To be sure, I am a geek. Not the horned rimmed glasses type, but the "How can I make it better, stronger, faster" type. In addition to all of the standard mechanics tools needed to properly work on motorcycles, I have the following special tools:
* Durometer - by Rex. Used for measuring the hardness of all things rubber. Shore A scale is most useful.
* Electronic Coil Spring Tester - by Longacre Racing. Used for very accurate measurement of spring rates.
* Infrared Thermometer - by Raytech. Used for accurate temperature measurements in garage and on the field.
* Laser Level & Plumb Bob - by CST/Berger. Gizmo Lite 4
* 10 Ton Hydraulic Bench Press - by Enerpak. Pressure, when and where you need it.
* Digital Protractor - by SPI. Measures any angle from any reference point.
* Solidworks 2005 - by SolidWorks. When good ideas come, 3D parametric solid models really communicate.
* Machinist Measurement Tools - by Mitutoyo and Starrett. Calipers, Micrometers, Bore Gauges, Radius Gauges, ect.
* Hanging Digital Scale - by Salter Bricknell. Perfect of precise weighing bicycles, tires, or anything easy to hang.
* Benchtop Digital Scale - by Ohaus. Precision scale for small items of less than 2000g.
* Mig Welding Machine - by Miller. Small machine that plugs into 110A. Saves the day.
* 5x8 Utility Trailer - by Big Tex. Moves two bikes to the track plus a whole lot more.
A note on tools: Many people will say that a Snap-On tool it the best tool you can use. While they are very fine quality tools, for the money, they are a foolish investment. Some specific tools are only available from Snap-On, MAC, or Matco. This is the reason for their existance. If you only need a basic tool, other sources are much wiser to use. Basic tools such as Facom, Craftsman, Armstrong, Stanley/Proto, Allen, SK, Bondhus, Channellock, Crescent, etc. are easily and cheaply purchased at industrial suppliers such as MSC, Grainger or McMaster-Carr. Almost all tool suppliers offer lifetime replacement guarantees, so that is not an issue between one and another. It is very important not to waste money on overly expensive tools, as it is very important to have as many different tools as possible.
Many special motorcycle tools are available from Kowa, K&L, Handy Industies, or Motion Pro. The Eastwood Company must also be mentioned by any person working on autos of all kinds.
Sometimes you need a lathe or a mill. Most people do not have 3 phase power or the space and money for full size machine tools. Grizzly Industrial, Inc. saves the day. The carry many small size machines that will run on household 110v current. Their tools are not the finest tools ever made, but they are far better than the competition.
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