Motorcycle Basics Techbook

by Haynes Publishing

All common engine, chassis and electrical systems fully explained and illustrated. Topics covered include engine cycles and layouts, carburettors and fuel injection, ignition systems, clutches, gearbox, engine lubrication and cooling, wheels, tires, braking systems, suspension, steering, handling, design and electrical systems.

Genres: Reference, Motorcycling

222 pages, Hardcover

First published July 5, 2002

About the author

From Wikipedia:
The Haynes Owner's Workshop Manuals (commonly known as simply Haynes Manuals) are a series of practical manuals from the Haynes Publishing Group aimed at both DIY enthusiasts and professional garage mechanics. The series primarily focuses upon the maintenance and repair of automotive vehicles, covering a wide range of makes and models (300 models of car and 130 models of motorcycle), but it also includes manuals in the same style for domestic appliances and personal computers, digital photography and model railways, men and babies, sex, and women. The last four were made slightly tongue in cheek, but have proved very popular.

Reviews

[Andrew Diamond]

This book provides an excellent overview of all of the systems that make a motorcycle work, from pistons and valves to air and fuel intake to brakes, tires, exhausts and electrical systems. If you're going to start tinkering with bikes, this is a good place to start. Having a good understanding of the bike's parts makes working on it a lot less intimidating.

The first 20% or so of the book is in color. The remaining 80% is printed in black and white on cheap paper. I mention that only because a number of readers (including me) think they've receive a pirated book when they see the change from color to black and white. No, it's actually printed that way.

The author is quite knowledgeable and explains things well. The photos help because some mechanical details are difficult to describe clearly. It's nice to have a big fat arrow pointing to the important parts inside a carburetor or valve assembly. The book is actually readable too. I read it cover to cover in a few days.


For another deep dive into the technical aspects of engines, transmissions, fuel systems and other parts of your bike, see 2012 Honda Common Service Repair Shop Manual Motorcycle Scooter Factory OEM Book, which is useful for understanding the general workings of all motorcycles.

For a more practical, hands-on guide to maintaining your bike, see The Essential Guide to Motorcycle Maintenance: Tips & Techniques to Keep Your Motorcycle in Top Condition.

[Adrian P]

How I wish I'd had a book like this way back when I was 18 and got my first bike...