Does a New Harley Really Come With a Tool Kit? Let's Talk!

Just read this: 'Do Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Still Come With A Tool Kit?' For decades, the ritual of buying a new motorcycle included checking under the seat or in the saddlebags for the factory-supplied tool kit. So, what's the deal now? Do they still include one or is that a thing of the past? I'd love to hear your thoughts, especially if you've bought a new one recently.

Man, I remember my first Harley back in '85 - that tool kit was like a rite of passage. But these days, with everything being computerized and needing special tools, I think they've gone away from the full kit. My buddy bought a 2022 Street Glide and all he got was a little pouch with a few Allen wrenches and a spark plug tool. Not the full set like the old days. Still, you can't beat the brand, but it's a shame they don't include a proper toolkit anymore.

Wait, so you're saying they don't include the full tool kit? That's wild. I've never owned a Harley, but I was thinking about getting one. What kind of tools do you actually need for basic maintenance? Like, can you change the oil or adjust the belt with just basic tools or do you need special stuff? I'm still learning, so I'm curious.

From a contractor's perspective, it's all about liability. These big bikes have more electronics and specialized parts than ever. If they give you a full tool kit, some yahoo might try a repair they're not qualified for and mess something up, then sue. So they trim it down to just enough for emergency stuff like adjusting mirrors or tightening a bolt. But honestly, if you're planning to do any real work on your Harley, you'll want your own set anyway. Trust me, I've seen what happens when people use cheap tools on these things. It ain't pretty.

As a tool collector, I gotta say, the old Harley tool kits are iconic. I've got a few from the '70s and '80s - they're actually pretty cool collectibles. But yeah, the new ones are disappointingly minimalist. I think they're just a token gesture now. If you're into DIY, you'd be better off investing in a good socket set and a decent torque wrench. That's what I use on my own bike, and I've never had an issue.