I have the factory shop manual for every vehicle I've ever cared
about. I have the haynes/chilton etc for everything I've ever owned.
I don't remember the last time I opened one of the off brands. By the
time I'm stumped the off brand isn't going to help other than a torque spec.
The "off" brand are written for the average shade tree mechanic. The
factory manuals were written for the dealer mechanics. When the off
brands get to a technical spot they tell you to take it to a dealer
mechanic, the factory manual tells that guy how to fix it. They will
often tell you how to repair something you would only replace.
The down side (I'm assuming bike manuals are the same as my Ford
manuals) is they're not as easy to find stuff in. Part of the
schooling to become a mechanic is how to read the factory manuals.
Back when I was still learning I would take the manual to bed the
night before and read the entire section for whatever I had to work
on. Most of it was obvious but it's how I learned a lot of tips and
short cuts.
Unfortunately all I have for my NH sofar is the owners manual and the
Internet. (on dash of truck lol still haven't had time to look at
them. Nice thing for a rainy Saturday.)
At 08:41 PM 9/4/2011, you wrote:
Depends on how detail-oriented you are. I have the Honda Service
Manual, the owner's manual, Chilton's and the Honda Common Service
Manual.
Each has details the others don't, but together they make up a
complete library. Depends on whether you want a quick-and-dirty
repair or on whether you want a complete understanding of the system
you're working on.
$100 all and you'll probly save that much on your first DIY project.
Pat Patterson
Abbotsford, BC, Canada
2001 PT Cruiser
83 450 Honda Nighthawk
78 F350 460/C6 on propane
71 Bronco 302/C4/D20 D44/9"
Some people try to turn back their odometers. Not me, I want people
to know "why" I look this way. I've traveled a long way and some of
the roads weren't paved.
"If you can't take the heat, don't tickle the dragon."
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