Motorcycle tools buying advice and reviews

Welcome to our motorcycle tools homepage, where you'll get the very latest in-depth reviews of the products we're testing. Our team put thousands of miles on the bikes we test, as well as our own, and knowing which tools you can rely if you get stranded on the side of the motorway helps reassure you on your next ride.

But it doesn't stop there. Our motorcycle tools buying guides deliver exactly what they say: helpful, essential information so you can make the right choice when you decide to take the plunge.

Year: ALL

Autobrite Direct Extreme Range review | A comprehensive cleaning kit for the dedicated detailer

14 September 2023 by Ryan Gilmore

Autobrite Direct Extreme Range review | A comprehensive cleaning kit for the dedicated detailer

Since 2005 Autobrite Direct has been offering an excellent range of cleaning products perfect for keeping cars looking better than new. It’s now launched a selection of motorcycle cleaning products...

Tried and tested: Muc-Off Pressure Washer review

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

Tried and tested: Muc-Off Pressure Washer review

Generally speaking, if you want to clean a motorbike, then you will probably find a pressure washer useful. However – and it’s a big however – sometimes, you need to be careful, particularly around...

Tried and tested: ACF-50 corrosion preventer review

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

Tried and tested: ACF-50 corrosion preventer review

It’s a sad fact of life that, unless you only ride on dry days and in the warmer months, you will need some form of corrosion prevention on your bike. It might just be a light dusting if you prefer...

Drip feeders: Best motorcycle chain oilers as chosen by MCN

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

Drip feeders: Best motorcycle chain oilers as chosen by MCN

Aftermarket, motorcycle chain oilers have proved popular with bikers who want to keep their chain lubed without the hassle of getting down on their knees with a spray can and a paddock stand. These...

Fluid dynamics: How to change your motorcycle engine oil

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

Fluid dynamics: How to change your motorcycle engine oil

The oil in your engine is its lifeblood: it lubricates the moving parts and stops them wearing or destroying themselves. It helps to keep everything cool, particularly on ‘air’-cooled engines and it...

Tried and tested: Oxford Mint bike care range review

14 September 2023 by MCN

Tried and tested: Oxford Mint bike care range review

Mint smells nice, has a close association with freshness and goes well with lamb. Most of these are good affinities to have when looking for bike cleaning products, like the Oxford Mint bike care...

Going nowhere: Best motorcycle rear wheel spinners

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

Going nowhere: Best motorcycle rear wheel spinners

Unless your bike has a centrestand, cleaning and subsequently lubricating and protecting the chain or cleaning the wheels can be a real pain. That task is made easier with a motorcycle wheel...

Dry cleaners: Best motorcycle waterless washes

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

Dry cleaners: Best motorcycle waterless washes

Sometimes, thoroughly cleaning your motorbike with a wash, dry, polish and wax, is not just essential to maintain its finish but can be eminently satisfying. The process of turning a filthy bike,...

Tried and tested: Metrovac Blaster Sidekick review

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

Tried and tested: Metrovac Blaster Sidekick review

When I first tested this Metrovac Blaster Sidekick motorcycle dryer, it was selling at £150. For that kind of money, I came to the conclusion that I would stick with a chamois leather or a microfibre...

Power play: How to hard-wire heated motorcycle gloves into your bike

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

Power play: How to hard-wire heated motorcycle gloves into your bike

Heated kit is a brilliant addition to your winter riding kit. It allows you to wear less insulating clothing and instead, generate heat to maintain your body temperature while remaining comfortable...

Plug and play: How check and change your motorcycle spark plugs

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

Plug and play: How check and change your motorcycle spark plugs

Unless you own a diesel motorcycle, then the spark plug in your petrol engine is probably one of the most key components if you want to operate your bike. Of course, there are others – tyres, brakes...

Save your energy: How to look after your motorcycle battery

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

Save your energy: How to look after your motorcycle battery

Motorcycle battery maintenance is a key element to ensuring you can enjoy your riding as much as possible. There is nothing worse than excitedly approaching your bike only to find the starter won’t...

Do it all: Best multi-tools for motorcycle repairs

14 September 2023 by MCN

Do it all: Best multi-tools for motorcycle repairs

Carrying lots of kit isn’t really in line with the motorcycling brief, even with the bigger touring bikes. Yet, multi-tools for motorcycle repairs are handy. Every so often, we need to fettle with...

Tried and tested: Gedore 172 Piece Socket Set review

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

Tried and tested: Gedore 172 Piece Socket Set review

One of the key ingredients in any home mechanic’s toolkit is a decent socket set. However, getting the right size, particularly for working on motorcycles, is tricky. The Gedore 172 piece socket set...

Socket to me: Best socket sets for motorcycle maintenance

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

Socket to me: Best socket sets for motorcycle maintenance

Most motorcyclists will tackle some form of work on their bike at some point and if you do, one of the first items you need in your tool kit is a socket sets. Depending on whether you enjoy working...

Nutcrackers: Best spanners for motorcycle maintenance

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

Nutcrackers: Best spanners for motorcycle maintenance

A good socket set is generally top of the wish – or indeed, need – list for any home mechanic’s tool set. However, following it up very closely is a good set of spanners, as sockets without the best...

Tried and tested: Abba Superbike Stand Review

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

Tried and tested: Abba Superbike Stand Review

This novel take on a motorcycle paddock stand from Abba is a great addition to your home workshop for general maintenance and cleaning. It’s a fact of life that if your bike has – or can have an...

Tried and tested: Healtech Thunderbox review

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

Tried and tested: Healtech Thunderbox review

One of the issues if you run a collection of electrical accessories – sat-nav, heated kit, phone charger, spotlights – is remembering to turn it all off when you get to your destination and hop off...

Tried and tested: Ferodo HH sintered brake pads review

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

Tried and tested: Ferodo HH sintered brake pads review

Royal Enfield’s Himalayan mini adventure bike has been a great success, thanks to its charm and keen price, of less than £5,000 brand new. However, it is not without its limitations and one has been...

Motorcycle chain tools buying guide | Why specialised tools make chain care a joy and our top picks

14 September 2023 by Phil Clarke

Motorcycle chain tools buying guide | Why specialised tools make chain care a joy and our top picks

There are various motorcycle chain tools available to help you work on your own bike chain, ranging from DIY handheld devices to heavier-duty versions aimed more at professionals. We’ve put together a...

Advanced mechanics: Best motorcycle workshop luxuries

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

Advanced mechanics: Best motorcycle workshop luxuries

If you enjoy working on your motorcycle, either for essential maintenance or for more in-depth spannering such as restoration work, then you will probably already have a decent range of essential...

Fan favourite: How to check your motorcycle cooling system

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

Fan favourite: How to check your motorcycle cooling system

Checking your motorcycle cooling system is important. In the past, most bikes were air-cooled. Although that’s a bit of a misnomer; it was a combination of air and oil-cooling, with the oil being...

Flat-head or Phillips: Best screwdriver sets for motorcycle maintenance

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

Flat-head or Phillips: Best screwdriver sets for motorcycle maintenance

In building a toolkit to use at home to look after your motorcycle, once you have sourced a socket set and spanners, then a screwdriver set is probably the next most essential component that you will...

Tried and tested: Draper Expert T-handle hex keys review

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

Tried and tested: Draper Expert T-handle hex keys review

Many of us will have a set of Allen keys in our toolkits that have been there forever. I know I have – several – and they are generally a bit rusty and a bit unloved. There is though another set of...

Get a grip! Best pliers for motorcycle mechanics

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

Get a grip! Best pliers for motorcycle mechanics

Any home – or even professional – mechanic knows that sometimes, you need to get strong with a bike. Occasionally you need to go to your motorcycle toolkit and get the big breaker bar for a stubborn...

Keep on stopping: How to change motorcycle brake pads

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

Keep on stopping: How to change motorcycle brake pads

It’s inevitable that if you carry out your own maintenance, sooner or later you will be changing motorcycle brake pads. They are, after all, consumable and will need replacing more or less often,...

Tried and tested: CTEK CT5 Battery Charger review

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

Tried and tested: CTEK CT5 Battery Charger review

It used to be really easy to look after motorbike or car batteries. You just connected a battery charger that you paid a few quid for from a high-street shop and Bob is your proverbial mum’s brother.

Pull up a pew: Best workshop seats

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

Pull up a pew: Best workshop seats

If you have an elevating table, working on your motorcycle is so much easier than at ground level. However, they can still mean you need to get on your knees for certain jobs – working on brakes or...

Tried and tested: Ring RSC706 Battery Charger review

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

Tried and tested: Ring RSC706 Battery Charger review

There’s little particularly interesting about a battery charger. That is until you have a weakening battery, or are perhaps not planning on using the bike for a while over winter, and you want to look...

Keep corrosion at bay with the best rust-prevention products for your motorbike

14 September 2023 by Ben Clarke

Keep corrosion at bay with the best rust-prevention products for your motorbike

Rust is the enemy of the motorcyclist, especially if you ride all year round, whatever the weather. Once corrosion sets in it is extremely hard to get rid of and can make a once beautiful machine look...

Motorcycle Jump Packs Buying Guide | Bring your bike back from the grave in a flash here on MCN

14 September 2023 by Phil Clarke

Motorcycle Jump Packs Buying Guide | Bring your bike back from the grave in a flash here on MCN

There’s no worse feeling than getting ready to go to ride only to hop on, press the ignition, and be met with nothing but cold dead silence. We’re all secretly hoping it won’t happen every time we...

Torquing heads... A guide to the best motorcycle torque wrenches, an essential tool for any fettler

14 September 2023 by Charlotte King

Torquing heads... A guide to the best motorcycle torque wrenches, an essential tool for any fettler

Pretty much every nut and bolt on your motorcycle will have a pre-determined torque figure according to the manufacturer, so every motorbike toolkit should include a torque wrench. Whether you just...

The best portable and onboard motorcycle toolkits as chosen by MCN's team of experts

14 September 2023 by Charlotte King

The best portable and onboard motorcycle toolkits as chosen by MCN's team of experts

There are times when you need some tools with you on a ride. It might be a day out or a long tour, but somewhere along the line you might need a portable and onboard motorcycle toolkit to do a little...

We ride hundreds of thousands of miles per year and these are the best chain lubes we've found for all conditions

14 September 2023 by Ben Clarke

We ride hundreds of thousands of miles per year and these are the best chain lubes we've found for all conditions

Chain lube is an essential maintenance spray for any motorcycle that uses a drive chain (which is the vast majority). Chain cleaning and lubrication is an important step in chain care and should be a...

A guide to cleaning your motorcycle chain including tips and the best cleaners

14 September 2023 by Charlotte King

A guide to cleaning your motorcycle chain including tips and the best cleaners

Looking after your motorcycle chain is a really important chore, after all it is the part of your bike that runs the power to your rear wheel unless you own a belt or shaft-driven motorcycle. So chain...

Strong start: Best motorcycle batteries as picked by MCN

14 September 2023 by Charlotte King

Strong start: Best motorcycle batteries as picked by MCN

We’re all guilty of taking our motorcycle batteries for granted until they eventually run out. Whether it’s through lack of use or the battery is aged and discharging you’ll need a new one at some...