Airhead toolkits?

[SamH]

I got caught without tools on a ride the other day. I'd thought the BMW tool kits were a bit expensive but after the breakdown I've started to think that they're not that expensive after all.

Which kit is best suited to a 76' airhead? R90 to be exact.

This one (a few items down the page) is what's advertised for 2v airheads.
http://www.munichmotorcycles.com.au/shop/323

Is that one kinda standard?

Simple question but at $200 I don't really want to end up with the wrong kit and have to buy a heap of extra bits and pieces.

[jtwind]

Go to someone like Chicago BMW or Hammersly BMW and buy the factory toolkit discounted at around 20% off. It will be around $100.

[Jason_01]

The Bee em toolkits are nothing special, quality is just ok IMO though they are nice to have with the bike. The kit is lacking some stuff anyway and you would probably want to add some extra tools.

You should be able to put together a kit of generic tools of equal or better quality than the Heyco stuff for less money if you dont mind shopping round a bit.

[hardwaregrrl]

Hey Sam, you can find them on ebay from time to time for a pretty decent price. If anything is missing, you can purchase it separate from BMW, or if you have an old school BMW mechanic in the neighborhood, I bet a buck he or she has a box of BMW tools that are mismatched. But 100 bucks for a new one is pretty damn good!!!

[bgoodsoil]

do a search for tookit in this forum(old school) and you'll find extensive lists of what you need. there are a few things in the stock kit that are needed but in general you can get the stuff from the hardware store

[bigbottomedanarchist]

Good to see another BM rider in Tassie. I reckon the BMW toolkits are pretty good. You can do all minor repairs and servicing with them and pack up pretty neatly.

Bigbottomeanarchist

[notarex]

I replaced the wrenches in my airhead kit with "Gearwrenches", those ratchety jobbers. Anything to make life easier when you are stranded. I say roll your own kit

[squish]

Roll your own kit.

Here's the trick. Only use the tool kit to work on your bike
Even at home. very quickly (especially on a tinkering needing bike)
Your tool kit will be complete and functional and cost you less then 200 bucks.

[SamH]

Good advice. I'll start making one up.

[Dustdevill]

Originally Posted by notarex

I replaced the wrenches in my airhead kit with "Gearwrenches", those ratchety jobbers. Anything to make life easier when you are stranded. I say roll your own kit

Not a cool idea, I use those in the workshop a lot but it is a second set of tools, as I often need the same size spanner in two's.
These spanners have bigger heads and don't always fit in tight places, like the 10mm nuts on the valve covers. The mechanism can also be damaged far easier than regular spanners.

The BMW tool kit is very good and contain everything you will need but the original one is the best if you can find one. They were slightly changed in later years.

BMW also sell an extended set.

[Jason_01]

Here is a useful link for you

http://w6rec.com/duane/bmw/toolkit/index.htm

I guess it may depend on what you already have available, I am rather lucky in having a large amount of high end tools at hand which make the BMW tools feel cheap. For one thing, the screwdrivers are just plain awful!

[Infracaninophile]

I second the notions of:

1. Looking on eBay.
2. Just buying new from Chicago BMW.

I do not wrench on my bike with the tools from my toolkit at home. I did ensure my bike's toolkit was complete but enjoy using finer tools and ratchets and sockets at home. I also don't carry a big torque wrench in my bike's tool kit either.

T.

[squish]

Originally Posted by Infracaninophile

I second the notions of:

1. Looking on eBay.
2. Just buying new from Chicago BMW.

I do not wrench on my bike with the tools from my toolkit at home. I did ensure my bike's toolkit was complete but enjoy using finer tools and ratchets and sockets at home. I also don't carry a big torque wrench in my bike's tool kit either.

T.

There are only a few jobs on the bike I use a torque wrench for.
And I've never needed on on the road where I've not been able to get one...

And if someone's working on their bike enough, you quickly learn how much nicer it is to use higher quality tools. And use those tools in your tool kit.

Truth be told I don't often use my tool kits at home anymore either.
But I did (and still do) build my kits by working on the bike I keep a little note pad and grease pencil in there and one reason is to remind me of what I'm missing.

My eurobike kit started out life as a BMW kit.
The wrenches are good enough for me. (But then I use mostly craftsmen at home)
Now only the wrenches and lug wrench remain.

I used to carry sockets and ratchet handles on the bike
But I discovered something. I never use them.
SO I took the extra weight out of the tool roll.

[bmwloco]

Over the years I have owned 31 BMWs. Some I have ridden a long, long time, others that were just bought, spiffed and flipped. I was into it before the rest of the herd caught on. Back in the early 80's you could buy very nice 60's and 70's airheads for $1000 or less.

I've kept many tool kits. The old ones are very, very good. The early R80G/S being the best, an extended tool kit. Now I have a set in my '81 Rabbit, '85 Westfalia, a grotto old well used set in my toolbox.

[notarex]

Originally Posted by Dustdevill

Not a cool idea, I use those in the workshop a lot but it is a second set of tools, as I often need the same size spanner in two's.
These spanners have bigger heads and don't always fit in tight places, like the 10mm nuts on the valve covers. The mechanism can also be damaged far easier than regular spanners.

That's why the other end is a open end wrench . I hope no one around here is foolish enough to be loosening nuts/bolts with a ratchet.