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July 31, 2010


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REVIEW: Motorcycle Wrenching Book

Just the basics -- what a lot of riders want

By Genevieve Schmitt, Editor
10/30/2009

When you decide to own a motorcycle, whether you're aware or not, you're also deciding to become somewhat proficient in motorcycle technical topics. You do that as a car driver/owner. Just as you drive a car, you keep track of when you last had an oil change. So it goes with ownership of a motorcycle –- being responsible to check the tire pressure, check the oil level, and so on.

Unfortunately, a lot of books about wrenching on your motorcycle assume the reader already knows the basics. "ABC's of Motorcycle Wrenching: Jasmine's Wrenching Tips" by Jasmine Bluecreek Clark is a book that assumes the reader is a beginner and doesn't know a crescent wrench from a spanner wrench. "A what wrench?" you ask. Get the book and you’ll learn what a spanner wrench is. Hint: if you have adjustable shocks and you've adjusted them, you've used one.

The soft-cover book is an easy read -- it's only 80 pages. Its 13 chapters cover tools, pre-ride check, lights and electrics, batteries, filters, tires and wheels, cables, brakes ad so on. I like that there are accompanying black and white photos with captions pointing to things I need to know or that are referenced in the text. Plus, I like seeing Jasmine's pretty face and hands in the photos, not a grease monkey's.

The information is general enough to apply to all types and brands of motorcycles. If you want to get full-on into wrenching on your motorcycle, you'll want to buy a book specific to your style of bike (i.e. Harley V-Twin versus metric cruiser versus sportbike) and/or the service manual for your exact model. But that's why I love Jasmine's book. It's a quick read that explains basics with simple tests I can perform to make sure things are working properly, like how to check the tension on a belt drive. I should be able to twist the belt approximately 90 degrees. More or less may be too tight or loose.

Jasmine is showing me how to check the tension on a chain on a dual sport bike on our dual sport ride for charity we did this summer. She knows her stuff that's for sure. One thing: don't do this in bare feet!
Jasmine is showing me how to check the tension on a chain on a dual sport bike on our dual sport ride for charity we did this summer. She knows her stuff that's for sure. One thing: don't do this in bare feet!

This is not a book for the bookshelf. Jasmine wants us to take this book with us in the garage and reference it when we're checking or fixing things covered in the book as she includes pages for notes. For example, in the tire section, there's a page that prompts the reader to write down what the pressure is on the front and rear tires and the date they were checked. After you read the ABCs of Motorcycle Wrenching, you'll be less likely to say, "The what?" when talking to a mechanic about your motorcycle. You'll have a general understanding of the parts of your motorcycle, and what you don't know, you'll now have the knowledge to ask smart questions.

Jasmine and me at the top of Cottonwood Pass in Colorado on the dual sport ride.
Jasmine and me at the top of Cottonwood Pass in Colorado on the dual sport ride.

Jasmine is an MSF instructor and certified mechanic and she's won awards for her work. To learn more about her and read an excerpt visit BluecreekArtworks.com. To order the $14 book, you'll need to contact her by email at HarleyDancer@comcast.net.



Reader Comments


I downloaded the book from the Internet. The process is a little painful as the company didn't have clear instructions but keep at it. The book seems to be well worth it! After realizing I was becoming a serious motorcyclist (more than 61,000 miles in 2 1/2 years) and numerous uhmmm "What's that noise?" I knew I had to learn more.

This book seems to mix the right about of "I'm not handy" with clear explanations and pics (love those pics worth a thousand words!). I've actually shared it with some learning male riders. Thanks.

Chris Miles
Seattle, WA
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Wow! Finally a book to put on my soon-to-be reality work bench in my at home shop. The order is just a click away. Retirement is an opportunity to do new things.

Jan McGee
Warrenton, VA
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
Good write up. After having my '08 Honda GL 1800 Motor Trike (12,800 mile service) serviced by a dealer in San Francisco, I decided that I needed to learn all the ins and outs on m/c maintainence. I was appalled at the cost. On reviewing what they did, I noticed they didn't even check the back brakes on my bike. Not a happy camper. So I've signed up for a correspondece course on basic m/c maintainence. Eventually, I will attend a m/c maintainence school.

It's so important for women to be able to communicate with their mechanics. If women aren't careful, they'll take you for every dime they can. Keep up the good work. Enjoy your articles.

Laurel Hall
American Canyon, CA
Monday, November 02, 2009
Congrats on the book. The more info about wrenching the better.


Dennis Santopietro
San Diego, CA
Monday, November 02, 2009
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