Bargain Hunter | Riding's off? Try working on your bike with top deals on garage essentials

One of the pleasures of owning a motorcycle is how hands on you can get with it when not actually riding. Whether you’re into full engine rebuilds or draw the line at adjusting chain tension, toddling off to the shed can keep you busy if the weather’s not on side and give you a focus rather than aimlessly scrolling on your phone.

I’ve always got a project on the go, not least because it gives me a break from thinking about work, or the doom and gloom of current affairs. I stick on some music, break out the spanners and lose myself for an hour or two, surfacing only to freshen up my brew. Working on your own bikes can be challenging at times, but it’s unerringly cathartic and ultimately a rewarding way to spend time.

This week my regular dive amongst bike related deals on the web has revealed a bounty of tools and equipment worth investing in, plus some cracking offers on tyres.

Best deals at a glance:

Give yourself a raise

Save 38%
Price: £61.64 (was £99.99)
Oxford’s Premium paddock stands are constructed from beefy 38mm tube, with elongated handles and double wheels for easy operation. Both front and rear are available, each including the relevant rests, pins and bobbin hooks. 

Get the front stands here - £60.22 (was £99.99)

Time for T

Save 35%
Price: £12.99 (was £19.99)
Hex socket screws are used everywhere, from bolting engine casings together to securing fairing panels, so having a decent set of keys is a must if you’re doing any kind of maintenance. Covers 2 to 10 mm and includes a storage rack.

Super hoops

Save 30%
Price: £208 (was £297.13)
A highly rated sports touring tyre, the BT-023 is available in a wide range of sizes as well as the heavier duty GT spec. A triple compound construction gives it a hard centre for long life and stability, with soft shoulders for grip.

Socket to me

Save 50%
Price: £125 (was £250)
Packing 150 precision pieces, this lifetime guaranteed tool set is an ideal base for building a home or professional set up. It includes metric sockets, combination spanners, hex keys and Torx drivers, all in a handy carry case.

Keep it greasy

Save 30%
It’s always worth having this do-it-all fluid to hand. The special formula is proven to be effective at preventing corrosion and freeing off seized parts, but buff it on your bodywork and it’ll make wiping off bug splats a breeze too.

Riveting stuff

Save 41%
Price: £35.96 (was £59.94)
This comprehensive kit contains all you need to be able to split and rivet both drive and cam chains. It comes with a selection of pins and dies, plus fully detailed instructions to help you do the job properly.

Universal soldier

Save 20%
Price: £12.99 (was £14.52)
Buying bike specific tools can get pretty expensive, so it makes sense to pick up multi-use items when possible. This handy front spindle driver fits 17, 19, 22 and 24 mm hex sockets, which covers a huge range of applications.   

Race with the devil

Save 41%
Price: £161.00 (was £268.34)
This all-weather sports tyre has a high silica content and unique tread pattern for a quick warm up and confident footprint in the rain. Designed to maximise the contact patch, it also provides grip and stability through turns.

Last week’s bargains

Leather jackets have been the biker’s garment of choice since motorcycling began, and even with today’s advanced textiles, there’s still a place for cowhide constructed kit thanks to its highly abrasion resistant properties. Not only does it offer protection, but the casual combo of riding jeans and a leather jacket can be practical too, particularly if you’re after a classic low-profile look.

With the weather finally warming up and the need for bulky thermal linings waning, I’ve tracked down the best deals on the web so you can hang up your old musty leathers and upgrade to fresh new ones for the summer ahead.

Best deals at a glance:

Stretch'n flex

Save 30%
Price: £329.99 (was £499.99)
There’s no denying the sporty intentions of Alpinestars’ GP Plus R V3, and those race ready looks go more than skin deep with a 1.3mm bovine leather construction and Nucleon Flex armour for shoulder and elbow. Generous stretch panels ensure full and fee movement both on and off the bike.

City slicker

Save 21%
Price: £219.99 (was £279.99)
With its oiled leather cowhide construction, the Idaho is ideal jacket for a low profile look about town. It’s CE AA certified with level 2 shoulder and elbow armour and comes with a removable thermal lining for extra warmth when needed.

Old school cool

Save 25%
Price: £314.99 (was £419.99)
Heritage grain style leather gives the Rev'it Restless authentic retro vibes whatever you ride. It’s CE AA certified and features a removable thermal lining, zipped cuffs with inner storm flaps and three outer pockets.

Ton up special

Save 33%
Price: £199.99 (was £299.99)
Richa's cafe racer styled Daytona jacket is made from premium buffalo leather with a tartan cotton/polyester inner lining. It has D3O armour for protection and comes with a removable quilted thermal lining.

Vintage chic

Save 25%
Price: £149.99 (was £199.99)
With zips at the hips and for a fully fitted look and adjustable elbow armour, the Kanelle offers a snug and secure fit. The faux fur collar adds a touch of style, and it comes with a detachable liner for cooler days.

Leather deluxe

Save 54%
Price: £230.46 (was £499.95)
Cut from top notch Laverda leather, this tidy Italian styled jacket would look great on any naked or retro ride. It comes with shoulder and elbow armour, with provision to add chest and back protectors too.

Tough butter

Save 18%
Price: £311.99 (was £379.98)
Hand stitched using soft and supple buffalo leather, the retro styled Debbie has cool quilted details and a handy zipped pocket on the left forearm for cards and loose change. D3O shoulder and elbow armour provides protection.

Classic cool

Save 53%
Price: £125.66 (was £268.12)
Louis Moto's own retro leather jacket screams vintage style without breaking the bank, and features XELION elbow armour with claimed 'infinite' adjustability. You get five pockets, two of which are inside, and wind protection on the sleeves.

How MCN tests products

At MCN, our team of expert journalists have decades of experience gained over hundreds of thousands of miles. We don’t test our kit to destruction; we use it exactly how you do, in the real world and in all conditions. That means we can deliver impartial buying advice you can rely on.

Each of our writers has an in-depth understanding of the needs of today’s biker… because they are one.

If you can’t see a review against an item on this page, it’s because we haven’t tested it yet. These items will only be included if we think they’re important and relevant in the market, and rest assured, we will be working on bringing you a review as soon as we’ve done the miles.

To find out more, head to our dedicated page explaining how we test motorcycle products.

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