5 Essential Books For Your Motorcycle Workshop

If you live in a major city, there are probably motorcycle workshop classes near you. But what if you can’t get to a class—or prefer to figure things out in your own garage or shed? This article on motorcycle building is designed to help you.

Motorcycle Fuel Systems Techbook by John Robinson. Having found the Haynes Welding Manual so good, I felt comfortable buying their Fuel Systems Techbook, and I’m glad I did.

It has super detailed explanations of the components and their functions in motorcycle fuel systems. If you are fiddling with carburetors on your motorcycle, it’s invaluable. Again, if you can find a school to teach you this material, then skip the book. Otherwise, it’s a very useful reference—especially if you are working on a bunch of different bikes and need to learn about different fuel systems.

Motorcycle Tuning – Chassis by John Robinson. This is a great book for the racers, as the focus really is making motorcycles go fast around corners.

Motorcycle Workshop Practice Manual by John Haynes. Essential information on how to use tools, fabricate components from metal and plastic, and tackle common motorcycle repairs.

Motorcycle Basics Techbook by John Haynes. All common engine, chassis and electrical systems fully explained and illustrated. Topics covered include engine cycles and layouts, carburetors and fuel injection, ignition systems, clutches, gearbox, engine lubrication and cooling, wheels, tires, braking systems, suspension, steering, handling, design and electrical systems.

Motorcycle Handling and Chassis Design by Tony Foale. Tony is (in my opinion) a legend in the field of chassis design. He seems to have been working on making bikes handle since before most of us were born.