Basic introduction to motorcycle mechanics

[buddhacide]

Hi eveyone. I was wonderring if there was a "for dummies" style book out there on basic motorcycle mechanics - something geared towards someone with a very limited understanding of engines and/or mechanics in general. The ultimate beginners book. I would like to begin with mostly theory about how the various parts work together, moreso than practical application. Any ideas?

I have come to love riding motorcycles over the past 2 years, but their basic language alludes me at times and I feel I would greatly benefit from some dedicated study.

[Shiv]

I've no idea but if you find something, let me know. I've been looking for something like this too.

I can't even change oil on a car, much less a motorcycle (clutches man card tightly).

[Flipper]

I have this.
http://www.amazon.com/Essential-Guide-M ... 1884313418
Although I haven't done much wrenching on my bike, I love to read about how it all works.
I'm a total geek.

[Skier]

... but their basic language alludes me at times ....

Nice.

[buddhacide]

Thanks. Is there much difference between a book like that and, say, a service manual? I have the service manual to my bike and Its way beyond me. I'm hoping for something that can give the basic principle of operation as well as definitions for even the most basic terms. I'm seriously looking for an idiots guide.

Edit: Actually I read the forward for that book and it seems pretty good. Unless domething better pops up i'll knab it on my next amazon order. Thanks

[Shorts]

Thanks. Is there much difference between a book like that and, say, a service manual? I have the service manual to my bike and Its way beyond me. I'm hoping for something that can give the basic principle of operation as well as definitions for even the most basic terms. I'm seriously looking for an idiots guide.

I use this site for random mechanical explanations or procedures: http://www.howstuffworks.com/

You won't get brand specific detail, but rather an overview and basic operation of a general system. For instance, the a 2stroke engine vs a 4 stroke engine...gives you the basic principles of those engines and why its called "2 stroke" and "4 stroke".

So, you can look up any system you're curious about for the theory behind it.

[buddhacide]

Thanks shorts. I know that site and its awesome.

The web is great. But I still like books

EDIT: Actually this little diagram alone is awesome.

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/motorcycle1.htm

[MrShake]

If your looking for a good basic set of information, you can't beat http://www.dansmc.com

[jonnythan]

A combination of How Stuff Works, your motorcycle's service manual, and advice from the tech forum here should work wonders.

Whenever you're confused about something, or have a general question about how something works, just:

1) Read How Stuff Works to see how the component in general works
2) Look it up in your service manual to see what it looks like, how to get to it, how to test it, etc.
3) Ask us about it.

[Sev]

Take anything said on the forums with a grain of salt. As it's often only partially correct at best. Or completely wrong.