Motion Pro MP Tool Metric: 2WheelTimes Baja Tested

By Michael Hannas

The Motion Pro MP Tool Metric is an ingenious multi-purpose trail tool that continually surprises you with the many functions it can perform.  Reportedly designed for snowboaders to carry one tool in their pocket that can perform any repairs needed while on the mountain, the Metric version almost accomplishes the same mission for the trail rider.  The MP Tool does enough things that it can be used as a stand-alone tool to carry in a pocket for shorter trail rides, or be integrated into your tool pack to minimize the need for other tools and lighten your load.

The Motion Pro MP Tool can perform most of the functions that a ratchet and socket set can but without the ratchet effect.  It can tighten or remove 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, and 14mm nuts and bolts.  It also comes with a 10mm and 12mm socket in addition to the 10 and 12 on the main tool body, so you can hold the nut on the backside and the bolt on the front if necessary with those popular sizes.  In addition, it comes with Phillips and flathead screwdriver extentions, and even a fitting with two allens, a 5mm and 6mm on it.  Another fitting has a 1/4-inch drive on one end, which combines with the sockets in the kit, with a 3/8-inch drive on the other end, which you can use with your own sockets if you add some to the kit.  You can combine many of these pieces for additional leverage and perform an amazing number of procedures with only the MP Tool.  It even comes with a bottle opener, which was definitely the most used feature during our Baja adventure!

Where the MP Tool falls somewhat short for me is the fact that it doesn’t replace the need for certain open-end wrenches in your tool pack, or cover all jobs necessary if you don’t bring your tool pack.  Certain procedures such as adjusting your chain or tightening sprocket nuts cannot be performed with the MP Tool, since the only open-end wrench-style devices it has are the 10mm and weird 7/16” on the main body that are too bulky too fit into tight spaces.  This means that you need to carry a few of your wrenches still, which almost negates some of the appeal of the MP Tool.  I guess that’s why they just came up with their sweet new Titanium Trail Wrenches… Damn I wish these guys would stop making new products I need so much!

Considering its size, the Motion Pro MP Tool does perform a staggering number of functions.  As a test I kept it next to my bike in my garage and tried to perform all of my basic maintenance procedures with only MP Tool.  It constantly surprised me with the number of procedures it could accomplish all by itself.  When combined with a couple open-end wrench combos for the few tight places the tool just can’t reach, there was almost nothing I couldn’t get done with the MP Tool.  My recommendations for things to combine with the tool include a socket in whatever size your oil drain plug is if it is bigger than a 12 mm, since the 14mm on the tool can’t reach up through a skid plate; a couple open-end wrenches in 8/10 and 10/12 or 12/13 combos, depending on your machine of choice and what it needs; and sockets in your axle sizes, if you don’t already carry the Motion Pro T-6 Combo Levers in those sizes of course.  Adding a 6mm socket is a good idea as well, and a 13mm if you ride a KTM.  The nice thing is you can fit all these extra items in the sweet little bag that the MP Tool comes in.

All in all, the Motion Pro MP Tool does enough functions that it has become a permanent part of my tool pack.  It has even caused me to rearrange my pack and eliminate tools that I don’t really need since the MP Tool takes care of it.  It can’t do everything but it can do more things than you would expect, and when a few key bits are added it becomes a mini-tool box that can take care of almost anything that you need to do to your scoot on the trail.  It does so many functions that I am currently trying to figure out the most sano and secure way to attach it to my trail machine so I don’t have to carry a fanny pack.  So far it has been indestructible with its hard nickel pewter finish resisting any type of damage I’ve attempted to do to the MP Tool.  It isn’t cheap at $54.99 but if you seek a compact companion that can fix most anything you need to on the trail and never let you down, the MP Tool is almost a bargain considering its multi-function performance.

Report Card: Motion Pro MP Tool Metric

Weight/Size    A

Design             A

Performance   A-

Durability        A

Value               A-

2WheelTimes.com Moto GPA = 3.90

MP TOOL METRIC

• A must-have for on-the-trail repairs or adjustments
• Can be used to remove 8, 10, 12 & 14mm bolts, #2 & #3 Phillips screws,small & medium straight-slot screws and 5 & 6mm Allen bolts
• Includes a 1/4 in. & 3/8 in. socket driver
• 10mm & 12mm 1/4 in. drive sockets included
• Enhance it by adding your own 1/4 in. or 3/8 in. drive socket attachments
• Includes convenient carrying case
• Hard nickel pewter finish
• Replacement bits available separately

For more info visit: http://www.motionpro.com/