Clymer or Haynes

[old_bartender]

This could start something, But here we go,
Which is a better repair manual.
Clymer or Haynes

[79XS11F]

I like Clymer ... It does a good job with very little hopping around looking for info on the job at hand.
Rob

[egsols]

I have both, its nice to have two choices on how to do it, and then proceed according to the third.

[malber]

I don't have anything to compare, but it seems like Clymer has you go through a lot of steps that are not necessary. For example, to replace the rear brake pad it says to follow the instructions for removing the rear wheel, which tell you to remove the seat and flip up the rear fender. What it doesn't mention is that on the Special the rear fender doesn't hinge up and you don't need to remove the rear wheel at all. All you need to do is remove the rear axle.

I think it's a good guide to start outwith and the routine maintenance section is great. But a lot of the instructions have to be added to what common sense you already have.

[egsols]

Originally posted by malber

but it seems like Clymer has you go through a lot of steps that are not necessary

Exactly, but.........sometimes the Haynes doesn't go into nearly enough detail. Something about two heads?????

[randy]

As a matter of fact, you only have to remove the caliper to change the pads, nothing else.

[malber]

Originally posted by randy
As a matter of fact, you only have to remove the caliper to change the pads, nothing else.

Hmmm, tried this a couple of weekends ago and it didn't work. Had to remove the axle. The caliper did come off after it was off the axle.

[randy]

In my experience, a long phillips screwdriver removes the set screw, then the 12mm slider bolt and the caliper slides right off.