Paladin. wrote on 12/29/07 at 06:42:10:Those of us who grew up wrenching cars and bikes, back when such was normal, have a firm understanding of the basics. Those who have never worked on mechanical things before do not have the basic knowledge.
The books *assume* you know the basics and skip many vital steps that you and I do without thinking.
Of course, especially in this age, where vehicles are so regulated and unfriendly for the owner to work on...
However, just like the guy with the smoking "box" in the other topic, people should get a manual if they intend to work on a bike. After all, the previous owner of his bike didn't seem to have one either, and did some electrical work anyway. Now he's got to fix it.
It should be noted, however rudimentary, that the Clymer manual does have some basic information on tools, conversions, and materials in the front section. If people are serious, some of that basic information is available to read...but people tend to be lazy in that regard, anyway.