Clymer or Haynes

[groff22]

Well spring is almost here in NS Canada and my warranty is up -- I'll want to get all my bike geared up -including a manual for all the fun stuff


Really just wondering which one is better / better graphics, instructions, etc.

Haynes Suzuki Gs 500 Twin Service and Repair Manual 1989-2002

OR....

Clymer Suzuki, Gs500 Twins, 1989-2002

BTW, I'm a "newb" and looking forward to my second season! ... I've read enough to know the model's haven't changed much (at all) in the past decade... So my either manual should suit an '04F? --

Jeff

[Frost]

i find that clymer is more detailed

[groff22]

Cool thanks for the info Frost.

Are you riding yet?   Over here on the East Coast the weather is just about there, but the amount of salt leaves the roads white. I can not put my bike through that kind of torture.

Jeff

[starwalt]

We have kicked this around much before. Essentially they both give very much the same information.

The (unofficial) GStwin Documentation Approval Committee (GStDAC) recommends the following:

Haynes - For new to servicing your bike types
Clymer - For those with thick knuckles and who don't care about color pictures.

I have both and the Suzuki Service Manual.
Ok, I admit it. I am a documentation junkie.  

[Frost]

not officially riding yet...but i do get my bike out once in a while when it's dry...

i'm goign to the east coast during first week of august...maybe we can hook up to ride and you can show me the roads...

[groff22]

Starwalt: Thanks.

Frost: There are some truely twisty roads along the Atlantic. Let me know when and I'll meet you at the nearest Tim Hortons

[se7enty7]

I have both. I recommend both.. just because they give a different way of looking at some things.


I prefer the haynes though...

[tdan553527]

Both manuals are great, but there are changes on the 04 that are not covered. The carbs are slightly different, forks, wiring, and of course the fairing. I recently rejetted my 04, and the Clymer for the 02 worked fine, just a couple of more hoses and sensors on the 04 carbs to deal with.

[starwalt]

Didn't see the '04 part of your post!  

For the 2003+ GS500, (outside the obvious items of fairings, etc.) the biggest change is in the ignition control circuitry and instrumentation.

The "ignitor" or ignition control module (ICM) has an micro-p in it (sorry - no code chip access....no mention of flashing it in the suzuki manual either). The signal generator is different. The tachometer is now driven by the ICM and is no longer mechanical.

Both Haynes and Clymer have catching up to do. In your case buy the cheapest and get the general feel for things until they print an updated volume. My Suzuki manual is dated August 2004.