What tools do I need to do my own maintenance?

[brodys]

Hi, all.

I own a 2-stroke, 2005 Vino, and it's started making a louder-than-normal exhaust noise. I've had to have the exhaust gasket replaced once before, might be that again...dunno. Neither here nor there.

Anyway, it's reminded me that I've owned the scooter since it was new, and done SHOCKINGLY little to maintain it. (hangs head in shame). I can't afford to take it to the shop for maintenance, but am capable of following instructions and want to do my own maintenance.

Can anyone let me know what are the basic tools I should have on-hand to do my own maintenance & repairs? Does the Vino take any weird wrenches or tools or anything?

Thanks in advance. I look forward to not being that stupid girl staring at her scooter and saying "well, it runs, that must mean I don't ever need to do anything to it, right?" (oy, I know I know)

[zeonsredcomet]

First off you need to post pics of YOU on the scooter and with the scooter and we can answer your questions :D

You need a socket set with metric sockets
Some screwdrivers flathead and philips
A battery charger
some other things that may slip my mind but thats my 2 cents for now.

[brodys]

You need a socket set with metric sockets
Some screwdrivers flathead and philips
A battery charger
some other things that may slip my mind but thats my 2 cents for now.
Awesome, thanks! Glad to hear it's not anything too out of the ordinary!

If anyone else can think of anything to add, please let me know. I'll be assembling my scooter tool kit soon.

[youthguy]

depending how indepth you want to get, it's probably worth the $ to get a torque wrench, i just picked up a cheap-o one at canadian tire for $25.

[Blackbomber]

When selecting screwdrivers, a #2 and #3 Phillips are a must. #3 is for the intake to reedblock, and all of the belt cover screws. You need something to remove the spark plug. Often the tool in the OE toolkit is fine. Otherwise a 13/16" is the correct size. One of those fancy double swivel t handle wrenches won't work, because the battery box impairs a straight shot to the plug, so you will need a ratchet for that. Again, if you have the factory tool kit, use that one. A spark plug gapper.

[BWSman67]

You'll also want to get an impact wrench to remove the variator bolt.
Pick up a metric wrench set as well (for places where you can't put a socket).
A tune up kit (ratchet with pivoting head, 2 spark plug sockets & 3" extension), although a good socket set should have the spark plug sockets included.
A hex key set (in metric).
A set of pliers (needle nose, locking, tongue & groove or pipe pliers)

[brodys]

Hmm, now it's starting to sound expensive!

Hopefully I can beg or borrow some of these things, or find some scooter-hobbyist who'll help me out.

Thanks! I'll now check the service manual and see what I need to do, and start making lists. Ack!

[zeonsredcomet]

I was just trying to keep it on the cheap!

[zeonsredcomet]

Forget the hex keys get hex bit sockets! they are FAR better hex keys tend to strip things out.

[Blackbomber]

She has a Vino. She won't be needing hex keys for anything on the motor, I think. If it's a Vino 125, the caliper MIGHT need it.
Worry about the expensive stuff when you need it. A serious investment in tools is one of the reasons shop labor is so expensive. If the dealer charges $125 for a particular service, and the tools to do it cost you $100, you saved 20% and now you are set.
Another thing is get to know your neighbors and friends that might have some of the more specialized stuff like impact tools. If you can't find someone you know, join an owners group or club in your area - someone is bound to have what you need. And as you have seen, scooter people are pretty willing to share. For a six pack of cheap domestic beer, I'll do all the impacting anyone needs. If you plan to keep your bike stock, the only time you will need to worry about that is when changing belts and rollers - usually a 6,000 mile service.

[REGMAR]

Brody I've changed the drive belt, the exhaust ring, the spark plug, the transmission fluid, and a body panel. I adjusted the brakes and replaced the rear wheel. I also derestricted the exhaust and the drive pulleys. Here's my tool list:

Socket wrench with metric sockets and a socket extension
Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers
Manual Impact driver (about $12 at Autozone)
A strap-wrench This is basically a rubber strap that you wrap around a large object (like the two wheels that the belt goes on)
A hammer (for the impact driver)
A funnel with a sharp end for the transmission fluid
A drip pan (also for the transmission fluid)
I used a $29 Dremel tool to grind out the restrictor in the exhaust.
Needle-nosed pliers and "regular" pliers.


I haven't needed a torque wrench, spark plug gapper, or tune-up tools, and my 2002 Vino 2-stroke is closing in on 11,000 miles. With the exception of the dremel tool my kit cost less than $60.