I just finished reading "The Essential Guide To Motorcycle Maintenance" by Mark Zimmerman. (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1884313418/qid=1089650047/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/002-8155557-5462455?v=glance&s=books)
As a newbie I found it a good introduction to maintenance and getting a good overview of a lot of concepts.
Other newbies might find it helpful.
jnosal
Yellow 99 GS500E