No comments about Yamaha Pw50 Y-Zinger, Pw80 Y-Zinger & Bw80 Big Wheel 1981-2002 (Clymer Motorcycle Repair) (Clymer Motorcycle Repair).

5 comments about Hells Angels at War: Hells Angels and Their Violent Conspiracy to Supply Illegal Drugs to the World.

1. Here again LaVigne takes on the Hells Angels, and as with his other works the author's bias shines as bright and clear as the sun. In describing the recent war between Scandinavian chapters of Hells Angels and the Bandidos, and other conflicts between the clubs, he portrays the Hells Angels as cunning, calculating and devious adversaries to police, the civilian population at large, and other motorcycle clubs; but he downplays the Bandidos' role in the violence. Not surprising, considering how proud he seems to be to have had his picture taken with national officers, including the national president, of the Bandido Nation at Sturgis. Many times the author's writing style relies heavily on what seems to be quotes from newspaper stories covering various biker conflicts, which, in itself, becomes very tedious. LaVigne's journalistic ego never seems tire in telling the reader how he's traveled to this and that country as an expert in "motorcycle gang" politics and tactics advising various governments and police departments on how to handle this "problem." He also is quite proud of his theory that the Hells Angels all along have planned to and will absorb the Bandidos MC; how the Hells Angels bitter enemies in Canada, the Rock Machine Motorcycle Club will never become Bandidos; predicting this will all come to pass; etc. He continually states this WILL happen. Well, for all of LaVigne's "expertise," he is wrong: The Rock Machine just became a probationary part of the Bandido Nation, and it's now just a matter of time before they are fully accepted into the fold. This, and other misinformation, is indeed is a reflection of the author's inadequacy in the field of journalism. His hatred of the Hells Angels Motorcycle club clouds any sense of objective reporting on the subject.



2. A very thorough investigation into the bikers, the police, and the public. This book is something of a big deal up here in Canada because the upper rungs of the RCMP were embarassed by it revealing their sometimes reprehensible strategies. The RCMP brass reacted by coming down hard on the officer who leaked the information to LaVigne. Really a sad story because the officer is highly decorated and leaked the information only because he was fed up with being stifled in his pursuit of the bikers. Of course the main focus of the book is the bikers. It certainly shows illegal biker gang members for what they are; career criminals who will do anything for more money and power.

   On the down side the book can be tedious. It largly consists of a frank description of events. More of an attempt should have been made to identify the important people and tell their specific stories throught the book. Instead what we tend to get is a constant stream of seemingly unrelated events.




3. How does Yves LaVigne know the exact weight of bombs that had gone off??



4. I am at a loss to guess how you can be a professional journalist when I managed to find several hundred spelling errors, not to mention your utterly dreadfull grammar. Not only is your book worse than the homework of my students, but it is the most boring thing since Moby Dick.
   P.S. I use your books to show my students how NOT to write.



5. I am only giving this even 2 stars because some of the stories in it are interesting. Enough so that you keep reading the book. But this book contains some of the worst writing I have ever seen. As other posts have mentioned, there are spelling mistakes everywhere. But what is worse is that the book follows no timeline, or formula so stories involving dozens of names of people become a confusing mess. It's pretty much a complete mess and it's hard to believe it got published in this form. To top that off the author seems to think he's the only person on earth who knows anything about bike gangs. His ego is massive. Since the book was written, half of this theories in this book about the future of the gangs have been wrong.

1 comments about Motorcycle Arizona.

1. The book has some useful touring information presented with a sense of humor. It could use a little polish and some color pictures would make it more appealing. Overall it will save the reader some time in planning a motorcycle trip to Arizona and is worth reading.

No comments about BMW: The Racing Story.

No comments about HONDA MOTORCYCLE MANUAL: ALL MODELS, SINGLES AND TWINS 1960-1966: 50cc, 125cc, 250cc & 305cc..

1 comments about Harley-Davidson (Drive. Ride. Fly.).

1. There are few brand names in the world that provoke such an image of power, rebellion, and individual freedom as does the name "Harley-Davidson." This book takes us on a reading journey with the big boys on Harley's to Sturgis, South Dakota and on the road across America. I was already imagining myself as this rebel in black leather riding into town as I looked at the photos of those bikers cruising down the main street. The truth is that today's bikers are regular folks and not much like those gangsters that Marlon Brando portrayed in "The Wild One" many long years ago.
   
   There is a certain mystical quality to the lore and myth that surrounds Harley bikes and their riders. This book picks up on some of that powerful energy. The photos really capture the beauty and artistry of these machines. What is nice about this book for younger people is that it does not glorify "The Hell's Angels" image and delivers something much more family friendly and enriching. The text is good at getting the reader little pieces of information and history. It makes a great marriage to the colorful photos which are abundant inside the book.
   
   A good read for young men of all ages. Should be of greatest interest to teenage boys but it appeals to the young at heart!
   
   I personally recommend this book for all young male readers and old dreamers like myself! A must read book!

No comments about How To Set Up a Group Motorcycle Ride: Factors to Consider When Setting Up a Ride for a Group of Motorcyclists.

No comments about Paint Your Motorcycle (Biker Basics).

No comments about Chilton's Motorcycle Owners Handbook: An Easy-To-Use Guide to Basic Motorcycle Maintenance.

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.