KX Riders
Maintenance & Technical => KX250 / KX125 => Topic started by: MXonaKawi on July 18, 2013, 06:31:50 AM
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I'm doing a rebuild! A pretty big undertaking. I know a lot of you out there are doing the same. Let's get a great thread going about tools.
I have a great metric socket set, metric wrench set, new set of philips head screwdrivers, flatheads, adjustable wrench, and chain breaker.
I'm thinking about getting t handles, a swingarm bearing tool, one of the electronic torque wrenches, a spoke wrench, and a wheel changing setup of some sort. What else do I need?
Let's chat about what is necessary 'toolwise' to get the bike going and also some great FUN tools the factory riders mechanics use. I've done many projects in the past (not necessarily motorcycles) where I haven't had the right tool for the job and just used what I had and of course I botched the job. I don't want that to happen this time. I know it's expensive, but I think buying all the right tools up front that will last 10-15 or more years is so worth it!
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12 ton press. Parts washer. Media blaster. Strippers, paints.and most needed tool of all, a six pack of beer.
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my swing arm bearing tool ...... its really just screwed rod and a couple of nuts :mrgreen:
(http://i1130.photobucket.com/albums/m529/markl12/swingarmbearingremovaltool_zps6ad68943.jpg) (http://s1130.photobucket.com/user/markl12/media/swingarmbearingremovaltool_zps6ad68943.jpg.html)
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I use a ball joint press. They are something like $40 from harbor freight.
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Also the motion pro t handle is pretty awesome. Any T handle with the rotating grip in the middle is a huge time saver. I can't imagine removing plastics and what not without one.
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Also the motion pro t handle is pretty awesome. Any T handle with the rotating grip in the middle is a huge time saver. I can't imagine removing plastics and what not without one.
I'll have to check this out. Can you send me a link?
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http://www.motosport.com/dirtbike/Motion-Pro-Spinner-THandle-14-Drive
There is also a 3/8" version.
I use mine so often the rubber came off of the handle making it a little hard on the hands. Doesn't matter much while wearing gloves though.
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http://www.motosport.com/dirtbike/Motion-Pro-Spinner-THandle-14-Drive
There is also a 3/8" version.
I use mine so often the rubber came off of the handle making it a little hard on the hands. Doesn't matter much while wearing gloves though.
I prefer spinners. :-D
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my swing arm bearing tool ...... its really just screwed rod and a couple of nuts :mrgreen:
(http://i1130.photobucket.com/albums/m529/markl12/swingarmbearingremovaltool_zps6ad68943.jpg) (http://s1130.photobucket.com/user/markl12/media/swingarmbearingremovaltool_zps6ad68943.jpg.html)
Thats the same setup I use to pull stubborn piston pins 8-)
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That t-handle is really cool. I'm gonna grab that as well as a tire spoon and spoke wrench.
How important is a torque wrench? Do the bolts on the bike really have to be torqued to a certain spec? Or is tight by hand good?
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By hand is not good enough.
Too tight or too loose is very bad....
Stripped threads or parts falling off your bike can have interesting consequences :-o
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By hand is not good enough.
Too tight or too loose is very bad....
Stripped threads or parts falling off your bike can have interesting consequences :-o
Good to know. Do you recommend those electronic torque wrenches or are there others you'd recommend?
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Another good point to make on tightening bolts / nuts to a certain torque...
Any shaft with a bearing needs to be torqued down properly (swing arm, steering head, wheel axles, etc) to give the bearing the correct pre-load so that it may operate correctly and reliably.
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Another good point to make on tightening bolts / nuts to a certain torque...
Any shaft with a bearing needs to be torqued down properly (swing arm, steering head, wheel axles, etc) to give the bearing the correct pre-load so that it may operate correctly and reliably.
Great info! Thanks!
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http://www.motosport.com/dirtbike/BikeMaster-Digital-Torque-Wrench
Which one do I get?
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I recommend going down to sears or lowes, for instance, and buying a reputable brand torque wrench. One that if it breaks it will be replaced for free, etc. that's just me!
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I recommend going down to sears or lowes, for instance, and buying a reputable brand torque wrench. One that if it breaks it will be replaced for free, etc. that's just me!
Good point!
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I have exhaust valve rocker arm bolts to torque to 3 ft lbs on my 01 rm125 that I'm currently doing my first top end ever on. The lowest my torque wrench goes is 15 ft lbs.
I can't find any locally of a reputable brand that go that low. Anyone have any recommendations? I'm on a tight budget which doesn't help...
Edit: http://www.sears.com/craftsman-3-8-in-dr-beam-style-torque-wrench/p-00932999000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2 Looks like my local sears has two of these beam type in stock that range from 0-75. The more reputable looking reviews are bad, and at $18 I'm scared even if it is a Craftsmen.
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in lb wrench
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Definitely, but they seem to be even more pricey.
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Just bought a tire spoon (need to pick up another one), spoke wrench, spark plug wrench, and aair pressure gauge. Getting my tools on! Next up is a torque wrench.
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keep buying tools, can't ever have to many, I find myself buying some because they look cool, for example I just bought a hydraulic tubing expander that I probably won't use but a few times, but hey I have it if I need it. I just ordered one of the Motion pro mini brake bleeders, conceptually they look good and should make your job easier, I had bought one but didn't pay attention and it was for hydraulic clutch bleeding, which was ok cause I could use it as well. anybody able to buy a top dead center dial indicator for the new jap 4t. I looked and couldn't find what I needed so I made my own, works on the Euro sport bikes as well.
I think there was tool thread once that showed cool tools either made or purchased, we should resurrect it, I would maybe even open a photobucket accout and get out sandblasters instructions on how to post pictures.
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Just bought a tire spoon (need to pick up another one), spoke wrench, spark plug wrench, and aair pressure gauge. Getting my tools on! Next up is a torque wrench.
teach ya a trick.
4 or 5 tire spoons....
will make you wonder why you ever did it with just 2
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keep buying tools, can't ever have to many, I find myself buying some because they look cool, for example I just bought a hydraulic tubing expander that I probably won't use but a few times, but hey I have it if I need it. I just ordered one of the Motion pro mini brake bleeders, conceptually they look good and should make your job easier, I had bought one but didn't pay attention and it was for hydraulic clutch bleeding, which was ok cause I could use it as well. anybody able to buy a top dead center dial indicator for the new jap 4t. I looked and couldn't find what I needed so I made my own, works on the Euro sport bikes as well.
I think there was tool thread once that showed cool tools either made or purchased, we should resurrect it, I would maybe even open a photobucket accout and get out sandblasters instructions on how to post pictures.
We should resurrect that thread!
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Just bought a tire spoon (need to pick up another one), spoke wrench, spark plug wrench, and aair pressure gauge. Getting my tools on! Next up is a torque wrench.
teach ya a trick.
4 or 5 tire spoons....
will make you wonder why you ever did it with just 2
Ahhhh I will definitely try that. Makes sense. I tried it with one. It was HELL!