Best do-it-youself home improvement books according to redditors
We found 458 Reddit comments discussing the best do-it-youself home improvement books. We ranked the 190 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
If you move the decimal over. This is about 1,000 in books...
(If I had to pick a few for 100 bucks: encyclopedia of country living, survival medicine, wilderness medicine, ball preservation, art of fermentation, a few mushroom and foraging books.)
Medical:
Where there is no doctor
Where there is no dentist
Emergency War Surgery
The survival medicine handbook
Auerbach’s Wilderness Medicine
Special Operations Medical Handbook
Food Production
Mini Farming
encyclopedia of country living
square foot gardening
Seed Saving
Storey’s Raising Rabbits
Meat Rabbits
Aquaponics Gardening: Step By Step
Storey’s Chicken Book
Storey Dairy Goat
Storey Meat Goat
Storey Ducks
Storey’s Bees
Beekeepers Bible
bio-integrated farm
soil and water engineering
Organic Mushroom Farming and Mycoremediation
Food Preservation and Cooking
Steve Rinella’s Large Game Processing
Steve Rinella’s Small Game
Ball Home Preservation
Charcuterie
Root Cellaring
Art of Natural Cheesemaking
Mastering Artesian Cheese Making
American Farmstead Cheesemaking
Joe Beef: Surviving Apocalypse
Wild Fermentation
Art of Fermentation
Nose to Tail
Artisan Sourdough
Designing Great Beers
The Joy of Home Distilling
Foraging
Southeast Foraging
Boletes
Mushrooms of Carolinas
Mushrooms of Southeastern United States
Mushrooms of the Gulf Coast
Tech
farm and workshop Welding
ultimate guide: plumbing
ultimate guide: wiring
ultimate guide: home repair
off grid solar
Woodworking
Timberframe Construction
Basic Lathework
How to Run A Lathe
Backyard Foundry
Sand Casting
Practical Casting
The Complete Metalsmith
Gears and Cutting Gears
Hardening Tempering and Heat Treatment
Machinery’s Handbook
How to Diagnose and Fix Everything Electronic
Electronics For Inventors
Basic Science
Chemistry
Organic Chem
Understanding Basic Chemistry Through Problem Solving
Ham Radio
AARL Antenna Book
General Class Manual
Tech Class Manual
MISC
Ray Mears Essential Bushcraft
Contact!
Nuclear War Survival Skills
The Knowledge: How to rebuild civilization in the aftermath of a cataclysm
I like this site quite a bit for major engine components and basics. It goes into things like firing order and octane ratings, and is a fun read if you have fifteen minutes.
This channel goes into serious detail about most of the major components of a car. He has loads of content, it's just a little dry sometimes. He also clears his throat in a somewhat abrasive way, but that's nitpicking.
/r/Cartalk and /r/Mechanicadvice are where you can direct car related repair questions, they're both very open and helpful.
If you're interested in doing your own car maintenance, I reccomend investing in a Haynes manual. They're a great resource, thorough, and reasonably priced. They're also tailored to every individual vehicle model. If you're really new, Auto Repair for Dummies is actually really helpful, I got through my first major project with that, a Haynes manual, and a shitty socket set. Hope this helps!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1556529538/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_GijFAbJS7HN59
Enjoy.
This was probably done by some "Flip-the-house" wizard who thought he could do it all himself. If you're one of these people spend $20 for fuck's sake. It will pay off 100x in the long run.
I walked into a "flipper" house once...the guy was repainting the entire thing with forest green gloss paint that was being pasted on the walls so thickly you'd have thought it was done by a 5 year old. All over the baseboards, plug panels, switches, you name it. I thanked him for his time and laughed my ass off once I was out of earshot.
I do engine design for FSAE so I'll throw in a bit more info that may be relevant. Okay, first step I can advise a pair of books that will be very helpful. A Graham Bell's Four Stroke Performance Tuning does a good job of introducing science to engines and engine theory. The book that puts Science with a capital S into engines is Design and Simulation of Four Stroke Engines by Gordon P Blair.
But I'll give you a little primer on this to save you from reading. You can do a lot of nice calculations with intake tuning because speed of sound through air is relatively constant. Selecting exhaust resonances is a bit trickier because of the whole really really hot exhaust gases thing. Blair writes about 15 pages on this, in which he says, "yeah just simulate it". I wound up doing just that with Ricardo Wave and attempting to validate the results back to EGTs but you also have a temperature gradient that changes drastically through the engine cycle.
As far as resonancies, I tuned the intake hoping to see a secondary resonance. I tuned primarily for the third resonance but you can see a secondary resonance in the fourth. So I was looking at a primary resonance around 10500 RPM with a potential secondary resonance in the 8500 range, if memory serves. Deciding which resonances to go after was largely about packaging for us, 1st and 2nd resonances require such short headers we couldn't fit them in a reasonable way.
If you PM me your email address I'll send you a few good papers on organ pipe length resonance.
I highly recommend How Your House Works: A Visual Guide to Understanding and Maintaining Your Home.
It explains all the basic home ownership maintenance stuff in very simple terms, with pictures and easy-to-follow explanations.
You can get an entire book of these, its called Mini Weapons of Mass Destruction
http://www.amazon.com/Mini-Weapons-Mass-Destruction-Implements/dp/1556529538
You can definitely hit the highway with your CBR300 as long as you allow yourself to gradually get more comfortable with riding at speed. Sure, a bigger bike will have more passing power and a little bit more weight which will make it feel slightly more stable, but that extra weight has its downsides too, and it's not like the upgrade will strip away the problems you're encountering now, it would just tone them down slightly.
I remember my first time riding on a highway and how I felt the wind was pushing me all over the place, but after years of riding the thought of wind doesn't even cross my mind. What changed? Truly the change that made the biggest difference was letting the bike find its own balance instead of trying to constantly use steering inputs to react and counter every new sensation I felt on the highway. In short: I developed more faith in the ability of the bike to keep itself upright.
Motorcycles are remarkably self-stable, even your CBR300. Also, motorcycles are actually way more stable at speed than when they are puttering around town believe it or not, and I fear you might be making the mistake of overbearing the motorcycle with unnecessary steering inputs. It might sound scary right now, but if you took your hands off the handlebars at 60MPH while going straight down the highway the bike will continue heading straight, and even if a gust of wind hits you with your hands off the bars the bike will actually self correct on its own and continue heading mostly straight... I'm not saying I recommend that, I'm just trying to illustrate a point: the bike will do the heavy lifting of keeping the bike upright without any help from you at all, your job is to guide the bike with subtle steering inputs.
How can we achieve this? The big secret is not letting your arms fight eachother. Lee Parks adresses this in his book Total Control (excellent read, highly recommended); he recommends only letting one hand/arm be in charge of any given steering input. Don't push with one arm and pull with the other, instead allow one arm to be in charge of the steering input and the other just supports the action by balancing the handlebars. The goal is to relax your arms and be entirely neutral in your grip when no steering is necessary.
Once you get the hang of this you will feel like a zen master every time you hop on your bike, and you'll feel a deeper connection with your machine too because you'll realize it's not just a one-sided effort of you singlehandedly keeping the bike upright, instead it's a mutual relationship between you and your machine and you both have to hold up to your end of the bargain for it all to work out.
I hope some of this helps!
In addition to tools, may I recommend a book such as the Park Big Blue Book or Complete Bicycle Maintenance and Repair. Between a book, sheldonbrown.com, and YouTube, you're pretty well covered for references. Also a good companion for tear-downs: A digital camera. A picture, and a good system for organizing parts that have a specific order will save you some heartburn.
Blaming soft springs for bottoming means you misunderstand the dark art of suspension.
Read something like this, its worth the couple bucks
Honda set up the high speed compression damping (and I would argue all damping on the bike) for general dual sport-ery, not jumping stuff. You can blame the soft spring on not getting the proper sag without setting too much preload on either front or back, I would guess they sprung it for something like the 130lbs/60kg range to cover the most number of people on the planet.
For aerodynamics competition car aerodynamics by Simon McBeath is good starting point for aero.
Amazon link
Competition Car Aerodynamics 3rd Edition https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1787111024/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_LyUezbWXPXNS1
For engine design, I've found the tuning books to be good for a base point. The Books by A Graham Bell are good starting points
Amazon link.
Four-stroke Performance Tuning (4th edition) https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0857331256/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_1BUezb9J526WQ
I'd also recommend some of the books from the speed pro series. Should be noted there are books by bell for 2 stroke engines should that take your fancy
Transmission wise I'm not to sure. I got all my knowledge of those through practical experience and engineering maths.
Hope this helps
First, I think it's admirable what you want to do and I'm sorry for the loss of your brother.
Now, if you're serious about this, you first need go consider whether there is any point to it. If you update a room, are your parents just going to let it go to hell again?
If you decide it's worth it, you can learn to be handy. Be confident to try things, but watch videos so you understand how it's supposed to go and know your limitations. Get help with anything structural and with utilities if you're changing anything (i.e., maybe you can handle replacing an old light switch or receptacle with the same type of switch or receptacle, but don't try to rewire a whole room unless you get an electrician to inspect the work before you reenergize). In the end, it's not the end of the world if you don't make it look quite as nice as a professional might, but you don't want to burn the house down or damage the structure.
If you want to get started on the basics, keep subbed go this site for ideas and questions. If you're a total newbie, I'll recommend this book. It'll give you a solid visual representation plus a description of how the systems in a house work.
Unfair Advantage by Mark Donohue. A fascinating look into what it takes to really and truly excel in the world of racing. Awesome stories.
The http://www.amazon.com/The-Unfair-Advantage-Mark-Donohue/dp/0837600693/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1395869155&sr=8-2&keywords=unfair+advantage
Forced induction performance tuning. A fairly math heavy book as to how to make boosted engines really work. Unfortunately, it's been discontinued, so it's quite expensive to find a copy. It's really worth paying the money for a used copy if you are going to be doing a big forced induction build.
http://www.amazon.com/Induction-Performance-Practical-Supercharging-Turbocharging/dp/1859606911/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1395869313&sr=8-1&keywords=forced+induction+performance+tuning
Four Stroke Performance Tuning. Same author as above. Still in print. Good info about NA engine building.
http://www.amazon.com/Four-Stroke-Performance-Tuning-Graham-Bell/dp/0857331256/ref=pd_sim_b_6?ie=UTF8&refRID=06E3Z1TE8P27JV7JVWKN
Street Rotary. A really good intro to rotaries with very solid technical info.
http://www.amazon.com/Street-Rotary-HP1549-Horsepower-Reliability/dp/1557885494/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1395869534&sr=1-1&keywords=street+rotary
I like Reader's Digest. Well written and designed for people without a lot of experience:
https://www.amazon.com/New-Fix-Yourself-Manual-Everything/dp/0895778718
Good choice for a first bike. But its important to understand that you need to respect the machine and what its capable of.
There are plenty of resources here that can help you. First thing first, take the MSF course. This will give you the best start on riding a motorcycle. They will teach you a lot of the very basic fundamental principles that you need to know to ride safely. Dont skimp on this detail. It will definitely help you in the long run.
Second, start reading. I recommend "Proficient Motorcycling: The Ultimate Guide to Riding Wello" by David Hough. This is a good book to start with.
After that, - and once you've read through the first book at least twice - look into "Total Control: High Performance Street Riding Techniques". This is a good second book to pick up and commit to memory.
As for gear, I wouldnt trust a $50 helmet. It may work perfectly for you. It may even be comfortable. But in a crash, when you need it to perform at its absolute best, you get what you pay for. Im not saying you should go out and buy an $800 Shoei or something, but the helmet is not somewhere you should be skimping on protection.
The jacket and gloves look fine. As for the boots, I've been using cheap Chinese knock-offs of American combat boots. They are all leather, go up mid calf and with tall socks, I fold the top of the sock over the top of the boot to keep the laces tied. Definitely not something you want to get caught in the gears.
And read this forum (and all motorcycle forums) with a grain of salt. In other words. There are plenty of opinions out there. Some of them good, some of them bad.
And then, practice, practice practice!
I'd recommend:
https://www.amazon.com/BMW-E30-Service-Manual-1984/dp/0837616476/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1519082032&sr=8-1&keywords=bentley+e30+manual
I'd recommend [e30 zone] (http://www.e30zone.net/) for learning about the models.
As far as fixing them, a crowd favorite is the [Bentley Service Manual] (http://www.amazon.com/BMW-3-Service-Manual-1984-1990/dp/0837616476)
As fair warning, you need to understand that your e30 will break down and there will be periods of time where it's out of commission. You should have a secondary form of transportation. Even though some e30s can be obtained for cheap, the amount of work you might have to put into them can easily be worth double the vehicle. If you don't know how to work on cars, and don't know anyone who will help you work on it, then an e30 or other classic probably isn't the right genre of vehicle for you. However, if you have the willpower, it is a wonderful car to own and maintain.
I love recommending this book(bicycling magazine's complete guide to bicycle maintenance) every time someone has a beginner maintenance issue. It explains everything in a very logical and easy to understand manner. I went from using wd40 on my chain to building up my first bike from the frame up with this thing. It will answer pretty much any question you'll have and will give you a greater appreciation of your fantastic whirly machine.
it will prolly be harder than anything you've ever done but sticking with it will be worth it. specifically what you will be doing is up to the contractor and or plant. its always case by case. if you have little to no exp, i would expect to be given medial tasks like fetching stuff. you will start learning what’s needed in that position and build your skills from that.
http://www.amazon.com/Audel-Millwrights-Mechanics-Guide-Thomas/dp/0764541714
start reading this or something similar. that will keep you busy for a while.
good luck
I'd say to keep remembering that what you're trying to set up is a student run business. Pretend you're Elon Musk trying to tell people how electric is the next best thing in the automotive market, which may be true, but the public (and more importantly, endorsers such as the school) are not going to be swayed easily without proof of concept.
Before I go on, I was the president of the VCU FSAE team in Richmond, VA up until last month (June 2017). The team was in the same predicament as yours 10 years ago, and was getting threatened with the discarding of the half-finished vehicle up every other year until our first competition at Lincoln 2017 (for internal combustion). Richmond is the capital of Virginia, so I'm very familiar with the difficulties of building a vehicle in the city as you've described above. That being said, the information I'm providing is from a team that didn't pass the Noise/Kill-Switch tests at tech inspection, and I'm probably going to be one of the least experienced people to respond to this thread.
Start with looking at the paperwork required for competition, particularly the Business Logic Case. Here, you outline your goals for the vehicle and why you want to build it in the first place and who you will sell it to. Do you want to make the car cheap and market it to a broader, lower income market? Or do you want to make a high cost vehicle which comes with options such as paddle shifting, adjustable front and rear wings, and a carbon fiber monocoque. Every design decision that is made on the car after deciding on your market and budget needs to coincide with the Business Logic Case, which you are allowed to modify if the team decides that they want to market differently for whatever reason. The car should be designed around the Business Logic Case, and we messed up by designing our Business Logic Case around the car, and that's why I want to mention this so strongly.
From there, you'll probably want to assign a few people who have taken their economics/business courses to start on the presentation. There are a lot of things in the presentation that the judges love to see, such as factory layouts, tooling requirements, and labor costs that take a lot of time to prepare and assess accurately.
Design work can start alongside the Presentation, beginning with the chassis. There are a few key points I'd like to throw in first:
So as a summary, compile all the paperwork that you'll require for competition, and begin working on it as soon as you can. It should go something in the starting order of:
With all of this completed, you should be able to make a very solid case to anybody at the school for building space. I encourage you to keep trying to get work space as you put together the virtual stuff in the vehicle however.
I will leave these resources as well for you to look through:
Good luck, and let me know if you have any other questions!
The Reader's Digest "Complete Do It Yourself" book is pretty handy to have. link to amazon.
Good illustrations and covers a huge amount of material for your home.
EDIT: This is the one I have and not only is it really helpful but also very informative when making new purchases. I buy this as a gift for whenever my friends get a house.
http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Do-It-Yourself-Manual-Editors-Readers/dp/0895773783/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1381952190&sr=8-1&keywords=diy+readers+digest
This one is great.
Simplified Aircraft Design for Homebuilders https://www.amazon.com/dp/0972239707/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_6M8PDbB99VQAQ
I'd go for something more like this...
The Essential Guide to Motorcycle Maintenance
I thumbed through it the other day, and it looks like a good overview of motorcycle maintence. I'd use it, and also get the repair manual specific to the bike you purchase to restore.
The books recommended here are not as much motorcycle repair and maintenance as philosophy and how enjoyable it is to wrench on a bike.
Yep - sounds like you're probably past a lot of the on-bike portions of the BRC. But there is some valuable class room stuff for someone who's not ridden on the streets.
Lucky for you the BRC course book is online - bam:
http://msf-usa.org/downloads/BRCHandbook.pdf
Another couple books that are worth looking at
David Houghs - Proficient Motorcycling
http://www.amazon.com/Proficient-Motorcycling-Ultimate-Guide-Riding/dp/1620081199
And Lee Parks - Total Control
http://www.amazon.com/Total-Control-Performance-Street-Techniques/dp/0760314039/
I like Parks descriptions of the more technique oriented content. But Houghs book covers a lot of road/traffic survival techniques that are touched on lightly or not at all in the Parks book
A Twist of the Wrist and A Twist of the Wrist 2 oh and Total Control. These books are amazing.
The transmission shouldn't have much to do with your car starting.
First, in what ways does your car start funny?
-Could be the battery
-Could be the starter
-Could be a clogged injector
-Could be many inexpensive things that many people think will be bigger than it is.
Second, in what way is your transmission acting funny?
-Is it slow to shift?
-Does it shift hard?
-Does it have fluid?
The first thing I would do is learn a little about basic car maintenance. I know it all seems so complicated, but from someone who has at times in my life had to fix my car if I wanted to go anywhere just know this; there are very few car mechanics who are also MENSA Members. It is a different kind of intelligence all together but, with a little bit of effort everyone capable of driving a car, can learn how to fix one. I know you said you don't have tools or a garage, but stay with me here.
I always take people for their word when buying cheap cars. I have literally purchased cars for $200 that the previous owner told me that the transmission was "going out". At $200 I can turn a profit no matter what, so it's always a good buy. But every now and then I'll buy one and once I've gotten it home I've simply put transmission fluid in and bam! Transmission fixed! It's amazing, really. So I've bought cars that could have sold for $1,500-$2,200, but the owners didn't know enough to check the transmission fluid.
There can be other issues with the transmission, for sure, but honestly unless you've abused it (you know things like constantly shifting into drive while still rolling backwards/ driving without fluid) I would assume it's likely not going out. It could be, but I doubt it.
The starting thing I would put a large sum of money that it's your battery. You can take your battery into a autozone and have them test it, it might just fix that entire issue.
I view vehicles differently than most people I know a 2005 Chevy Cobalt with 120,000 miles is still pretty new, if you have in fact been changing the oil. My truck has 220,000+ and I feel like it's just getting started. IMO, your car isn't getting old. You may want a new one, but if you ask me it isn't the frugal decision.
The frugal decision is to buy some tools, like these.. Buy a book, like this one and last but not least get a manual specific to your vehicle, like this one..
With those things you're into it for less than $100 and with the knowledge you'll gain from doing simple things, like learning to change the oil, to swapping out the serpentine belt, and bolting on a new alternator, you'll end up saving thousands in your lifetime. And in time you'll gain confidence and start to do more and more.
My first project was changing my own oil, my second I put in a new thermostat, my third was an alternator, my fourth was a coil pack, and my knowledge and skill has improved with each one. I swapped a transmission a little over a year ago in my truck. My girlfriend at the time thought it was silly that I wanted to do it myself (her uncle owns a dealership, she tends to throw cars away for new ones) so I had her call a repair shop. They quoted her more than $3000 to put in a used transmission. I put in my own used transmission for $350. I did it all laying in a parking lot, without a garage using only hand tools (much like the ones I linked you to). It took longer, I got really dirty, it was frustrating and really, really hard, but at the end of the day I saved more than $2,500.
I've written you a book here, but it's because I think far too often people make excuses instead of just admitting that they want a new car. If you really want the new car, that's fine go for it! However I won't tell you it's a frugal decision because it probably is not.
Dont know the background/skill level/target audience you are looking for, but I found this pretty invaluable over the years:
Complete Do It Yourself Manual
It’s a pretty good walk through on all home systems in general. May be more basic than what you are looking for. I’ve got some pretty ancient books on carpentry and framing as well, the general concepts have changed little.
When I first started out with my home I picked up these two books:
Black & Decker Home Repair
and
Black & Decker Home Improvement
They served as great references and overviews for nearly every major challenge I faced in three years and were a great deal more handy than sometimes scattered Internet resources. Strongly suggest you pick up the red book, or they're almost certainly at your local library. They don't explicitly deal with maintenance unfortunately, but I recall them offering up lots of tips on how to maintain things before repairs are needed.
Good luck with your new home!
This book is really well written:
https://www.amazon.com/Essential-Guide-Motorcycle-Maintenance-Techniques/dp/1884313418/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1466746439&sr=8-1&keywords=motorcycle+maintenance
that's not how it works. with preload, you set sag and put the spring in a working range. You don't, however, change how stiff it is in any way. nor the ride height. a spring is going to have the same stiffness whether it's compressed or relaxed.
the only way it can "make the bike stiffer" is if you a) compress the spring to the point of binding up and you're riding on a dead spring or b) preload to past your weight. either way you'll have 0 rider sag and it will ride like shit but that's about it.
check out the racetech suspension bible for a much better explanation than I can type out.
this one should work. But considering that it's well below your price limit, you might consider getting something else as well.
If the engine is in need of a rebuild, this might be helpful as well.
As far as tools go, I assume he has a full socket set but does he have a torque wrench, breaker bar, and jack stands? If he's worked on his car before he probably already has that stuff but if not, those will be necessary from day one of working on the van.
I've been doing my own home maintenance and repair for about forty years, and I think these Readers Digest books -- here and here -- are very good. I've used them through multiple editions, and I bought them for my son-in-law when they bought their first house.
Some specialized topics (like gas fireplaces) receive only the most superficial treatment, but that's inevitable in books like these. One thing you'll learn is when to try something yourself and when to call someone. For instance, I've hooked up gas stoves and dryers, but when it comes to working with the gas lines themselves, I'd rather pay someone who knows what he's doing. And so far I haven't asphyxiated anyone or blown anything up.
Anyway, those are the books I've recommended to quite a few people. Good luck.
https://www.amazon.com/New-Fix-Yourself-Manual-Everything/dp/0895778718
Nearly everything you want to do, you can find a video for. But I've gotten a lot of mileage out of these books:
https://www.amazon.com/New-Fix-Yourself-Manual-Everything/dp/0895778718/
Snap circuits seem to have already been recommended!
So I suggest this book. Mini weapons of Mass Destruction.
While my brother wasn’t autistic - this was his bible for a couple years. He has tackle boxes and various organizers full of different materials to build stuff with.
If you've never done anything before, you need to start with the basics:
https://www.amazon.com/Do-Yourself-Housebuilding-Complete-Handbook/dp/0806904240
https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Do-Yourself-Manual-Completely/dp/0762105798
https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Guide-Repair-Improvement-Updated/dp/158011783X
https://www.amazon.com/Home-Maintenance-Dummies-James-Carey/dp/047043063X
https://www.amazon.com/Black-Decker-Book-Home-How/dp/0760354766
There are more, but that selection covers virtually everything you'd run into.
I'm reading Maximum Control and Motorcycling Excellence. I've been riding for 10 years and for the $13 dollars spent on Motorcycling Excellence, I've gotten a great refresher. Plus, the chapter on wheel geometry has given me more confidence in the WNC twistys. Totally worth $13 IMHO. Not Started Maximum Control yet.
You should try only doing your steering input with the arm on the inside of the turn. Trying to steer with both arms means you're going to be needlessly flexing a lot of muscles as your arms try to fight each other. By steering with one arm the bars will feel a whole lighter and your outside arm will stay relaxed and free to work the controls with more dexterity. It also lets the wheel move slightly as is it responds to the road through the turn. Nothing on the road is going to try and rip the bars from your hands mid turn so just let them wiggle as they like (dirt is a different story).
The first time you try this, do it somewhere nice and open because you might find the bike turning in more quickly than you're used to. I was actually quite surprised at how much easier it made turning the bike. It feels like you shaved 100 pounds off your machine. It reduces fatigue substantially as well.
For attribution, I learned this technique from the book Total Control by Lee Parks. I can't recommend this book highly enough.
Edit: the second review on that amazon link mentions this exact technique and reviewer's amazement with it's effectiveness.
Space does not permit all the tips I've learned by reading this, this, this, this, and this.
But, briefly:
Check out Sport Riding Techniques by Nick Ienatsch.
Also Total Control by Lee Parks.
How is leaving your foot on the lever relevant to proper shifting technique? That's like me saying you shouldn't use your clutch because someone had their hand on it for X miles with it partially engaged on the highway and they burned it out.
Of course it's going to cause wear on the transmission, everything causes wear. As I mentioned, properly preloading will make it smoother and cause less wear on the transmission.
>"Press your foot down with just slightly less force than that needed to engage the next gear. Next, quickly roll off the throttle approximately 25 percent of its twisting range. When this happens, the torque force on the transmisssion will temporarily unload, and the preloaded shift lever will now snick into the next gear. For regular shifts at less than full throttle, a simultaneous, light stab of the clutch will help ease this process. For full-throttle 'speed shifting,' no clutch is necessary. In fact, it's actually harder on the transmission to use the clutch in this type of situation than to just let the loading forces do the job." - Total Control: High Performance Street Riding Techniques by Lee Parks
Likewise I'm not trying to convince you to do otherwise. I just want to prevent the spread of misinformation to whoever else may be reading this thread.
Don't think there is a video for this one, but "Total Control" is the other book I've heard highly recommended:
http://www.amazon.com/Total-Control-Performance-Street-Techniques/dp/0760314039/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2HWO5QG40KDXN&colid=3LRDY2AKFPCOR
Attention to detail and the bible should see you through.
Modern version of the one you mentioned.
Got the modern one :).
Also recommend the Race Tech Suspension Bible. There is much to learn.
You can find the same info online, just not likely all in one place.
Skill, All depends on how in depth one wants to get and what each persons skill level actually is. Still, it's good info to know that every rider should have.
Another good resource
Millwright Bible:
Audel Millwrights and Mechanics Guide https://www.amazon.com/dp/0764541714/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_llPIzbD42SBGQ
I'll take the low hanging fruit on this one. http://www.amazon.com/Auto-Repair-Dummies-Deanna-Sclar/dp/076459902X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1312041741&sr=1-1 This book will get you started. After that you might consider getting a Chilton or Haynes manual for your daily driver and take on some basic maintenance for yourself when it comes due.
A '65 Mustang is virtually identical to my Falcon. Same drive trains, same chassis, same everything. The only difference is the body and the interior.
My wife had a 2005 Mustang for a long time, but we recently traded it in and got her a brand new Toyota Rav4 Limited. I like it a lot more. The newer Mustangs are uncomfortable and gas hogs. A '65 Mustang with a little 170 i6 in it will get ~25 MPG. That's all you can ask out of a classic. Of course, Mustang people usually want a 289 V8. I like a straight 6. Very easy to work on.
Buy this book:
www.amazon.com/Auto-Repair-Dummies-Deanna-Sclar/dp/076459902X/
Absolutely perfect for a beginner with a '65 Mustang. You may also appreciate that the author is a woman. Most of the book is written around the author's own 1965 yellow Mustang, 'Tweety Bird'. At least the 1st edition is. I've never seen the 2nd edition.
You're not going to learn how to rebuild your whole drive train in this book, but it covers basic repairs and maintenance on virtually every other part of the car.
After 20+ years of repairing my own cars, I pretty much know what I'm doing, but I started out a long time ago with a modest collection of tools, a 1975 Pontiac Ventura, and this book.
After you learn the basics, you'll find that 95% of mechanics is correctly diagnosing the problem and having the confidence in yourself that you can do it. Repairing a vehicle yourself is very satisfying, and you know that it was done correctly.
Even if you have no interest in repairing a car yourself, knowledge is power. If you can diagnose the problem yourself, no mechanic is going to talk you into a whole new engine when all you need is a water pump. On a '65 Mustang that's a $35 problem if you do it yourself.
Great tips! Few things I want to add.
Get a service manual. Nothing is hard to service on that car.
Along with this one -
http://www.amazon.com/Volkswagen-Official-Service-Manual-Karmann/dp/0837616239/
The Idiot's guide is a fun read, but the Bentley is how it should be done. Use them together for best results.
Just for example, Muir hates the autochoke and tells you to take it off.
The Bentley will tell you how to adjust it.
Additionally, theSamba.com is a massive aircooled VW forum. I usually start there to just get my bearings. If you Google search with [the issue site:thesamba.com] you're very likely to find posts where others have had the same problem.
Even better than that one is this one:
http://www.amazon.com/Volkswagen-Station-Official-Service-Manual/dp/0837616352/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1413919702&sr=8-11&keywords=volkswagen+repair+manual
I have both. This one gives step by step details specific to your bus and the correct details pertaining to your engine.
Don't get me wrong, the keep your volkswagen alive book is good for encouragement and common sense, but the service manual is where it's at. On the Samba, it's referred to as the Bentley manual. It really is the gold standard.
When I was in my twenties, I bought an '87 BMW 3 series from a friend of a friend for $800, it had 146K miles and needed a lot of work, which included: the muffler had a 5 inch hole (the car was loud enough to set off car alarms when driving by); the center support bearing was broken which resulted in the drive shaft causing an unnerving thump-thump-thump between the front seats when accelerating from a stop; the front brake pads were so far gone, the squealing of the brakes was slowly turning into just a metal-on-metal grating sound; the hood release cable was broken, the hood could only be opened by knowing the right spot in the front grill to insert a long screwdriver and twist to release the hood.
I'd been driving stick-shift cars since I was 16, but I had never tried to work on a car until this one. I bought the Bentley manual, watched videos, and talked to my friends that had e30 BMWS. I bought some tools, I found some sites that sold parts for reasonable prices, and was able to teach myself enough to repair most of the issues myself over an 8 month period. Despite all the the problems the car had when I bought it, the engine was still strong and in good condition. Once I had most issues fixed, I was constantly telling myself that a car this old had no right being this much fun to drive.
So, while I'm not really giving a direct suggestion on which way you should go, I just wanted to relate my experience of how much fun it was to learn how to work on a car using an e30 BMW (without it getting too overwhelming). And if you're not looking for a pristine e30, they can definitely be found for under $5K.
According to the Bentley Service Manual (you really should get one of these, even if you don't plan on doing the work yourself) section on the driveshaft:
> Repair kits for the universal joints may be available, but it is not common practice to repair the universal joints on BMW driveshafts, and there are no BMW-recommended repair procedures. Worn or damaged universal joints usually require replacement of that section of the driveshaft.
If you're trying to figure out how to do a bunch of DIY repairs, you could do a lot worse than dropping 7 bucks on this book -- I got this after we bought our first house and it was a huge help in figuring out how to do stuff that I had no experience with. Good luck to you!
> This post is EXACTLY what I need and what I was looking for.
I kind of thought so.
Keep in mind with things like building (woodworking, carpentry, electrical, plumbing etc) -- I'm not saying you need to become some "master" of any of it, not even in fact to the level of "journeyman" or "apprentice"...
Rather I'm saying even just 12 year old kid-level "fucking around" -- being able to semi-competently pound some nails with a hammer, confidently cut boards with a hand saw (and power saw), drill some holes, replace an electrical outlet or swap out a sink faucet, etc.
--
In addition to "boys" activity books... which would be like "primers" for someone just learning how to read; well once you've done say 1/2 of the projects/activities in that "Dangerous Boys" book...
You pick up something like one of those "Reader's Digest Fix It Yourself Manual" books -- lots of pictures and LOTS of (simple/basic) advice on repairing things around the home (or even apartment).
--
>Basically I was raised to be nice.
Basically you were raised as a GIRL -- or worse, a wussy-mangina.
(No offense intended by the way -- and you're hardly alone in that -- much of your generation is like that, even boys WITH fathers & "intact" families... it's just the "paranoid helicopter parent" way.)
--
IMO only way to fix it is get out there and start DOING some of the "dangerous" (but not really) stuff that your (ignorant, idiotic, female -- but I repeat myself) mother prevented you from doing.
There are two that I know of:
Sailplane Design
and
Light Airplane and Glider Dynamic Stability
I have the first and it's pretty detailed.
The Raymer books are fantastic, I've read the Homebuilt one cover to cover.
I would recommend that you purchase some DIY books to help you with jobs around the home:
https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Yourself-Manual-Newly-Updated/dp/1621452018
https://www.amazon.com/Renovation-5th-Completely-Revised-Updated/dp/1631869590
https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Guide-Repair-Improvement-Updated/dp/158011783X
Do not panic. You will want to get a book like this one of how to do things around the house. I've been using the big orange one from Home Depot for well over 20 years; how to change the wax toilet ring hasn't changed, but there's a lot of newer things out there. Now why the heck am I recommending a dead-tree resource? Because you might not have terrific internet access when Something Bad happens. Many of these books have a little index of "how hard is this job" so you'll have a good idea up front whether it's something you can do or something you should call a pro about. They also usually have a materials list, which will hopefully help with the "seems like every repair requires at least 3 trips to Lowes" problem.
You will also want a fairly basic toolset right now. Maybe something like this. I have one from Harbour Freight that is serviceable but not terrific (ex got the tools in the most recent divorce, didn't want the book). There's also a lot to be said for having a good rechargeable electric screwdriver, but that can wait. Don't cheap out on this if you get one, be prepared to spend at least $50.
You also might try talking to the maintenance guy at your complex if you think he does a good job and is trustworthy (my inner former apartment manager is laughing about the odds of this being true). Tell him you're buying a house and hey, if I get in over my head can I pay you to do a little side work (and if so, what's your number)?
You can find general handyman books on Amazon which will provide you with what you’re looking for.
Amazon link to book
“This Old House” and Craftsman used to make these back in the day and can still be found but the one in the link above is he newer version and helps the new folks a lot.
Also, check the book stands at Lowe’s and Home Depot as you might find this there. See which has the price as well.
This is where I started years ago. https://www.amazon.ca/Black-Decker-Complete-Photo-Repair/dp/1589235371/ref=nodl_
I haven't purchased it yet but I've seen http://www.amazon.com/Black-Decker-Complete-Photo-Repair/dp/1589235371 get recommended a few times here.
Library books. Read them before you buy them. I've a HUGE collection of books, and quite a few are just crap.
I like:
Back to Basics - There's an updated version of this, but it really isn't an update as far as I'm concerned, just a re-edit. You may like the third edition updated one better, as it covers Adobe houses (better suited for Texas, no?)
http://www.amazon.com/Back-Basics-Traditional-American-Skills/dp/0895770865/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1416268351&sr=1-2&keywords=Back+to+Basics
The Complete Book of Self Sufficiency - I find I open this book all the time to reference gardening stuff, as well as just homestead improvements. It's British, but they know how to do it.
http://www.amazon.com/New-Complete-Book-Self-Sufficiency/dp/1405345101/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1416268500&sr=1-1&keywords=Complete+book+of+self-sufficiency
Home Repair - if you haven't fixed anything around the house (plumbing, patched walls, heating, some common electrical) I highly recommend something like this. It covers tools and their uses, and it breaks down almost everything in a home (or barn) into 'systems'. A lot of pictures. I recommend this to everyone I know that buys a house, or I give it as a house warming gift.
http://www.amazon.com/Black-Decker-Complete-Photo-Repair/dp/1589235371/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1416268592&sr=1-5&keywords=The+Black+and+Decker+Home
One thing I'd like to say too. And this may sound like I'm being harsh, but I'm not. Don't hope to start something. Do. Yes, I'm sounding Yoda. I've found (and I'm slightly guilty of this as well, but not so much anymore) that people tend to overanalyze the crap out of everything. Just do. Start small (even a 4'x4' garden teaches you a lot) and do. You WILL make mistakes. You WILL fail sometimes. You WILL start to be successful after you make the mistakes and you WILL learn not to fail as much.
The first attempt will never be pretty or go exactly as planned. If it is pretty and it goes exactly as planned, then you have spent way to much time in starting it.
Oh. And if you plan on raising any livestock, remember that they do die despite your best efforts to keep them alive. And don't invest in any sort of permanent fencing until your nearly 100% sure that you are going to be raising that animal for some years to come and your 100% HAPPY in where you are confining them. Pulse-portable fencing is the greatest invention in the history of mankind.
In this electronic age, there are still some classic books worth having in the toolbox. I think if you want it to be useful and thorough it can't be small.
The Essential Guide to Motorcycle Maintenance.
It was definitely a godsend, as I had no clue about nearly all of the bike's systems.
I got the book before purchasing my motorcycle and read it front to back. I still open it up for reference.
Lee Parks also has a very good book, geared more to the street. All of them have the same basic info, only thing different I recall Parks talking about is he like to pull the outside bar to countersteer, rather than push in the inside. Easier leverage, less unintended input from your body mass. It is worht trying both ways to see which is preferred
Here's a list, off the top of my head - I know all these are on my bookshelf, but I'm probably missing a few more:
Hell's Angel: The Life and Times of Sonny Barger and the Hell's Angels Motorcycle Club by Sonny Barger
Freedom: Credos from the Road by Sonny Barger
Ridin' High, Livin' Free: Hell-Raising Motorcycle Stories by Ralph Sonny Barger
Dead in 5 Heartbeats by Sonny Barger
Under and Alone by William Queen
No Angel: My Harrowing Undercover Journey to the Inner Circle of the Hells Angels by Jay Dobyns
Hell's Angels: A Strange and Terrible Saga (Modern Library) by Hunter S. Thompson
Street Justice by Chuck Zito
The Original Wild Ones: Tales of the Boozefighters Motorcycle Club by Bill Hayes
Ghost Rider: Travels on the Healing Road by Neil Peart
The Masked Rider: Cycling in West Africa by Neil Peart
Against the Wind: A Rider's Account of the Incredible Iron Butt Rally by Ron Ayres
Shop Class as Soulcraft: An Inquiry into the Value of Work by Matthew B. Crawford
Honda CB750: The Complete Story by Mark Haycoc
Shovelhead Red The Drifter's Way by Roy Yelverton
Shovelhead Red-Ridin' Out by Roy Yelverton
A Twist of the Wrist 2: The Basics of High-Performance Motorcycle Riding by Keith Code
Total Control: High Performance Street Riding Techniques by Lee Parks
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry into Values by Robert M. Pirsig - Still my favorite. A high school english teacher bought it for me when he found out I had just passed my motorcycle road test. I've read it at least 15 times, and get something new from it each time.
But the best recommendation - Buy the FACTORY SERVICE MANUAL for your bike and read it. Read it often, until you can almost turn to the exact page for each procedure.
I would suggest this book as your basis.
As far as putting it together again, you have some options. First, pay close attention to what you're doing when you take it apart. Second, take a video of what you're doing to refer back to later. Third, as you take it apart, put each piece in sequential order so that you can just move down a line when proof it back together. Also take notes so you know where each part goes.
EDIT: sorry for the formatting. I was on mobile
There's always this
If all of the black trim is original, that is very likely a 110 "very stripped" standard edition. Originally would have come with partial headliner, cardboard door cards and more. It does look as though the seats have been replaced with something else, but otherwise not bad.
New running boards will improve the visuals by quite a bit.
As you've never owned an aircooled beetle before, the first step should be reading the owners manual cover to cover. Pay particular attention to pages 16, 17, 20, and the tick marks on the speedometer seen on page 12. The tick marks go with page 17, and are one of the tricks to keeping the engine running more than a week. A PDF of your owners manual can be found here: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/manuals/74beetle/1974_Beetle_Owners_Manual.pdf
Two books you should buy are the Orange Bentley manual. This is the factory repair manual, and should be your first stop for any repair steps: https://www.amazon.com/Volkswagen-Beetle-Karmann-Official-Service/dp/0837616239/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1543597712&sr=8-1&keywords=Beetle+repair+bentley
You can find these used on thesamba.com, craigslist, used book stores or a VW show. But get one before you need it. I pay $15-20 for pristine used ones, $5-10 for ones that look used.
The second book a lot of people will recommend you is "How to Keep your VW Alive". It's a fun read, has a lot of good information in it, but should ONLY be considered a secondary source to the orange book. How to keep your beetle alive does have a fair bit of incorrect information in it. BUT if you're just starting out with cars, it is quite helpful. I do think new VW owners should read the book, but double check all his repair procedures against the orange book. The artwork inside is worth the $25 to buy a new one: https://www.amazon.com/Keep-Volkswagen-Alive-Step-Step/dp/1566913101/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1543597922&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=how+to+keep+your+volkswagen+alive&psc=1
If that right front headlight is filled with water, swap out both headlights for H4 lamps. They use a replaceable bulb, and are significantly better than what came with your car. A little bit of rewiring is required (I can help with that remotely), but otherwise they are drop-in. You can buy these from your Friendly Local AutoParts Store (FLAPS), a number of the VW online vendors or often Amazon. Heres the kit you want: http://www.myhellalights.com/index.php/products/auxiliary-lamps/sealed-beam-conversion-headlamps/vision-plus-7in-conversion-headlamp/ Order it at Autozone, Pep Boys, NAPA, etc by the part number. Often they have them in stock.
If you ever want to upgrade your car to chrome bumpers, trim, handles, etc. There are guys (like me) who will pay for your black stuff. It's generally undesirable except to the German Look guys.
https://www.amazon.com/Volkswagen-Station-Wagon-Service-Manual/dp/0837616352
It has been a great tool in working on my bus.
That's a clean E30. Definitely google some "e30 buyers guide" and go through that list.
It's a northern car, so prepare to have to fight rust (hopefully not though).
Absolutely change the timing belt (unless the previous owner shows you with proof that it was done less than 30k miles ago). Even so, it's not a hard job, just takes a while. I did mine the first time in 10 degree weather (no heat in the garage) and it sucked.
If you do buy it, a Bentley's manual is an absolute must. You can download it online in places, but the book is best so you can wrench on it and look at the diagrams too.
Bentley PDF link from r3vlimited I take no responsibility if you download a virus.
Bentley book on Amazon
You should buy a copy from Amazon...
https://www.amazon.com/BMW-E30-Service-Manual-1984/dp/0837616476
https://anovir.com/bmw/e30bentley.zip
+1, and don't forget the Bentley Manual!! It is by far the best thing you can buy for DIY projects on these cars. I have one fore my E30 and my E28, and it has never failed me.
I would also add a variety of different sized flatheads and phillips screwdrivers. And I would recommend an actual caliper spreader for brake changes vs a C-Clamp, as it is much easier in my experience and they can be had for ~$10.
+1 Kevin Cameron's Sportsbike Performance Handbook is a really good read. A. Graham Bell has written two books on engine tuning (Two-Stroke /Four-Stroke Performance Tuning) which are good companions.
VWs are a great place to start. Four-stroke performance tuning by A. Graham Bell is an interesting read.
https://www.amazon.com/Four-Stroke-Performance-Tuning-Graham-Bell/dp/0857331256
Edit: added link
Four stroke performance tuning
Reasons why:
1)Starts from the basics and continues to the complex
2)Easy to understand
3)Hundreds of illustrations
4)Entertaining
This is definitely in my top 3, the others being Reher-Morrison racing engines championship engine building and Forced induction performance tuning
Just a lot of books... Here a re some of the ones I've bought over the past year:
Welding:Principles and Applications (this is a bit overkill but I found it at a used book store)
Advanced Custom Painting Techniques
Four Stroke Performance Tuning
Engine Builders Handbook This is more focused on V8s but has a lot of great advice/best practices.
Sheet Metal Fabrication I have only used the skills in this book to make my electronics box so far, I was originally going to make a cafe style seat but decided on room for a passenger. Someday I would like to make my own gas tank.
Other than that it's a lot of online research!
Check out these books for in-depth stuff
I personally like Carroll Smith's books and Four Stroke Performance Tuning. While FSPT is very good, it is very difficult to read. Carroll Smith's "_____ to win" books are very good places to start, and are easier to read.
Tuning knowledge is definitely something that is improved on over time. After building fundamentals in tuning particular systems, you'll see opportunities for the car to be better, and then you do research on which setting would be better than another. Racing sims are very good for seeing the effects of suspension tuning, which is where I started. For console, obviously Forza and GT6 are worth looking at. With no console, check out iRacing, Live for Speed (demo has free multiplayer), and Assetto Corsa.
Came here to make sure this one was here.
https://www.amazon.com/New-Complete-Do-Yourself-Manual/dp/0895773783
This link is for an older edition, but it's an excellent book to get started with. Reader's Digest Complete Do-It-Yourself Manual
Others have made some great suggestions. I would add to those lists--
a big can of some high quality lubricant, I like Ballistol for all kinds of cleaning/protecting/lubricating things, but there plenty of other kinds on the market.
Duct tape
Electrical tape
A caulk gun, and a few tubes--plain old "painter's caulk" and a waterproof caulk for windows, doors, and bathroom water infiltration areas. --- and a lesson on how and where to use them.
AND, maybe a nice book, with lots of pictures, for how to do lots of varied home repairs and upgrades, perhaps something like this: Reader's Digest New Complete DIY Manual
My folks always called repair people when things went wrong, so I didn't learn a lot of the basics. I inherited a weird collection of these old Reader's Digest how-to manuals from my grandparents, and they got me out of a lot of jams. Highly recommend.
Get a book on basic home maintenance and repair, like this one: New Fix-It-Yourself Manual: How to Repair, Clean, and Maintain Anything and Everything In and Around Your Home https://www.amazon.com/dp/0895778718/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_mEEnzbVHQQD74
And get a fire extinguisher for your kitchen!!
I would strongly recommend doing some reading on the subject. Not knowing your background, I would recommend the following books: Simplified Aircraft Design for Homebuilders, Kit Airplane Construction and Flight Testing Homebuilt Aircraft. Those definitely aren't comprehensive, but it'll give you a good start towards helping you decide if this is something you really want to pursue.
As an EE, I learned all the theory at college, but when I need to reference what residential code requires instead of trying to work it out from code for industrial machines or first principles, I (and my Dad, a good carpenter but no training in electronics) use "Wiring Simplified":
http://www.amazon.com/Wiring-Simplified-Based-National-Electrical/dp/097929455X
Cheap, and it concisely covers everything you'd need to know to correctly wire a house. I think you can learn the basic mechanics of the wiring it won't cover (like "how to strip Romex without nicking the inner wires") from YouTube, a friend, or Hard Knocks.
The Black and Decker book somebody else mentioned is solid.
Wiring Simplified is a perennial classic and a must-own book for every homeimprover, IMHO. https://www.amazon.com/dp/097929455X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_3T3yxbXVKFZQ4
It's been published for something like 70+ years and is updated by imminently qualified individuals with every NEC update.
Edit: I should add that this won't make you a master electrician but it will familiarize you with pretty much all foundational electrical considerations found within a normal household, give you reference points within the NEC, and empower you to do detailed research for any specific or unique items that might pop up around your house or barn.
Also to add, this is a very common circuit. If it looks foreign or strange to you, you may not know enough about what you're doing.
Might want to learn some more before you do something that ends with fire trucks.
This book is great: http://www.amazon.com/Wiring-Simplified-Based-National-Electrical/dp/097929455X/ref=pd_sim_14_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=51AzkPoYkkL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR104%2C160_&refRID=0C6HNSNPS5291MH60M73
Buy this book:
How Your House Works: A Visual Guide to Understanding and Maintaining Your Home, Updated and Expanded
You won't learn everything, but it will give you a good grasp of the fundamentals of the systems that make up your home. You'll know what questions to ask when a thing breaks, and that's the key to learning more.
I second Youtube, but I never really trust any one video, I have to watch a bunch of them and then go for whoever seems most trustworthy. It is nice to have a single expert resource you can turn to frequently.
I really, strongly recommend How Your House Works by Charlie Wing. It's got great cutaway illustrations for common features of the home, and he explains how they work and interact with each other. It's interesting to read, and also a good reference. It's written for beginners, and would be a nice way to start even if you intended to go into greater depth with some other book.
Office Warfare?
Get him this book: Mini Weapons of Mass Destruction: Build Implements of Spitball Warfare
Buy a good, basic repair book. I like this one.
Not quite as technical as the others, but the Complete Guide to Bicycle Maintenance and Repair from bicycling magazine is a great, easy to use reference. Everything is illustrated with photos and there is a ton of good information for both the novice and the experienced.
YouTube videos are great. I find I do better with a book though and use YouTube as a backup once I've given something a go but can tell there is something I'm missing. Just depends on how you take in information best.
Edit to add the book I use. There are lots of them on Amazon with good reviews.
The Bicycling Guide to Complete Bicycle Maintenance & Repair: For Road & Mountain Bikes https://www.amazon.com/dp/160529487X
If you are interested in learning to work on bikes, I would reccomend this book: http://www.amazon.com/Bicycling-Complete-Bicycle-Maintenance-Repair/dp/160529487X . I learned by an earlier edition of this book, and now I do all of my own maintenance (except for truing wheels, and suspension parts)
I hope you enjoy the biking lifestyle! Owning , maintaining, and riding for utility and fun is one of the most rewarding hobbies/lifestyles you can get into! I have recently started to ride my bike EVERYWHERE, and just leave my car at home (have refuled once in the past several months). With learning the bike lanes, and my new waterproof messenger bag, I feel UNSTOPPABLE !!!
This book has taught me a ton of maintenance:
Essential Guide to Motorcycle Maintenance
I have this book and it seems to be about what you're asking for. It covers motorcycles very broadly and is full color. Instead of learning the steps to change something on a specific bike it covers the process and tools you use and teaches you how to do it.
This one is pretty thorough and goes into some detail about a lot of scenarios you may otherwise panic in as a beginner. Things like skidding, adverse weather and floods, sudden mechanical failure, debris in the road, cornering on cambers, loads.
Be warned it starts basic as hell, but it builds into some quite important stuff.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1884313477/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
> The techniques I have learned and shared were taught to me in the MSF Beginner course. I think your advanced techniques and concepts might certainly be confusing and "over the head" to many beginners .. such as the OP.
I encourage others to think, and -- as I keep stating -- I fight misinformation. If you have a problem with one or the other, I really don't give a shit.
The MSF course teaches you the fundamental mechanics of riding and very little more. In retrospect, I'm horrified that they put people on the street with so little training. If you want to swaddle people in a nest of MSF generalities, go ahead. I may well be there, too, to point them in the right direction.
> Oh, and disagreeing with others does not have to equal calling them idiots.
I call it like I see it. Not an idiot? Demonstrate it by reading and writing carefully. Your post was poorly constructed, contained tangential information, and was simply wrong. Further, you were defending someone who has been going around spreading some dangerous misinformation.
Seek out information and learn.
Total Control
Proficient Motorcycling
More Proficient Motorcyclig
Twist of the Wrist
Twist of the Wrist Vol 2
Capt. Crash Idaho has some good tips and techniques with his free videos.
Here are some basic parking lot exercises. A tip for laying out parking lot cones--get a bunch of bright yellow tennis balls and cut them in half. You'll get two "cones" for the price of one tennis ball.
There's a lot of good articles on Bike Safer.
There are some good books and DVDs if he's willing to spend a few bucks, get the Total Control or Ride Like a Pro DVDs. RLAP is mostly focused on slow-speed tight turning techniques (like the police bike "rodeos" do). More Proficient Motorcycling book is great for street survival tips. If he's willing and able to spend more money, then he could take a course, such as Total Control, MSF Experienced Rider course, etc. Speaking of MSF, you can get their book here.
When I took the MSF Beginning Rider Course, several of the other students already had experience riding and owned their own bikes. They, like me, were there to refresh the basic skills and maybe learn something new because we were all self-taught. BRC isn't cheap, but I think it's worthwhile, and being on a bike in a structured environment like that might be just the confidence-builder that he needs.
Edit: I found a link to PDF files from the MSF, including their textbook for the BRC.
Twist of the wrist was one I read- it didn't do much for me. It was very much about fine-tuning each turn on a track, which isn't where I'm riding. I got a LOT more out of Total Controle.
It's definitely because you haven't figured out how to handle it yet. I'm an instructor with Doc Wong Northwest. It's a free riding clinic & covers the finer details of sport riding. We teach the concepts covered by Keith Code's Twist of the Wrist 2. I personally help run the clinics in Albany, but they originally started in PDX. You should check them out. They meet the first Saturday of every month at BMW Motorcycles of Western Oregon in Tigard. Not only is it a great way to learn more advanced riding, but it's a good reason to get out and ride & a great way to meet other riders in the area.
I'd also like to recommend a few books to get you started:
Seriously, when you know you'll be in Eugene with your Bandit...PM me. There are a lot of great roads around here.
Lee Parks' Total Control book has good drills.
You can do that with the Ninja 250. It's all practice. Like V_Glaz_Dam mentioned you should watch the Twist of Wrist 2 series.
Here's something I wrote for one of my friends.
For books, I personally like this one the most. I feel like Nick took a lot information from the Twist of the Wrist books and made it more modern.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1893618072/ref=oh_o02_s01_i00_details
But I also learned a lot from Lee Park's book. Lee Park hosts a rider school where he runs over all the drills in his book and helps with rider technique. You have to google the class schedules but he comes around California at least once or twice a year.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0760314039/ref=oh_o04_s00_i00_details
The there is the Twist of the Wrist series
http://www.amazon.com/Twist-Wrist-Motorcycle-Roadracers-Handbook/dp/0965045013/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1330372612&sr=8-1
http://www.amazon.com/Twist-Wrist-Basics-High-Performance-Motorcycle/dp/0965045021/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1330372612&sr=8-2
I haven't read those books but the Twist of Wrist II videos are on youtube so you can check them out.
The last book I would recommend is Proficient Motorcycling. I highly recommended reading that one because it focuses a lot on general riding. Techniques that everyone should learn just to stay alive riding on the road. The book can be found at some libraries so you can save some money by just loaning it.
http://www.amazon.com/Proficient-Motorcycling-Ultimate-Guide-Riding/dp/1933958359/ref=sr_1_sc_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1330372534&sr=1-1-spell
The rest is all practice.
Also youtube "ninja 250 track" and you'll see a bunch of videos of guys racing their 250s on the track.
I wouldn't get on a track until you are at least familiar with your motorcycle. Get some miles under your belt before you decide to do it. After you are comfortable on your bike I would try to hook up with some local riders who are better than you. That way you can talk to them and learn from their experience. But remember to take most advice with a grain of salt. I personally use meetup.com to meet a lot of other guys to ride with.
My friend that got me into riding races an R6 with more low end torque than an R1 (only tops out at 120 because of that though :/ ). Another is a bmw s1000rr. I myself ride a old 90 FZR600 supersport and a honda shadow.
It doesn't matter what type of bike it is, steering physics work the same. Cruisers just steer slow and with less lean. It doesn't mean your input on the turn should be any different.
This is also backed up by some well known pro's. Example:
Twist of the Wrist: Keith code
http://www.amazon.com/Twist-Wrist-Basics-High-Performance-Motorcycle/dp/0965045021/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1344012435&sr=8-2&keywords=twist+of+the+wrist
Total Control: Lee Parks
http://www.amazon.com/Total-Control-Performance-Street-Techniques/dp/0760314039/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1344012569&sr=1-3&keywords=total+control
Lee Parks spend a good amount of the book explaining the techniques for both sportbike and cruisers, which end up being the same thing.
Here is what it looks like at least.
I read these based on Amazon reviews and they were both very helpful in addition to Twist of the Wrist.
Total Control
Sport Riding Techniques
> What are the effects on things like weight transfer under breaking and acceleration, the effects upon the wheelbase, effects upon traction, are there any downsides like possible chattering of front ends, what are the effects on weight distribution/how the suspension loads itself through a turn? I'm really just looking for someone to talk me through all the pros and cons to such a modification.
http://www.amazon.com/Techs-Motorcycle-Suspension-Motorbooks-Workshop/dp/0760331405
Depending on what trackday org you normally ride with, there's normally a suspension guy there to help.
Virtually every racer I know pays the suspension guy to setup the bike. There's some very good books around to learn more about suspension setup (Race Tech's Suspension Tuning Bible is very popular, and I learned a good deal reading it), but in general, those books will help you communicate with the suspension gurus more than they will turn you into a suspension guru.
It sounds like the shock is stiffer, and causing the front end to lift by keeping the rear from squatting under heavy throttle. It's probably a good thing overall, but there's also probably a better middle ground to be had.
Are you running a steering dampener? What bike is it?
Are you looking to do the work yourself? Cause it sounds like you're gonna need much heavier springs, and without a subsequent re-valve, you may end up worse off, with stiffly sprung but under damped suspension. Heavier oil is a band aid fix, and even that may not get you close.
What's your time frame and budget? I'd suggest two things: Find a resource for info specifically for the 599, a forum or something where there'll be lots of people with lots of knowledge about how to set up THIS bike, and if it's in the budget, find a good suspension shop to not only get proper springs for your weight, but also a re-valve for you and your riding. You may find out from the forum what budget fixes work, but nothing is gonna be as good as a professional set up. It may be expensive, but will absolutely be worth it if you care about the way your bike handles on the track at a track pace.
If you've got lots of time and not much money, you can do your homework and try and tackle a re-spring and re-valve yourself. It may or may not be feasible, but if possible, certainly rewarding.
Check out Racetech's Motorcycle Suspension Bible. Even if you don't follow any of my suggestions, the book is excellent and worth a read.
For everyone asking why there's so many washers (shims/toonie outsides), check out Race Tech's Motorcycle Suspension Bible. Many pictures, much learn. Good words.
https://www.amazon.ca/Audel-Millwrights-Mechanics-Guide-Thomas/dp/0764541714
Most of us own this one.
https://www.amazon.com/Audel-Millwrights-Mechanics-Guide-Thomas/dp/0764541714
^ This book is a godsend.
First off congrats on the job. When I was in college (millwright) one of the books required to buy and the best book I own is audels millwright and mechanics guide. If there is ever a question you have about how industrial mechanics work, conversion math for hydraulics and ratios I can’t list enough. this book has it. We call it the Bible because it literally has everything you need to know. I’m recommending it because you are a new industrial mechanic starting out and I think it would work wonders for you to learn the new trade.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0764541714/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1518832314&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=audels+millwrights+and+mechanics+guide&dpPl=1&dpID=51tK6Sw-fSL&ref=plSrch
Would this be a good book to read? http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0764541714?cache=3cd34ee3c888fad50c92172c9e028dd2&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70&qid=1411129646&sr=8-35#ref=mp_s_a_1_35
I'm moving out of state and pursuing a career in auto mechanics!
Auto Repair For Dummies.
Or, search Amazon for "car repair book," and you'll get a couple of hundred results.
Orange Bentley
Used ones are cheaper at swap meets/shows or on The Samba. The earlier editions have color coded wiring diagrams, but you can print those from the technical archives of off The Samba.
Good luck! Here's some crucial literature as well!
http://www.amazon.com/Volkswagen-Station-Official-Service-Manual/dp/0837616352/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1416243503&sr=8-3&keywords=vw+bentley+manual
http://www.amazon.com/Keep-Volkswagen-Alive-Step---Step/dp/1566913101/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1416243535&sr=8-1&keywords=how+to+keep+your+volkswagen+alive
This is novel, I get to post on this sub as an answerer instead of a questioner lol.
So, I've got 6 VW busses. They are not really for sale so to speak but those are the credentials. I bought my first bus in 1998 for a $300 while still in high school with 0 mechanical knowledge other than changing my oil.
As some have said here the best way to start is to just jump right in! Find one you like and go for it. When I started buying VWs they were still trash vehicles, everybody had an old one in the backyard and they were just looking to get rid of them. Now they are a bit more precious, you will pay much more for a poor condition bus than I would have for a great one back then. But the upside is there are many more aftermarket places for things that were harder to find then. NADA, Edmunds and the like are useless to find out what busses are worth. It's best to get familiar with online VW communities like the Samba they also have an excellent classified section.
I used a book 60% of the time to figure things out on my bus. Two books you REALLY NEED are The Idiot's Guide and the Bentley book. Between these you are pretty much covered. The Idiot's Guide is similar to Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, I would recommend reading it cover to cover.
For the other 40% of my VW learning curve I utilized people's advice. Air cooled VW enthusiasts are the best people to get to know. They will always wave and stop to chat when you finally get to drive your bus. Find your closest VW auto club and start joining in activities, make connections and offer to help people fix their cars, it will be a huge help and you will make friends.
Now just a quick final observation and opinion. You said you wanted a "camper van". From that description I can point you to a a '68 to '79 Westphalia. Those are what most people picture with that description. There are three main body styles for busses; Splitty, Bay Window and Vanagon all fall under the general model number Type 2 (beetles are type 1). I don't want to write a novel here so I'll cut it short. If you have any other questions feel free to ask here or PM me, if I don't know I'll know where to look.
definitely. I replaced a reverse light switch (screws into the transmission under the car) felt pretty awesome about myself. I would recommend getting the bentley manual. I understand that is the one to go with. Good luck!
I've only worked with one a handful of times. But each time I've had few issues. Just make sure you really research what you're doing, grab a bentley manual and follow its directions. Make sure you have a good set of jack and jack stands, the E30 is a relatively low car, so if you're doing work to it you'll need to lift it up sometimes.
Always do valve adjustments every 15,000 miles and the timing belt every 50,000, the M20B25 is an interference engine, if that belt goes it'll blow the entire thing. Make sure you change the oil and fluids, etc. etc. The engines in these things will go forever if you take care of them.
The cool thing about E30s is they're an enthusiasts car, so there's quite a few videos on YouTube on how to properly do a lot of this stuff, and there's at least 2 active forums; E30tech and r3vlimited so If you need to know how to do something chances are someone has already done it and can tell you how.
All you'll ever need to fix an e30.
The e30 is an easy car to work on. There's plenty of space under the hood to work with. Its also very mechanical, so there's not a lot of computery things that can break. As somebody who owns a
moneypite30 I say go for it!Congrats! I learned how to work on a car with a few E30s. Great fun to drive. Now go out and buy your new bible: http://www.amazon.com/BMW-Series-Service-Manual-1984-1990/dp/0837616476
Non-mobile: Four Stroke Performance Tuning
^That's ^why ^I'm ^here, ^I ^don't ^judge ^you. ^PM ^/u/xl0 ^if ^I'm ^causing ^any ^trouble. ^WUT?
I grew up in a house where my dad was extremely "handy" and able to fix just about anything.
I tried to be as "handy" as he was but found that growing up in a different time and economic conditions didn't prepare me very well for that. Up until a few years ago, when something broke, I would just call up my dad and he would come over and "help me" fix it (which mostly meant he did it all himself), but after he passed on, I was determined to acquire at least a semblance of the skills my father possessed.
The straw broke for me a couple of years ago when I had to have our kitchen remodeled after one of the sink fittings failed and leaked water, destroying a bunch of the flooring and necessitating replacing all the cabinets.
After enduring contractors taking 2 months to fix it despite being the highest rated contractor on Angieslist and the BBB and watching their progress and ignoring objections to my concerns, I swore I would never hire a "professional" to do anything I even remotely might be capable of myself.
Recently, I was able to do repairs to my heating ducting, light fixtures, bathroom fan/light and kitchen faucet and I figured I saved about $500 from having a professional do it. I had less luck with replacing my brake pads on my car as one tire would not come off and putting the car up on jacks and trying to kick the tire loose seemed like a really bad idea, so I paid for that one.
Keep on plugging away. Your repairman skills will only improve with time and use. Don't be ashamed if you have to re-re-repair something....usually by the second time around you know what everything does and where it goes so the repair goes easier. I've "fixed" one particular faucet three times now as the materials used in it's construction were shyte (Faucet "lifts up" because the bolt head inside securing it down was broken). I've been trying everything short of welding, but that's my next step. So now I get to teach myself how to weld a faucet together.
Here's some hints I have for the starting handyman....
Take pictures/video before you start. Take video as you remove/disassemble.
Keep all your old parts/bits in a bucket designed just for that.
Read up online on how to fix stuff. Try to find how-to videos. If you can find specific videos for your make/model of applicance/car/etc so much the better. Take online instructions with a grain of salt and don't use specific instructions if they weren't for your specific product.
Do a good job as you possibly can given your skills and tools. But if a repair fails, don't beat yourself up....just apply the lessons learned. When you do a home/car repair, you've got the opportunity to make it better than original. Take pride if you are able to repair something better than it's original condition.
If you learn things or "little tricks", remember to write them down. I have a little "repair book" with hints, tips and urls that I've picked up.
Also buy the Readers Digest Home Repair Manual It's full of good practices and advice as well as general step by step instructions. And a book is a lot better than a phone or tablet when doing this kind of thing.
Good luck and happy fixing! You'll do great on that sink the next time!!!
Someone gave me this book when I bought my first house. It was very helpful.
https://www.amazon.com/New-Complete-Do-Yourself-Manual/dp/0895773783
The good thing, is that most used book stores have copies of these for pretty reasonable prices.
5.0 out of 5 starsNew Complete DYI Manual by Reader’s Digest: An Excellent Resource
February 22, 2018
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
This 1991 hard-cover, heavy book has 528 pages, almost all of which have hand-drawn color graphics and a few black and white photos on them. This book has 17 chapters.
This is a review from Amazon:
I also have the original 1973 edition (without the word ‘New’ at the title beginning), which has 600 pages and many more photographs – color – than this book, so we use both of them as a reference. One of the other differences besides page numbers is in chapter 17. In the 1973 edition, for example, the chapter has 50 projects that the buyer might want to build, so for this chapter alone, the 1973 edition is worth keeping and consulting.
Another difference between the 2 editions is that the 1991 edition has more current tools and accessories that are demonstrated to fix things.
I am not a contractor and have never fixed things in a house before we bought our first home. I am an educator, so I have lots of different books on different topics to consult in my library when something needs fixing in the house. I also do online searches, print them out, and use them in conjunction with these 2 Reader’s Digest DIY Manuals.
The Reader's Digest "New Complete Do-It-Yourself Manual" Seriously, get this book, it basically tells you how to fix, build or work on most things in your house.
Seriously get this book.
... and a plunger...
The "New Complete Do-It-Yourself Manual" for Reader's Digest. Indispensable...
Youtube is great, it's helping me remodel my bathroom. As far as books go, (hey the power might go out), the Reader's Digest book is a great thing to have around.
Good luck!
Get yourself a copy of this
http://www.amazon.com/Simplified-Aircraft-Design-Homebuilders-Daniel/dp/0972239707/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1311921232&sr=8-2
Goodluck with the recovery
Oh man half my wishlist would make me more productive/get me enough materials to start a project. Uhh.... uhhhhhhhhh this
I hesitate to tell you, not because I'm being a troll, but because if you don't already know, you have some studying to do in order to do this project safely.
Here's a good start: https://www.amazon.com/Wiring-Simplified-Based-National-Electrical/dp/097929455X/
http://www.amazon.com/How-Your-House-Works-Understanding/dp/1118099400/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1396910499&sr=1-2&keywords=home+maintenance
Buy a book like this. If you go to Barnes and Noble or another big-ass book store, there will literally be an entire shelf (or more) of books devoted to explaining the basics of how your house works.
Then find a good contractor or handyman for when shit goes wrong. Ask family, neighbors, check Yelp reviews, whatever works for you. A good tradesman will patiently answer your questions and explain what went wrong, how and why he'll fix it, and what you can do in the future to prevent more problems. Once you find a keeper though, show some respect and don't "shop around" for quotes and then try to negotiate the price on every single thing. Knowing how to talk to and work with tradesmen will get you far.
This is a great book: How Your House Works: A Visual Guide to Understanding and Maintaining Your Home, Updated and Expanded https://www.amazon.com/dp/1118099400
The lack of ventilation would point to negligence. Negligence type events aren't typically covered, it doesn't matter if you didn't know. This is a common book people recommend for first time home owners. A house isn't typically cheaper than rent, its just not throwing away your money since at the end you have something to sell. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1118099400?pc_redir=1397706695&robot_redir=1
https://www.amazon.com/Mini-Weapons-Mass-Destruction-Implements/dp/1556529538
Had this book as a kid. I bet OP would have loved this as a gift.
Enjoy
You might find this book useful.
https://www.amazon.com/Mini-Weapons-Mass-Destruction-Implements/dp/1556529538
Reminds me of this
www.amazon.com/dp/1556529538
>but no one in my family wants to talk about the meaning of life, physics, or play video games. The stereotypical kid activities stuff boggles my mind how anyone remotely enjoys it or can tolerate it for longer than 5 min.
These are your interests. Has it occurred to you that maybe the things you find interesting are mind-bogglingly boring to them and they can't possibly understand why you like it? It doesn't sound like you're looking for mutual interests, it sounds like you want them to like what you like and that's it.
I like physics, too. But I don't expect that my 3yo daughter will want to sit down and read the Feynman Lectures with me.
If things like physics are so important to you, why don't you try to bring these topics down to their level? That's part of being a parent - show your kids what interests you but do it in a way that interests them too.
Geek Dad - Perhaps a book like that will help you find a way to positively engage with your kids. It could provide fun activities for you to do together. BTW, there are tons of books like this. Here's another example: Mini Weapons of Mass Destruction
You sound like spending time with your kids is a chore and obligation. What you need is a change in perspective. You have an amazing opportunity to show them how cool the world is and how fascinating these topics are, but you aren't willing to put in the work/effort to look at these things from the eyes of a kid.
And as the other commenters have said, look into getting some professional help. Don't just accept the situation as it is. Put some effort into it and work towards being less selfish. Your kids are only kids for so long and you're missing an opportunity that's right in front of you.
can anyone link to the magical pumps they're using that look like motors?
as a sacrifice, i offer this, a book of similar projects!
https://www.amazon.com/Mini-Weapons-Mass-Destruction-Implements/dp/1556529538
I wish I was this cool.
http://www.amazon.com/Mini-Weapons-Mass-Destruction-Implements/dp/1556529538
Price: $11.53
You might find a use for this:
http://www.amazon.com/Mini-Weapons-Mass-Destruction-Implements/dp/1556529538
Check out the book 'Mini Weapons of Mass Destruction'
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1556529538
Something like this Black & Decker The Complete Photo Guide to Home Repair.
When I bought our first house, Home Depot / Lowes / Menards gift cards were the best thing I got.
Keep in mind that you won't learn how to do these things, until you have to do them. The trick is that when you have to do them, you research on how to do it the right way.
http://www.amazon.com/Black-Decker-Complete-Photo-Repair/dp/1589234170/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1265391130&sr=8-1
Get this book. 6 months ago I wasnt able to use a hammer to save my life. Last week I put down a kitchen floor from scratch, the week before I completely redid a bathroom ceiling (drywall and edging), and so on and so on.
Seconded.
For only $18 on Amazon, the Black and Decker books are great.
There will be times you don't want to run back and forth to a PC, or watch a video on your phone (while elbow deep in a toilet) and having a book to sit beside you is more convenient.
Its an actual textbook by Todd Downs, and very easy to follow. https://www.amazon.com/Bicycling-Complete-Bicycle-Maintenance-Repair/dp/160529487X/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1474757161&sr=1-3 Found mine on a thrift store shelf for 5.00. A very good book.
Bicycle maintenance and repair by Todd Downs
Bike repair and maintenance is pretty easy.
https://www.amazon.com/Bicycling-Complete-Bicycle-Maintenance-Repair/dp/160529487X
That book will tell you all you need to know.
Bike repair shops charge that much, because people quit learning how to do it, so they can get away with it.
I think this is a newer version than the one I have but the Bicycling Guide to Complete Bicycle Maitenance and Repair is pretty thorough. Has a lot of pictures and tips in it and for each part/compnent has a guide on both instalation and servicing/cleaning. I've used it mostly for playing with the derailers and shift levers, but it covers just about everything you'd need to keep yourself rolling.
Also...buy this book
You need to properly set up your bicycle so it will be an extension of your own body while you're riding it. Sounds a little corny to the uninitiated, I know.....but trust me. A properly adjusted bicycle is like the difference between driving a '74 Ford Pinto and a Bentley.
Riding position is key...if the saddle is too far forward or backward...you'll be out of position. If the saddle is too high or too low, you'll be out of position. If the brakes are too sluggish or too tight....you'll be less safe.
You almost certainly should get new brake & shifting cables.
BTW...all of this advice is contingent upon whether or not you want to love your bike. If you have a short commute...and just want a cheap ride back & forth...the time & effort will most likely not be worth it. But...if you want to start a new love affair with cycling....you'll remember me for pointing this stuff out to you.
I bought this book off Amazon earlier in the week and it should be here today or tomorrow. I'll let you know if it's the Bible that I think it's going to be.
I've grown to really like taking care of my bike, almost as much I like riding it. :) To know how something works really intricately is like knowing a good friend. I maintain planes for work, so it's kinda the same thing. I just like knowing how things work and that I made it work better!
I'm not sure if you've seen this website, but it's pretty comprehensive and helpful. It's really old and a bit difficult to navigate, but worth it.
Ride on brother!
More money than time? Pay a shop. More time than money? Start learning.
This is a good general book:
http://www.amazon.com/Essential-Guide-Motorcycle-Maintenance-Techniques/dp/1884313418/ref=pd_sim_b_1
Another one, this one is a little more technical:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1566374790/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&coliid=I1PE3H171UOWG2&me=&seller=&colid=1A5JGJNLDX273
Look around on amazon.com and you'll find more.
This book seems to have the best reviews on Amazon (of similar books).
Also, I couldn't let it pass...check out Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, a great work of fiction.
The Essential Guide to Motorcycle Maintenance by Mark Zimmerman is a good place to start, although he tends to focus on older British bikes, if I recall.
I'm late but i just started reading : http://www.amazon.com/The-Essential-Guide-Motorcycle-Maintenance/dp/1884313418
Click on Take a look inside and goto page 7, 8, and 9 they have a pretty good list of tools to start with to help you with all basic maintenance.
You'd want a manual, but you'd figure it out!
Short of that, do some work on your current bike with a manual in hand. If I remember, this book has some basics of how a bike works, so maybe that's a place to start?
The Essential Guide to Motorcycle Maintenance
I can highly recommend this book (The Essential Guide to Motorcycle Maintenance by Mark Zimmerman - I've bought six motorcycle repair books since I got my bike and this is by far the best one for an uber-beginner like me.
The Essential Guide to Motorcycle Maintenance has lots of info on engine design and engineering considerations in motorcycle design. Aside from that its a great book to have as a reference.
The only things I'm going to say to add to this in depth post is that not all states require a permit before your MSF class. I didn't need one in Washington State. So look up your state's laws and see what you need to do. Also, my class was $125, I think.
You'll need boots that go above the ankle and gloves and long sleeves before you take the class. If you know you're going to be riding for sure, you can go and get good gear beforehand, but even someone as ATGATT as myself was fine with jeans and my regular jacket rather than full gear. The fastest I went was maybe 25 in a smooth parking lot without anything more dangerous than a cone to hit. Yes, there's the risk of injury, but my four layers (it was cold) would have protected me enough for that, I think. There was zero risk of hitting another car, and a small chance of hitting another bike (in most classes, mine had three people, one failed, and so it was two of us).
I agree with a 250 bike of some sort. I started on a Rebel 250 and loved it, but I'm 5'1" and a size four (I'm female) so it was fine for me. Anybody over about 5'5" would be too tall for the Rebel. But find what kind of bike you want -- sports bike, cruiser, standard, etc. -- and get one with a low curb weight and smaller engine. Just for now. I've actually never completely dropped a bike, but twice I've tipped bikes over. The Rebel was in my MSF class and I got it upright on my own. The second was my brand new Harley, riding it back from the dealership, and I couldn't get the bike up on my own, my husband had to help. Tipping the Rebel, and knowing how to get it upright on my own meant that when I tipped the Harley I didn't panic and I could hold it until my husband got over to me (he had followed me home, so I knew he was there and he could help). Had he not been there I would have figured it out, I'm sure, but knowing I could do it for a smaller bike at least caused me not to panic and not to let go.
Also, get this book. http://www.amazon.com/Motorcycle-Safety-Foundations-Motorcycling-Excellence/dp/1884313477/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1332116572&sr=1-1 The "textbook" I got during my MSF class was a light version of this. But I read this before my class, showed up an hour late accidentally (which is normally an immediate dismissal), and breezed through the classroom stuff because I'd read the book. That was the only reason I was allowed to stay. The other book was a joke compared to the amount of information in this one. I read it over the course of two weeks before my class. It was because of this book I knew how to stand the bike up after having tipped it, even on my own (my instructor came over, but didn't touch it). I was seriously the Hermione of the class having read this book beforehand.
Otherwise, I completely agree with the others. Take the class, start on a small bike, don't forget to buy gear enough to keep you as alive as possible, look up the laws of your state, and enjoy it!
Read the book.
https://www.amazon.com/Motorcycle-Safety-Foundations-Motorcycling-Excellence/dp/1884313477#reader_1884313477
I too am going to be taking my safety course, next month. I got this book to help me before I take the course. They'll go over all of this stuff in the class, but I figured it can't hurt to study before! I've only read about half of the book, but I've already learned a ton. Definitely recommend you read it if you get the chance.
Hey, I'm assuming he's just starting so, do not get him a combo set. That's foolish, he doesn't need an impact driver at all. Search for .home repair' and you'll find a ton. Some stuff to get you started:
 
https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-94-248-65-Piece-Homeowners-Tool/dp/B000UHMITE/ref=sr_1_4?m=A2L77EE7U53NWQ&s=warehouse-deals&ie=UTF8&qid=1480266147&sr=1-4
 
https://www.amazon.com/BLACK-DECKER-LDX120PK-20-Volt-Lithium-Ion/dp/B00C625KVE/ref=sr_1_15?m=A2L77EE7U53NWQ&s=warehouse-deals&ie=UTF8&qid=1480266147&sr=1-15
 
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1621452018/ref=olp_product_details?_encoding=UTF8&me=
 
https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/1118099400/ref=tmm_pap_new_olp_sr?ie=UTF8&condition=new&qid=&sr=
 
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000EUH4TG/ref=s9_acsd_al_bw_c_multiimp_4?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-5&pf_rd_r=SN6M6HFB4M7DNW76GTG1&pf_rd_r=SN6M6HFB4M7DNW76GTG1&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=de121dcf-3645-4f43-a816-cf12556f7ae3&pf_rd_p=de121dcf-3645-4f43-a816-cf12556f7ae3&pf_rd_i=15469024011
 
sorry i don't have time to format but, good luck!
I am going to have to say the Complete Guide to Home Repair. I have it and the Complete Guide to Wiring and both are excellent.
http://www.amazon.com/Black-Decker-Complete-Photo-Repair/dp/1589235371
Well, personally, I like to shower after I ride, but that's me...
If you're talking about maintaining your bike, I bought a copy of this:
http://www.amazon.com/Bicycling-Complete-Bicycle-Maintenance-Repair/dp/160529487X