Best Motorcycle Tool Kits: Be Prepared on a Road Trip

These top motorcycle tool kits will come in handy during a breakdown

byNoelle Talmon|
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BYNoelle Talmon/ LAST UPDATED ON May 10, 2021

Getting stuck on the side of the road can be a pain in the you know what. Whether you're taking a short ride around town or a road trip across the country, you should always carry a motorcycle tool kit. They are portable and provide some peace of mind, particularly if you're traveling long distances. We highlight some of the best motorcycle tool kits in the buying guide below.

Best Overall
Biker's Choice Roll-Up Tool Kit

Biker's Choice Roll-Up Tool Kit

Summary

This tool kit is designed for Harley-Davidson motorcycles and contains wrenches, a drive ratchet, locking pliers, a tire gauge, cable ties, electrical wire, a 10-piece hex key set, and more.

Pros
  • This is a great set of bike-specific tools
  • Tools look good and feel durable
  • Quite light and compact, considering how many tools it holds
Cons
  • Tool kit is too heavy and bulky to fit in a fork bag and is larger than advertised
  • Flashlight isn't very good quality
Best Value

Cruztools SKHD SPEEDKIT Compact Tool Kit

Summary

This tool kit for Harley-Davidson bikes includes wrenches, nut drivers, star bits, hex wrenches, a five-in-one screwdriver, pliers, a two-in-one spark plug socket, and a tire pressure gauge.

Pros
  • The best thing about this kit is its size. All the tools fit into a durable pouch that is small enough to fit in a fork bag
  • Very affordable
Cons
  • Missing some handy items, such as zip ties, a small knife, and a flashlight
  • Tools may be coated in an oily residue
Honorable Mention

RIFTWILD Metric Motorcycle ATV UTV Tool Kit

Summary

This tool kit is designed for Japanese bikes. It comes with several wrenches, sockets, pliers, screwdrivers, and more.

Pros
  • Kit is lightweight and weighs under two pounds
  • Measures 7.2 x 3.5 x 1.5 inches and takes up very little space
Cons
  • This kit is a little pricey
  • Storage bag also appears a little flimsy and may not last as long as some other brands

Benefits of a Motorcycle Tool Kit

  • Get your bike running again. It's a pain to get stuck on the side of the road because something goes wrong with your bike. The best motorcycle tool kits have all (or most) of the components you need to get your bike running again.
  • Save money. It's much cheaper to fix something yourself than pay someone to haul your bike to a shop so a mechanic can fix it when it breaks down. A motorcycle tool kit is an affordable accessory that can prevent bigger expenses.
  • Portability. Many biker tool kits are compact, so they're easy to carry on your motorcycle. If you have saddlebags, a tank bag, or other storage options, you can carry your kit with you so it’s on hand if you have an emergency.

Types of Motorcycle Tool Kits

Rollup Tool Kit

The advantage of having a rollup tool kit is that it's easy to store on your bike. It may not contain as many tools as other types of tool kits, but it takes up less room because it doesn't have hard, unbendable edges like tool kits that are contained in hard cases.

Hard Case Toolbox

If you want access to a lot of tools, consider a tool kit that comes in a sturdy, plastic storage case. While this type of kit is great to have at home, it can be a little bulky to carry with you on the road. The advantage to this type of kit is that it typically has a wide range of tools that can address a variety of problems you may encounter while you’re on a road trip.

Motorcycle Multi-Tool 

If you don't have a lot of room for extra cargo on your bike, you may want to consider an extremely portable multi-function tool. These all-in-one devices feature items such as hex keys, Torx keys, screwdrivers, wrenches, and sockets, in a small, compact unit. They often can be used for maintenance as well as emergency breakdowns, and are tiny enough to carry in a pocket.

Top Brands

Biker’s Choice

New England Motor Parts Company (NEMPCO) got its start in 1971 and renamed itself Nempco - The Biker's Choice in 1984. The company manufactures a variety of motorcycle performance and replacement parts and items such as the Biker's Choice Roll-Up Tool Kit.

CruzTOOLS

CruzTOOLs is a brand of the CycoActive Company, which is based in Seattle, Washington. CycoActive produces all sorts of gear related to the fast and light dual sport motorcycle segment. We recommend its Cruztools SKHD SPEEDKIT Compact Tool Kit.

Pit Posse

Pit Posse was founded in 2003 and is headquartered in Saint Petersburg, Florida. It sells all sorts of motorcycle accessories and tools, as well as a line of Outlaw Racing products. One of its popular tool kits is the Pit Posse Harley Davidson Folding Tool Set 12 in 1 SAE Motorcycle Tool

Motorcycle Tool Kit Pricing

  • $20-$100: Some motorcycle tool kits are very affordable; however, they tend to be less robust in their offerings. If you want a dependable tool kit with a variety of wrenches, sockets, etc., expect to pay at least $30-$50. The more expensive a kit is, the more tools it will provide.
  • $100 and up: You can purchase a good-quality mechanic's tool kit without spending an exorbitant amount of money. These kits are useful for motorcycle repairs, but they aren't the most practical when it comes to taking them with you on the road. Since they contain so many tools, they tend to be heavy and bulky. However, they are very versatile and often feature both metric and SAE tools.

Key Features

Included Tools

Every motorcycle tool kit is a little different, but there are certain tools that every biker should have in order to repair his or her bike, particularly in a roadside emergency. Look for kits that include items such as an Allen wrench, flathead screwdriver, pliers, and adjustable wrench. It's also a good idea to have a flashlight, battery cables, zip ties, and a tire repair kit. Note: Make sure the tools are either metric or SAE, depending on what type of bike you ride.

Quality

The better quality the tools, the longer they will last. Unfortunately, many portable motorcycle tool kits have flimsy tools that can break after a short period of use. Invest in a tool kit that will provide the type of support you need, whether you're fixing your bike at home or repairing it on the side of the road.

Size

This is something to consider if you plan on carrying a toolkit with you on your motorcycle. Large, heavy, and bulky kits are not a good option if you don't have a lot of storage space. Rollup pouches have a smaller profile and are easier to store. But if you plan on keeping your tool kit in the garage, the size and weight may not matter as much.

Other Considerations

  • Extras: You can use a general tool kit for many bike repairs; however, you may need to supplement it with motorcycle-specific components. Some bike toolkits, for example, include spare fuses and bulbs as well as a tire repair kit, zip ties, and duct tape. These little extras can be extremely helpful if you need to do a roadside repair.

Best Motorcycle Tool Kit Reviews & Recommendations 2021

If you have a Harley-Davidson, then this tool kit is a great option. It has a variety of tools, including 1/2 and 9/16-inch open-ended wrenches, a 3/8-inch drive ratchet, locking pliers, a pen-type tire gauge, cable ties, electrical wire, a 10-piece hex key set, a six-in-one screwdriver, a flashlight, and electrical tape.


Whether you are stranded or simply need to take your seat off to access the battery, this basic set of tools will do the trick. They are high-quality and durable, and the kit is surprisingly light and compact considering how many tools are included. It's easy to carry on your bike, and it rolls up nicely to save space in your saddlebag.


However, the tool kit cannot be used on metric bikes. It's also too heavy and bulky to fit in a fork bag and some other types of bags because it is larger than you may think. In addition, the flashlight isn't very good and can easily break.

This SPEEDKIT for Harley-Davidsons works on all models except the V-Rod. It has wrenches, nut drivers, star bits, hex wrenches, a five-in-one screwdriver, pliers, a two-in-one spark plug socket, and a tire pressure gauge. The bag is 7 by 2 by 2 inches.


This tool kit's biggest advantage is its small size. All the tools fit into a durable pouch that can fit in a fork bag. There is space in the bag to add items such as zip ties, a flashlight, spark plugs, electrical tape, and wire cutters. Overall, it contains most of the tools you may need in an emergency, and it's a great price.


Unfortunately, the tools aren't the highest quality and are pretty basic. Also, the kit doesn't include items such as zip ties, a small knife, and a flashlight. In addition, the tools may be coated in an oily residue.

The RIFTWILD Metric Motorcycle ATV UTV Tool Kit is small enough to carry with you when you're on your bike. It has nine items in the tool bag, including a 16/17mm socket, 23mm socket, 19mm box wrench, 10/12mm open-ended wrench, 14/17mm open-ended wrench, spoke wrench,  Phillips/flathead screwdriver, slip-joint pliers, and a pin wrench with a tappet slot.


The kit is lightweight and weighs just 1.45 pounds. It measures 7.2 x 3.5 x 1.5 inches, so it doesn't take up too much space in a saddle bag. Overall, this tool kit is high quality and is designed for a variety of metric makes and models, including many Japanese bikes, such as Honda, Kawasaki, and Suzuki.


However, the tool kit is fairly expensive for what it includes, and the storage bag doesn't appear to be as robust or durable as some rival options.

This 12-in-1 carbon steel and ABS multitool is designed for Harley-Davidsons and includes the following tools: 5/32, 3/16, and 1/4-inch hex keys; T25 and T27 Torx keys; and a 1/4-inch driver with 3/8, 7/16, and 1/2-inch sockets. It also has a 10mm box and 9/16 open-end wrenches, a spoke wrench, and a slotted and Phillips screwdriver. The company provides a 30-day warranty.


This is a great option if you want something extremely lightweight and small. It fits under your seat or in your pocket. The device measures 3.5 inches long and 1-inch wide when it's folded. It also comes with a storage pouch and a loop to attach to your belt. It's a handy and very affordable gadget to have if you want an emergency tool set and need to make minor repairs on the go.


The biggest problem with this multitool is it's not useful on metric bikes. Also, even though it's fine as a roadside set, it's definitely not intended for everyday repairs. In addition, the nut that secures the tool together may come off.

This is another tool kit from CruzTOOLS, but it's designed for Japanese motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, and snowmobiles that require metric tools.  All of the items are contained in a compact 7 x 2 x 2-inch pouch. The kit includes a 10 x 12mm open end wrench, 14 x 17mm open end wrench, 8mm nut driver, 5/8-inch and 18mm combo spark plug wrench, mini 5-in-1 screwdriver w/ Torx bits, hex keys, 10-50 PSI tire gauge, and 5.5-inch slip-joint pliers.


The kit includes the most basic tools you may need in an emergency situation. It's designed to fit in most OEM tool compartments but features better, technician-grade tools than what's typically provided through a factory kit. Users report that this kit is compact and fits well under a variety of seats. The company also provides a lifetime guarantee should you experience any problems.


However, there have been some complaints about the screwdriver, which seems to be low quality compared to the other tools in the kit. Also, while it's compact, it may be too large for the tool carriers on some bikes.

According to Windzone, its tool kit can successfully tackle 99 percent of roadside as well as garage repairs. It features a six-in-one screwdriver, Allen and Torx head wrenches, spark plug sockets, a ratchet, a flashlight, and an Essenti-Tool. Each tool is drop forged and chrome-plated, while the pouch is made of heavy-duty nylon with a moisture-repelling sheath.


This Harley-Davidson tool kit is a great value, and it's compact and easy to use. It features a nice assortment of components, and when you're done using the tools they roll back up neatly into the pouch. It fits nicely in a saddlebag or swingarm pouch, and overall it's a pretty good emergency tool kit.


Unfortunately, this kit is designed for Harley-Davidsons and not metric bikes. Also, you may want to remove and add a few tools for customization because items such as the ratchet aren't the best quality. In addition, the kit may have a slight odor, the multi-tool is not very useful, and it's a little heavy.

This metric tool kit has 53 pieces and is designed for automotive, motorcycle, and home use. It has a ratchet wrench, batch heads, sleeves, slide bar, universal joint, square bar, extension bars, and a power drill adapter. The tools are made of high-strength, corrosion-resistant chrome vanadium steel and are contained in a plastic storage box.


This tool set is compact and perfect for making minor adjustments on a motorcycle or to tackle unexpected issues that occur when you're riding. It's a good option if you want a product that's affordable that you can also use for basic work around the house. You can keep it in the trunk of your vehicle for emergencies, and it's light and small enough to fit in a saddlebag.


One problem with this tool kit is it may not hold the tools very well, and the storage box isn't the best quality. You need to make sure to open it orange side up, and the screwdriver handle may come off after a short period of use.

This comprehensive tool kit has both metric and SAE tools, so you can use it on a variety of different motorcycles. It features 168 pieces, including sockets, wrenches, and hex keys. The 72-tooth gear system enables high-torque ratcheting, while the low-profile directional lever fosters one-hand operation.


All the tools are well-made, and they are snugly contained in the storage box. The sockets are stamped with the SAE or metric designation, and the ratchets, sockets, extensions, etc. have a professional-looking finish. This set includes MM/SAE HEX keys and a large set of star bits with a vinyl grip multi-driver.


However, the tool kit is extremely heavy, so it's not an option if you want a portable emergency roadside kit. It's also quite expensive compared to other kits on this list, it may have an odor, and it can be a little hard to remove sockets out of the stiff storage box.

Tips

  • Most breakdowns can be avoided if you properly maintain your bike and have it serviced regularly. Before you go on a road trip, make sure your motorcycle is in good working order.
  • Some bikes come with OE tool kits, but they don't always include everything you need for basic maintenance and repairs. A properly equipped motorcycle tool kit will help you carry out bigger jobs.
  • You can assemble your own tool kit by purchasing the tools separately, but it may be more expensive than a ready-made kit. Plus, you have to purchase an item such as a tool roll to hold all the equipment.

FAQs

Q: What should be included in a motorcycle tool kit?

A: A tool kit should have everything you need if your bike breaks down. The kit should include an assortment of tools, as well as a flashlight, battery cables, spare fuses and bulbs, and a tire puncture repair kit. And if your bike has a recurring issue, make sure you carry the right tools and parts to repair it on the road.

Q: Do motorcycle tool kits fit under the seat?

A: It depends on the size of the tool kit and the type of motorcycle you are riding. A good tool kit will be packed with an assortment of items, so it probably won’t fit. If there’s no room under the seat, you can store a tool kit in the saddlebags or in a tank or fork bag. 

Q: Are motorcycle tool kits expensive?

A: Expect to pay more for a good-quality tool kit with a large assortment of tools. Cheap motorcycle tool kits are widely available, but the items may break easily, and they may not provide extras, such as a flashlight or zip ties. 

Final Thoughts

Our pick for the best motorcycle tool kit is the Biker's Choice Roll-Up Tool Kit.  It comes with a large assortment of tools that can conquer most roadside emergencies. 

For a more budget-friendly option, consider the Cruztools SKHD SPEEDKIT Compact Tool Kit.

Why Trust Us

Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, “wisdom of the crowd” assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.

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