Clymer vs Haynes vs Shop Manual

Post by **jfslater98** » Thu Sep 15, 2005 12:06 pm

Howdy all,

New member here, I love the site! Really learning a lot. Curious to see what preferences are on the various manuals available for working on our awesome bikes. Is one better than the other? Is a combination best? Any opinions would be appreciated. Thanks.

John

guzzi two · Post by **guzzi two** » Thu Sep 15, 2005 5:02 pm

clymer is the only way to go for r1150r bikes.trust me on this

QSIMDO · Post by **QSIMDO** » Thu Sep 15, 2005 8:01 pm

Apparently NOT when looking for TB synch instructions on a '04 R!

Clymer says it can't be done.

And I paid good money for that bit of wisdom too.

Post by **Biff's R** » Thu Sep 15, 2005 8:30 pm

I thought that the Haynes manuals were easier to usethan the Clymer ones, but I have been using the BMW manual.

Oilhead · Post by **Oilhead** » Thu Sep 15, 2005 10:40 pm

I have all three!

What can I say, I'm a shop manual junkie!

I must say the hard cover on the Haynes is a nice touch!

Post by **DJ Downunder** » Thu Sep 15, 2005 10:52 pm

I have the new Haynes......hot off the press......it even has my bike on the cover...

DJ

Post by **jfslater98** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 7:37 am

That's a great photo, DJ!

Boxerboy · Post by **Boxerboy** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 10:39 am

Traditionally, Haynes is also known as "the book of lies".

I think oilhead has the right approach. Have all three, and cross reference them periodically because all 3 may have less than accurate info in them.

On the airheads, the Clymer was generally considered the best, if used with the factory manual. The pictures were often much better and helpful.

Haynes is ok to, but once again, using the factory manual as a cross reference..

The Chilton was the one to use in the toilet. Shocking book from what I've heard, having never seen one.

These days, most info can be found on the 'net somewhere...another source for cross referencing books, albeit a tad slower maybe and maybe less reliable sometimes unless you've got confidence in the author..