GARAGE
MECHANICS MUST-HAVES
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WORDS AND PHOTOS: JOHN ZAMORA
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1. BIKE LIFT
6MUST-HAVE MOTO
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TOOLS
2. OIL DRAIN PAN
If your bike came with a chain or you’ve done a conversion, do yourself a favor and get a proper chain tool. You’ll save yourself a heap load of time and frustration trying to attach that master link without chasing the little clip all over the garage. For just less than $140, this tool from RK will save your sanity and your fingers. rkexcelamerica.com
Motorcycles are different than cars in the sense that you can easily fit a lift in your garage without taking up much real estate. This 1,000-pound lift from Harbor Freight is foot operated and costs a tick under $430. harborfreight.com
3. CHAIN TOOL
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4. SERVICE MANUAL I’ve found that most videos on YouTube are either too detailed or full of crap. Unless you want to painstakingly watch a 20-minute clip on how to change a tire by a wannabe filmmaker shooting in his basement, buy a proper service manual for your bike. Prices vary but it’s worth every penny. harley-davidson.com
Taking your bike to the dealer every time it needs a service can get expensive fast. Changing the oil is fairly simple and can save you a bundle in the long run. This Low Profile Oil Drain Pan from big H-D is just over $30 and will pay for itself the first time you use it.
5. BASIC TOOL SET It’s hard to compile a must-have list without tools. Tools are just like your bike. You can spend a little or you can spend a lot. Craftsman tools are readily available, come in all sizes, and are easily returnable. Even though you have an H-D, don’t forget to purchase metrics as well, as many parts are being switched over. Prices start at around $60 and go up from there.
harley-davidson.com
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6. BATTERY CHARGER
sears.com
There’s nothing worse than the sound of “were-were-were-click-click” when you go to start your bike. A battery tender will make sure that the battery will always be as juiced up as you are when you are ready to ride. C-Tek offers a wide variety of chargers for a wide variety of batteries and start at about $60 and go up from there.
16 / HOTBIKE.COM
smartercharger.com
