BMW tool kits

BMW motorcycle tool kits and tire patch kits

by Duane Ausherman

This page is about tool kits and other contents of the toolbox for the BMW motorcycle models R26, R27, R50, R60, R69, R50/2, R60/2, R50S, R69S, R50/US, R60/US, R69US, R50/5, R60/5, R75/5, R50/6, R60/6, R75/6, R90/6, R90S, R60/7, R75/7, R80/7, R100/7, R100S, R100RS, R80GS, and R80ST.

BMW has provided the best toolkit in the entire motorcycle industry.  The BMW tool roll has enough tools to do all maintenance procedures that an owner with an average mechanical background would need.  The tools are very strong and short enough to fit into a cloth or plastic fabric roll that fits in the small toolbox or tray provided.  At least three companies have made the tools, and all are good.  They aren’t Snap-On quality finish but will last as long.  One of the companies is Hazet.

The BMW tool kits were changed to fit the various models’ needs.  Since few changes were made from one year to another, the tools are the same or similar from various years.  I have seen a “new” model that failed to have some new tool in the kit that was needed.  It would take BMW some time to get the tools caught up, the same as the owner’s manuals.  Don’t let this mislead you to think that your toolkit wasn’t the one provided.  There is no way to know.  Here are a few pictures.

R80GS and R80ST

This R80G/S and R80ST BMW tool kit photo provided by Ken. It probably applies to other BMW motorcycle models of similar years.

This BMW tool kit photo was provided by Ken.  It probably applies to other BMW motorcycle models of similar years.

A new toolkit

This is a brand new BMW tool kit purchased recently from a BMW dealer. It isn't quite the same as one from 30 years ago. It can be purchased for about $90. Photo courtesy of Albion Baucom

This is a brand-new BMW tool kit purchased recently from a BMW dealer.  It isn’t quite the same as the one from 30 years ago.  Photo courtesy of Albion Baucom

These are the same BMW tools as above.

These are the same BMW tools as above.  Photo courtesy of Albion Baucom.

It might be good to include a list of the toolkits’ tools.  Here’s what the Huggett “original toolkit ” (BMW part number 71 11 0 005 317) includes:

1.  Open-end wrench 8 x 10 SW
2.  Open-end wrench 9 x 11 SW
3.  Open-end wrench 12 x 14 SW
4.  Open-end wrench 14 x 17 SW
5.  Open-end wrench 19 x 22 SW
6.  Ring open-end 36 x 41 SW
7.  Ring open-end 17 x 27 SW
8.  Socket wrench 14 x 19 SW
9.  Socket wrench 21 x 22 SW
10.  Tommy bar
11.  Ring nut spanner
12.  Pliers
13.  Tire lever
14.  Tire lever
15.  Screwdriver (large)
16.  Screwdriver (small)
17.  Feeler gauge
18.  Carburetor spanner

The above list is from Allan Atherton. Thanks.  The bikes had 14 mm fasteners up until about 63 or 64.  As they ran out of them, they began using 13 mm.  I don’t remember when they changed the toolkits to comply.  By 1965 there were no 14 mm fasteners left that I can remember.  The popular stainless steel fastener kits available use the newer 13 mm fasteners.  If you have changed over, be sure to include the proper wrench.

This is a rolled up tool kit from the early 70s.

This is a rolled-up toolkit from the early 70s.

Here is the unrolled toolkit for BMW motorcycles.

Here is the unrolled toolkit for BMW motorcycles.

Here are the tools laid out in about the same order as the current tool kit above.

Here are the tools laid out in about the same order as the current toolkit above.  One of the tools isn’t BMW, but a replacement.  It has two 17 mm wrenches to remove the shock.  The feeler gauges on the far left are original and in all kits from the mid-50s to late 70s or later.  The tire irons on the right are original and will work well for tires of that era.  I haven’t tried them on a later stiff wall tire.  If you have no tools for a kit and would have to buy them retail, you are better off with the current BMW tool kit.  The tools are short and will fit in the space provided.  A standard 22 mm wrench is too long to fit and also so long that owners can easily over-tighten the axle nuts with it.

This shows another example of a tool kit that is still available and the grease rag. Photo by Allan Atherton

This shows another example of a tool kit that is still available and the grease rag.   Photo by Allan Atherton

The same BMW motorcycle tools laid out on the rag.

Photo by Allan Atherton

The same BMW motorcycle tools were laid out on the rag.  The tool on the lower right is a screwdriver made from wire.  I have no idea about that tool.  I can say that none of the /2 BMWs I have owned, maybe 75-100, had that tool.  They did have a normal-looking small plastic slot screwdriver.  On the upper right is a 5-part feeler gauge.  They all had only 4 parts; (.15mm).006,” (.2mm) .008″ for valves, (.4mm) .016″ for points, and (.6mm) .025″ for plugs.

Attached is the photo of the factory tool kit. All Heyco where appropriate and looks virtually unused.

A “factory toolkit,” thanks to Steve

Hello Duane,

Attached is the photo of the factory tool kit.  All Heyco where it is appropriate and looks virtually unused.

Size of tool roll: 24″ x 12″.  Weight: 5 Pounds and 7 ounces

Contents:

BMW hand wipe rag
24mm single open-ended spanner
7 x 8mm double oes
10 x 11 ”
12 x 13 ”
14 x 17 ”
17 x 19 ”
10 x 12 double-ended flat ring spanner
19 x 22 ”
1/4″ Ratchet, short extension, and four sockets – 6,10,12, and 13mm.
22 x 24mm tubular box spanner and Tommy bar
4 x Allen keys – 3,5,6 and 8mm

BMW tool for top fork nuts and swing arm bearing nuts
BMW pin spanner/top bearing nut adjuster tool

2 X tire levers
Tire pressure gauge
Tip Top tube repair kit
1 x Combination pliers
1 x wire cutters (side cutters)
1 x Flat needle file
1 x set feeler gauges, including the distance gauge for the under-tank master cylinder
1 x screwdriver handle with three bits (one flat and two sizes of posidrive)
1 x electrical test screwdriver (with neon bulb)
1 x wire lead with crocodile clip and plug for circuit testing.

In all, it is about 37 pieces.  You may have seen this kit before.  If so, is there anything missing?  If not, can you suggest anything to add to it?  I can only think of a 4mm Allen key and an 8mm socket.

You are welcome to use this kit and the description of contents on your site or post it on the forum if you feel it’s appropriate.

Regards

Steve Hennessey

Note I suspect this wonderful tool kit is the one I asked for below.  Duane

 Other items in the toolbox

A nice grease rag was included, the soft, fluffy fabric embroidered with “BMW.”  These were provided in a couple of colors over the years, but the most common was red on unbleached cotton.  In 1972 the factory assembly line was using a similar rag that was mostly red on unbleached cotton.

The BMW tool kit rag available today, photo by Allan Atherton, thanks.

The BMW tool kit rag is available today. Photo by Allan Atherton. Thanks.

The BMW rag from a 1968, photo by Mike Spradlin, thanks.

The BMW rag from a 1968 photo by Mike Spradlin, thanks.

You can see a figure 8 on the left of BMW and what looks like a key on the right side.

The BMW motorcycle tire patch kit

A tire patch kit in a metal box was standard, and at least two types were used.  This metal box was oval-shaped and had a top that just snapped on and off.  They tended to get rusted on and then get tossed out.  It was generally yellow on a black background.  A couple of different brands were used.  In about 72, the metal boxes were replaced with a blue/green plastic one.

A picture of the front and back of an original /2 patch kit provided by Mark Lewis, thanks.                     patch2.JPG (66498 bytes)

A picture of the front and back of an original /2 patch kit provided by Mark Lewis. Thanks.

One of the other brands of tire patch kit used during the /2 days. Thanks Chuck S.

One of the other brands of tire patch kits was used during the /2 days.  Thanks, Chuck S.

One of the later (71-72) tire patch kits provided for on the road repairs. The plastic box didn't rust like the earlier metal one.                     The contents are assorted patches, glue, a "scratcher" and directions.

A later (71-72) tire patch kit was provided for on-the-road repairs.  The plastic box didn’t rust like the earlier metal one.  The contents are assorted patches, glue, a “scratcher,” and directions.

BMW motorcycle toolbox paperwork

One or two pieces of paperwork, such as a battery warranty, were included.  Again, the photos are by Allan Atherton.  By now, I owe him big time.

Front of the BMW motorcycle warranty                                               Back of the BMW motorcycle warranty

  Front battery warranty                Back battery warranty

BMW /5 motorcycle cover for the owner’s manual

This shows the front of a /5, /6 and /7 (I think) owner's manual protective plastic cover. It is 7" X 9" (17.7 X 22.8 cm) in size. The top part is clear and you can read my R27 manual through it. The proper manuals are a bit larger though. I don't have one to show.

This shows the front of a /5, /6, and /7 (I think) owner’s manual protective plastic cover.  It is 7″ X 9″ (17.7 X 22.8 cm) in size.  The top part is clear; you can read my R27 manual through it.  The proper manuals are a bit larger.  I didn’t have one to show, so I used what I had.

This shows the back side of the cover with a pocket to hold a business card.

This shows the back side of the cover with a pocket to hold a business card.

The super BMW motorcycle tool kit

A more extensive and comprehensive tool kit has been available from BMW since the late 70s. The two below are from the parts book and were donated by John R.

Parts book sketch of the large BMW tool kit.

Parts book sketch of the large BMW tool kit.

Inventory of the large BMW tool kit.

Inventory of the large BMW tool kit.

Tools needed to add to the original toolkit

From Marco Hyman, /2 List, 10 Feb.  2002

The new fasteners (from about 1964) use a 13 mm instead of a 14 mm.  The original kit did not include a 13 mm wrench or socket.  As I don’t “show” my bike, I wanted my toolkit to be useful, even if not original.  It contains (*) marks those items from the “stock” toolkit:

Box wrench 10 x 11 SW
Box wrench 12 x 13 SW
Open-end wrench 7/32 x 1/4 (horn and points)
* Open-end wrench 8 x 10 SW
* Open-end wrench 9 x 11 SW
* Open-end wrench 12 x 14 SW
Open-end wrench 13 x 17
* Open-end wrench 19 x 22 SW
* Ring open-end 36 x 41 SW
* Ring open-end 17 x 27 SW
* Screwdriver (large)
Screwdriver (small)
Socket 10 mm
Socket 13 mm
Socket 14 mm
Socket 19 mm
Socket (sparkplug)
* Carburetor spanner (useless)
* Tommy bar
* Pliers
Pin wrench/Open-end 24 SW
* 2 tire irons
3/8 drive sliding T handle
6″ “wobbly” extension
* Feeler gauges
Magneto/Generator rotor puller
8 mm hex key
6 mm hex key

Duane notes that the toolkits were always a year or so late, providing the correct tool for that year.

Date: Fri, 02 Apr 1999
From: Robert Fleischer
Subject: BMW tool kits as used on airheads

BMW stopped supplying the hook wrench with the 1981 models.  My ’76 R90/6 came with one, and my ’81 R100RT didn’t, nor did my ’81 R65, ’84 R100RS, or ’95 R100RT.  The part number is 71 11 1 237 858.

If you have access to the SNABB book, BMW parts microfiche, or BMW parts list, you may encounter some possibly confusing letters and symbols.  The following may be of some interest:

Model Application:
V= prior to /5
W=/5 and /6
Y=R65
Z=R80G/S 1981; R80ST; R80RT 1985; R100GS; R100PD
X= everything else, which includes various models of R60, R75, R100

Further: there are symbols that indicate other items; these are never listed

under Model Application, however:
V=front
H=rear
A=interchangeable with the part on the next line
E=no longer available (NLA).
E/A=obsolete, use next line
W=used with a neighboring part that also has the W letter
WW=alternatively
i.v.m.=only together with
n.p.z.=only suitable for
an arrow before FG=all years, up to and including
an arrow after FG=years after

In general, “early models” means back to the mid-1950s.  NOTE: items I have marked with * mean that they are no longer in the BMW parts Price List but MAY be in stock someplace.

For that year and model, BMWs were shipped with a standard toolkit.  All the tools for a given model were supposed to be shipped in the tool bag, but as is usual with BMW, there were some exceptions. There is no printed information available.

In the following tools list, I listed those that were model specific.  Although some of these tools were not shipped later (surprisingly, some were, even after the factory ‘discontinued’ those tools), some are likely still in stock and may be of use on later machines.

Basic standard toolkit for /5 models and later:

71-11-1-230-685      entire tool kit, in a pouch [tool bag]
07-11-9-999-122     13 x 7 combination open-end wrench
07-11-9-999-119     12 x 14 combination open-end wrench
note:  of the above wrenches, some literature will show 2 each of one, and some will show two each of the other.    The correct one is two each of the 12 x 14
*71-11-9-090-122    19 x 22 combination open-end wrench
07-11-9-999-111     8 x 10  combination open-end wrench
07-11-9-999-116     10 x 11 combination open-end wrench
07-11-9-999-106     7 x 9 combination open-end wrench
07-11-9-999-103     7 x 8 combination open-end wrench
71-11-1-230-579     10x 12 box end wrench; replaced by
71-11-1-237-847
*71-11-9-090-140    flat wrench, hex, and an open end, for carbs, /5 only.  This small  wrench has an open end of 9 mm and a closed hex of 6.5; 7, and 8 mm
71-11-1-103-086      screwdriver, plastic handle, original had a reversible tip for flat blade and Phillips style
71-11-9-090-149      screwdriver, metal, replaced by 71-11-9-090-147
71-11-9-090-147      screwdriver
71-11-1-232-356       hook wrench, replaced by 71-11-1-237-858
71-11-9-090-129      socket  wrench, two-ended
*71-11-9-090-104A   rod for axle removal (often called a “Tommy bar”)
*71-11-1-102-733      rod for axle removal
71-11-1-230-000      adjustment rod, early models to /6
71-11-9-090-125      socket wrench, two-ended, large size, replaced by
71-11-1-237-856
07-11-9-906-032     8 mm Allen wrench
07-11-9-906-026     6 mm Allen wrench
07-11-9-906-020     5 mm Allen wrench, replaced by same above 6 mm!!!
07-11-9-906-014     4 mm Allen wrench
07-11-9-906-008     3 mm Allen wrench
71-11-1-230-684     special wrench for the 36 mm fork caps, etc.; this was replaced by 71-11-1-237-857,
71-11-9-090-139     exhaust pipe wrench, hook one end and an open end at the other, used on early models to /6
71-11-1-237-855     tire iron, short, replaced by 71-11-1-237-871 2 each of either; the longer ones work much better.  71-11-1-230-752     tool bag
71-11-1-103-092     pliers with cutter
71-11-9-090-154     feeler gauge set
71-11-1-234-860     tire pump, clips to the frame
51-25-1-238-375     cable lock fits in frame backbone

“SUPER TOOL KIT”:  This was also called Master Tool Kit.  The entire kit was under number 71-11-1-237-840, and the bag alone was number 71-11-1-237-870.

NOTE:  part numbers of some parts in this kit are quite different from the standard kit.   They may be a larger, different design, etc.   The master kit was for a mechanic who might be working on all models.
71-11-1-237-841     7 x 8 open-end wrench
-842    10 x 11
-843    12 x 13
*-844    14 x 17
-845    17 x 19
-846    24
-847    10 x 22 box end wrench, replaces
71-11-1-230-579
-848    19 x 22 box end wrench
71-11-1-237-849    8 mm Allen wrench
71-11-1-237-850    6 mm Allen wrench
71-11-1-237-851    5 mm Allen wrench
71-11-1-237-852    4 mm Allen wrench, replaces 71-11-9-906-014
71-11-1-237-853    3 mm Allen wrench
71-11-1-103-086    screwdriver
*71-11-1-237-854    pin
71-11-1-237-871    large tire iron replaces short iron
71-11-1-237-855
71-11-1-237-856 2-ended socket wrench
71-11-1-237-857    special 2-ended wrench, one is 36 mm, replaces 71-11-1-230-684
71-11-1-237-858    hook wrench replaces 71-11-1-232-356
71-11-9-090-154    feeler gauge set
71-11-1-237-859    contacts file (obviously not for electronic pickup models)
71-11-1-237-860    tire gauge, pencil style
71-11-1-237-861    diagonal cutter pliers
71-11-1-237-862    water pump type pliers…channel lock style replaces 71-11-1-179-522
71-11-1-237-863    test lamp
71-11-1-237-864    ratchet handle wrench
71-11-1-237-865    ratchet handle wrench extension piece
71-11-1-237-866    13 mm socket
71-11-1-237-867    12 mm socket
71-11-1-237-868    10 mm socket
71-11-1-237-869     6 mm socket
71-11-1-237-872     15 x 17 fork ring wrench

BMW special tools

The best quality and price on BMW special tools in the USA are those made by Ed Korn, now Cycleworks.  The web page is http://www.cycleworks.net/  The few tools that I have used of his have all been top quality.   Reports from other users are all positive.

Updated 30 March 2023