suggestions for uncommon tools

  • psiongrain
  • psiongrain's Avatar Topic Author
  • Offline
  • User
  • User
    Registered
  • Posts: 3
  • Thanks: 0

suggestions for uncommon tools

09 Sep 2026 11:47
#927391
i'm finally in a place where i can start grabbing tools that i will need to repair my 1982 kz 750 ltd. i've seen videos about the motorcycle mechanics tool box so i have a decent idea of most tools i will need but i was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for more unique tools or maybe costly but worth it tools that have helped them with working on older bikes? really any advice is useful advice here. thanks

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Warren3200gt
  • Warren3200gt's Avatar
  • Offline
  • User
  • User
    Registered
  • Posts: 1766
  • Thanks: 939

Re: suggestions for uncommon tools

09 Sep 2026 11:54
#927392
JIS Screwdriver set.
 

The following user(s) said Thank You: StreetfighterKz, Mcdroid, asphalt900, Dragbike_Mike, Kelly E

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Nerdy
  • Nerdy's Avatar
  • Away
  • Sustaining Member
  • Sustaining Member
    Registered
  • Posts: 1201
  • Thanks: 514

Re: suggestions for uncommon tools

09 Sep 2026 13:34
#927393
Fiberglass pens for cleaning electrical contacts 

Headlamp

Good quality wire strippers and a selection of bullet connectors
1979 KZ400 Gifted to a couple of nephews
1967 Yamaha YCS1 Bonanza
1980 KZ440B
1981 Yamaha XT250H
1981 KZ440 LTD project bike
1981 GPz550
2013 Yamaha FZ6R
The following user(s) said Thank You: Mcdroid, slmjim+Z1BEBE

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Nessism
  • Nessism's Avatar
  • Offline
  • Sustaining Member
  • Sustaining Member
    Registered
  • Posts: 8176
  • Thanks: 3550
The following user(s) said Thank You: asphalt900, Kelly E

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Wookie58
  • Wookie58's Avatar
  • Away
  • Moderator
  • Moderator
    Registered
  • Posts: 6749
  • Thanks: 4257

Re: suggestions for uncommon tools

09 Sep 2026 14:12
#927395
I would advise you buy as and when you find things you need. It’s easy to get “ the fever” and spend a small fortune on things you will never use
The following user(s) said Thank You: asphalt900, Kofla

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • moizeau
  • moizeau's Avatar
  • Offline
  • User
  • User
    Registered
  • Posts: 77
  • Thanks: 59

Re: suggestions for uncommon tools

09 Sep 2026 14:28
#927396
I would advise you buy as and when you find things you need. It’s easy to get “ the fever” and spend a small fortune on things you will never use
Very true, but JIS screwdivers are a must. 
The following user(s) said Thank You: Mcdroid, Wookie58

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Kelly E
  • Kelly E's Avatar
  • Offline
  • User
  • User
    Registered
  • Never Give Up. Never Surrender
  • Posts: 564
  • Thanks: 475

Re: suggestions for uncommon tools

Yesterday 18:03
#927398
Here's a basic list with a few bigger tools that really make life easier.

Two good sets of metric combination wrenches 
1/4 "- 3/8"- 1/2" sockets in 6 and 12 point, standard and deep with plenty of various extensions 
inch pounds torque wrench 
a selection of hammers including deadblow and soft
a selection of pliers and vise grips 
steel punch set
brass punch set 
multi meter 
electrical connectors/soldering gun with electronic solder and heat shrink 
cordless impact gun with a selection of bits and drivers 
compressor and air tools 
motorcycle lift table 
solvent wash tank, preferably petroleum base solvent 
a couple of scissors jacks
 
The Rust Bros. Garage Collection
1974 Honda CB 550 K0
1975 Honda CB 400F Super Sport
1977 Kawasaki KZ 1000 LTD
1978 Kawasaki KL 250
1980 Suzuki GS 1100E
1983 Honda CB 1100F
1984 Honda Sabre 700
1984 Honda Interceptor 1000
1990 Moto Guzzi 1000
1994 Kawasaki ZG 1000 Concours

And more
The following user(s) said Thank You: Kofla, Wookie58

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • asphalt900
  • asphalt900's Avatar
  • Offline
  • Sustaining Member
  • Sustaining Member
    Registered
  • Posts: 1898
  • Thanks: 1280

Re: suggestions for uncommon tools

Yesterday 00:37
#927401
Define "uncommon". Or more so, define the tasks You're looking forward to completing? I'm with Wookie on this, don't just willy-nilly empty your wallet. Which category or system of machine needs attention? Some things are better left to professionals, like a valve job. Why would you spend 4-700USD on seat cutters when you can have the whole job done for maybe 250USD. 
The following user(s) said Thank You: Kofla, Wookie58

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • hardrockminer
  • hardrockminer's Avatar
  • Offline
  • Sustaining Member
  • Sustaining Member
    Registered
  • Posts: 3156
  • Thanks: 1251

Re: suggestions for uncommon tools

Yesterday 04:43
#927405
My JIS screwdrivers are a great investment but when I think about the tool I should have had in the beginning....I think it's my torque wrench.  Would have saved me a lot of grief when putting engines back together.  I don't use it very often but it has been absolutely necessary when I did.  Guessing at proper bolt torque is a mugs game.
I have several restored bikes along with a 2006 Goldwing with a sidecar.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • slmjim+Z1BEBE
  • slmjim+Z1BEBE's Avatar
  • Offline
  • User
  • User
    Registered
  • Enjoy Life! IT HAS AN EXPIRATION DATE!
  • Posts: 1582
  • Thanks: 1060

Re: suggestions for uncommon tools

Yesterday 06:35 - Today 02:52
#927411
Tool junkie here.  Must resist writing an epic tome...

Metric thread chaser set and / or thread file.
A ft. - lb. torque wrench and a in. - lb. torque wrench.
If building spoke wheels, a spoke torque wrench.
When working with points, we've come to prefer an analog dwell meter.  Conversion charts are available to convert for wasted-spark ignition systems.
A known-good 12v battery to power a timing light alone.  Ripple from crude DC rectifiers can falsely trigger some timing lights.
If working with 5mm (aka 4.9mm) barrel connectors, a good plier-type (not ratcheting) crimper that makes the conductor crimp and insulator crimp individually.
An analog VOM.  DMM's are convenient but, being able to observe instantaneous needle deflections that can't be resolved by a DMM display can ease electrical troubleshooting.
A DMM that has a sounder to indicate change of state audibly.  A sounder can often substitute for seeing needle deflection of an analog meter.
If you have access to sufficient air volume and the patience to deal with the hose, a 3/8" air ratchet.  Careful of the torque one can produce.
NO-OX-ID "A-SPECIAL" Electrical Grade contact grease to keep those pin & barrel connectors um..., connecting.
EDIT: to add an impact screwdriver.  We have a decades-old Lisle that came with JIS bits before JIS was a well-known thing.  They're still available.  Vessel makes a good one too, with JIS bits.
Those hit the high spots.  Gotta quit while your wallet is still healthy.

Good Ridin'
slmjim & Z1BEBE
A biker looks at your engine and chrome.
A Rider looks at your odometer and tags.

USA

1973 ('72 builds) Z1 x2
1974 Z1-A x2
1975 Z1-B x2
1993 CB 750 Nighthawk
2009 ST1300A

www.kawasaki-z-classik.com
A Forum tightly focused on all things Z1 and Z2.
Last edit: Today 02:52 by slmjim+Z1BEBE. Reason: Added tool.
The following user(s) said Thank You: Nerdy

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • H1Vindicator
  • H1Vindicator's Avatar
  • Offline
  • User
  • User
    Registered
  • Posts: 896
  • Thanks: 162

Re: suggestions for uncommon tools

Yesterday 07:26 - Today 07:42
#927415
fork tool for disassembling the fork innards in case the bottom allen bolt is stuck >> LH-threaded 1/2" bolt & nut w 3/4" head. use w ratchet wrench and socket w long extension to hold the inner cylinder while unscrewing the bottom allen bolt. note: bolt-head should accept a 3/4" or 19mm socket. 19mm is the size of the inner cylinder head. some guys just weld a nut to the end of a bolt. 
ps: from the diagrams the 750Ltd should use the same tool as the 650csr.   ....  ...... image posted previously on kzr a while ago.


not sure how a spark plug socket would be any better. see following comment. a bolt & nut was cheap and I don't have a spark plug socket to try. ha ha.

 
Last edit: Today 07:42 by H1Vindicator.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Nessism
  • Nessism's Avatar
  • Offline
  • Sustaining Member
  • Sustaining Member
    Registered
  • Posts: 8176
  • Thanks: 3550

Re: suggestions for uncommon tools

Yesterday 09:09
#927419
fork tool for disassembling the fork innards in case the bottom allen bolt is stuck >> LH-threaded 1/2" bolt & nut w 3/4" head. use w ratchet wrench and socket w long extension to hold the inner cylinder while unscrewing the bottom allen bolt. note: bolt-head should accept a 3/4" or 19mm socket. 19mm is the size of the inner cylinder head. some guys just weld a nut to the end of a bolt. 
ps: from the diagrams the 750Ltd should use the same tool as the 650csr.


 
A spark plug socket, the type with a hex on the bottom, fits the damper rod.  Use a long extension and install it backwards, so the hex is down.  

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Moderators: Street Fighter LTD
Powered by Kunena Forum