1 comments about Ducati Desmoquattro Superbikes (Motorcycle Color History).

1. Informative, and even more so to US readers, who are not really getting the true Ducati Exotica available,albeit in very small numbers, to World Ducatisti.At least through this book, some of the not so available info on the 916 family bikes is explained. What could be improved? more info on the 998 . All in all, still a great reference book for Desmoquattro fans.

No comments about The Ducati Bible: 860, 900 & Mille All models 1975 to 1986 (Bible).

3 comments about Haynes Ducati 600, 750 and 900 2-Valve V-Twins Service and Repair Manual, 1991 to 1996 models.

1. I originally planned on buying the factory manual from Ducati for my Duc907, but quickly found out that even the Ducati mechanics recommend using the Haynes manual over the factory one. Good thing, too, because the factory manual costs $80 (if they even have it in stock) vs. $29 for the Haynes manual. To top it all off, Amazon offers if for just $19 and can get it to you the next day. Such a deal, I just bought another one for my brother!



2. Great manual, easy to follow with handy tips to help me out. There's not to many words and lots of pictures (a picture says a thousand words!)which make it clear what is being refered to and how things are done. It has ratings for each job so you know if youre up to the challange or if it'd be over your head before you even start! Using Amazon is excellent, easy and helpful! Recomend the manual and Amazom to anyone.



3. I bought this book for my 2001 900SS even though it is outside the covered year range, and I found this book to be the best Haynes manual I have ever used. It is much more user friendly in its layout and descriptions of tasks, and I found alot of good advice for the maintenance I already knew how to do, such as bleeding brakes, etc.
   
   I checked the valve clearances, and although the book was informative on how to proceed with removing the shims, etc. I did back off from that. I plan to talk to a couple of mechanics before I actually do remove the shims for replacement. Even so, the book was there with good advice: put some heavy wire into the vertical piston spark plug hole to hold the intake valve after you remove the bottom shim!

1 comments about The Ducati 750 Bible.

1. A meticulously researched and thoroughly enjoyable book for both owners of Ducati 750 bevel twins and for the interested enthusiast. Well written, with only the occasional minor typo, and beautifully illustrated and layed out, it leaves the reader with the impression that the author is not only aware of the strengths of these iconic motorcycles but also that they were the product of mere mortals and, as such, had their quirks and faults. As an owner and enthusiast I was delighted to find many interesting facts that even after 30 years of ownership I was unaware of. Particulary interesting was the detailed information about production numbers and the engine and frame numbers of each production batch.

2 comments about Ducati Singles Restoration (Motorbooks Workshop).

1. There are many things to annoy the Ducati afficionado in this book - a lack of color pictures, and a lack of the gushing applause for the overall sex appeal and performance of the machines. This book is instead aimed at the brave who actually want to restore a single, and need to know the common pitfalls and problems associated with the bike. So it gets into the ugly details of where the designers went right, and where they went wrong, and offers helpful advice for fixes, straddles of the original design as well as how to keep the original design running (more or less). Needing pointers on the finer details of the restoration work is where this book works best. It is not exactly a restoration manual, but instead is chock full of helpful hints and ways to make yourself stop and think about what you are really trying to accomplish, and provides an excellent set of examples in order to get there; whether it's a cafe racer, a Sunday track bike, or a show bike. Like hanging out in a rustic, homey English shed shooting the breeze with fellow diehard Ducatisti, this book probably won't win you style points, but that's not really what it's all about.



2. Now that you purchased that vintage single, what do you do? Is it worthy of a restoration, a special, or a parts bike? In Mick Walker's book, he walks you through some of the things to look out for as you evaluate a Ducati single for a project. He explains in great detail the intricate craftsmanship that went into these lovely machines (and some of their associated pains as well). But as any vintage Ducatisti knows, you need to acquire good parts and excellent resources while they're still around. If you're thinking of working on vintage singles (for the first time or for the n-th time), then this would be an excellent book to have. Why wait to pick up an excellent resource such as this? Maybe you're waiting for it to become rare, like some vintage Ducati parts and bikes, so you can pay a premium? I wouldn't and I didn't. It's an excellent resource.

5 comments about Ducati (Enthusiast Color).

1. There is an unusual dearth of books on Ducati written in English. Given the almost obsessive loyalty of Ducati fans (comparable almost to those Harley enthusiasts that make the pilgrimage to the original source once a year), books on Ducati are as rare as the bikes themselves. This title, although only available in soft cover, covers the Ducati history fairly well, if not lacking in detail, and from an American perspective, the author has done his research. What sells the book for me is the quality of the color photography. Ducatis have been blessed with incredibly vibrant and sensual colors and styling. To print black and white photographs of them is almost sacrilege! My only complaint is this: Ducati enthusisats can clearly afford some of the most expensive bikes around. Why do the publishers believe the enthusiasts won't want to pay extra for a hardcover book?



2. An excellent review of the Ducati history from the American perspective. The book follows the ebb and flow of the Ducati story and it is illustrated with fine color photos. It is not a technical review, just a rich narrative that reads easily. A must for any Ducati enthusiast.



3. This book is an excellent addition to the library of any motorcycle enthusiast, especially Ducati. But anyway, it has very good photos and very interesting text.



4. This series of books on motorcycles and cars tends to be pretty good for the money. It has color and black and white photos. Ducati in particular is a bike best seen in color, though, and the book could have used more color. The text is short, sweet, and useful. The book will give you a good education and is a worthy addition to your Ducati library.



5. ... it's all illustrated beautifully in color. I bought it used here for $$$ and would gladly have paid new price. Of all the books I've read on Ducati, this one was the only one to tell it like it is regarding the poor business practices of the Italians and the shoddy build quality of Ducati motorcycles. A fresh perspective that wasn't sugar coated or mired in myth. Truly a great read, or worth it for the pictures alone.

2 comments about Ducati Desmoquattro Performance Handbook (Motorbooks Workshop).

1. This must-have book starts with a bit of historical information, then moves on to the Desmo cylinder head, crankcase, pistons, crankshafts, etc., and then intake & exhaust systems, engine management, chassis, wheels, tires, brakes, suspension and finally ends with a section on weight reduction and maintenance.
   
   You will probably need a service manual and parts book to complement this performance handbook. Worth having if you're a Ducati fan.



2. Informative,possibly more in depth than necessary on some items, and skimping a bit on others. Example : lots of info on early ECU,s barely touches upon on the 5.9 system used on the later bikes. Also, as on the other Desmoquattro book, this book could also use a bit more info on the 998( testastretta) bikes, but possibly Mr Faloon is just keeping us waiting for his new book on the 749/999 bikes? Either way its still a great book and I recommend it to fellow Ducatisti or those considering becoming one.

2 comments about Standard Catalog Of Ducati Motorcycles 1946-2005.

1. Very well written; I have several books by Falloon and enjoy them all. Great pictures and interesting data. Some of the tables are a little hard to decipher, but with time and patience it can be done. I would recommend this book to any Ducatisti or Ducatista and any follower of Falloon. Great service from the Book Rack also.



2. This book is full of information and is a great reference for anyone who loves Ducati or restores them. All bikes to 2005 are covered. Great pictures! Would love a hard cover edition.

3 comments about The Ducati Story 4th Edition: Racing and Production models from 1945 to present day.

1. Ducati is known for its motorcycles among transportation buffs today, but it switched from electronics to motorcycle manufacturing after a bombing during the second world war - and thus made its name in the industry. What is less well known is the stormy path that led to this reputation, chronicled here in The Ducati Story, now in its 4th edition. Ducati experienced a number of rises and falls due to questionable managerial decision-making processes. This book portrays some of its most famous designers and designs but also charts a company history behind the scenes. Falloon has written over 20 books on motorcycles, including eight on Ducati, but this in-depth survey is one of his best, pairing eye-catching color motorcycle photos with business and design facts.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch



2. Ian does his normal excellent job of providing the history of Ducati, with a mixture of facts and passion. Unlike so many other books, Ian gives a thorough treatment of Ducatis past with only the last chapter devoted to the current bikes which we can read about in magazines.
   
   A lot of behind the scenes information is provided that I didn't know about.
   
   If you are a true Ducatisti, then this is a Must Have book.



3. I bought this as a gift so I am not really in a position to review it, however my friend was delighted, so I assume it has to be a half decent read as he knows his Ducatis.

No comments about Ducati 600, 620, 750 & 900 2-valve V-Twins '91 to '05 (Haynes Service & Repair Manual).