Motorcycle tools……Let me paint you a picture.
Middle of nowhere—Kansas. Just me, my bike, and what I thought was a quick shortcut (spoiler: it was not quick, and definitely not paved). My chain decides it’s had enough of life, pops off like a rebellious teenager, and I’m standing there like, “Well, guess I live here now.”
Except—I had a few trusty motorcycle tools stashed under the seat. And by some miracle (and a few choice swear words), I got that sucker back on and limped into the nearest town.
That’s when I realized… not all tools are created equal, and some should never leave your side.
So here’s my unofficial, highly biased, slightly chaotic list of motorcycle tools you seriously can’t live without—especially if you’re the kind of rider who believes “it probably won’t happen to me” (me. I was that rider).
🧰 1. A Compact Tool Roll (Like, the Real MVP)
You ever try digging through a bottomless backpack for a 10mm wrench while the sun’s setting and coyotes start howling? Yeah. Don’t.
Get yourself a good tool roll. I swear by my Klein Tools canvas roll—not technically made for motorcycles, but it’s rugged, easy to organize, and doesn’t scream “I bought this in a panic from a gas station.”
Here’s what I keep in mine:
- 8mm, 10mm, 12mm combo wrenches
- Allen keys (metric set, obviously)
- Small adjustable wrench
- Screwdrivers (flathead + Phillips)
- Needle-nose pliers
- Zip ties (I’ve fixed so many things with these)
- Spare bolts, washers, and random “what if” stuff
It rolls up tight and fits under my seat like it was meant to be there.
🔧 2. Chain Tool & Master Link Kit (Because Chains Have Attitudes)
The first time my chain broke, I cried.
Okay, not cried-cried—but there was definitely a moment of disbelief and an out-loud “Are you freaking kidding me right now?”
Now I carry a D.I.D. chain tool and an extra master link in my kit. It’s not even that bulky, and trust me—it feels a lot better knowing you can fix it on the fly instead of waiting for a tow truck that’s “about 4 hours out.”
Pro tip: practice using it before you need it. Trying to learn while sweating and swearing in the middle of the desert is not the vibe.
🛞 3. Tire Plug Kit + Portable Inflator (aka, My Emergency Heroes)
I once plugged a tire in the rain, standing in a Wendy’s parking lot, with an audience of teenagers recording me like it was a reality show.
Still rode home.
Tire plug kits are magic. I use the Stop & Go Pocket Plugger—super compact, works like a charm. And I always pair it with a mini air compressor (the Slime Power Sport one is solid), or at least CO2 cartridges if I’m really space-conscious.
You’ll thank me when you pick up a nail and you’re 38 miles from anything resembling civilization.
🔋 4. Multimeter (I Know, It Sounds Nerdy—But Wait)
Okay, hear me out. Multimeters get a bad rap for being “techy” or “confusing,” but if your bike’s being weird—won’t start, lights flickering, battery randomly dead—it’s probably electrical.
I keep a cheap little AstroAI Digital Multimeter in my garage toolkit. It helps me figure out if my battery’s cooked, or if my regulator/rectifier’s staging a coup.
You don’t need to be an electrician. Just knowing how to test voltage can save you a trip to the mechanic—and your dignity.
🪛 5. Magnetic Pickup Tool (Not Sexy, But So Useful It Hurts)
Ever drop a screw into your bike’s abyss of doom? That one tiny bolt that just rolls away into a shadow realm under the engine?
Yeah. Magnetic pickup tool to the rescue.
I laughed when my buddy gave me one of these. I thought it was overkill. Then I dropped a washer into my oil pan and spent 20 minutes trying to fish it out with a coat hanger. Never again.
This thing’s like a metal-seeking magic wand. Highly underrated.
🔦 6. Headlamp (Because Flashlights Are for Amateurs)
Working on your bike in the dark while holding a flashlight in your teeth? Been there. Drooled on everything.
Get a headlamp. A good one. Mine’s a Coast FL85R, and it’s bright enough to light up your whole engine, your neighbor’s garage, and maybe part of the moon.
Hands-free = lifesaver. Especially when you’re juggling tools, cursing a stuck bolt, and trying not to wake up the entire campground.
🖐️ 7. Nitrile Gloves (Because Grease Has No Chill)
Once, I fixed a leaking valve and then tried to eat a burger. With my bare, grimy hands. Mistake. Big mistake.
Nitrile gloves don’t take up any space, and they save you from looking like you tried to finger-paint your bike.
Also, pro tip: toss a few hand wipes or a mini bottle of degreaser in your toolkit. Bonus points if you smell like oranges afterward.
🧲 8. Telescopic Mirror (You’re Not as Flexible as You Think)
I didn’t think I’d need this until I was contorting myself like some kind of circus contortionist trying to see where a fuel line was leaking.
Spoiler: I couldn’t see crap.
Now I carry a cheap extendable inspection mirror and it’s made life so much easier. Great for checking under the tank, behind panels, or just confirming if that “drip” is actually gas or just water from that one time I spilled Gatorade in my saddlebag.
🪤 9. Bungee Cords & Velcro Straps (Tool-ish, But Trust Me)
They don’t seem like “real” tools, but I’ve MacGyvered so many solutions with bungee cords and Velcro straps that I’d be lost without them.
Held up my broken clutch lever once. Secured a cracked mirror. Even helped tow another bike (don’t ask—it was chaotic and not entirely legal).
Carry a few. You never know when they’ll be the hero.
☠️ Bonus: motorcycle tools
Okay, this isn’t technically a tool. But it deserves a spot.
JB Weld has fixed a cracked exhaust clamp, a busted footpeg mount, and even part of my fender. It’s permanent-ish, tough as nails, and makes you feel like a wizard when it works.
Keep a mini tube in your bag. Just… trust me. https://bikelovezone.com/motorcycle-repair-tools/.
Wrap-Up? Kinda? motorcycle tools?
I should probably organize this post better. But honestly? That’s how real-life toolkits are. Messy. Scratched up. Full of stuff you don’t remember packing but now can’t live without.
These motorcycle tools have saved my rides, my sanity, and probably my wallet more times than I want to admit.
Will they make you a pro mechanic? Nope. But they will make sure you don’t get stuck on the side of the road using a rock as a hammer. Again. (Ask me about Wyoming.)
