It never ceases to amaze me when a well-meaning reader contacts me with a VFR-related question which is clearly covered in the service manuals available to all of us for relatively little cost. When a simple DIY oil change costs $30+ it seems to me that the same money invested in a manual which shows you how to properly do that oil change and just about everything else on your bike is a basic investment, and, I would say, a basic necessity. I learned the foundation of what I know about these bikes (and many other machines) by reference to a shop manual…and so can you. I'm shocked when I learn that someone is elbow-deep in a carburetor rebuild and doesn't have a service manual open on the bench next to them. And, there's safety-related systems, like brakes, which shouldn't even be touched without some sort of guide. OK, rant over.
I also have digital copies of various manuals on hand, but I'm old school so I like the real thing sitting on the shelf. Here's some of my manuals….
I also have digital copies of various manuals on hand, but I'm old school so I like the real thing sitting on the shelf. Here's some of my manuals….
My personal preference leans towards the Honda manuals supplemented by Haynes. Honda seems to be geared more towards the professional or at least assumes mechanical aptitude while the Haynes approach favors the home mechanic, even offering shortcuts or substitute tools, where the FSM will cite factory tools. I've never been a fan of the Clymer books, but they certainly cover the material.
Selecting that $30 as an approximate upper price, I did a quick search on eBay for VFR manuals and show some current listings below.
Selecting that $30 as an approximate upper price, I did a quick search on eBay for VFR manuals and show some current listings below.
Click on image for the Walmart link Recommended
M/C Workshop Practice Techbook
Whether you're a beginner or been playing with motorcycles for years, here's a great handbook to fill in knowledge gaps, provide best-practice reminders or give a novice a good reference on many jobs you'll face. Use this alongside a model-specific service manual and you'll have many of your questions answered while gaining a chunk of confidence as you learn this new skill set.
And it's from Haynes, who've been at this game a long time. Not cheap, but I found a very good price at Walmart.com, of all places — click on the image for the link. You may find a used copy on eBay, as well.
And, here's a link to Web Bike World's review.
M/C Workshop Practice Techbook
Whether you're a beginner or been playing with motorcycles for years, here's a great handbook to fill in knowledge gaps, provide best-practice reminders or give a novice a good reference on many jobs you'll face. Use this alongside a model-specific service manual and you'll have many of your questions answered while gaining a chunk of confidence as you learn this new skill set.
And it's from Haynes, who've been at this game a long time. Not cheap, but I found a very good price at Walmart.com, of all places — click on the image for the link. You may find a used copy on eBay, as well.
And, here's a link to Web Bike World's review.
Honda Common Service Manual
This publication from Honda is a sort of "fill in the blanks" guide of general and specific repair practices recommended for their products. The model-specific service manual will sometimes reference this manual during a task, like assembling transmission components, for example, as well as a host of very helpful general maintenance procedures, from chassis to electrical and much more.
Available in various publication dates in print, new & used, on eBay and Amazon for about $30 and up, depending upon condition and vintage. There's some bootleg digital editions floating about also.
A great learning tool and practical shop guide.
Modern Motorcycle Technology - Edward Abdo
I'm not personally familiar with this publication, as it is used as a school text. I suspect it would be a good introduction for the novice owner who wants to get his/her hands dirty with their bike. Subjects range from history to maintenance procedures to troubleshooting specific systems.
It can be found new and used on eBay and Amazon for $5 and up, depending upon the edition. Amazon offers it in hardcover and Kindle editions.
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