5 comments about Hell's Angels: Three Can Keep a Secret If Two Are Dead'.

1. I grew up in the the near west suburbs of Chicago from 55-73, when we moved to DuPage County. There were 2 large biker gangs in the Lyons,IL area called the Chicago Outlaws and the Hells Henchmen. I knew several of the Outlaws as acquaintances, there were a few members who I had casually met that were not very nice and I was afraid of them. One member of the Outlaws was my best friends boyfriends older brother, John Klimes. He was always very nice to both me and my girlfriend whenever we saw him. He was murdered in McCook, IL in 1981. There was a huge biker funeral for him and it was on the local news. They never arrested anyone for his murder,but rumor has it that they wanted to kill both John and his girlfriend. His girlfriend worked at a local strip club, Michael's Magic Touch, she could placed the head of the Outlaws as the last person seen with a young woman the night before she was found dead in Busse Woods. There was also speculation that the head of the Outlaws was afraid that John was going to take over the Outlaws Lyons chapter. The talk around town at the time was that "they" were trying to kill both John and his girlfriend. A bomb was planted under John's Bronco and when he went over train tracks in McCook,IL it exploded killing him, his girlfriend was not in the vehicle at the time. I was saddened at John's death because he had always been very nice to me and came to my defense when one of the bikers was threatening me. During the news footage I discovered he had been under surveillance by the FBI for drugs trafficing, prostitution and other illegal activites. That side of him I had never seen. His younger brother was anti-drugs and a very nice guy, we did not meet him until he came home from Vietman in 70-71. John "Burrito" Klimes murder has never been solved. If you go the the McCook Police department website, the open murder is posted there. This book filled in some of the information I was not aware of. Interesting read!



2. Long live the Big Red Machine! 8181818181818181818181.......



3. The guy that wrote this book was really trying to show how cool he is. I mean the the way he wrote it was over the top. You can tell he was trying to prove something. I have read Sonny's book and others and they much better written.
   This guy skips around, repeats things he's previously talked about in the book. And the way he talks to the reader is just crude. I mean, sure he's dealing with a rough subject, but come on, use better english.
   And I know what I am talking about. I lived the underground life for many years. I knew people like this, and this writer is someone who has never lived this life. He writes like a person who has never been around the people he is writing about.
   This book is an over the top, stereotypical view of the big red machine written by a total sidewalk commando, or rather keyboard commando.
   This book could have been a much better or clearer view of the HA than it is, but the writer's crude "trying to prove how cool I am" vocabulary, unfocused chapter organization, and other poor writing errors make this book a real dud. I'm still reading it, it's not so horrible that I put it down, but it came close.
   This book should have never been published the way it is. The publisher should be ashamed.



4. This is sort of a weird book. Yves starts the book writing in the style of a wannabe Hunter S. Thompson and then decides that he may as well just start "writing". I would say that the abrupt transition starts in maybe the first 80 pages.
   
   I believe that Yves Lavigne is probably the most knowledgeable author in the world about the major motorcycle clubs, other than insiders like Barger (or even Wethern) or undercovers like Queen or Dobyns (through authors), or in-touch contacts like Thompson.
   
   But Yves has some sort of agenda that makes him report every myth and fantasy that has EVER been posited as if it is a FACT. It doesn't take long to tire of this book if you have read everything else, because you have to believe, based upon acquired knowledge, that 30% of what he says is suspect, at best.
   
   I respect Lavigne for his obviously superior knowledge of the topic as a whole. But read every other account and determine for yourself if he has some personal agenda, even if it is as simple as money.



5. This is one of the most difficult books to read from a stylistic standpoint. It is choppy and seems to bounce all over the place. The editor of this book should be fired - there is way too much extra "stuff" in the text. There is so much fluff that should have been cut out that would have made this a lot easier to read. The author's choice to use slang (to the point of vulgarity) did not go over so well with me either. I understand that this is a book about the Hell's Angels - there is going to be a lot of choice language in it, but he continues to refer to the slang when describing items that are not HA quotes. I don't think this was a necessary device considering the type of book this is - it would have worked for a fictional piece, but not for something as factual as this.
   
   There are many other books out there on the topic of the Hell's Angels or Outlaw Mototcyle Gangs. I would suggest starting elsewhere if you are looking to read about the topic. This book as some interesting parts of it, but you'd be better looking at another title.

5 comments about Street Strategies: A Survival Guide for Motorcyclists.

1. Street strategies is a collection of "stories" that are part or all of articles written by David Hough. The stories are entertaining and similar (if not identical in some cases) to stories contained in Proficient Motorcycling.

   This is more of a waiting room kind of book. Very short chapters with cartoon diagrams that give the reader insight into the type of dangers that he/she might encounter in the real world of motorcycle riding and some advice on how to avoid them. It lacks the detail that makes Proficient Motorcycling and More Proficient Motorcycling such excellent training guides for riders.

   This book might make a good stocking stuffer for someone who has already read the other books but if your looking for something for a starting/experienced rider pick one of the other two books (Proficient Motorcycling for the starter, "More" for the more experienced rider).




2. This is not a particularly in depth book but is good for reviewing your mental motorcycle skills in a one-page-example format. Good to take with you to work and read at lunch. If you are familiar with Hough's books this book takes Ricky Rider through one page situations to make you stay sharp in the saddle.Beginner's are better off learning from his "Proficient Motorcycling".



3. David Hough continues to be the ultimate guru of motorcycle safety and handling. Common sense information for better riding skills coupled with safety information every biker should know. Safety is centered on anticipating and avoiding problems that require emergency avoidance action. With humor and style there's no loss of machismo in safe riding. Information that every weekend biker and commuter should know.



4. This is not like David's other books. It is not as wordy. It has short paragraphs on each page showing a different strategy. It is good for review and, the author wanted it short and sweet and book size small, so you can take it with you on the road. Some of the information is mentioned in his other books. I like it for fast reviewing. But doesn't go over riding techniques just safety review of what to look for in traffic and road conditions.



5. Having already read Proficient Motorcycling and More Proficient Motorcycling, I decided to purchase Street Strategies despite some reviews indicating its redundancy of material from the first two books.
   
   Street Strategies is the perfect book for your coffee break reading. It is physically small and easily fits in a desk drawer. Yes, the scenarios in the book are covered in Mr. Hough's first two books but their layout in this book allows you to jump in anywhere in the text. There is no need to start at page one and read to the end.
   
   Just open up the book anywhere and read about a specific stand-alone scenario with Mr. Hough's expert analysis of how to handle that particular situation.
   
   This helpful book enables both the novice and seasoned rider to maintain a good mental focus when riding by allowing you to review actual scenarios and their solutions prior to hitting the road.
   
   Nothing will ever replace a professionally run "Rider's Education" course but this book is a nice supplement to have around.

5 comments about How To Ride A Motorcycle: A Rider's Guide to Strategy, Safety and Skill Development.

1. I almost didn't buy this book based on that "joke" review below, but boy am I glad I did! There is a ton of information here and it's just what I needed as a beginner!!! I can't wait to take the MSF course this spring and then start using the techniques in this book.
   
   I highly recommend it if you are thinking about getting into riding or if you're going to take the MSF course.
   
   Woohoo!



2. This book is mediocre at best, and it is pulled even further into the pit of cliche writing by the authors insistance for the reader to prepare for the inevitable motorcycle crash. Sure, Hahn is just trying to get the motorcyclist to gear up properly, but his method just turns you off and makes you want to find a better reading. He insists, chapter after chapter that sooner or later, as you travel your motorcycling path, you are going to face the inevitable motorcycle accident or crash, no matter what you do. Come on Hahn, give us all a break. Do you take everyone of us to be so simple minded that we just hop on a bike without assesing the risks involved? Hahn's negativity made me put the book down without completing it just for the fact that the crash pyschology he preached was such a turn off as to make me believe that if I followed his teaching, I would end up in the middle of a street somewhere the end result of his book! I could read a dozen of these How To Ride books and write a much better correlation on the subject without the scare tatics! Give us a break Mr. Hahn!



3. I bought this book for a friend. It reinforces the basic skills needed to become a safe motorcycle rider.



4. Another Pat Hahn waste of time. The only consolation is that it isn't as pitiful as his first book, "Ride Hard, Ride Smart."



5. The material in the book is useful for an introduction to riding, yet it seemed that the book was a poor written version of Proficient Motorcycling. There are many occasions in which the author states material off of Proficient Motorcycling almost word by word. Book is ok, vaque in some parts, yet there are many better books out there with a more in depth introduction to riding.

5 comments about Harley-Davidson Sportster Performance Handbook, 3rd Edition (Motorbooks Workshop).

1. Though this book discussed and touches on many different performance modifications it lacks ANY true technical information and is merely a good read for those interested in history and development more so than how to get true performance gains. Most of the technical information is severely outdated (late 80's and early 90's) and supports methodology which has been proven as a performance LOSS in this day and age (such as mirror finish port polishing!)
   
   Is a nostalgic rag to be read but not a guide to go by...



2. This is a great book for sportster owners! It contains anything you need to know to work on your sportster and is easy to understand.



3. Finally an updated version of this book. Sometimes, his praise of the rubbermounts gets sappy, but overall a good treatment. Some various grammatical errors and redundancy. The information is good, though.



4. This performance guide is a good reference companion to the factory service manual. It takes you through a typical engine build and provides performance tips and suggestions. However, this book concentrates on earlier builds of the sportster and has very few references to the current rubbermounted Evolution motors. This limits its usefullness to the earlier shovelhead and evolution motors prior to 2004. Much of the information is available on web sites, but it is nice to have a "one source" guide with the info handy. Other sections ofthe book are dedicated to sportster history, which was nice, but I could live without, especially considering the books title.



5. When talking about 883 to 1200 conversion, is anybody taking into account that from 2006 on, carburetors no longer exist for Harleys? With the former, you just get a larger bore pair. With the injection pump, who is going to set his paws on it? Are there skilled personnel in the mech shops capable of doing it? Can you regulate the amount injected or you have to purchase a bigger gauge pump?They must be quite expensive.Does anybody elaborate on this?

2 comments about Vespa: 1946-2006: 60 Years of the Vespa.

1. This is really a fun book. Its got pretty pictures, its got info, and it has a description of pretty much every Vespa ever made. I didn't say all Vespas, but pretty much all as collectors we have drooled over. The book describes the legacy of Vespa all the way up to the GT60. Everything from airplanes, to Apé, to outboard motors as well. It even has advertising throughout the ages, which should give a chuckle or two.



2. A pesar de no conocer gran cantidad de libros acerca de la mítica máquina italiana, esta obra entrega gran parte de la información que todo verdadero entusiasta de la Vespa desea obtener: Historia completa (desde los orígenes de Piaggio en el siglo XIX hasta los movimientos recientes de la empresa), desarrollo tecnológico, presencia mundial, "cultura Vespa", modelos producidos año tras año (aunque al parecer refiere únicamente los comercializados en Italia y Europa), muy buena cantidad de material gráfico y fichas técnicas no muy profundas pero con información suficiente para el aficionado promedio.
   El libro de Sarti, adicionalmente, se edita en un año importante para la historia de la Vespa (además de cumplirse seis décadas de su desarrollo): aquel en donde la posibilidad de que se suprima la producción del modelo PX con motorización dos tiempos genera un crucial punto de quiebre para los amantes de los clásicos.
   Muy buen formato, excelente impresión. Algunos errores de continuidad.

2 comments about Motorcycle Adventures in the Southern Appalachians: Asheville Nc, the Blue Ridge Parkway, Nc High Country Book 2.

1. I just returned from a motorcycle trip to this region with my son. One of the routes we used was totally from the guide. It was just as described!
   The little extras that change a ride from routine to something special are all there.
   I recommend it!



2. This book has some very interesting information on the areas of western NC. The details are accurate and I do plan to take the motorcycle tours as the book describes. This book is ideal for anyone planning to visit western NC, motorcycle or not. If you live here like I do, you will still get some useful information.

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

1 comments about Clmyer Harley-Davidson XL/XLH Sportster 1986-2003 (Clymer Motorcycle Repair) (Clymer Motorcycle Repair).

1. I have used this manual on several projects on my bike. It is concise and the photos are very helpful.

5 comments about How to Build a Kit Bike.

1. Good beginer book! Okay overview of building a kit bike. YOu want build a bike from scratch with this book!



2. Being a shade tree wrench and finding my self interested in maybe building a Hawg I picked up this book. If your looking for detailed information, I'd move on. Otherwise, this is a pretty good overview of what to expect painted in pretty broad strokes. There are some useful tidbits that would probably make it worth the price for anyone who has never touched a bike before. He goes through a number of builds...all choppers. It can be a bit repetitive in places but, he gets a little more indepth on diffrent subjests from build to build. I think it would have been better if he had stuck to one build and just covered the alternatives.



3. I did not get a lot out of this book. I found it uninformative and
   and to general in the info provided. Not very impressed with this author. It was not much not much help to me.



4. There was some good info in this book. It shows you how to line up the primary, and some basic stuff like that. I wish they would have covered the swingarm a little better. I pressed the bearings in from the wrong direction.



5. I built a kit bike a while back. Without this book it would have been a tough go as there is no such thing as an instrution manuel. Just a big box of parts.(500+-).

5 comments about Motorcycle: Evolution, Design, Passion.

1. This is an excellent book , a must have for all historians or collectors. I highly recommend this book to all.



2. I purchased this as a gift for someone who's interested in dirt bikes and recently street bikes. He loved it!



3. Many nice examples of motorcycling inventions. Fine selection of pictures, covering examples of major breakthroughs in designing motorcycles. In my opinion the book lacks a little more dephs in the individual sections. Overall an ok buy for the price for the one who loves motorcycling.



4. Why are some folks passionate about motorcycles? Hell, I don't know. Maybe because they're exciting, sleek, powerful, open air, sexy, unique, not for the everyman, thrilling, sweat producing, demanding, resonant, and just so attractive. We need more books like this so others may be tempted to be 'just looking, honey'



5. If you're either a motorcycle enthusiast or a librarian catering to such, make it a point to consider MOTORCYCLE: EVOLUTION, DESIGN, PASSION. It's an oversized, definitive guide to motorbike design and goes beyond the usual showcase of bikes to tap into the wellspring of knowledge and life experience of motorcycle racer and historian Mike Walker. Motorcycle history and evolution are covered in a particularly notable set of vintage photos and historical review, making for a unique and valuable collection addition.