Author Topic: Hondaman's book, reviews?  (Read 2363 times)

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Offline SKTP

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Hondaman's book, reviews?
« on: October 07, 2011, 01:59:33 PM »
I have had my Swingarm rebuilt by Hondaman and I know he's awesome and he answers so many people's questions on here and is basically the nicest online person I have ever met...

So I was wondering if you bought his book, what do you think? I'm guessing there will be an overwhelmingly positive response, but I'm just asking because, for me $100 is a lot of money for a book...

How much better is it than having the Clymer, Hanes and the Factor Honda manuals?

I appreciate you input, and Hondaman, in no way am I doubting your book's awesomeness....I just want to get some feed back from book owners...

thanks everyone

Here's a link to the book thread (that I'm fairly sure I'm going to end up buying anyways)

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=65293.0
« Last Edit: October 07, 2011, 02:16:28 PM by SKTP »
1978k rebuild thread http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=68423.0
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Offline knowsnothing

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Re: Hondaman's book, reviews?
« Reply #1 on: October 07, 2011, 02:13:58 PM »
Unfortunately for us K8 owners the book isn't quite as detailed as for those K0-K6 guys, but it is still a very awesome book.  It is absolutely chock-full of useful information and would buy it again for $100 in a second.  I have the haynes, and clymers as well and the pictures alone in Hondamans beat those two in usefulness.  Add in all of the wordy stuff and its not even a contest.  In my opinion, the ultimate combination is Hondaman's book with the factory manual as a side kick. 

Also, if you ask really nicely, Hondaman might even autograph it for you ;D
« Last Edit: October 07, 2011, 02:16:49 PM by knowsnothing »
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mrjack55

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Re: Hondaman's book, reviews?
« Reply #2 on: October 07, 2011, 02:20:23 PM »
*BUY IT BUY IT BUY IT*
There is no comparison to the other books.  I use it A LOT more than both the Clymer  and the factory Honda Shop Manual put together. 
Plus you will be supporting one of the greatest guys you'll ever meet on this forum.  That in itself was enough for me.

Offline cookindaddy

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Re: Hondaman's book, reviews?
« Reply #3 on: October 07, 2011, 02:24:21 PM »
+1 for knowsnothing's comment. I have a K8 as well (would also apply to K7) but Hondaman's book was still packed with useful and interesting information for me all the same.
George with a black 78 CB750K (in Lion's Head, Ontario, Canada)

Offline CrankyOldGuy

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Re: Hondaman's book, reviews?
« Reply #4 on: October 07, 2011, 02:45:17 PM »
HM's book is excellent for a K1 owner.  Lots of insight and good pictures.  In fact my hardcover copy resides in my reading room at this time  8)

Harry O.
750 K1 Original Owner

Offline bluesmoke69

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Re: Hondaman's book, reviews?
« Reply #5 on: October 07, 2011, 02:50:44 PM »
Best motorcycle book I have ever owned. He is always willing to answer any questions you send him as PM's.

Offline Eydugstr

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Re: Hondaman's book, reviews?
« Reply #6 on: October 07, 2011, 03:46:28 PM »
Hondaman's book is AWESOME.  I used one while rebuilding mine, and it was really useful.  It's the most current manual, and covers a lot of what's available both stock & aftermarket for these bikes.  When he comes out with the second book that covers the later models, will buy one in a new york second.

The way the book and pictures are printed is top notch.  Try looking at Hayne's grainy b/w photos in a poorly lit shop, then compare it to Hondaman's.

The book does have it's quirks - for example, in the engine section it goes disassembly/reassembly/inspection as opposed to disassembly/inspection/reassembly, and sometimes the info is scattered through different places in the book, but given the volume of info and experience(s) that it is packed with, it's well worth it.  It's more than paid for itself.


Offline GammaFlat

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Re: Hondaman's book, reviews?
« Reply #7 on: October 07, 2011, 06:21:11 PM »
Aside from being a mechanic for Honda, rubbing shoulders with Honda reps, racing SOHC4s, touring SOHC4s and having a passion for them, he also has 40 years of experience working on them... all the while taking proactive measures to improve them with respect for the original design.  His perspective is wide and deep.  He helps us modify/rebuild/rework them for more horsepower, better reliability and better handling.  He has had a huge impact on the viability of SOHC4s and on many people's lives. 

My copy is autographed :)
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Offline albertaboy

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Re: Hondaman's book, reviews?
« Reply #8 on: October 07, 2011, 06:36:12 PM »
Im a complete rookie so I learned a lot from it.  Cheers.
1975 CB750K
No where to go and all day to get there.
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Offline Don R

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Re: Hondaman's book, reviews?
« Reply #9 on: October 07, 2011, 06:41:11 PM »
My brother and I bought one together, he won't bring it back for my turn. I just call and ask him to look up anything I need to know. Great resource. Don't share.
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Offline wrenchmuch

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Re: Hondaman's book, reviews?
« Reply #10 on: October 07, 2011, 06:56:39 PM »
I look through it as night time reading . I'm trying to memorize it so it never goes to the garage and gets dirty .  ;D The sections on tweaking are great . Goes through porting , rocker assemblies , trans , clutch , ect. Its a great reference for anyone with K0-6 750 . Probably valuable for later bikes as well in many respects . $100 bucks well spent in my opinion .
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Offline tterev

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Re: Hondaman's book, reviews?
« Reply #11 on: October 08, 2011, 03:26:42 PM »
I just have two words for you SKTP   Buy it........  you won,t be sorry.
Everett V.
1971 CB750K1
SOHC #2602

Offline becken

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Re: Hondaman's book, reviews?
« Reply #12 on: October 09, 2011, 05:43:25 AM »
The theory sections of the book are worth the price of the book. If you own any SOHC4 you will find a goldmine of information there. I can't wait for a book that will cover my CB550F.
1976 CB550F bought new
1981 CM400A wife bought new
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Offline Steve_K

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Re: Hondaman's book, reviews?
« Reply #13 on: October 10, 2011, 04:16:29 PM »
What more could I say.  You need this book!  Consider that some of the material can also be used on other SOHCs too.
I would buy it again and I am looking forward to his next book!
Steve
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Offline Pecantree

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Re: Hondaman's book, reviews?
« Reply #14 on: October 10, 2011, 04:46:25 PM »
It's like hanging out in the shop with the guys and learning from the maestro. All the little in's and out's that aren't mentioned in the manual. Like this pin can jam or this gasket tends to slip at this corner so watch for that. Things like that.
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Offline Tugboat

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Re: Hondaman's book, reviews?
« Reply #15 on: October 11, 2011, 07:42:30 AM »
Haven't read any of the above responses, but let me just say that it was the best $100 I've spent on my 750. Highly recommended.
If it's worth doing, it's worth doing twice.

Offline Irukandji

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Re: Hondaman's book, reviews?
« Reply #16 on: October 11, 2011, 07:56:59 AM »
I hope to get the book for Christmas.
I don't know if HM quotes from his book when giving info in the forums, But just looking at his posts gives one Very valuable guidance.
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