The Essential Guide to Motorcycle Maintenance (Paperback)

~ (Author) "The purpose of this book is to show the novice motorcycle mechanic how to maintain and improve his motorcycle..." (more)
Key Phrases: swingarm bearings, cartridge forks, most motorcycle shops, Courtesy American Honda Motor Corporation, Courtesy Yamaha Motor Corporation, Solution Check (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...lots of different motorcycle systems and the theories they're based on, explained by a pro..." -- American Iron magazine

"...we can all use the detailed tricks of the trade that Mark shares in this book..." -- RoadBike, June 2004

"I received [the book and]...changed my final drive oil. Quite a trick for a non-wrench like me." -- Bruce Hansen, author of Motorcycle Journeys Through the Northwest

"Required Reading...cover[s] everything you need to know...photos and illustrations to lead you through simple and complex tasks." -- Motorcyclist magazine, April 2004 issue

"This is a book to be treasured. A book for the ages." -- Keystone Motorcycle Press

Product Description

Popular motorcycle journalist and author Mark Zimmerman brings a comfortable, conversational tone to his easy-to-understand explanations of how motorcycles work and how to maintain them and fix them when they don't. This practical tutorial covers all brands and styles of bikes, making it a perfect companion to the owner's service manual whether you need to use the step-by-step instructions for basic maintenance techniques to wrench on your bike yourself or just want to learn enough to become an informed customer at your local motorcycle service department. This book includes more than 500 color photos and a thorough index to make it an especially user-friendly reference for home motorcycle mechanics of all skill levels.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Whitehorse Press (October 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1884313418
• ISBN-13: 978-1884313417
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 8.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (35 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #42,386 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in this category: (What's this?)

  #12 in

  Books > Nonfiction > Automotive > Motorcycles > Repair & Performance

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars indeed "essential" reading, June 13, 2005

By	ebie hawl - See all my reviews

wow where do i begin. first off im a student at mmi (motorcycle mechanics institute)which has campuses in both phoenix and orlando. i bought this book to supplement my education and honestly it was a great purchase. its very easy to read and understand the first time through whether or not you have previous motorcycle knowledge of which i had none or you are experienced in mechanics. the theory section is an absolute must and just as thorough as the notes i received at mmi. the photos are great much better than youd find in your average factory manual and if you have no mechanical experience forget about trying to read one of those. factory manuals are written for "seasoned" techs. mark zimmermans book is written for both the average joe biker or someone with plenty of experience. he even takes the time to put in tips such as "what to do when you strip a bolt", "how to torque a bolt" and much more. overall im very impressed i have yet to find a section that i felt was inadequate. other books i have found dance around the subjects and dont give you the information you need. this book hits the nail on the head everytime.....thanks mark

27 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for the DIY wannabe!, June 5, 2005

By	Bruce F. Wilken "HAYABRUSA" (Detroit Lakes, MN, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book was well thought out and goes through a logical procession of maintenance/repair items. Some typo/grammatical errors dispersed throughout the book, but not enough to lead the reader astray. What I thought best were some of the items covered that I never would have thought of as needing maintenance, much less being VERY important (ie., steering head bearings) - and I have been riding for nearly 30 years! This book almost makes you WANT to get dirty and dive into repairing your bike. Even if you don't do your own maintenance, this book alerts you to issues that should be addressed by your mechanic, and allows you to be a much smarter motorcycle 'consumer'.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars contagious enthusiasm , February 25, 2006

By	L. Richey (Chapel Hill, NC United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I've had no real initiative to understand how motors work until recently purchasing a bike. Part of this is born out of wanting to avoid overpaying local service people for work that truly may not be done well or completely. This book does a wonderful job at laying out the theories and the practicalities of every subdivision of motorcycle mechanics, w/ extremely helpful multi-color pictures everywhere, including many step by step photos.

I was able to change out my brake lines after I read the chapter on braking- I actually understood hydraulic brakes, and successfully did a job in an afternoon w/ hand tools that would've cost me hundreds.

The author's enthusiasm is contagious, and I'm finding that this book is part of a growing impulse to spend as much time as possible with my toolbox and my Ducati. Highly recommended for the novice or the expert!