Clymer Manual?

Bonzo · Jul 28, 2022

I've used a Clymer manual for years on my brick (BMW K100RS) and when I got hold of the mk2 I was hoping they did one for the Commando.

I see they did, but now out of print, but there's a version that also includes Triumph & BSA models. https://haynes.com/en-gb/norton/750850cc-commando/1969-1975-0

It's sold by Haynes, but isn't the Haynes manual?

So would the Norton section be the same as the old single Clymer edition, or is a bit of a trimmed down version?

I would imagine covering 3 different manufacturers offerings in one manual would make for a weighty (and navigationally frustrating) tome?

Bonzo · Jul 28, 2022

...oh, and is it worth having?

We can never have enough manuals right?

EstuaryBoy · Jul 28, 2022

I have the original in the garage, dog eared and greasy, and the 'omnibus' edition indoors on the bookshelf. A cursory glance to check shows the illustrations and text to be identical, though I haven't gone too 'in depth'...

concours · Jul 28, 2022

A.K.A. "Cliffhanger manual"

Tornado · Jul 28, 2022

I really like my cylmer manual for commando. Got it used and unfortunately many pages are loose and fall out when handling. Needs a spine repair.
But the pics and procedure descriptions style is very well done.

L.A.B. · Jul 28, 2022

Bonzo said:
I was hoping they did one for the Commando. I see they did, but now out of print,

Norton 750 850 Commandos Service Repair Performance Mike Bishop.1979 Clymer M361 | eBay

Norton 750 & 850 Commandos All Years. Service Repair Performance, by Mike Bishop. Clymer M361. very slight cover wear. no thumb prints. very good condition. added// thankyou for asking , yes this is the 1979 book. the first edition first printing was 1974, the second edition was revised to...

www.ebay.co.uk

NORTON COMMANDOS 750 & 850 Clymer Service Repair Manual | eBay

1980 in good condition. I also have Haynes listed.

www.ebay.co.uk

Bonzo · Jul 28, 2022

Tornado said:
I really like my cylmer manual for commando. Got it used and unfortunately many pages are loose and fall out when handling. Needs a spine repair.
But the pics and procedure descriptions style is very well done.

Yes my Clymer brick manual is the same. Pick it up clumsily and it's pages cover the floor.

Bonzo · Jul 28, 2022

L.A.B. said:
Norton 750 850 Commandos Service Repair Performance Mike Bishop.1979 Clymer M361 | eBay

Norton 750 & 850 Commandos All Years. Service Repair Performance, by Mike Bishop. Clymer M361. very slight cover wear. no thumb prints. very good condition. added// thankyou for asking , yes this is the 1979 book. the first edition first printing was 1974, the second edition was revised to...

www.ebay.co.uk

NORTON COMMANDOS 750 & 850 Clymer Service Repair Manual | eBay

1980 in good condition. I also have Haynes listed.

www.ebay.co.uk

I saw these Les, but also worthy of consideration is the '3 marque' edition is currently £20.60 posted (with the 20% off code).

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/39415610...v5Fo16DVpe4gqMOCw%3D|ampid:PL_CLK|clp:2047675

Bonzo · Jul 28, 2022

concours said:
A.K.A. "Cliffhanger manual"

Hmm, I'm still a newbie so you'd have to expand on that

Unless Sylvester Stallone is in it??

Chuck_Wagon · Jul 28, 2022

I have these two old Clymer & Haynes manuals.

Jdub · Jul 28, 2022

I buy every manual for a marque I can find and read sections out of each to gain the full picture. I well remember pulling apart a 915 transmission on a 911 and only one (Haynes of all of them!) was clear about the roll pin buried in the clutch lever. You just never know... EDIT: The Norman White manual is the best of the bunch, Tech Digest next.

Bonzo · Jul 28, 2022

Blimey Jdub, you could start a library

Wish I lived nearer.

concours · Jul 28, 2022

Bonzo said:
Hmm, I'm still a newbie so you'd have to expand on that

Unless Sylvester Stallone is in it??

Shallow & vague, compared to OEM manuals. Better than nothing, but fall just short of telling the info you REALLY need.

JMWO

Craig · Jul 28, 2022

Few years back I sent a couple members here , out takes on tuning a 750 from a manual I have in shed , will have to take a look to see what name on cover , & yup it in terrible shape , keep it in paper bag for preservation ….

Tornado · Jul 28, 2022

I'm looking at paperback book spine repair viddy's to see what can be done with my copy.

EstuaryBoy · Jul 28, 2022

Jdub said:
I buy every manual for a marque I can find and read sections out of each to gain the full picture. I well remember pulling apart a 915 transmission on a 911 and only one (Haynes of all of them!) was clear about the roll pin buried in the clutch lever. You just never know... EDIT: The Norman White manual is the best of the bunch, Tech Digest next.

View attachment 96987

Will admit I found the 'Essential' buyers guide to be anything but!!

WEM · Jul 28, 2022

Tornado said:
I really like my cylmer manual for commando. Got it used and unfortunately many pages are loose and fall out when handling. Needs a spine repair.
But the pics and procedure descriptions style is very well done.

I use mine as a supplement to the OEM Workshop Manual. Mine suffered the same fate. I used a three hole punch and transferred the book to a three ring binder. This also allows the pages to lay flat.

ashman · Jul 28, 2022

My old Clymer manual has the high performance section at the back bought it back in the late 70s and has been well used got a copy made when its started to come apart, but these days I very rarely go into it as everything is now in my head and each book is always different in sections some have more detail than others and some have better pics showing you important things I have a few workshop manuals to go to when needed, always wise to get a good workshop manual for any bike you own how else do you get to learn about your bike.

Ashley

Jdub · Jul 28, 2022

I am in deep, but I write technical manuals so it follows that I support my tribe. I have a wall of manuals for all the transportation I work with, but I absolutely love Commandos above most all else. Quick story: I owned a VF700F (U.S.A. "Tariff" model) that a beautiful motorcycle girl I adored despised. She told me to get a real bike, so I did - a '73 Interster Commando #305308. Once I'd figured out the shift pattern I had that experience I hope you all remember - your first time - that sound - the torque and acceleration (19t) - the head turning and a 19-year old grinning like an idiot - I was absolutely hooked. It was almost better than sex - Carmen taught me that, sigh. Good times, good times.

Ctefeh · Jul 29, 2022

I got a replacement Clymer Norton manual off ebay (my ancient one fell apart), as I believe mine (Cali Import) got a 940 kit from HP Int . Haynes for general duties as well as MK111 Andover one. I use all three.

Clymer Manual?

Moderator