which is a better book for maintenance?

[Spirit_Rider]

I am awaiting delivery of a 2003 LT and was wondering what book is better for describing and explaining regular maintenance and repairs. The BMW manual or Chiltons?

Plus this gets rid of my no post reminder.

[Amsoil1]

I bought the BMW manual first for a bunch of money. I bought the Clymer for half the money. The Clymer is about 50% thicker, has more photographs and is more user friendly for the non professional BMW mechanic. Anyone want to buy the BMW manual?

[LAF]

I would buy the Clymer to start.

Between it, the Search Feature on this Forum, and once you have read the Clymer a bit (TMI, mine is in the magazine rack in the bathroom), then the people on this Forum.

I have learned SOOOOOOOOOO Much from these guys.

It is amazing the information on K1200LT that is contained here.

I would go as far to say that for real world riding experience, and knowing the LT, even BMW does not have as much real world information as this Forum and of course the Members who share information here have.

These guys are outstanding on answering, or pointing you to the information you seek.

Remember the Search Function is your friend here, and file, save as, is your second best friend.

[cccpastorjack]

I have both, but if I had to have just one...it would be the CLYMER, hands down!

[katnapinn]

I am awaiting delivery of a 2003 LT and was wondering what book is better for describing and explaining regular maintenance and repairs. The BMW manual or Chiltons?

Plus this gets rid of my no post reminder.
You can get a good one here just type "BMW K1200LT" into search
www.repairmanual.com

[bigbear]

The BMW manual is written BMW certified technicians. It is based on you being trained in how to remove all of the components required to access what you need to fix. In my 85K manual the pictures are much smaller that Clymer. The torque specs and procedures are per factory specs and usually well documented.

Clymer manuals are significantly thicker with a colored wiring diagram. It gives more detail on what needs to be removed to access components. Down side is their have been reported errors on assembly torque specs and procedures in my 85K manual. Do not recall seeing ant posts about this in the LT manual.

For the money I would get the Clymers and on critical items search this forum about any assembly questions or torque specs.

I do not believe Haynes has a manual for the LT.

[gglove]

Clymers nuff said :D

[rkimmel2]

Clymers nuff said :D


Ditto!!!!!!

[Sunderland]

I have both, and honestly can't say I think one is better than the other. I will add, however, that I wouldn't be without Paul Sayegh's service DVDs. They're like having your own service party.

[brianbeemer]

Another vote for Clymer. Forget Haynes - too much fine detail glossed over and even missed out altogether. For example, on the 1200RT manual there isn't even a mention of the power braking system/servos!

[Ron_Kendall]

Check the classifieds...I have a Clymer's manual for sale...new, still shrink wrapped...$40 includes shipping...depending on where you live in Illinois, it could be hand delivered.:)

[jhsonderb]

Check the classifieds...I have a Clymer's manual for sale...new, still shrink wrapped...$40 includes shipping...depending on where you live in Illinois, it could be hand delivered.:)PM sent regarding Clymer manual.

[jkersh1]

I bought the BMW manual first for a bunch of money. I bought the Clymer for half the money. The Clymer is about 50% thicker, has more photographs and is more user friendly for the non professional BMW mechanic. Anyone want to buy the BMW manual?

Bigger is better? The Clymer manual covers not only the K1200LT but also the RS and original GT, so about half of it isn't relevant to the LT. Wiring diagrams are nice to have even if not totally error free.

[pickerbiker]

I can only find the Clymer manual for up to 2005 model year LT's. I have a 2007...I assume there isn't any difference that would matter in the manual?

Thanks.

[Amsoil1]

I use it for my 2006. I'm not aware of any difference from 2005 to 2007.

[pickerbiker]

Thanks, Amsoil.

[UncleRock]

I am awaiting delivery of a 2003 LT and was wondering what book is better for describing and explaining regular maintenance and repairs. The BMW manual or Chiltons?

Take option #3
Get a supporting membership to this site, it will be worth more than both books combined.
If it can be fixed, fubared, Repaired or replaced, it has been done by someone here. Even if your a total ass:eek: they are still willing to help
Rock

[Ron_Kendall]

Check the classifieds...I have a Clymer's manual for sale...new, still shrink wrapped...$40 includes shipping...depending on where you live in Illinois, it could be hand delivered.:)

Thanks to all those who replied about the Clymer Manual.

[Spirit_Rider]

Thanks to all those who replied about the Clymer Manual.


Thanks, for all the responses. So far this site has been a big help but rather expensive!! I have not even got the bike yet and all the mods are costing me a ton! At least my trip to Alaska should be comfortable.

Ron_Kendall. Very interested in pictures of your Indian scout if you dont mind. Indian is my favorite bike and am working on getting an ol 48 chief. I have a 2001 Spirit now.