Best shop/service manual?

[BastrdHK]

I am going to perform the 12k service on my '01 m900 myself.  I would like the your advice on the most informative, specific, and friendly manual.  I downloaded a free manual online that is 270 pages long and in multiple languages.  It has a few diagrams and is helpful, but I wanted to know if there is a more detailed shop manual available from that would offer better/color pics and diagrams.  Right now, I am mainly interested in the torque settings for my bike as I will need to check every accessible bolt/nut on the bike.  Unfortunately, the manual I downloaded only listed the descriptions of the bolts in Italian.

[Mr Earl]

I don't know that it's the best manual, but I've been using LT Snyder's manual available here:  http://www.desmotimes.com/.  It covers lots of different models, but always seems to have what I need.

[scott_araujo]

I have LT's manual and really like it.  I also downloaded the online manual.  The online manual is good for procedures and specs but not so great on troubleshooting.  LT's is much better and also has info on common mods.  You can ask him questions on his site if you need to and buy parts and tools there too.

I've read through the Haynes manual and it is also good. 

Both of these manuals are fairly inexpensive so you should pick up at least one.  Yhey may even be at your local library if you want to check them out.

Scott

[Ddan]

The Haynes manual is also very good, lots of pictures, tips and tricks, plenty of detail but still easy to follow.

[CDawg]

duc.nl seens to have changed ownership...
http://www.datamanuals.net/ducati_monster900.htm

[FortyTwo]

I have to recommend multiple sources... I have the Ducati Shop Manual, the Haynes guide,and the DesmoTimes book.  They're all written using different "language" and seem to actually cover different things a bit.  I like the variation both for learning the specific maintenance and gaining more overall knowledge of the mechanics...

Any others I should pick up?

[DarkStaR]

I have to recommend multiple sources... I have the Ducati Shop Manual, the Haynes guide,and the DesmoTimes book.  They're all written using different "language" and seem to actually cover different things a bit.  I like the variation both for learning the specific maintenance and gaining more overall knowledge of the mechanics...

Any others I should pick up?

As the LT Snyder book is a general guide to a specific range of bikes, it has some good information, but is missing others. 

If you are new to wrenching, this book will be a good start. 

If you've been wrenching for more than a good part of you life, this book may be lacking. 

I've found some errors in the addition I have (2nd), so I generally only use it as more of a guide now.

The main error I've found was with specific torque specs.

If you do use the LT Snyder book, and some torque spec doesn't seem right, cross reference it.

No ones perfect, and he admits that.  He also asks that if there are any errors in the book, to let him know, and it will be fixed in later editions.

[dlearl476]

Unfortunately, the manual I downloaded only listed the descriptions of the bolts in Italian.

My 2¢:  Learn a little Italian.  I have 4 Italian bikes and 1 Italian car and I've found that knowing a bit of moto related Italian, little stuff like right left up down tighten loosen front rear fuel brake carburetor, etc, helps enourmously.

I prefer the factory manual myself.  It assumed a bit of moto experience, but having that I find it's all I need.

[Spike]

I have the Ducati shop manual, LT Snyder's and a Haynes. I have been working on my own bikes for over 30 years so with my experience, the books and Chris from CA Cycleworks videos, I's got it covered. Good luck.

[femme620]

i'm looking for a manual myself for my '06 620..... i was eyeing Haynes.... and i found a 91-05, that's fine for an '06, yeah?

[BastrdHK]

I bought the same Haynes.  Should have 99% of the info pertaining to your bike.  I like it alot, you will not be disappointed.

[femme620]

I bought the same Haynes.  Should have 99% of the info pertaining to your bike.  I like it alot, you will not be disappointed.

Great, thanks.... for the rest of you... i also found a tasty bit on ebay.ie for what is supposedly workshop manuals on cd. i ordered the 620 & an 848 for the other half, both were about $16 ea. i'll let you know when i get them if they're the real deal. here's a link to the shop:

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Bike-Manuals

[ducatigirl100]

Haynes