Best motorcycle torque wrenches for every budget

Pretty much every nut and bolt on your motorcycle will have a pre-determined figure for the torque it should be done up to.

Torque is a force applied at a radial distance and is a measure of how tightly you do up a bolt or fixing, and while screws may not need an accurate measure of torque application, most nuts and bolts do. The only way to make sure you have it correct is by using a torque wrench.

These measure the applied torque and most will ‘crack’ when they reach the pre-determined level. For example, you find out the correct setting for a particular fixing, set your torque wrench to that figure then tighten the fixing until the wrench ‘cracks’ – a clutch releases when you reach the required torque.

However, some are more technical than that and offer a digital read-out of the torque being applied, for even closer accuracy.

Getting the torque right is important for several reasons; it provides the correct clamping force for the component that the nut or bolt is securing, such as an engine casing, for example.

Too tight and the casing could get damaged, too loose and it may not provide a proper seal. Other fixtures will prevent movement, such as tightening rear-wheel spindles; too loose and it may allow dangerous movement while getting it right is essential to stop this as well as allow future work to be carried out easily and prevent damage.

Related: The best spanners for motorbike maintenance

When it comes to motorcycles, if you tackle most jobs yourself, you will almost certainly need a 1/2in drive torque wrench, especially if you plan to ever remove the wheels or adjust your chain.

Motorcycle rear-wheel spindles can require torquing up to 150Nm (110lb·ft), which is the equivalent of a force of 110lbs or 50kg being applied by a 1ft (300mm) long lever. To put it into context, that’s really tight – the wheel nut for a Volvo XC90, for example, is 105lb·ft.

Here is selection of torque wrenches that can help you get every job right.

It can cope with torque figures from 28 to 210Nm – plenty for motorcycle wheel spindles and is Amazon’s Choice, with great reviews. It has a reversible ratchet head and comes in a plastic case with a 125mm extension bar and a 1/2in to 3/8in socket adapter.

Pros:

Hefty limit of 210Nm

465mm long handle

Case with 3/8in adapter and extension

Cons:

Overkill for smaller fasteners

It comes in a plastic storage case and is available in a range of sizes, including this one, with settings from 27.1 to 203.5Nm. The knurled handle is used to set the torque and the 480mm long handle makes easy work of applying the necessary torque, with a clutch ‘cracking’ at the limit. It also has a reversible ratchet head.

Pros:

Great value

Good limit of 203.5Nm

Use for left and right-hand threads

Cons:

Too large for smaller fasteners

Different meters are available with different ranges – this one is rated to 200Nm though you can get one up to 340 if you need it. Not only will it display the actual torque but you can set an alarm to indicate a pre-determined value.

Pros:

Reads actual torque being applied

Accurate reading

Audible alarm at pre-determined value

Cons:

Need separate drive ratchet/handle

It only runs to 10Nm but will be handy for smaller fittings or screws that need to be tightened to an actual figure. It gets decent reviews online.

Pros:

Great for smaller jobs

Changeable drive bits

Gauge built in to handle

Cons:

No way to pre-set limit

A pre-set limit alarm can be set that generates an audible signal as well as a flash when reached and this example goes up to 50Nm though a larger, 1/2in drive version is also available with a limit of 134Nm.

Pros:

Actual torque read-out

Audible and visible limit

Certificate of calibration

Cons:

High cost for amateur or occasional mechanic

Proper old-school, it’s a 1/2in drive handle with a separate bar that indicates on the built-in scale the actual torque being applied. There’s no limit or warning – you just have to keep a watch on the needle to see what the torque is.

Pros:

Great value

Simple to operate

Give real-time measure of actual torque application

Cons:

No pre-set limit to indicate correct torque

However, if it’s an angle that isn’t particularly easy to judge, then this angle gauge will do the job. A ratchet handle goes on top, the socket underneath and you apply torque until the necessary angle has been achieved.

Pros:

Make torque angle application easy

Adjustable stop bar

Full 360° use

Cons:

Doesn’t indicate actual torque value

The figure is set by turning the handle and it ‘cracks’ when the limit is reached. There is no switchable direction head – to change direction, you push the drive square through the head and mount the socket on the other side and reverse the direction of operation.

Pros:

Long handle for easy torque application

Accurate and easy to set

Comes in plastic storage case

Cons:

Large size means useful for big jobs only

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