Haynes or Clymer?

J

jw44440

New member

• Sep 5, 2017

• #1

Just curious which book you gentlemen prefer. I have the factory manual but it seems to leave a lot out. I have an 88 R100RT that sat for 16 years in a garage untouched. I am needing to do some long neglected maintenance.

Thanks

 

B

barryg

Active member

• Sep 5, 2017

• #2

Both

 

ccolwell

Member

• Sep 5, 2017

• #3

Clymer to start.

 

6322

Member

• Sep 5, 2017

• #4

+1 to both. The factory manual tends to be a little vague but that's probably because it was directed to BMW trained mechanics. Having both the Clymer and Haynes may give several photos and additional information about the same procedure helping to clarify something to a non BMW trained mechanic. One tip: many things on an airhead are interference fit so sometimes a little heat or cooling makes all of the difference taking things apart or reassembling. Have fun with your project. It's great therapy and Lord knows we all need some.

 

mika

Still Wondering

• Sep 5, 2017

• #5

I have both. I tend to grab the Clymer first but at times Haynes makes more sense for some repairs.

 

1074

Active member

• Sep 5, 2017

• #6

You just started a war of sorts. It all depends on three things. How good a mechanic are you? How well can you interpret the writing? How accurate are the specs? The factory manual is written on the assumption that you are already a good mechanic that's been to factory service school. The Haynes is IMHO easier to read with good explanations. I used the Clymer to line my bird cage.
Just stirring the pot. And yes, I've been to factory service school.

 

lkchris

Active member

• Sep 5, 2017

• #7

Your best bet is to join your local BMW club.

There you'll probably find guys with years of Airhead experience, lots of tools including BMW special tools, all the manuals you can stand, motorcycle lifts, etc., guys just itching to work on something.

 

PAS

New member

• Sep 5, 2017

• #8

I also have both and used them both until I was very familiar with the bike.
81 R100RT
2003 R1150RT

 

J

jw44440

New member

• Sep 5, 2017

• #9

books

Thanks guys, I didnt mean to start a war ... Im a moderately skilled guy but these seem to be a bit different... Ive used the factory for some stuff (Fork bearings etc) and did fine but sometimes I discovered I missed something and had to back up a step.Ill get them both as finances allow (Im semi Retired). Im also using all the internet resources I can find. My 88 RT was a find. It was serviced, driven a few days then parked and covered in a garage for 16 years. The tires werent even cracked and held air (since replaced...Im not stupid) It has 103000 miles on it and the top end at least was done at 96000. Anyway, Its an adventure!

 

20774

Liaison

Staff member

• Sep 5, 2017

• #10

Besides the BMW shop manual (only truly good if you've gone to service school, but it does have good specs and some pictures), I've only had the Haynes manual. It was published in 1999 and less than an inch thick. I understand there might be a different or newer version, maybe 2-3 inches thick?? I've survived so far, and as you mention, the Internet provides another source for bouncing numbers and approaches off. I've had great help at ABC tech days, but haven't been to one of those in a while.

 

jagarra

Gerard

• Sep 5, 2017

• #11

Here is a link to the owner's manual. I have found that manual has a lot of information not found in the factory service manuals, it has all the maintenance specifications that the factory service manual sometimes omits.

http://www.pbase.com/dwerbil/r80rt