Ducati Monster Forum

Can you please recommend some good books for general motorcycle maintenance?

I have three years of riding experience but unfortunately my knowledge about motorcycle workings/maintenance is fairly basic. I am considering buying "The Essential Guide to Motorcycle Maintenance" http://amzn.com/1884313418 (http://amzn.com/1884313418). Though there is some really good information in this forum, it's not exactly structured for someone like me.

LT Snyder manual from http://www.desmotimes.com/ (http://www.desmotimes.com/)

Great for the DIYer  [thumbsup]

Haynes manual from http://www.haynes.com/products/sfID1/8/sfID2/9/sfID3/84 (http://www.haynes.com/products/sfID1/8/sfID2/9/sfID3/84)

Another good one  [thumbsup]

These are recommended assuming that you own a Ducati... Seeing as how you are on Monster forum and all

The service manual for your specific bike is always a good read, though they're not always cheap or easy to obtain.  For basic things like changing the oil or a tail chop or other things along those lines, you can often find some how-to guides that walk you through step by step on the forum. 

+1

I have this book and I have done several valve checks & belt changes on my 2V Monster.  Well worth the money and very easy to follow & understand.

JM

Agreed. The LT Snyder manual is especially thorough in that area. I like it because he points out all the little tips and tricks too. Whereas the Haynes manual is geared a bit more towards a full tear down and reassembly. Both are helpful in their own right.

Most Duc manuals back to the early 2000s are available via PDF download from the Ducati.com website - poke around there, as they've changed the look from when I last looked.

Haynes prints two books that might be useful to you. titles are "Haynes Motorcycle Maintenance Techbook" and "Haynes Motorcycle Basics Techbook"
The first is a general reference describing the general maintenance and minor repairs that are common to motorcycles, and the second provides a breakdown of each of the major systems that make up a motorcycle.
Both are available from various online retailers, or from Haynes directly.
Hope this helps.
Jeff

I have a 2001 monster 750 and a 2007 multistrada 1100s. I didnt see these two listed on the book cover. Can someone verify if my bikes would be covered in the LT Snyder manual??? Thanks!

Both 2V bikes. His Desmodue/Desmotre manual should cover the two.

iv had a haynes manual for every bike iv owned, i swear by them. but saying that iv found the ducati monster haynes really sh*t. so im looking into downloading a workshop manual insted which are always good. but if its just for general maintenance, i would recommend the haynes.