Specialty Tools
We have a rule we like to follow when it comes to specialty tools. If you need to borrow it more than once, you probably need to buy the tool. Take it as an indication that you enjoy doing this type of work, so having that tool on hand is going to make the job easier and save you time.
When it comes to specialty tools for any vintage Japanese motorcycle, we like to group them into 2 categories:
Essential Basics - Tools that you need to properly maintain the motorcycle you own. You will need these to perform the basic service intervals, change the oil, clean the oil filter, and other similar tasks. If your motorcycle isn't running, these are probably needed to get it running.
Advanced- Tools needed for highly specific jobs that go beyond basic maintenance on the motorcycle. You might not need these if you plan on having a mechanic perform bigger service jobs on your motorcycle or you might be able to make do without them for a single job. All of these tools are purpose-built for their specific tasks. They can save countless hours in the garage, and avoid broken parts from attempting to use a makeshift tool or haphazard process. Ask us how we know...
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Advanced Specialty Tools
Thread Repair Tools
Since motorcycles are just nuts and bolts, it should be no surprise that threads are everywhere on them. With so many threads, some are bound to be stripped or damaged and in need of repair. Thread repair is likely the first specialty work you get into. Threads can be damaged in different ways so every thread repair isn't just a drill and retap situation. Often threads can be straightened out, fixed, and repaired just like any piece of metal on the motorcycle.
Thread Chaser - These may look like taps and dies for cutting new threads, but they are specifically designed to fix damaged threads. Often times if the thread is just damaged on a small portion of it, these can be threaded in to straighten threads out before the full length is destroyed. Dirt, rust, and debris in your threads will also get in the way of installing bolts and lead to damage to the threads or bolts. We like to run chasers into most threads in the engine and frame to clean out any dirt or debris to prevent damage in the first place.
Thread Insert Repairs - Thread insert repair tools are for the most destroyed of threads or threads that are damaged and under a lot of stress. Threads like spark plug holes or oil drain plug holes on your engine. These tools drill and tap your threads to a bigger size and install a solid metal insert to return the hole back to its original size. This is important because threads like a spark plug or oil drain bolt need to be torqued to a specific value that other thread repair options may not be able to handle.
Threaded Coil Insert Repairs - These are the most common thread repairs you will see out there and involve drilling out a hole slightly, tapping it with a special thread insert tap, and installing a hardened metal coil that brings the hole back to its original size thread. These repairs are great because they are simple, cost-effective, and plenty strong for the majority of thread repairs on a motorcycle. Generally, kits will consist of a drill bit, a specialized tap, multiple inserts, and an insert installation tool.
Rotor Puller
A simple tool for a simple purpose. The timing rotor on the vintage Honda motorcycles is fitted to the end of the crankshaft using a key and tapered shaft. This tapered fit grips the inside of the rotor hard to prevent movement. Threads are inside the rotor specifically for this tool to screw in and push it off the end of the crankshaft. When the starter clutch components need repair, you will need this to remove the rotor to get to them.
Oil Filter Removal Tool
On the opposite side of the crankshaft, you will find the centrifugal oil filter under the right engine cover or behind the oil filter access panel. This oil filter uses a special four-pronged nut that can also be found on the clutch basket of the larger CB750. This is the proper socket for when you need to remove it.
Buy: Oil Filter Nut Removal Tool
Wheel Bearing Retainer Tools
Wheel-bearing retainer tools for these vintage Honda motorcycles have been unavailable for years and we are so excited to finally have the complete set of them. This is one of those tools that can save you countless hours of "trying to make do" in the garage when replacing your wheel bearings. Wheel bearings on most vintage Hondas are behind a thin aluminum cover that is often tighter than you can ever imagine. These fit perfectly into the holes of them so you can remove and reuse the covers. Some of the wheel bearing covers, like the CB550 versions, are entirely unavailable if you need a replacement so save yourself the hassle and use the tool.
Buy: Front Disk Brake Wheel Bearing Retainer Tool
Buy: Rear Wheel Bearing Retainer Tool
Wire Stripper And Crimpers
Most OEM Honda wiring harnesses are in better shape than you might think, it is the wiring connectors that can fill with corrosion and cause issues. A pair of good wire strippers and the proper bullet connector crimper can repair that harness and get it in better shape than any replacements on the market today. You can make do crimping one or two connectors with a pair of pliers, but if you are going to be replacing a lot, bullet connector crimpers will save you time and make the connections much more reliable.
Buy: KT Pro Electrical Terminal Pliers
Buy: Honda Open Barrel Crimp Tool
Multimeter
Going deeper into your motorcycle means also going deeper into the electrical system. While a test light can take care of 80% of the jobs you might need to do on your vintage motorcycle, the final 20% need a multimeter. Multimeters are a bit like swiss army knives in that they have almost endless uses. Specifically, on your motorcycle, you can use it to test resistance on your coils and stator, check the voltage of your battery and charging system output, and use it for continuity tests. While the $10 versions from Harbor Freight can get you by in a pinch, you want to pick up a decent quality one so it will be accurate and last. Once you have it in the toolbox, you will use it on more than just your motorcycle.
Chain Breaker / Press Tool
As the name implies, these are for breaking chains. Breaking is the term used when you remove a pin inside a link so you can shorten the number of links on the chain. This tool also installs rivet and press-style master links if installing a cam chain. The one tool will handle any type or size of chain you come across.
Buy: Chain Breaker / Press Tool
Caliper
Measuring parts on a motorcycle can be a challenge if you are working with a tape measure or ruler. Digital calipers are precise measurement tools that can measure both the inner diameter (ID) and outer diameter (OD) of a part down usually to the hundredth of a millimeter or thousandths of an inch. Whether it is measuring the OD of your fork tubes to see what size you have or the ID of a hole to see what size bolt you need, you will find yourself using these all the time. We usually keep a few of them around the shop for good measure.
Engine Work
When diving into engine work, there are a handful of tools considered essential that we list below. While some people might be disassembling and reassembling engines without measurement tools, measurement tools are the only way to truly see what state your engine is in. Without them, it is a guessing game to know if parts are past their service limit and need replacing or within spec and can be put back into service.
Micrometer, Snap Gauges, and Small Hole Gauges
Snap gauges in combination with a micrometer are used to measure the ID of parts inside the engine. While the digital caliper is a great tool, it is not accurate enough to measure internal engine values like cylinder bore, valve stems, and valve guides. Micrometers are highly accurate to .0001". Snap gauges expand and lock when placed inside a cylinder so they can be removed and measured. Small hole gauges do the same for measuring your valve guides. You will need both of these values measured to know whether your engine components are beginning to wear past the service limits laid out in the Honda service manual.
Links To Buy:
Dial Bore Gauge
If you are thinking you have more than 1 engine rebuild in your future you might think of investing in a dial bore gauge. Snap gauges and a micrometer can measure the ID of your cylinders, but this can do it in a 1/10th of the time.
Valve Spring Compressor
Valve springs hold your engine valves in place and are under incredibly high tension. While there are videos out there of how to remove them without a tool, it is dangerous and even more difficult to assemble them without the proper tool. This is the proper tool to both remove and install coil valve keepers on nearly any motorcycle engine. The one exception is the CB/CL450 and CB500T motorcycles, as they use a torsion bar system and do not need this tool.
Brush Ball Cylinder Hone
Whenever fresh piston rings are installed in an engine, the cylinders need to be freshly honed with the proper surface finish to help break in the new rings. This is much like a fresh set of brake pads and shoes. You sand the braking surface to cause the brake pads to bite into the braking surface and wear to a perfect fit. Piston rings need the same and this is the proper tool to do it. These attach to a drill and are sized specifically for the exact cylinder you are using it in. A freshly honed cylinder is essential for the piston rings to seat properly and have a long life.