Bang for Buck on Maintenance Manuals

kg5ie · Sep 1, 2006

I know that there will be a lot of opinions on this, but I have found the owners manual on my '06 to be totally useless regarding information on lots of things regarding maintenance.

Which repair / maintenance manual is the best for the $? I did a search for Clymers, but only found ones good up to '04. I know that the basic mechanicals are the same, but since I have the airbag model and all the controls are rearranged, I wonder if I should wait until a book comes out that covers that so I'll have the electrical info? Can you buy the official Honda version?

Thanks,

chuck_b24 · Sep 1, 2006

Buy the honda one from your dealer or HAL 10% off now(maybe not for that) chuck

Red · Sep 1, 2006

Can you buy the official Honda version?

Yes and in my opinion it's the one you should own!

Jon H · Sep 2, 2006

Red said:
Can you buy the official Honda version?

Click to expand...

Yes and in my opinion it's the one you should own!

I own both (long story) and agree. There are a couple of areas where I found the Clymer to be better, but on the whole, the Honda version wins hands down.

flaman2u · Sep 2, 2006

The Honda Manual I bought last year from Hal for my 2005 is THE BEST maunal I've ever used. I love the schematics W/pictures of the plugs and where they are hiding under the plastic. And with the help of Fred's DVD and members of this board I added a bunch of "Saftey Lighting".

Fred H. · Sep 2, 2006

The Honda manual is probably one of the best written ones in the industry, and clearly shows component locations and is easy to follow.

I recently bought the Yamaha FJR manual, and it is no where nearly as well done as the Honda GL1800 manual is. Not even close.

Don't waste your money on Clymer or some other manual, get the Honda manual.

Guest · Sep 2, 2006

Ditto above. Get the Honda OEM manual. Be sure you get the ETM section for electrical troubleshooting with it. I think that sometimes they are sold without that section. I got the compete manual for my 02 a couple of years ago on eBay for $55.

Hal at Hondadirectline.com has good prices.

Ride safe

PunkinDave · Sep 2, 2006

Fred H. said:
The Honda manual is probably one of the best written ones in the industry, and clearly shows component locations and is easy to follow.

I recently bought the Yamaha FJR manual, and it is no where nearly as well done as the Honda GL1800 manual is. Not even close.

Don't waste your money on Clymer or some other manual, get the Honda manual.

Agreed.. I got spoiled with the GL manual.. The shop manual for my Triumph is worthless in comparison.. Luckily I have a dealer who enjoys answering ALL my self service questions (and I didn't even buy the bike from them!!) Hmmm, maybe the next bike will be a Tiger!!!

V-driver · Sep 2, 2006

If Honda still provides one year's membership in HRCA, you have the means to a free on-line manual. This constitutes my $0.02 worth.

MotorcycleBoy · Sep 2, 2006

Has anyone suggested the OEM Honda Service Manual yet :?:

wvnnva · Sep 4, 2006

I just bought an 05 GL1800. The dealer does not have the 05 service manual, but does have an 04 edition which I was told they would cut me a good deal to purchase.

Is the 04 SM adequate for use on an 05 model???

Thanks,

Todd

Baron · Sep 4, 2006

Maint. Manula

Get the Honda Maint. Manual for the GL1800 and get it on DVD....then you get the complete parts list and a couple of vids showing repairs.

Jon H · Sep 4, 2006

wvnnva said:
I just bought an 05 GL1800. The dealer does not have the 05 service manual, but does have an 04 edition which I was told they would cut me a good deal to purchase.

Is the 04 SM adequate for use on an 05 model???

Thanks,

Todd

I'd think it would be close enough for almost everything. The only difference I'm aware of other than cosmetic stuff is that I believe the FI code reset procedure is different on the '05. As far as I know there isn't anything else of any consequence that differs.

Someone else made the point that the manual is available on a cd as well as in print format - that's another thing you should consider. For myself, I strongly prefer a printed manual, but others find that the "soft" version works well for them. Something to consider. Hal sells both.

CmdrRob · Sep 5, 2006

Boy talk about a post that I need an answer for. I got the 2001-2002 manual. Will it help me with the 2005?
thanks

Rob

Teaser 1 · Sep 5, 2006

service manual

I bought the Honda service manual for my 2006 from my dealer at $53.00 for the unbound version.

techdude2000 · Sep 6, 2006

HDL is the way to go.

This one is for 01 thru 05 and has everything you will need on CD, just print out what you are working on.

http://www.hondadirectlineusa.com/store ... =723493645

This one is for the 06 only. I think the picture is wrong.

http://www.hondadirectlineusa.com/store ... =723493645

Enjoy!

Bang for Buck on Maintenance Manuals

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