We've probably all by now discovered the use of the internet. There's so much information there, that if you can't find it on the net, it just doesn't exist. Information is also important for motorcycle riders. We obviously need to be able to make decisions on what to buy, or what to dream about. But practical information, like every day-to-day maintenance of our precious motorcycles, that's a bit more difficult to come by.
Most motorcycles come with a small, and often useless, booklet explaining some trivial points you need to do to ensure that your motorcycle runs properly. Like don't put diesel fuel in your tank, or don't put 3 x the air pressure in your tires... etc. But the manufacturer's documents don't explain step-by-step on how to change your tire, brake pads, fuel tank, or how to disassemble your suspension or remove and repair your steering. In other words; real stuff !
Their documents are often short, written by someone who was not writing in their native language, or worse translated into another language. Sometimes there's one small, and very inadequate, illustration. Actually, the "manuals" are mostly frustrating !
That's why I was glad to find this website. Called CyclePedia.com , this new site is producing high quality, on-line, motorcycle maintenance manuals.
Cyclepedia are writing the manuals themselves, making detailed photos of everything they're doing, so all you have to do is follow the photos and easy to understand narrative.
The people performing the "operations" are skilled mechanics trained by the manufacturers, so they know what they're doing.
Step-by-step, you'll be able to remove your drive's sprockets, or remove your clutch, even if you're not a mechanic.
There's no need to have your PC next to you when you maintain your motorcycle. Everything can be printed out real nicely. You'll even find color diagrams and wiring schematics.
They don't have that many motorcycles brands covered as of yet, but it's growing. You pay a small annual fee for each motorcycle manual.
The web site is well laid out, with an easy to understand Index, and a comprehensive search facility. The owners let me on their site for free, just to browse around so I could write this article. I accessed the Kawasaki KDX220 manual.
For those of you who don't know me, I'm totally useless on mechanical things (I have two left hands - I'm the guy who put paint in my engine instead of oil). But reading through their pages, I was impressed how easy it looked. Too bad I sold my KLR a few years back....maybe when they reach KTMs...
The site currently covers:
Honda XR600R
Honda XR650L
Suzuki DR-Z400
Suzuki LT-Z400
Kawasaki KLX400
Kawasaki KFX400
Kawasaki KDX200
Kawasaki KDX220
Kawasaki KLR650
It costs $14.95 for a one year subscription, or $24.95 for three years. Not bad !
Click here to access their site.
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