Tools Needed

Center Lift --or other means to lift the wheel(s) off the ground

You must have some way to suspend the bike, and the simplest solution is to support the bike under the engine area of the frame.

A center lift is one of those tools that, once purchased, you may wonder how you ever did without it. For example, it can raise your bike high enough to ease pressure on your back and knees during many common maintenance tasks like washing, waxing, and oil changes. So if you don't yet own one, this may be a good excuse.

Hydraulic center lifts consume about the same floor space as a cardboard produce box (flattened), and, although they maneuver easily on wheels, they are fairly heavy. Scissor type center lifts are somewhat smaller and lighter. Also, if your bike's suspension has been lowered you may need someone to help you support your bike while you slide the lift in or out.

Hydraulic or scissor-type motorcycle center lifts are available from places like the following:

• Harbor Freight Tools
• Sears
• Baron Custom
• WholesaleTools
• JCWhitney
• Yamaha, and other motorcycle dealers

Expect to pay $60 to $280US.

Torque Wrench --optional, but recommended

You want a torque wrench capable of recording at least 85 ft-lbs.

A torque wrench prevents over tightening, which can be worse than under tightening. For instance, the front axle is held in place by the forks. The forks are made of an aluminum alloy, which is a soft metal and somewhat easily stripped if overtightened. Also, the rear axle must be tight, but if over tightened some riders have broken their axle bolt. A torque wrench will solve these issues, and open a world of other wrenching confidence.

27mm Wrench --for rear wheel

If you will be removing the rear wheel, and your exhaust pipes extend back and over the area near the rear axle, you may need a 27mm open-end, or large Crescent type adjustable wrench. Otherwise, you can use a 27mm socket or box wrench.

22mm Wrench

You'll need a 22mm socket, box, or open-end wrench regardless of which wheel you remove.

Note: You'll also need zero, one, or two socket wrench handles, depending on how many sockets you'll be using. See text above, and instructions below for details.

6mm Hex Wrench --for front wheel

If you will be removing your front wheel, you will need a 6mm hex (allen) wrench, preferably one that will work with your torque wrench. Though recommended, a torque wrench is not a requirement.

12mm wrench --for front

If you will be removing your front wheel, you will need a 12mm socket, box, or open-end wrench.

12 and 14mm wrenches --for rear

If you will be removing your rear wheel, you will need a 12mm socket, box, or open-end wrench. You'll also need a 14mm open-end wrench. These are for adjusting the wheel alignment.

Wooden Shims

In case, accidentally, somehow the brake pads get sqeezed together, disallowing you to spread them enough to insert the brake rotor. Wood shims are available from any hardware type store. If shims are not available, you can use any wood or plastic tool that can be slipped between the brake pads to push them apart.