5 comments about Fast Company: A Memoir of Life, Love, and Motorcycles in Italy.

1. Different..... a great read. My daughter lived in Bologna for a few years, and I visited the city which made the book more interesting to me. It really helps to have spent time in the culture on this one. After you get over the funny "attempt" to cover up the Ducati name..very wierd...it's just a wild ride through a culture on many different levels.
   Don't read this book to get page after page of mototcycle details. This is a story about people and culture that produce the bikes from the viewpoint of an outsider..who in the end becomes a part of it all. I enjoyed the writing style and content more because it's a true story.



2. Within captivating literary style, Gross's portrayals illuminate an Italian world as it is now, and this is clearly not the world of "Room with a view". Surely the Italian journals and "Corriere della Sera" are well versed with the struggles of Italian boutique businesses trying to meet the challenge of growth to an international level, but to follow the chain of events of Ducati from within and during a major transitional effort is a special gift. To become acquainted with personal and detailed snapshots of corporate design processes and the trials of prima donna designers is equally rewarding, and sheds a fair light on recent Ducati products. From the beach exploits and dreams of characters depicted, one senses the struggles of modern young Italians. Add to this the author's struggle to rationalize infatuation with a young and arrogant love, and one finds another level or dimension of the Italy of today. This love may have equally been heterosexual, it's characteristics in modern day Italy would have been the same. The vignette descriptions ranging from learning to ride a motorcycle, different bikes, and tours reach out to the motorcyclist in all of us, as these motivate us to reach beyond ourselves whether or not a leg is thrown over a bike. This is a book for everyone where one truly gains a view into the beauty, challenge, and flavor of Italy today. On other levels, having been an Italian ex-pat for three years, ridden motorcycles for 30 years, and a Ducatista for 15 years, this book has touched on many levels and reminds of the need to return.



3. The book was a good read on several levels. As a motorcycle
   enthusiast and as a designer.. the stories from Ducati.. the inner
   workings.. design process.. people were fascinating. Having worked
   with all sorts of clients and designers I related easily to the events.
   Bologna was presented in vivid descriptions, with its culture,
   people, society coming to life. I kept having flashbacks to my 2
   years in Milano as well as subsequent visits. I toured most of Italy
   but sadly I only stopped at the train station in Bologna. Hopefully
   on a future trip I can go to Bologna and visit Ducati.
   I thought the sections at the seaside were hilarious.... the descriptions
   were like Fellini on Jolt cola I was more exhausted with those stories than
   the moto giro ones.
   The sections on the MotoGiro were also very compelling for one that rides a
   motorcycle....the good, the bad, the ugly, the danger, the exhilaration were all there.
   Personal life was interesting, full of irony, but in the end none of my business.
   Throughout the book I especially enjoyed kind of a deadpan
   description of the theater of the absurd that is Italy..left me with
   lot's to think about.



4. It is almost as much fun to wonder how David Gross, in a "inside Italian motorcycles" book learns so much, so fast. But he is smart, and he falls in love with Italy in more ways than one. Arriving in Bologna, Italy as "creative director" of the newly financially juggled - hell, can I say that it was "Ducati" now? - motorcycle company, the author adjusts quickly, first seizing upon advertising strategies that center on visualizing Italian grit, and helping to inject a world personality into what the cognoscenti know is the world's most sexy motorcycle.
   We're reminded of the woman - a non-motorcyclist - who once gazed on a 1973 Ducati "Super Sport" 750 cc. twin (upon which the modern dukes evolved), and exclaimed, "This is the most beautiful motorcycle I've ever seen!"
   And so it is. The imagistic makeover is spliced by Gross'es personal introduction to what we had always heard - that Italy is wild, vain - and unlike the United States - more than mildly corrupt.
   `Fast Company' gives hilarious portraits of "crazy genius" motorcycle designers, their temper tantrums, roaming union gangs, and hair-raising motorcycle rides on the cobblestones.
   This is a fast-paced, well-written book, tracking the birth of the single-cylindered dukes (great vintage road racers today!). It deftly changes names and dances away from potential lawsuits in a chase for grace and meaning.
   In the end, you'll not quite understand the Italian mystery, but for sure, you'll get stylish prose from David Gross, say, the antithesis of a Harley book, which will never get beyond its own narcissism. "Fast Company" is for fans of the finest - a literary rocket for the mountain road.



5. "Fast Company," the first book by David M. Gross, is an amazingly rich and detailed account of an American businessman's life in Bologna Italy. Unlike many recent accounts of Italy dripping with overtly idealized romanticism, David instead takes on a much more challenging task. Without the crutches of good vs. evil dichotomies, moralizing, descriptions of fantastical feats or extremes in characterization; David has composed an insightful book that allows his readers to truly observe Italy and its people from a beautifully lyrical yet thoroughly grounded perspective. This feat is only possible due to the author's own depth of experience as both a business man, lover, and passionate motorcyclist.
   
   This account skillfully manages to mix the seemingly disparate worlds of love, business, sport, and culture into an account that as often frustrates as it gives cause for laughter or deep reflection. We learn the difference between language and communication with David as he recalls his often times hilarious encounters with the many eclectic employees of a faltering yet proud motorcycle company. He describes in invigorating detail his love for a young Italian that, like exotic motorbikes, is equally beautiful and dangerous. In sometimes overwhelming detail, he succeeds in describing what becoming and being a motorcyclist means, whether taking a leisurely ride or primally pushing the limits.
   
   The only short coming of this great book is that David's own character often seems to be overshadowed by the many other characters that surround him. He is not overt in giving his opinion, and is quite obviously non-confrontational in demeanor. David is often times a listener, and observer; these very aspects of his character are the keys to what make him his friend's and coworker's confidant and allow the insight so inherent in his writing. His own character may not be overtly painted, but if a reader is observant (a lesson that David artfully teaches) one does become familiar with the author through his experiences.
   
   My recommendation is that you read David's story; yes, you will become intimately acquainted with "life, love, and motorcycles in Italy" but even more so, you will come just a little closer to knowing how you might respond if asked the question, "are you ready to fly without a parachute?"

No comments about Planet Earth's Greatest Motorcycle Adventure Tours.

5 comments about Jesse James: The Man and his Machines.

1. If you are a true fan, you will not support Mike Seate by purchasing this book. Jesse James, himself, has come out and publicly stated that he did not authorize this book. Mike Seate violated and abused a friendship. If you are a decent upstanding person with good morals and high standards, you will not purchase this book.



2. This book is well written, filled with great photos, and is very fair. Frankly, I don't know what the fuss is about! Did Jesse not get offered a big enough cut? LOL
   I respect Jesse a great deal, and have found in him a great role model and inspiration, since I want to become a bike builder myself. This book was cool because it cut through James' public bad-ass persona and showed the side of him that I admire: a perfectionist craftsman, a genius marketer, and a tireless worker. It is fascinating to read how this guy came from meager means to become a world hero of cult proportions. If I was Jesse, I'd be flattered by this book. But as I said before, it probably comes down to money, and who got what.



3. Maybe this was an "unauthorized" biography, but it's darned good. We get insight into how Jesse learned his craft, who he studied under and where he worked prior to starting his own shop. Jesse dreamt of having his own shop ever since he was a young boy, and this is a decent tale about how it came to be.
   
   There are lots of pictures (the book is about 50% pictures, and 50% text). We gain insight into his parts business, the custom bikes, and Jesse's evolving aesthetic.
   
   There is a section devoted to the recent Monster Garage work, and a section about Jesse's team, and what it's like to work with him.
   
   I gather that "Jesse James Inc." is angry that this book was published without his permission, probably because he doesn't get a cut of the proceeds. Too bad for them. This is an interesting read. I'm sure the style mavens a WCC would want to project pure image, whereas this book is much more honest and human, and gives the reader some real insight into the man and his team.
   
   Highly recommended.



4. I just discovered the "write a review" feature on Amazon and have been going through reviews of books I've read in the past year. The reviews of this book are completely mental. It is a great book. If anything, it makes Jesse look too good. I was hoping for a bit more dirt about his marriages and divorces and other stuff. But it is still very interesting, with great photography. For the life of me I can't figure out why Jesse hates it so much.



5. c'mon outlaw, stop whining...
   
   your marketing machine is impressive, but your fans realize there is more than the fun-but-shallow spin seen on tv.

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.

2 comments about Clymer Kawasaki Concours 1986-2004.

1. The Clymer manual is a good general purpose repair manual and provides sufficient photos and technical information essential for the shade tree mechanic to do the majority of repairs himself. I purchased an "on-line" manual for the Concours prior to purchasing the Clymer and the Clymer was much more informative and illustrative.



2. Like most Clymer products, this lacks a usable table of contents -- there are no page numbers within the major topics. Thus if you want to look up, say, adjusting the valves, you have to flip through pages to find it, because the contents lists that it's within a major topic (routine maintenance) and what order it's in there, but no page number.
   
   Also like most Clymer products, Clymer has a bizarre ritual of putting all torque values into a table at the end of the section. If you are reading along in adjusting valves, and you need to know how much torque to apply to the valve cover, Clymer doesn't tell you -- they simply say "torque the valve cover" and make you flip to the back of the section to see what to torque it to.
   
   And the section on spark plugs and what the color says about the fuel-air mixture is bizarre. The pictures are black and white, making it appear that spark plugs are supposed to be grey. Uhm, no, they should be tan. Somebody cheaped out on the color photography and made this section utterly useless.
   
   That said, despite these quirks, it is a usable and valuable reference and I do not work on my bike without it. In particular, the color circuit diagrams at the end of the text are far better than anything in the factory manual. And they even have a few tidbits of info not in the factory manual (not much, though -- they're basically the same info, re-organized into Clymer format). It's just irritating at times to run into the familiar Clymer flaws mentioned above... flaws that should have been fixed years ago.

4 comments about How to Build the Ultimate American V-Twin Motorcycle: Build a Bike That Is Really Your Own.

1. THIS BOOK WAS VERY BORING! AND RELLY DIDEN'T COVER HOW TO ACTULY BULID A BIKE. TIM REMUS JUST RAMBLES ON ABOUT CERTIN PARTS OF A BIKE AND WHAT THEY DO.AND HOW YOU PICK PARTS FOR YOUR BIKE. IT DID HAVE SOME INTRESTING TIPS BUT NOTHING SPECIAL ENOUGH TO EVEN TALK ABOUT (I;LL JUST LEAVE IT AT THAT) I RECOMMEND LOOKING AT IT AT THE BOOK STORE THEN PUTTING IT BACK ON THE SHELF.



2. This book was very boring!!! Tim Remus just rambles on about diffrent parts of bikes and what to look for. if your looking to build a bike form top to bottom this ain't the book. unless your paper training that new puppy he/she will injoy the read.



3. I actually liked this book. If you have in mind building your own motorcycle and have never done it before, this book lets you know what you are going to have to think about. It's not going to tell you exactly everything you are going to do step by step because every custom bike is different. But it does put in order the things you need to do once you decide what you want.

   Maybe the other reviewers didn't realize that they would have to come up with their own ideas about what they wanted to end up with. This book is not about building a particular motorcycle, it is about building YOUR dream motorcycle, whatever style that may be.

   I recommend this book to anyone who is considering building a motorcycle, who hasn't done it before and who has a pretty good idea of what they want to end up with. It will help you get your stuff together.




4. The title to this book can be verry misleading, chances are anyone with enough ambition to build a motorcycle, already knows the basics that this book covers, if you are looking for power hungry tech info, this book will let you down for sure. This book would however make a great part one of a two part book, C'mon Timothy Remus, where's part two?

2 comments about Honda CRF Performance Handbook (Motorbooks Workshop).

1. I have the service manual, and that's great. But how do I put on my "quick shot?" This has all the performance stuff.
   Up to date (no old, lame photos...very nice pictures)
   Well laid out.
   Good info on what products do, why get them, what the advantages are.
   I also like that it rates the difficulty of the project...like 3 stars hard or one star easy. That way I know what I'm getting into before I take my bike apart.
   Great book. Really great.



2. This is a great book. I will admit, I use it more for the detailed color photos than using it to make modifications to my bike. A lot of good info and procedures. It's great to find a book published specifically for the Honda CRF's. Go out and get a copy today!

5 comments about The Biker's Guide to Texas: 25 Great Motorcycle Rides in the Lone Star State.

1. Just got this book and have read about half of it. Have riden some of the roads but not in the layout this book offers. I will be riding as many of the routes shown in the book. Has some really great information on what is ahead and what to look out for.



2. I am a native Texan and have been a bike rider since 1962. This book does more for the novice, general or expert rider than any book on riding in Texas that is currently on the market.
   I was luckly enough to meet the author and the three riders on the cover are from the midlifecycles.com riding group.
   Enjoy and buy an extra copy for Christmas and send it to any rider you know. They will really appreciate it.
   Chuck Boyd



3. You need not be a motorcycle rider or a Texan to benefit from this latest contribution to the travel genre.
   In her eloquent lyrical style, Ms Waldman takes us across the varied terrain of Texas and magically transports the reader to such diverse locales as Palo Duro Canyon in the Panhandle and the Big Thicket forests of deep East Texas.
   I have ridden many of the routes described in the book and find the information accurate and helpful.
   This book is a wonderful resource for the serious rider and also a vacation for the mind for the vicarious reader.



4. I recently received this book as a gift, and it makes me want to get out on the road! The book has clear, carefully delineated maps to go with each of the rides across Texas. The directions are very clear but not dry because the author spices them up with relevant tips and cultural/historical information for each area. My favorite part is the "Highlights Along the Way" section at the end of each ride. Did you know you can visit vineyards near Stonewall, TX and try French Bordeaux wine? (ride #15 in the Hill Country) Or visit a museum dedicated to Texas' Danish culture and Viking heritage in Danevang? (ride #20)
   
   Though the book is marketed to bikers, many of the rides would be appropriate for cyclists looking for longer rides. Some of the rides are in the 60-70 mile range.
   
   Great book! It would make a good gift for the biker who has everything. It's hard to believe it took so long to get such a good guide book for bikers in Texas on the market.



5. 25 rides covering the majority of the state, ride distances and styles. I throughly enjoyed the way various rides are themed. Ms. Waldman gives many useful tips and valuable information, for example "Be sure your tank is full and you have replenished your provisions before you set out from Alpine. There are no towns for the next eighty miles. There is no place to stop for food or fuel. All you have is what you take with you." Ms. Waldman did her homework, she lists many interesting resturants, muesumes and local attractions for the many varied areas she travels. The wealth of diversity alone makes this book stand tall among Texas travel guides. I will be utilizing this guide when planning trips, to look for destinations, attractions, eateries and other entertaining distractions. I recomend it . . . Try it, you'll like it!

5 comments about Honda Cb550 and 650 Nighthawk 1983 1985.

1. If you have an Honda Nighthawk 650, you must have this book.
   It's complete and well done.
   Only one negative thing, only B&W pics.
   Why try to find original documents when you can buy this book? Even if you are not experienced, with this book you can afford maintenance of your bike.



2. This shop guide is an indespensible tool for repairing and maintaining your Honda Nighthawk.



3. This is a must-have if you own the bike. The book is quite good and illustrations are presented where necessary. My only gripe is that there should be more emphasis on troubleshooting and repairing without replacing components. This book will tell you how to remove and replace any item on your bike, but it doesn't always tell you how to spot a problem. And it never comments on how your bike could be repaired without buying a new part.



4. I ordered a Honda Manuel for a 1978 Honda CB 550. I received a manuel for a 1983 honda CB550. I book is of little value to me. The real problem is that I still do not have a manuel for my 1978 honda CB550



5. I know this isn't the Honda OEM manual, but I expected atleast a little bit of accuracy. I wasted 8 hours one day troubleshooting an electrical issue because THE WIRING DIAGRAM IN THE BACK OF THE BOOK IS WRONG!!!
   I have since found 4 other errors in this manual.
   I know its more expensive, but buy the original Honda service manual from Helm, Inc. instead.

4 comments about Classic Racing Engines: Design, Development and Performance of the World's Top Motorsport Power Units.

1. I'm a Kansas Rancher who works with technology based at best in the 1970's. Bailing wire and duct tape can fix most of my problems. Ludvigsen writes for my understanding level; no high math or esoteric physics, just how the engine was designed; what new, different, or improved insights were polished to make a winner out of the raw product. From the individual product of the designer of the Kuchen 2-liter of 1952 to products of cubic money and scores of engineering departments of major manufactures like the Honda V-12 of 1992, Ludvigsen explains the reasons the design worked, why problems happened, and how the engine contributed to the evolution of mechanical knowledge. I enjoyed reading and using it as a frame of reference.



2. Wow.

   I own hundreds of automotive books, but "Class Racing Engines" is the one that I read over and over. It combines deep technical information, fantastic photos, rare blueprints, and most important of all, Ludvigsen's unique ability to place things within a historical context.

   What I like most about this book is how it puts you right in the shoes of the engine designer. What should the valve angle be? Hemispherical combustion chamber? Materials? Number of bearings? You get the picture... this book gets you deep into motor design and then wallows around in it. It's almost a sinful delight to read.




3. The damage to the book was worse than the description



4. The photos & in-depth descriptions were far beyond what I expected. I'm hoping for a sequel.