Starting a motorcycle restoration project is an exciting opportunity. You’ll learn a lot about your motorcycle, its components, and the mechanics of an engine.
It is going to take a lot of work but by having the right tools from the start, you’ll be making it easy on yourself.
In the past, I’ll be making great progress on a project, I have the time to sit and focus on it, and check boxes off my restorations checklist.
But then it happens.
I reach a point where I don’t have the right tools or a piece of equipment and the brakes slam my progress to an abrupt stop.
Nothing.
I’m not going to be able to get any work done.
I don’t have the right part or I’m missing the tool I need for the next step.
It’s a terrible experience.
I can help you take advantage of the time you’ve planned to spend on your bike and get as much work done as possible.
What do I need to work on a motorcycle?
I have been restoring motorcycles for the past 3 years. My current restoration is a 1997 Yamaha Virago XV250.
Over time I have put together all the tools I need to conquer any job on one of my motorcycles.
Here is my list of things you’ll need for all your restoration projects:
- Mechanic’s toolset
- Service Manual
- Motorcycle stand(s)
- Gloves and Goggles
- Battery Tender
- Carb Cleaner and Tools
- Wire Cutters
- Starter Fluid
- Spark Plugs Socket
- Telescoping Magnet
Motorcycle specific needs:
- Battery
- Spark Plugs
- Air Filter
- Motor Oil
- Oil Filter
- Coolant
This list will be enough to get your motorcycle fired up and running. There may be some more fixes you’ll need to make, but with these tools you should be able to get your motorcycle running.
All these things should be tracked in your motorcycle restoration budget.
Well Rounded Mechanic’s Toolset
Problem it solved: Before I got my toolset, while working on my motorcycle or changing the oil on my car, I’d waste so much time digging in a dirty, grease covered tool box looking for the socket, wrench, or extended socket for the job.
My go to tool has been my Craftsman Mechanic’s Set 230 piece set. I have an older set from a few years ago, but have gotten my money’s worth.
I highly recommend being on the lookout for the Craftsman Mechanic’s Set 230 piece set especially as it goes on sale around the holidays.
This mechanic’s toolset comes with 116 sockets for a wide range of socket sizes in both metric and inch sizes. It includes the necessary socket ratchet wrenches. The wrenches come in ¼”, ⅜”, and ½” drives.
You’ll be set up to deal with all the bolts on your motorcycle with this toolset.
The set also includes Allen keys, screwdriver bits, and all of it fits nicely into a hard plastic case.
These are my number one tools when I’m working on my motorcycle or one of my cars.
Service Manual
Usually I find a Haynes service manual for motorcycles and cars. In this case though, they don’t have one for the V Star 250.
I haven’t bought it yet, but would recommend this service manual. It has photos walking you through each step and in depth descriptions.
It’s on my wishlist.
YouTube has its purpose but a slow, photo by photo tutorial can’t be beat sometimes.
Motorcycle Stands
Stands are great to have. I have one and i use it during tire, sprocket, and chain maintenance.
You will have a set of two stands, one for the front and one for the rear.
To save some money on motorcycle stands, check out your local Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. I found a cheap pair on OfferUp.
Motorcycle scissor lifts are also an option. I haven’t got one because they take up a lot of room and are much more expensive,
Gloves and Goggles
These see safety items you’ll want around the garage. Gloves protect and clean your hands clean. Goggles or safety glasses will shield your eyes from oils, chemicals, and dirt you milay working with.
Squinting or closing your eyes really really fast wont be enough.
Working on motorcycles exposes you to a lot of chemicals and toxic substances. Protecting your skin and eyes from these hazards is important.
I always cringe when I see guys handling motor oil and brake fluid without gloves. These liquids have known toxins.
A cheap pair of gloves can protect your hands from harm. There are affordable safety goggles available to protect your eyes from splashes or airborne hazards.
Working on your project will involve your hands and eyes throughout the process. Protect them.
Right now, I use disposable safety gloves. The next time I’m in the market, I’m planning to buy some mechanic’s gloves for working on my motorcycles and cars.
Battery Tender
A battery tender is a great piece of equipment to have especially if you will be storing your bike during the off-season. While you aren’t riding, connect your battery tender to your bike and you’re all set.
This will.keep your battery at a safe level and ensure your bike is ready to fire up come springtime.
Look for a reputable brand option and you’ll be alright. I like this one from Battery Tender. The wires are long enough to reach an outlet in your garage without too much hassle.
Carb Cleaner and Tools
You will only need this stuff if you have a motorcycle with a carburetor. Most older bikes have carburetors.
All of the Yamaha Viragos have carburetors.
Carbs are great when they are working as intended. However, when a motorcycle has been sitting for a while, if there was gasoline in it, the carburetors get gunked up.
If you are riding your motorcycle at least once a week, your carburetors are fine.
On the other hand, on our project bikes, fouled up carburetors are a common issue. They can be intimidating but if you are slow and deliberate about the process, you won’t have any issues.
Carb cleaner is a great thing to have for spraying carb jets, needles and bowls clean. It does a good job of removing old gunky gas. It won’t get it spotless, but it will get it functional. If you want it spotless, consider getting a ultrasonic cleaner.
I always have a can of the stuff on my shelf.
This carb cleaning toolkit has been useful. The range of brushes made it so I had options when cleaning my carburetor. The brushes helped loosen and remove any debris in the threading of the jets too.
For cleaning the jets, I used the spray and the biggest brush that would fit into each jet. Some jets have holes on their sides. For these I had to use the poker tool from the toolkit.
The poker was great since it was stiff and could ease into narrow holes without damaging the jet. I used it to punch the side holes clean.
I recommend these two if you are going to be working on any carburetors.
Wire Cutters
I hate dealing with electrical issues. Electrical issues always stump me and take way more time than any of the mechanical issues I find.
If you even suspect your motorcycle will have you working on the electrical system, I recommend some wire cutters.
Some heat shrink tubes and heat gun are also good to have. A lighter and electrical tape works as well.
I upgraded the turn indicators on my Virago XV250 from the big bulbs to slick LED options. It required me to install a diode and a flasher relay. This project was easier to do with my wire cutters and electrical tape.
There are plenty of usable options on Amazon or Harbor Freight, I like these Irwin Wire Strippers. Irwin is a reputable brand and has been around since 1884.
Wire strippers can pull a wire clean and can cut different wire sizes. You’ll likely need them if you are relocating any electrical stuff light turn signals or your tail light.
Starter Fluid
Magic in a bottle.
After working on a few motorcycle restorations, that’s how you’ll feel about starter fluid. When you first get a motorcycle running, it likely required you to spray some starter fluid in the air intake.
Not all my restoration projects need starter fluid, but I always have it on hand in case it calls for it.
I use starter fluid when the motorcycle is turning over but bogging down on the start. It’s probably a fuel delivery issue so I fire a spritz of starter fluid into the air intake and see what happens.
Eight out of ten times, she fires up and I realize I’ll be spending the rest of the afternoon cleaning some carburetors.
If it’s not the battery, it’s the carbs.
Spark Plugs Socket
Spark is an important part of the running engine equation. After fuel and air, you need spark. That is where the spark plug comes in.
To remove a spark plug from the cylinder, you’ll need a specific socket to reach it. They are longer than your typical sockets but are usually sizes for ⅜ inches.
I recommend finding one with a rubber boot or magnet in it. Spark plugs can be set deep into a cylinder, a magnet or the rubber boot will help remove it.
My current spark plug socket has a weak rubber boot, so I got myself some telescoping magnets. They are strong enough to lift the spark plug from its hole after being unscrewed with the socket.
Telescoping Magnets
I wasn’t originally going to have these on this list, but wow are they useful. If you have ever worked on a motorcycle or car, you know how handy these telescoping magnets are around the garage and house.
Plenty of times, I have dropped a bolt or screw or but and lost it to the black hole that is the chassis of the motorcycle or engine bay of my car.
These can be found for pretty cheap. I bought them as a set of 4 and used them all over. I’ve used them to fetch things under furniture in the house and rescue lost bolts and nuts in the garage.
You won’t regret buying these, even if you ditch your project motorcycle.
This wraps up the list of tools and items you’ll need for your motorcycle restoration project. There are still a few things you’ll need but they are motorcycle specific.
V Star 250 & Virago 250 Specific Parts
These are the specific parts you’ll need for your V Star 250. I have used each of these parts in my projects and can confirm they fit or they are the recommendations provided by Yamaha.
The battery is a 12 Volt 6 amps battery. The tricky part for battery shopping is finding the best fitting one. I have used this exact battery for two of my most recent XV250 restorations.
The spark plugs you need will be per the Yamaha Service Manual. They are the NGK C6HSA spark plugs. Some modern spark plugs come with a resistor which can be removed if your motorcycle is producing a weak spark.
I recommend replacing the air filter on your restoration project. A lot of times, mice will find there way into here and destroy the filter and clog the ports.
This K&N Air Filter is a bit pricey, but you can wash and reuse it. So you will definitely get your money’s worth with time.
The service manual says use motorcycle specific 10W-40 motor oil. Castrol and other brands make motor oil that fits this, but I prefer the Yamaha Brand motor oil. It comes in a gallon jug so it will work for 2-3 oil changes.
Some people don’t like K&N oil filters but I’ve never had any issues. I use these K&N 145 oil filters. They have served me well.
For a chain, I use the Yamaha recommended 520 series chain. JT Sprockets is known for their high quality chains so I use their Black Steel 114 Link Chain. It comes with a master link and the necessary O rings.
Conclusion
With these tools, you will be able to get a lot done on your project. I’ll add to this list as we discover new items we can’t live without.
Is there anything we missed or tools that you were surprised to how often you use them?