What do I need to work on my bike? I’ll bring my new bike home in a couple weeks.

I was a certified mechanic out of the American Motorcycle Institute in Daytona Beach in 1976 so I’m pretty handy with a wrench. I have tools but the only SST’s (Special Service Tools) I have are for Kawasaki’s.

Besides a lift and a trickle charger, what do you guys recommend?

 

Service manual for your bike is the first and best tool to start with. A good set of torx bit sockets and hex bit sockets both SAE & Metric just to start with.

 

From what I've seen so far, there are very few 'special' tools required for working on your Harley. Some of them can be made at home.... but X2 on a great set of torx and hex head bits. Service manual, electrical manual and parts manual are also necessary additions. Other members or ebay is a great place to pic those up.

 

Definitely get the service manual, maybe the electrical manual, too. In case you don't have any, a torque wrench is important, but sounds like you already might have that.

 

That's what I was about to ask. What's a good torque wrench? Mine is an old one with a long needle that extends back to a gauge at the handle. Is digital the way to go?

Torx and hex bits are a great idea. Back in the day it was all phillips and allen screws.

I've got all SnapOn tools including great set metric wrenchs and sockets but my standard ones are "ok". Any other suggestions?

I already have a service and electrical manual. Those were my first purchase.

 

Here is a link to an older thread with LOTS of good tool recommendations:

https://www.hdforums.com/forum/dyna-...087-tools.html

 

I would wait til you need them. Then decide.

 

Make sure you get the HD service manual. Others have complained about Chilton's or Haynes.

 

manual, good set of star keys, reg sockets, long allens, torque wrench... man i can keep going on and on... for basic work though, what is above will get you a long way... lots of loc tite... big thick towel for the tank and fenders

 

Best torque wrench IMO is Snap-On, but they are very expensive. There's a guy on E-Bay who recalibrates and sells used Snap-Ons, but you can get one cheaper at Sears that will be adequate. Then you'll have money left to buy more tools