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So I got a call today from a guy asking me what tools he should have to work on his Triumph. Heres what I came up with.
Maybe if its actually fairly complete it can become a sticky

If I was going to go out and buy tools here’s what I would be looking at. Keep in mind most of these you’ll get in sets so it won’t be so bad.

Torx bits
• T25 pretty much for badge removal. (This one is a bit for a screwdriver).
• T30 for battery and chain guard. (This one is a 3/8” socket).

Sockets and/or Wrenches
Here’s the breakdown for 3/8” 6point sockets:
• 7mm – 14mm will be all over the bike (7mm, 9mm, 11mm, 15mm and 16mm aren’t really used but usually come in the sets anyway).
• 8mm are for engine casing bolts.
o Not real important until you need to do a clutch.
• 10mm will be battery terminals and some assorted spots.
• 17mm will be engine mount/frame bolts.
o Not real important until you need it.
• 18mm I use an 18mm deep for my spark plugs. It’s thinner than my actual spark plug socket.
• 19mm will be oil cooler bolts.
o Not real important until you need it.

Here’s the breakdown for ½” 6 point sockets:
• 22mm and 24mm will be both for the rear wheel axle, 22mm for fork caps for fork oil changes.
• 30mm for steering head nut (NOT NEEDED if you have an adjustable wrench).

Wrenches
• Thin adjustable wrench.
o I went to Lowes and got the Channel Lock 8WCB-8” (0 to 1.5” or adjustability and its thin).
o You should get a thin adjustable wrench. Once you get the steering head nut off there are two very thin nuts under it. I don’t know the size but they are the ones that really hold it all together.

Here’s the breakdown for 3/8” HEX sockets:
• 5mm is used for some of the foot control areas and for the brake pad pins (one in the front and two in the rear). You can use a T-Handle as they are not overly tight).
• 6mm is used in lower forks, top yoke and a few other areas.
• 8mm is used in bottom yoke and frame bolts.
• 8mm Long to get at the one that holds the damper in place in the lower fork tubes
o Not needed now but if you ever do an overhaul on your front suspension you’ll need it.
• 12mm for the front axle, brake side.

• 19mm for the front axle, clutch side (not needed but nice to have).
The 19mm is a 1/2' drive socket.

More about HEX
I have some sockets and T-handle. I use the T-Handle ones for quick on/off and the sockets for final assembly and tourqing down. If you plan on working on the forks, hands down, get the sockets).

HEX T-Handle or other
• 5mm, 6mm and 8mm the most often used ones.
o Some accessories will go as small as 3mm.

Screwdrivers
Nothing special here. #1 and #2 Phillips as well as flat.

Special tools
• Spark Plug socket – You’ll need a thin wall 18mm spark plug socket. I use an 18mm deep socket because it’s thinner.
• Spark Plug gaper.
• Bike / ATV lift.
o I got a bike jack because it’s easier to work on it when it’s at eye level. Its also handy for the mods, chain adjustment, front end work, suspension work etc…
• Morgan Carb Tune Carb Balancer.
o http://www.carbtune.com/index.html
o I got the two column unit but if you have other bikes you might want to get the 4 column.
• I don’t know what is required for valve adjustments or clutch yet so I can’t speak to those.

This is really helpful. Thanks.

Great list. I think you have a typo though. I believe it should be 3/8" drive sockets, not 3/4". I only mention it because they do make 3/4" drive stuff but it is way big and expensive. Just don't want anyone to get confused or ask for the wrong thing at the parts store.

Dan

HA!....yup...your right...Ill go change that right now

Thanks!

you need the 30mm for the clutch with the holding tool.

Frank

Nice list Zmilin the only thing that I would add under special tools is a 3/8 and 1/2 torque wrench.

I would add a DVOM (Digital Volt Ohm Meter) for those times when something should have juice and doesn't ( or has juice and shouldn't ) and for checking continuity, amperage draw, etc.

Dan