Manual recommendation

[davidpdx]

Anyone have a manual that they like to use. I am looking for one that just covers the R65 so I don't have to wade through a lot of stuff that does not apply to my bike.

[Bob_Roller]

There's no one good manual .

The BMW shop manual, great for proper torques, etc... , but if you are not trained or quite familiar with BMW motorcycles, a lot of important info is left out because you're supposed to know it already .

I have the BMW shop manual no other manuals, but from has been posted here, the most common ones, Clymer, etc...., don't focus on the subtle differences between different bikes .  

[montmil]

David, A lot depends on an individual's mechanical skill level. In undertaking a specific repair job, it's nice to have several references to bolster one's confidence. Unfortunately, we have heard from owners who have begun and then botched a job; finally posting a question as to what went wrong and how do I now fix it. As an advert I've seen says, "Don't be that guy."

As Bob mentioned, the BMW factory repair manuals are produced with somewhat of an assumption that the user has previously been trained up on BMW motorcycles. Can't say I have been.

I have both the Haynes and Clymer manuals plus the R65 owners manual. With these resources plus the Snowbum's website -and there are also a few other "experts" out on the www- plus a couple more Airhead-specific forums, there's not much you can't access in a few minutes time. The web is a wonderful resource.

I also have a couple large 3-ring binders where I keep downloaded articles and BMW ON clippings for future reference. Plus, the R65 owners manual is a fine tool that's downloadable from this forum.

Wrench on.

[Barry]

There is a surprising amount of useful information in the Riders handbook that comes with the bike. I wouldn't be without one. If you don't have a copy they are still available new from BMW dealers see the FAQ section. There is also a PDF copy in FAQ.

I have a Haynes which I think is not as bad as some make out. I tend to use it as a reference for information rather than for how to do things. In general if you want to carry out a particular task like say a spline lube there is probably better information available on this and other Airhead forums not to mention dedicated web sites like Snowbums. Oddly enough mainstream airhead owners who have little experience of R45/R65's can tend to think of them as being more different than they really are. In fact there is a lot of commonality in procedures across all airheads so I wouldn't be put off using the many non R65 dedicated forums and web sites when looking for information.

[davidpdx]

   Thanks for all of the input. Looks like I'll just have to shop around for the best price. I have to say it is nice to be able to ask a simple question and get a response the same day.

[montmil]

And remember our motto here at the R65 asylum-

"If it ain't broke, we can fix that"   8-)

[Matt Chapter]

And remember our motto here at the R65 asylum-

"If it ain't broke, we can fix that"   8-)

I though our motto was "When in doubt, apply beer."

Maybe that's just me.  This may explain some things.

[Bob_Roller]

I think the one thing to remember, is if you get into a stiuation where you don't know where to go, stop and ask questions .

[davidpdx]

One of the mottoes at work is "If it ain't broke, tear it apart and find out why" as well as the catch all "Get a bigger hammer".