GL 1500/1800 Tools

[texwing]

Good Day GW family:
I have had a 1500 for almost 4 yrs., now have a 2002 1800 (love em both!)
I am an "emerging" DIYer, but do not have anything but usual garage tools (which I know will accomplish some of the maintenance jobs). I have done several things thanks to Admin's excellent step-by-steps. I assume everything on the GW is metric?
I would like to know some opinions regarding some basic tools or tool sets to purchase, specifically for 1500 & 1800 to make some these jobs easier. (Right now, looks like I will need to go into my 1800s Right front fork for leak!)
I live very close to a Harbor Freight store...example: I know I need a torque wrench!
Thoughts/input for Santa to fill the novice tool box regarding GW tools?
Thank you in advance. Happy Trails all.

[AZgl1800]

my tools left with my 1500s, so like you, I needed some tools to stay for the bike.

Went to HF and picked up the larger of the two tool bags they have, it is big enough for a 12" Crescent wrench to lay down in.

2 sets of Metric sockets, shorts and longs, shorts in 1/4 drive, deeps in 3/8 drive

a set of the Metric combo wrenches, the ones on the Yellow Plastic holder, I keep them in that holder and secured with Zip ties, easier to see if one is lost.

Side joint pliers
Needle nose pliers

JIS screwdrivers, the std Phillips head type will ruin the screws on your bike.

a set of the Crescent wrenches, 6, 8, 10"
a few extensions for the sockets
1/4 ratchet and 3/8 ratchet, already had a swivel head ratchet with 4" handle and double sided with 1/4 & 3/8 drive on it. love that tool

el cheapo HF DVM, the little red one for 5 bux.

8" Side Cutters and a whole hand full of zip ties

[GoldWingrGreg]

For a screw driver, get a JIS #2. Sears, Harbor Fright, Ace Hardware, Lowels, and Home Depot will have none, but google has many.

[texwing]

Thank you for the heads up on JIS screwdrivers (especially the #2). I've already experienced that my standard philips just wouldn't quit get a good seated grip..now I know why!
Also for the tool suggestions...just need to brace up the wallet to match!
Keep em coming...

[texwing]

Regarding a torque wrench...most that I am finding do not go below 20 ft.lb. What is the lowest needed on gl1800? I did find one that goes down to 10.

[AZgl1800]

Regarding a torque wrench...most that I am finding do not go below 20 ft.lb. What is the lowest needed on gl1800? I did find one that goes down to 10.

Get one that measures in Inch Pounds for the lighter torque values.

If you have twisted enough wrenches in your life, the smaller bolt sizes are normally just run up snug, and then a 1/4 turn is "good nuff". I rarely ever use a torque wrench, I just go by feel and use a short ratchet handle so you can't over do it.

[DaveO430]

Regarding a torque wrench...most that I am finding do not go below 20 ft.lb. What is the lowest needed on gl1800? I did find one that goes down to 10.

There is not much you need a 1/2" drive torque wrench for, or 1/2" drive anything except for the rear wheel lug nuts. Most 3/8 drive torque wrenches go down to 10 ftlb or less which will do for most of what you will be doing.

[themainviking]

If you can afford it, get a decent quality torque wrench. Some of the cheaper stuff you might find at Harbor Freight are not accurate at all. One thing you really do need a torque wrench for is front end work if you remove the axle. The pinch bolts are only lightly torqued, but really do need to be. Improper installation of the front axle can cause a front fork problem known as "stiction" where your forks bind, and this will not only affect handling but will prematurely wear the suspension components. The Tupperware can all be reinstalled without torqueing. As mentioned, a 3/8 drive is probably all you will need on a goldwing.

[WingAdmin]

If you can afford it, get a decent quality torque wrench. Some of the cheaper stuff you might find at Harbor Freight are not accurate at all. One thing you really do need a torque wrench for is front end work if you remove the axle. The pinch bolts are only lightly torqued, but really do need to be. Improper installation of the front axle can cause a front fork problem known as "stiction" where your forks bind, and this will not only affect handling but will prematurely wear the suspension components. The Tupperware can all be reinstalled without torqueing. As mentioned, a 3/8 drive is probably all you will need on a goldwing.

I have all my "good" tools warm and dry in my basement workshop, and keep a second set of "less great" tools in the garage for quick access, as over time with the humidity etc. they tend to rust. That's where my Harbor Freight cheapies live.

That said, I have two Harbor Freight torque wrenches - one 3/8" drive and one 1/2" drive that live in my garage. They get used primarily for torquing lug nuts, but I'll grab them for bike use if needed. I have checked their calibration against an old beam-type torque wrench that I have a handful of times over the years, and they have always remained dead on accurate - so the calibration of HF torque wrenches shouldn't necessarily be called into question just because of their price.

[texwing]

Thanks to all your advise and ideas..I mention HF tools simply because I live very close to a store and the price is right! I am about to embark on a leaking right front fork on a recently purchased 2002 GL1800. Reading up on the monotube fork cartridge...any advice there appreciated.
Also, I want to install Dyna Beads in both tires. I would rather have a heads up on tools BEFORE I need them!
Thanks again to Admin (and others) for taking time to post DIY instructions. Helps many of us feel more secure with our machines, and save lots of $$$!.
Always listening...keep em coming.
Almost wildflower time, and Texas Hill Country is about to bust open with the beautiful Texas Bluebonnets.
Let's ride.