What tools are needed for a good tool kit for our bikes

**09BlueRebel** · 06-01-2010, 12:49 AM

I finally pried open my bikes' toolkit to find only one screwdriver. Apparently someone jacked it from the factory and i bought my bike new in box last year so going back to he dealer will just make me look silly.

I see the factory kit is only $39 and has a lot of off kilter wrenches and tools that I do not necessarily have in such small compact sizes.

I was wondering if the factory kit is the best way to go for having the needed tools and not having to get a toolbag/storage? Or should I go for one of the CruzTools Metric Economy or RoadTech kits for a little more (though they don't have the pin spanner or the necessary 17 and 22 wrenches that the Honda kit shows)?

Any guidance would be appreciated.

**Buickguy** · 06-01-2010, 01:12 AM

They stopped doing a full kit back in 04 IIRC. That screwdriver is all your 09 comes with.

**Guba** · 06-01-2010, 01:42 AM

No doubt you have the Philips screw driver in your "tool kit". That's for accessing the side covers. Other than that, I haven't had a need for any tools (knockin' on wood).

But I do keep a tire repair kit on my bike! Make sure you get one that patches tubes. There's a couple of ways to re-inflate when it's patched, which ever one you choose is up to you. You'll need a couple of tire irons also.

My tool list isn't complete for a Rebel, but here's what I carry.
- a ratchet that has 1/4" drive on one side and 1/2" drive on the other. It's a stubby but the head can be rotated up to 90 degree from axis. That feature has come in handy!
- 6" ratchet extension
- 8mm socket
- 10mm socket
- 12mm socket
- 14mm socket
- 6"/150mm crescent wrench
- flat tip screw driver
- 8mm hex key wrench
- 6mm hex key wrench
- a small piece of conduit that I use as a "cheater bar" for my stubby ratchet
- and what ever tools came with any accessories that I added

All the other tools I just keep in my garage. As I stated earlier, I haven't had any need for any tools, but it sure gives me piece of mind having them!

**09BlueRebel** · 06-01-2010, 12:57 PM

Since the factory toolkit is available for purchase and has a few extra tools, should I get it too?

Im thinking I need a centerstand/homemade travel stand so that I could potentially remove and patch a tire if necessary since that seems to be the biggest problem people face. Saddlebags are in my future.

**cagie** · 06-01-2010, 02:39 PM

I found a most indispensible tool at kmart in the bicycle section. It is a folding Bell tool kit. Has 12,10,8mm sockets & wrenches, metric allens, philips and flat screwdrivers all in a flat little package for about $10.

JunkyardDog · 06-01-2010, 03:37 PM

On the road, I mostly carry tire repair tools, and because the Rebel has tube type tires with no centerstand, they take up all the room. If you want, I can make a list of every single tool used on the Rebel, except internal engine tools, if you are talking about tools to use at home.

I don't recommend getting a stock Rebel tool kit for an earlier model, because the tools are of very poor quality. They will damage the nuts and bolts and screws. I would only use them in an emergency. You can use the money to start building a collection of high quality tools, both to take with you, and to work on the bike at home. Jerry.

EDIT: Hmm. I just checked cheapcycleparts.com, and found the tool kits for a '99 and an '09 are the same. The '09 kit contains the same tools as the '99 kit. Both cost $39.00. But I also know the '09, and maybe earlier models only came with a screwdriver, because I've heard it from many different sources. Honda must really be desperate. They raise the MSRP on the '09 to $4000, then remove most of the tool kit.

**twitch** · 06-01-2010, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buickguy

They stopped doing a full kit back in 04 IIRC. That screwdriver is all your 09 comes with.

Nuh-uh! I'm pretty sure mine came with a hex wrench, too.

**Rebelgirl1978** · 06-01-2010, 11:15 PM

hmmm.....something to consider since I haven't even checked to see what the tool kit on my bike has (or doesn't have) in it.

**igjosh** · 06-02-2010, 11:31 AM

I have most the tools from honda on my bike only use if I really need too I keep a tool bag full of tools on the front of the bike like a flashlight and tire gauge and usually I keep when out of town on my bike the trickle charger I have.