R65 manual recommendations

[AlfromNH]

Despite the abundance of info on the net, I still like to have a paper manual. I'm thinking of getting the BMW service manual, even tho its more expensive than the Haynes or Clymers.

Is there any point to getting the owners manual, as can be found on eBay, as well?

Recommendations?

[Barry]

The owners manual is a very good reference source and covers most basic servicing requirements. Make sure you get get correct one for your bike.

What year is it by the way ?  We may have a PDF version available.

I have both the Haynes and and The BMW service manual in electronic format. I like to use the BMW manual as a reference but I'm not sure I would have paid some of the high prices being asked.  The Haynes is better than many make out but bear in mind it's covers all airheads not just R65's. The BMW manual will be R45/65 specific.

[Bob_Roller]

The BMW shop manual is written in the context that you have been trained to work on the bike, alot of information that someone not familiar with the bike, needs to know, isn't there and in some instances can get you into trouble .

To put it simply, there is no 'good' manual by itself all of them have their faults and inaccurate text .

[AlfromNH]

What year is it by the way ?  We may have a PDF version available.

Well that would be seriously cool!  

Mine is a '79 R65

[nhmaf]

Al - Sent you an email with PDF file attachment

[montmil]

Purchase both the Haynes and Clymer manuals. What one may gloss over, the other will provide more detail. Weird but true. The two manuals, plus the R65 Owners Manual will get you through most any DIY maintenance/repair job you'd be willing to tackle.

In this forum's Technical & FAQs section is a .pdf owners manual for years 1981-84. As Barry has previously provided for you, there are a few difference in the 79-80 bikes and the 81-84 Twin Shockers.

Do Not overlook Snowbum's site for all things Airhead. I was there just yesterday confirming correct procedures for replacing a final drive oil seal.

Luftkophs will tell you these bikes are like tractors. If a simple Bavarian farm boy can fix it, so can you.

[AlfromNH]

Luftkophs will tell you these bikes are like tractors. If a simple Bavarian farm boy can fix it, so can you.

I love it  

[Luca]

Do not rely on anybody's ft/lb torque values in the manuals!  Convert from Nm to ft/lbs

BMW screwed up some of the conversions to ft/lbs and the aftermarket folks copied the mistakes.

edit:  those should be ft-lbs (aint no division in there)

[MrRiden]

I have the same view on the factory manual as Bob. Any factory manual. They do assume tools and training that the average owner does not have access to so really aren't worth the cost. There is no secret information to be had from them that isn't available from other sources. Boasts of owning a factory manual are somewhat suspect in my view. Arm yourself with a Haynes, and a few web sources. Nothing like being able to have a back and forth with someone who has actually made the repair you are planning on.

[marcmax]

I have a factory manual for an R65LS only because it came with the parts bike I purchased. I also have a Haynes manual and I use it far more than the factory manual. Save your money.

[steve hawkins]

I hear that Haynes have bought out Clymer.  too much to hope that they will revisit and make one manual that is the best of both :  )

Rev. Light

[montmil]

I hear that Haynes have bought out Clymer.  too much to hope that they will revisit and make one manual that is the best of both :  )

Rev. Light

Dat's da Fact, Jack!

Wall Street Journal - 13 SEP 2013:
http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20130918-700929.html

I won't be holding my breath betting on a full revision any time soon.

[Dave 2]

Very Interesting, I just used the Clymer (Now in two pieces) as well as internet info and of course this forum. Dave 2