clymer vs haynes vs bmw

[stwilliams]

As mentioned in another post, I recently purchased an R1100RS 1996. I do alot of my own service and need to pick up a manual. Is there a consensus on which is better Clymer or Haynes? Is there a BMW factory manual, and if so, is it preferable to the aftermarket ones?

[patiodadio]

I have both the Clymer and Haynes, what one lacks the other covers :)

[PETDOC]

I've got all 3 for my 1150 GS and do all of my routine maintenance and repairs (have replaced clutch, clutch slave cylinder, rear pivot bearings and starter). I find that I primarily use the BMW shop manual, followed by the Clymer and then Haynes. Having said that I'm glad I have all 3 as there have been occasions where only the Haynes gave me the information I sought or presented it in a manor where I could understand it.

[tommcgee]

Is there a consensus on which is better Clymer or Haynes? Is there a BMW factory manual, and if so, is it preferable to the aftermarket ones

Buy all three. They each have their own approach and you'll be able to compare the errors from one to the other. :brow

[johnborsellino]

I just ordered both books from Amazon.ca, they will surely make for good winter reading and with the help from my friends I will try and do most of the future maintenance and maybe repairs my R100R will need.

[stwilliams]

I am no stranger to wrenching have restored a few vintage BMW's. And up until now I have done all of my own servicing. However these "modern" bikes with fuel injections etc are a different animal. I'm prepared to do basic maintenance and check timing, valves, etc. Major service will likely go the dealer.

[kantuckid]

The BMW manual is on the web for free.

[PGlaves]

For that specific bike I have all three. The BMW manual assumes you are a qualified tech but usually provides the most accurate and useful sequences and specifications. Photos are scarce.

I find the Haynes better organized than the Clymer and prefer it, but the Clymer is also useful because sometimes the photos are better (or at least from a different perspective). And the two explain things differently, and sometimes both explanations together are better than either one by itself.

Be cautious with torque specifications in Clymer manuals. Most are right but there are some errors. If it sounds wrong, it probably is.

Both aftermarket manuals contain some shortcut tips not found in the factory manuals. And Clymer sometimes provides workarounds for the lack of factory tools.

[PDX1100RT]

I have all 3 for my '96 RT also. I get more use out of the Clymer, but find myself bouncing between the 3 for the best picture and explaination. Even then you'll get a lot out of specific DIY write-ups like the Overhead Valve Adjustment for Dummies (copies floating around the net) and similiar items. So before you tackle a challengeing task google it. And good wrenching!

[robsryder]

When I purchased my 94 R11RS there was no manual - nada - nothing. BMW made a sort-of manual available to the dealer mechanics and that document was quickly copied and distributed throughout the universe of new oilhead owners.

Around that time the internet was becoming much more popular and the Internet BMW Riders was initiated along with a website. On that website is an oilhead service manual that is the result of input from a number of oilhead owners. [I also have the genuine BMW factory manual (on CD) and the Clymers and Haynes manuals].

The IBMWR oilhead service manual can be downloaded as a pdf from -
http://ibmwr.org/r-tech/oilheads/R11Manual/Oilhead_Maintenance_2-25-02.pdf

Another oilhead service manual can be found here. It appears to be the factory oilhead manual -
http://www.freepdfmanual.com/2008/11/14/bmw-r1100rtr1100rsr8501100gsr8501100r-repair-manual