Haynes vs Honda

Hi folks, I have a soft copy of the 6th gen (2002-2006) Honda Service Manual (although I ride 2008 VFR800A) but I would like to buy a hard copy. That said, is there any difference between Hayne's and Honda's Service manuals? Would I be better to go with one or the other? Thanks in advance. Also, I apologize if I've repeated but I did search and haven't seen this question asked before.

 

Isn't Haynes kind of generic to many bikes?

 

Honda manual is better. But, I also have the Haynes because the info is presented in a different format. I need all the help I can get...

 

I hear that. :biggrin:

 

I have both and use both. I do like the Hanes for some things. It is easier to find what you need in there over the Honda Manual, likely because it is more condensed and written for back yard grease monkeys.

 

I've never been very fond of Haynes, they tend to have typos and other mistakes. The Honda Service Manual has it all, but mine is a 1999 service manual, so there's fewer years represented.

 

Honda Tech Service Manual .... 100% .... Haynes disassembles and reassembles bikes to make their manual and assumptions in some cases.

Honda is straight from the horses' mouth. You can pick up the Honda Service Manual for a reasonable price on eBay.

 

Awesome. Thanks for the replies and clarification. I had no idea that was how Haynes/Clymer got their info. Very neat. That said, I think I'll buy both Honda's and Haynes'!

 

Why do you need both? You're just wasting good money for farkles. The Honda manual has EVERYTHING in it. You may as well just buy 2 of the Honda service manuals if you're going to do that. lol

You honestly don't need the Hayne's if you have the Honda manual.

 

If you can't find one on eBay or other site, Helminc.com has them. 2002-2009 Honda Service Manual

 

As do Honda service manuals from time to time. I use both. Both are way better than Clymer.

 

The Honda manual is comprehensive. The methodology is factory/dealer/mechanic oriented. The other manuals (Haynes/Clymer) are not as comprehensive by design. What you get is how to repair or replace or find from a non factory POV.

Case in point.. The Honda Manuals will recommend genuine OEM parts. The others take into consideration that some repairs are not as complex as the factory manuals suggest and that OEM parts can many times be inferior to aftermarket products. Need we look to the famous Honda RR's to illustrate? Nope..

A shitload of factory manuals are online. Best deal? Have both.. Cheap insurance even if the work is beyond the skillset of the owner at least when taking the bike in to a dealer the bullshit factor is reduced to less grandiose terms and incursion into one's wallet.

 

The Haynes series usually has a few practical tips that the more-authoritative factory manual lacks, but clear illustrations of correct wire, hose, and cable routing are ONLY from Honda manuals ! :glee: Factory manual photos are about 200% better in quality than Haynes and 700% better than Clymer !

-

 

Decisions, decisions.. Which one do I toss in the trash? Guess it will be the Haynes.. my factory manual is a PDF...

Seems kind of frugal when talking about a bike or bikes that run can cost as much as 15K pesos talking aboot the price of a couple of books.

 

Another source is Amazon. Go here for specifics:

https://www.google.com/webhp?source...+factory+motorcycle+service+manuals&*&spf=555

The sub category area is the one to watch. Used books from Amazon are many times brand new and heavily discounted. Shipping is about for pesos a pop. All the same service albeit a little slow to ship but tracking and online transactions "paperwork" are spot on. ie.. never had a problem with books or CD's using this function..