Essential tools

[bostongixxer]

As the new owner of a used track bike that I plan to spend time with at the track and hopefully race a bit, I find that my tool collection is seriously lacking. I'm not the most mechanically inclined person but will have to learn...also need to collect some essentials to update my tool box so I don't get caught short at the track. Suggestions?

[ZX-12R]

A 3/8" drive ratchet with metric and SAE sockets (extensions too).
A 3/8" or 1/2" drive torque wrench.
A set of metric and SAE box wrenches
An impact driver and a ball-peen hammer
Needle-nose and regular pliers
And a set of screwdrivers.

[schleppy]

A wide variety of allen wrenchs, allen sockets...

[Stoneman]

...and safety-wire plyers...

[SprintPoser]

Until you get the bike totally prepped for safety wire, you'll need a copius supply of 1/16" drill bits. Be sure to get HSS (high speed steel) ones, NOT carbon steel cheapies.

Also, the new "gearwrench" combination wrenches can be more useful than regular box wrenches. Got front and rear stands? Be sure the front is an under-the-steering head design to make changing out the front wheel so much easier.

Bondhus metric ball drivers, preferably T-handle, plus a set of regular L-type hex wrenches (a.k.a. "Allen" wrenches). A D.I.D chain tool is the best, keep a set of spare sprockets (front & rear).

As said, an impact driver. If you're not in a garage and don't have compressed air (highly recommended though), get an electric impact driver, they work pretty good. Also, have a small (6") and large (12") adjustable for all the things you lost the wrench for. I would also keep some 16-18 gage wire and some connectors, lots of various zip ties (to patch together rashed bodywork).

[Stoneman]

As the new owner of a used track bike...

This is why I left out the drill bit part...

[bostongixxer]

Thanks. Already started the collection. Bike is safety wired already, so no need to go drilling all around the bike...probably a dangerous thing, as I'd screw something up.