Motorcycle repair manuals are rarely something to get excited about, but an early 2010 release from Barrington Motor Works, a BMW motorcycle restoration shop in Barrington, N.H., is definitely worth noting.

Written by husband and wife team Christopher and Barbara Betjemann, BMW /2 Motorcycle Restoration and Service Manualcovers BMW’s air-cooled twins from the 1955-1969 era. And while there were models in addition to the /2s built during those years, the Betjemanns’ logically decided to group them all together in this impressive 490-page workshop manual.

So what makes this book so special? First off, if you already own a BMW /2, you know that manuals for the line are few and far between. The only BMW motorcycle repair manual we’re currently aware of is from Clymer, and while it’s adequate for the weekend warrior, it doesn’t come close to providing the sort of detail and insight found in the Barrington book.

The manual contains a particularly useful “Shop Procedures” section, and we really like the five plastic-coated assembly “hot sheets” that are included, providing mechanics a detailed, grease-proof check list of critical items to note during engine, clutch, transmission and final drive assembly, and even a sheet for transmission shaft shimming.

Detailed technical notes abound (there’s even a section on how to reline brake shoes) and the manual’s ample photos are clear and informative. Original drawings from co-author Barbara Betjemann add a comfortable touch. Expensive, yes, but probably worth every penny. 495 pages, $105.