those
3 - The simple tasks a relative mechanical newbie should be ok to do.

I am not going to tackle anything too advanced but a basic set of knowledge would be useful.

I ride a Hyosung Aquilla GV250. brilliant bike, commutes well and has no problem on the open road.

All and any advise gratefully received

Cheers dudes

FM

[MSTRS:Me]

1 - A basic toolkit that I should have
2 - A bike Jack..??..where can I get my hands on one of those
3 - The simple tasks a relative mechanical newbie should be ok to do.

1. A good selection of ring- and open-end spanners in metric size. Same in sockets/ratchet. Pliers. Plug spanner. Flat and philips screwdrivers. Allen key set in metric.
2. Swing arm stand? Front stands can be 'awkward', but very useful.
3. Chain adjust and lube. Changing blown bulbs. Tyre pressures. Oil and filter changes. Removing wheels for tyre changes. There'll be more, like replacing brake pads, but for the non-mechanical minded best with help.

You forgot 4 - a good supply of pies

[MadDuck]

1 - A basic toolkit that I should have

Cable ties and duct tape....

[MSTRS:Me]

How could I have forgotten those?

A can of WD40 or similar is a great idea too.

[Fatt Max]

Fanx guys, thats all cool. Had a couple of really helpful PM's as well so once again I am in the debt of the great people at KB.

[pc220]

Dont forget , a great big fucken HAMMER. For when things just dont go to plan.

[ynot slow]

Copious quantities of beer,always need beer when working on bike,makes swinging the big hammer easier.

[HenryDorsetCase]

One of the more useful and quite under rated tools I have is an impact screwdriver. Theyre really cheap, and good for getting steel screws out of aluminium cases after they've been in there a while. I am a big fan of copper grease when putting them in again.

Plus, when using an impact driver you get to use a hammer as well: bonus!

[scumdog]

One of the more useful and quite under rated tools I have is an impact screwdriver. Theyre really cheap, and good for getting steel screws out of aluminium cases after they've been in there a while. I am a big fan of copper grease when putting them in again.

Plus, when using an impact driver you get to use a hammer as well: bonus!

Wot 'e sed 'bout impact drivers.

A lot of torx-headed (there's another tool you'll need) bolts etc are only 'undo-able' using an impact driver.

Some form of circuit tester (even a 'test' bulb will do) is a handy thing - more so a multi-meter.

[Gremlin]

Repco had a 143 pc toolkit on special from $409 to $199 over Christmas, if its still running and you need tools.

[Flip]

About the only thing I suggest is buy "good" quality tools for the bits you use all the time, you can fill out your tool box with cheepies but your 10, 12, 13 and 17 ring spanners and sockets (in these sizes) should be good ones. Cheap allen-tork keys are a liability to say the least. A good "automotive" range multi meter will prove invaluable.

Don't forget that a medium size soft face hammer is going to fuck a lot less when you miss the top of the impact wrench and don't take a ball pane hammer to any thing and don't want to bugger not ever.

A set of pin punches and a universal cir-clip pliers will be useful. A long soft drift (big punch) for removing axles, but you can make this yourself. Engineers-lineman's pliers and a long nose pliers will be useful. A wire brush will become your friend as will copper coat anti seize.

Screwdrivers need a whole page on their own but you will need a No1 and 2 phillips, buy good quality for these. A large engineers flat screwdriver will be more useful than you will know, the big ones have a hex section shaft so you can put a crescent on the shaft and some extend the shaft through the handle so you can hit them with a hammer without splitting them, the big ones are expensive so keep an eye out at garage sales or Sunday markets for one of these.

If you ever see a 2nd hand set of double open ender spanners at a garage sale-markets buy them, these are old fashioned tools but once you have a set they will become the first thing you reach for when you open the bonnet.

Finally by good quality I don't mean stahlwilly but I do mean Elora (paykles) or Powerbuilt (most places).

[hayd3n]

will become the first thing you reach for when you open the bonnet.

huh??????????????????????????

[Flip]

Figuratively speaking you know what I mean, I couldn't think of a suitable saying for a bike. When you get on your knees has another meaning.

[MSTRS:Me]

When you get on your knees has another meaning.

Often directly preceding a plea for divine intervention...

[p.dath]

I haven't seen anyone mention a torque wrench yet - and having stripped a sump plug and knowing you are also knew to servicing I'd highly recommend you get one rather than tightening "by feel".

Also there is an oil filter "tool" (sorry don't know the name of it) that goes around the oil filter and attaches to a socket or torque wrench to allow the easy removal of the oil filter (Cycletreads sell these).

A funnel is handy for pouring oil into the bike so you don't spill it.

A tray to catch the drained oil is also needed, and then something to store the used oil. Note that disposing of used oil can be a real bitch.