If you ride a motorcycle, you’re going to want some tools. A mult-itool can add huge versatility to your tool kit, packing many functions and capabilities into a single, handy package. Here are the best multi-tools on the market for motorcyclists.

Photo: Andreas Knudsen

Leatherman New Wave Multi-tool

The Everyday: Leatherman New Wave

I’ve carried a Wave in my pocket for three years and it hasn’t let me down yet. Whether I’m using it as a fast-access screwdriver in the garage or slicing swamp grass off of the CV boots on my quad, it works, full stop. Features include a coarse and fine file, and even a saw with both a serrated and plain blade for versatility, just to name a few. Some of my favorite parts are the robust knives, tiny screwdriver (for those of us who wear glasses), and properly the stout pliers. Who should have it? Anyone that wants a durable multi-tool meant to last.

The Bombproof: Victorinox Swiss Army SwissTool Spirit Plus Ratchet

Victorinox comes highly recommended from a real hunting outfitter. He’s had the same one for 15 years and it’s never let him down. That’s durability. Add a real ratchet option with a variety of allen/hex bits, torx bits and screwdrivers, and you can remove fairings, covers, or even snug up something that wasn’t torqued down correctly in the garage. The price is steep at $129.95, but this is a tidy little package with a lot of options that can be adapted to your own motorcycle. Riders whose bikes have lots of torx or exotic fasteners should look into this option.

The Locking Plier: Leatherman Crunch

Locking pliers aren’t always delicate or precise, but if you didn’t pack a tool roll and have to remove bolts or you broke your shift lever, a locking plier can get you out of a bind, or at least give you something to shift gears with to get you home. Yes, this is the second Leatherman on this list, but other brands aren’t available for immediate purchase, and I don’t want to send you guys on a wild goose chase. Dual sport and adventure riders looking for a locking plier that can do a few extra jobs, this one’s for you.

CRKT Tool

The Box Wrench: CRKT Tool

CRKT has been a playground for knife makers for awhile now. Along with a utility knife, the CRKT tool provides a variety of metric box wrench options for a commuter who likes to pack light, but smart. While you don’t get a plier with this one, you will get real wrenches, along with another set of interchangeable bits to use, or swap out to suit your needs.

The Smooth Operator: SOG Powerlock

By including a user-customizable tool set and compound leverage pliers/wire cutters, SOG has given its flagship multi-tool two strong USPs. The customizable tool set is killer, allowing you to tailor the tool to your specific needs and economically replace tools if they wear or break. The compound leverage gears that power the pliers double the force you put into them. That means you can cut a quarter in two with the force of a firm handshake or latch onto a slippery or stuck bolt with a comfortable grip. RideApart staffer Wes Siler swears by his.

What multi-tool are you using? What do you like most about it?

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