Clymer VS. Haynes owner manuals...which is better?

[Anonymous]

I was wondering if any of you knew about Clymer and Haynes GS owner's manuals. Which is better?

Rudi
1980 GS1100E

[Jethro]

I have them both- but neither is as good as the factory repair manual. E-bay yourself one, you won't be dissapointed.

[Anonymous]

I have them both- but neither is as good as the factory repair manual. E-bay yourself one, you won't be dissapointed.

I do have the original shop manual. (my uncle had paid $100 for it back in 1980 when he bought the bike). It's great...but it leaves out a detailed wiring diagram. Hap sent me one...but it would be nice to have it in the manual.

But overall, you're saying Clymer and Haynes aren't that good?

Rudi
1980 GS1100E

[bgmart450]

I have the Haynes, and it seems there isn't as much useful details I found in Chiltons for cars. I'd be interested to see what people think of the Clymers one.

[chuckycheese]

Clymer's

I have the Clymer's manual and it's not very good but far better than nothing. There are a number of things left out, a few out and out mistakes and several areas that are somewhat confusing. Overall, it's been fairly useful but I'm sure the Suzuki manual is much better.

[Jethro]

I do have the original shop manual. (my uncle had paid $100 for it back in 1980 when he bought the bike). It's great...but it leaves out a detailed wiring diagram. Hap sent me one...but it would be nice to have it in the manual.

But overall, you're saying Clymer and Haynes aren't that good?

You have the manual in the 3 ring binder? Mine has an incredible electrical diagram in it. Anyway, for electrical I would consider the Haynes a little better.

[Anonymous]

I had the Haynes manual for my '79 550L, and the Clymer for my '80 1000L, also the original shop manuals for both.

The shop manual for the 1000 is awesome. The shop manual for the 550 isn't quite as impressive, but still has lots of good numbers like torque and such.

I find the organization of the Haynes manual seems a bit more logical, and maybe the directions are a bit clearer -- although you may have to work out an "English"-English translation or two.

The Clymer manual, on the other hand, copies the torque tables and such from the shop manual (which I think the Haynes does not).

If you're looking for something to complement the shop manual, I would go with Haynes.

Michael

[Anonymous]

I do have the original shop manual. (my uncle had paid $100 for it back in 1980 when he bought the bike). It's great...but it leaves out a detailed wiring diagram. Hap sent me one...but it would be nice to have it in the manual.

But overall, you're saying Clymer and Haynes aren't that good?

You have the manual in the 3 ring binder? Mine has an incredible electrical diagram in it. Anyway, for electrical I would consider the Haynes a little better.

It came in the four ring binder! It's really great. In fact, my uncle recalls the Suzuki dealership being very hesitant in selling it to him. I guess they knew how good it was!

Rudi
1980 GS1100E