I'm about to pick up my first HD (Softail Custom) tomorrow and plan on getting the service manual so I can do the basic maintenance. However, I am not mechanically inclined (ok, I'm an idiot in this regard) and would appreciate specific suggestions (assume you are talking to a child ) on what basic tools I should pick up. For example, a torque wrench - but is there a specific size orbrand or ? that I should get? Thx in advance.

 

One piece of your tool kit you can't not have is a set or Torx bits. My recommendation here is that you pay the extra for a set of high-quality Torx bits. Craftsman are very good. Snap-On also. If you don't buy quality here you'll need a set of high quality "easy-outs" to attempt to pull out the Torx bolts you've rounded out.

Don't ask me how I know.

 

Congrats on the new bike! If your gonna change your own oil, I like the oil filter (rachet) attachment they sell at the dealer with the cutout. If you look at the oil filter wrenches on display you'll see what I'm referring to.

 

Somewhere, either here or another HD forum, I found a toolset from Sears that is in my ride-away kit. Mind you, it doesn't have everything you need/want, but is a nice, compact basic starter. Here's a link and they can frequently be found on sale for $20.

GearWrench 35 Pc. Microdriver Set - You'll need to add a Torx 27 as it isn't in the kit, but there are a lot on them on your bike.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...ord=microdrive

Grout

 

"I am not mechanically inclined (ok, I'm an idiot in this regard) and would appreciate specific suggestions (assume you are talking to a child"

Based on your description of your mechanicalability the only tools I would recommend is a mechanic!