Which manual?? Haynes or Factory for Maintanance

i am gonna pick up a manual and wanted to know which one would be better, More details the Haynes or the factory manual? Thanks

 

The factory manual can not be touched for the information provided. No contest.

 

Don't waste any money on any service manual other than the Honda Factory manual if you're going to do any serious work. There is no comparison. I've ended up with both for most of my bikes (except the one I bought new) because the previous owner supplied a Haynes or Clymer with the bikes. In every case I've found and purchased - or downloaded - the factory manual.

 

Also, the factory manual for your bike is a freebie. Part sourcing from the on line houses uses the drawings from the factory manual.

 

I'll venture to say something positive about the Clymer/Haynes: While the factory manual is by far the best, it presumes more mechanical smarts from the user, while the others are more directed at less-experienced workers and have more helpful hints and tips that the FSM lacks.

 

what he said

the factory manual assumes a certain basic knowledge that the Haynes or Clymer doesn't, the factory manual is more specific though and has much better pics and drawings than the Haynes or Clymer. Haynes or Clymer sometimes have shorter methods.

 

We wish to thank Spike for the translation from Buffaloese to English.

 

Factory for sure.

No matter who the audience Hayes/Clymer is directed at. A lot of times I've had to use them they have the wrong specs for many things. They try to cover several years in a row. Specs change but the Hayes/Clymer doesn't catch it. Plus if you get in to down and dirty stuff they tell you to take it to the dealer.
Now worth the paper they are printed on IMO.

 

True.. Good point.

 

While the Honda model specific manuals assume a certain basic knowledge lets remember that Honda does discuss more basic information in the near 400 page "Honda Common Service Manual". Reading this manual before moving to the model specific manual will usually smoothe out the bumps for those who need more of the basics. Great trouble shooting too.

 

Great info. Got a place where all concerned (me too) can get a freebies?

 

I personally have a Haynes and a Factory manual, using both in conjunction helps

 

Try here....

http://www.vf750fd.com/vf750f/Honda_Common_Service_Manual.pdf

 

This makes me think that you and Spike are related in some way until somebody comes along and tosses a Clymer in the mix..

 

Downloaded and saved! Great! Many thanks!

 

Great, thanks for the tip on the 'Common Manual'

Thanks, link is still valid.

 

HD puts out much the same manual for thier bikes. They are $700.00 and have some really great pix of crescent wrenches and little arrows showing which way to turn them.

 

lol...
So you don't go and blow your $700 I will shre this with you:

 

Im a total noob, but my bike came with the Honda service manual and I found using it in conjunction with this site and youtube has got me through an oil and coolant change. lol.

 

The Force direction is similar for our bikes and is very important to the proper use of an adjustable wrench but I hope you understand that you will have to purchase a set of "metric" crescent wrenches to work on a Honda. LOL