I want to buy my boyfriend a tool kit for his 02 Road King. I know ideally, I should ask him what all tools he'd like for his kit, but I'd like to surprise him with one. He mainly rides close to home. So my questions are:

Should I purchase a kit or should I put one together myself?
If you recommend purchasing a kit, which one do you suggest and should I add anything to it?
If you recommend me putting one together myself, please list specific tools I should definitely get. (I'm not real familiar with what all of the tools are.) Should I purchase a good brand (Craftsman) or just cheap tools? Also, are short handled tools good (to save on space in the bags) or would longer ones be better?

Thank you for any help you can give me!

 

Check out
CruzTOOLS - Tools for Motorcyclists, Musicians, and Pilots
www.cruztools.com/
American-made, mechanic grade tool kits for motorcycles.

 

Another option:

http://www.storagepouches.com/#!__products

 

2nd vote for CruzTools. I use the RoadTech H3 (RTH3) on my Harley.

http://www.cruztools.com/products/kitshd.html

It has most of the general maintenance tools he would need while on the road and the pouch rolls up nice and compact. He will have no problem fitting it in his saddlebags and it won't take up to much space. Also, all CruzTools hand tools (wrenches) come with a lifetime warranty. In fact most brands do as well.

RTH3:


If you're looking for something a little more budget friendly check out the EconoKIT H1 (EKH1). It's the same pouch just with a few less tools.

EKH1:


Either way he will probably still add some of his existing tools.

I would say I wish I had a girlfriend like you, but I already do. I just hope your boyfriend clearly understands your wants and needs as well.

Good Luck!

 

Stay away from the tool kit from cycle gear ....I think they add rubber to the metal to make them bend easier before they break.

 

We sell a lot of the CruzTool kits here at the shop. You can always add an extra tool or two you think you might need or want to have with you to the kit...

 

I always carry a 1/4" drive ratchet set with assorted torx. Also and old HD tool pouch with end wrenches screwdrivers and allens.

 

Getting him something for the bike is a great idea. That said, I'm going to suggest that you consider something else "bike related" rather than trying to guess what tools he might need/want now vs what he already has. Take a look at one of the "jumpers" on the market that he can carry in the tour pak on that bike to use when his, or someone else's battery dies while out on the road. Search for "battery jump starter" . They're available in wide price range, small, easy to carry and really work. I have one and won't leave home without it.

 

It is hard to beat the kits from Cruz Tools, especially for a starter kit.
I would absolutely add zip ties and duct tape to the kit. I use those more often than any other tool in my kit!
Another trick is to figure out which tools you use on a regular basis, and either upgrade what is in the kit, or add that tool to the kit. Some tools get used quite a bit, while others are never touched.

A good battery jump starter that was recommended above, along with a pig tail attached to the battery to go with it. Harley has been using rebranded NOCO chargers. You can find the NOCO on Amazon, along with the battery adapter to make hookups easier.
A tire plug kit would come in handy, as would a nice tire pressure gauge.
There are some nice USB rechargeable tire inflators out there as well.