For those who still don’t know, just a reminder that Clymer motorcycle repair manuals are written specifically for the do-it-yourself guy/gal working in his garage. The step-by-step procedures, detailed photos and extensive exploded parts views in each manual are based on the complete disassembly of the bike. 450+ manuals are available for almost all brands and models. You all need at least a couple in your toolbox. Choose by jumping to Clymer Manuals.
8 Responses to “What’s Missing In Your Toolbox?”
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You can’t have too many service manuals. Clymer has a lot of authors, so the books vary in delivering information.
The Clymer’s Panhead manual is a good one. There’s tips not in the OEM ’59-59 Manual.
Harley’s not big on service manuals, they only printed (2) between 1940 and 1959.
I’ve recently purchased a 2013 XL and Clymer’s 2013 Sportster manual, and OEM Sportster manual (99484-13) for online comparisons – an idea that has already receive three (3) positive review awards.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599696428
The 2013 Sportster manual (M427-4) arrived. 603 pages, covering (9) years. 2004-2013.
The Clymer book covers are now pre-creased for flex, but weighing in at 3 lbs., the pages should be broken-in. Do this by placing the book binder-side down, and alternating between front and back, gathering approx. (10) pages at a time, fold them open and run your finger down the page, about 1/2″ away from the page-split, hard enough so you’re pressing a “fold-line” into those (10) pages, the spine won’t be as stressed and the book will lay flat.
Doing this about (4) times to the entire book, and selecting different groups of page clusters will lengthen it’s life most definitely.
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The 2007-2013 Electrical chapter has 82 troubleshooting “wiring diagram trees” that isolate or consolidate malfunctions. These aren’t single point ignitions anymore. Color diagrams. It’s way over my head. I bought the manual, not to work on the bike, but so I’d know what was being done to it, beyond my oil and filter changes. 🙂
Clear photos and illustrations. The book was written on the same level as their Panhead manual. Extremely detailed, Clymer’s manual are written for the rider. Harleys’ manuals are written for their mechanics. In fact, you’ll have to special order the 2013 factory manual from the dealership. Not available online from HD.com.
I’ll make comparisons in June when I pickup the OE manual, but makes me wonder how Clymers obtained the material to publish this in March 2013.
What’s more interesting is the actual history of Floyd Clymer.
Floyd Clymer
Born October 26, 1895
Indianapolis
Died January 22, 1970 (aged 74)
Los Angeles
Nationality United States
Occupation Motorsports racer, dealer and publisher
Known for Clymer repair manual series
Awards Motorcycle Hall of Fame
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Floyd_Clymer
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Once, in an AMCA monthly, was a back cover 8×10 of smiling Floyd wearing a wide-striped shirt – handing an (9″ tall) 1st place trophy to the winner, sitting astride his machine.
The B&W photo, taken from an position level with the (left-side) air cleaner – immediately after the race, depicted a less than enthused sweat-beaded rider drinking water from a cup, half-covering his mouth and glaring at the trophy being offered, for the showboating across the finish-line. 🙂
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I bought some 4×5 post card pin-ups from Floyd Clymer Productions in 1955. One said, “Be sure brain is engaged before putting mouth in gear”. Advise I have followed ever since.
Nothing about him serving a prison sentence for mail fraud back in the day….Or reviving Indian in the 60’s. It’s too bad he’s only known for his manuals.
He was as influential as Peterson who owed the motorcycle news.
You can stop people like Clymer, they just plow ahead.
Cheeeezz , Who wants to hear about People like, Clymer and Peterson?, Makes my Life so meaningless. Even a Guy like Jessie James, looses a Finger and everyone on the Blog wants to make a national Hero day..Such an important part of such an Important Man. Why we can all sign a Petition that will commerate Jessie James Finger like…………..What if we all went.Riding around on our Motorcycles or in our Cages and when the situation calls for the Middle Finger to be raised and the others in the Clenched position we could Refrain?. That would pay homage to such an important event. You know I really feel bad about jesse loosing a Finger, I hope he really takes it easy and doesn’t get a Infection. Hopefully he got the hell out of the hospital!!!!!1
And among the best of Floyd Clymer’s “live-by” index cards – was a sign that hung behind the parts counter at a *~ Hi-Lo Auto Parts ~ on Hempstead Hwy., and other fine shops across the nation:
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“A mistake on your part, does not constitute an emergency on our part.”
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*high quality – low price
Adios, Floyd 🙂