Best Manual to Buy

Hi there,

Very new to this site and very new to repair/restoration. I'm working on an xj650j maxim that a buddy had previously began working on, but had to give up when he moved away. I figured the best place to start would be to get a repair/restoration manual. Looking on ebay there are two manuals available - the XJ650 Haynes Repair Manual and the XJ650 Yamaha Service manual. I'm hoping someone on the forum could suggest which would be a better manual to pick up.

 

The xj CD available on this site, plus maybe getting both the other manuals too. itherwise the XJ CD and the service manual at the least.

 

Oh, and welcome to the site Edgewise, you'll get real help on this site, don't be afraid to ask. Whilst you are working on the bike, don't forget to check the rear brake for delamination, that is a MUST

Take a read of this, then check yours BEFORE you even think about riding it

http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=15874.html

Pete

 

I have the Haynes manual, and it's pretty good. The other one sounds like a factory manual, though, which I would expect to be better. The Haynes one covers '80 - '83 (I think) XJ 650's and 750's - US, Canadian, and UK models.

 

The Haynes is good, because it suggests alternatives to special tools, and provides better photographic coverage of some things; however, it is fraught with omissions and errors.

The factory book is better, because it has the info missing from the Haynes, and has fewer errors; however it is rather "nebulous" on some things (assumes you know stuff already) and also has its own share of inaccuracies.

Best bet is both, honestly. And if you want to get really hinky, track down a copy of the dealer assembly manual too.

 

I'd start with the factory right off the bat.
Then augment with the Haynes and the XJCD for the reasons outlined above.
I LOVE all of my manuals, they work so well together.

 

Awesome. Thanks for all the tips guys. A buddy of mine recommended this forum and I can already see why.

Also, where could I find the XJ CD?

 

Try looking here my friend
http://www.xjcd.org/node/4

 

Yes, they do. Reference materials are one of our most critical tools for the science of mechanical pathology...

Here's a "tech tidbit" for you; I've only seen it in assembly manuals.

Did you know there is actually a factory recommended "correct way" to install and tighten the handlebar clamps?

With a big bold "CAUTION" no less?

 

I found the factory service manual , owners manual and haynes manual for free in PDF form by doing a google search for them. (I did purchase the Haynes manual as well).

 

Personally, I like loose-leaf paper books, like the factory manuals.

Kinko's only charges a couple of bucks to shear off bindings and drill holes in bound books.