No comments about Motorcycle Jackets: A Century of Leather Design.

1 comments about Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Series 1996-2008 (Clymer Motorcycle Repair).

1. I purchased my VN1500-N4 used with no owner's / users' manual ... which costs $65.00. I recently purchased the Clymers Manual and have found it to be concise, clear, well organized and filled with a wealth of valuable information. I have no fear that my bike is not being properly maintained now.

3 comments about Motorcycle Handling and Chassis Design: the art and science.

1. I am an engineer first, and motorcycle racer (a distant) second. I like knowing what's going on under me when I'm dragging my knee at 140 mph, and in any field, I like understanding why some designs work and why others do not.
   Mr. Foale's book is a hugely practical treatise on the subject of motorcycle chassis design-- and the only worthwhile one I know of other than some very technical SAE papers from the 1970's on modeling and simulation of motorcycle handling.
   Mr. Foale's insight into the incredibly complex dynamics of motorcycle handling chassis design, and tire (sorry, Tony-- I just can't bring myself to spell it "tyre")/chassis/rider interaction comes from decades of building and riding specialty and adjustable-geometry frames to test out theories, and in more recent times, instrumenting motorcycles to validate and refine dynamic models. He's NOT guessing (and while this is not unique in motorcycling, it is rare to say the least!), and his dedicated pursuit of the truth is both admirable and hugely valuable.
   This book is technical, but it also presents the material in such a way that, if you're curious enough to have asked yourself why your motorcycle behaves as it does, you will probably be able to understand and appreciate the book's presentation.
   This book won't tell you how to fabricate a motorcycle frame and suspension, but it will tell you why some geometries work and why others do not in a given situation, and give you practical, applicable design guidelines and theory. It is not a prescriptive description of how to tune forks and shocks, but it addresses how the suspension geometry, settings and function impact the bike's behavior and helps you think through how to sort out handling issues for street or track. It does not address design for strength, materials selection or provide much on chassis flex (and in the modern motorcycling era, chassis flex is a vitally important design attribute/choice), but it gives you a great perspective on the history of frame and suspension concepts, with very interesting insights on why some really superior approaches have not been deemed economically viable by the major motorcycle brands.
   If you don't have an ounce of geek in you and aren't related to Tony, then you'll rate this book 2 stars or worse. But if you want to understand motorcycle chassis design and handling, this book will reward concentrated study. If you've read and loved Kevin Cameron's technical articles, or have a copy of Gordon Jenning's Two Stroke Tuner's Handbook, dog-eared, grimy and revered from decades of application, you should own this book.



2. Absolutley Great Book! But you can buy it for eighty nine dollars from sae dot org.



3. It's a great book to understand how motorcycles work, and a great information source about different technologies and designs used in motorcycles.

2 comments about Honda CB750, 1969-1979 (Haynes Manuals).

1. All I have is a question.I just was wondering how extensive this manual is.I already have a clymer publications service repair handbook.Is there anyway to preview this book before i buy it??I need a fairly detailed book.any info you could send would be greatly appericated.thank you eddy udry



2. Repair manuals for these are easily found used. I prefer the Clymer version, and the original Honda Manual is best. Haynes
   is good but it feels a bit "stodgy." I keep it mostly as a
   reference when working on problems. It is good to have different perspectives (ie- more manuals!)

5 comments about She's a Bad Motorcycle: Writers on Riding.

1. What a crock!Either this editor doesn't ride or he just doesn't get it.This compilation of stories about "riding" misses the mark...that is,unless your idea of riding is endless accounts of "outlaw bikers" lifestyles and detailed accounts of their continuous partying.The few stories contained which actually have a theme about the sensations and joys of undertaking a trip on two wheels could almost be printed on the jacket.Get a clue,or better yet,get Peter Egan's "Leanings".



2. I make a point of bringing a motorcycle book to read when my husband and I go on our annual bike tour. This year, I brought Bad Motorcycle. It's an interesting and eclectic collection of stories, essays and a poem (yes, it sucked. More on that later).

   The writing styles and quality are as varied and diverse as motorcycle riders and the bikes we ride. Its not surprising that the book starts with a piece from Melissa Holbrook-Pierson's The Perfect Vehicle. She is able to describe the indescribable nuances about riding in a fluid, poetic and natural style. If you love motorcycles, do yourself a favor and buy The Perfect Vehicle. It's not without its flaws, but so well-written, the flaws are easy to overlook (which is more than I can say for a lot of writers.)

   After reading a segment from Robert Fulton's One Man Caravan, I ordered the book because I couldn't get enough of his tales of derring-do during the 1930s.

   For those who aren't into motorcycles, there are basically two types of motorcyclists. Harley-Davidsons and everyone else. I would fall under the 'everyone else' category. To me, motorcycling is like religion. Not everyone is into the same thing, but I totally respect people's choices. It's what makes the world go 'round. However, not being of the Harley faith, I found the piece by Hell's Angel pioneer, Sonny Barger to be OUTSTANDING. In the too short chapter of the book, Sonny bares a surprising amount of his soul with funny, insightful and intelligent writing. It has given me a new perspective on Harley riders.

   Buried in the back of the book is a piece by Rachel Kushner which briefly chronicles her adventures racing in Baja. I was so intrigued, as soon as I finished it, I reread it.

   Other memorable excerpts include Che Guevara's Motorcycle Diaries, Allen Norem's Storm, and Denis Johnson's Bikers for Jesus.

   I read Hunter S. Thompson's piece on Hell's Angels. After reading it, I didn't really feel compelled to read the other stuff on Hell's Angels. However - and I knew I shouldn't have done this, but did it anyway - I read Diane Wakoski's poem My Hell's Angel. This sentimental pap from a groupie wannabe has no place in this book. How this made the cut is beyond me, but whatever. Any writer who writes about how beautiful she looks standing on a beach is a pretty good indicator of lame writing ahead.

   And I'm going to go out on a limb here, and I'm sure this will ruffle the feathers of a lot of riders out there, but I think Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenence has to be one of the most overrated books of all time. There. I've said it. The emperor has no clothes. Clearly I lack the highbrow intellegence and depth to fully grasp the intellectual pomposity of this (IMHO) overly verbose, boring collection of printed hot air. I first tried reading it before I started riding motorcycles and couldn't finish it. Then years later I tried reading it again after I started riding and still couldn't finish it. But then again, I took a philosophy class in college and didn't care for it. It seemed like a bunch of overeducated people expounding on how the world SHOULD be and not how it REALLY is.




3. My favorites chapters in this anthology were Ted Simon's from Jupiter's Travels, Robert Fulton's from One Man Caravan, and of course, Robert Pirsig's from Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance (which is a great read as well as a great ride). Eric Burdon's piece on Steve McQueen wasn't half bad either.

   But there's far too much chaff with this wheat. About half of the chapters in this collection waste space on Hell's Angels and related gangery, much of which is bad fiction, dull fact, or has nothing to do with motorcycles. The lone standout is Sonny Barger's chapter which really is classic.

   In the end, I think this book's value is twofold -- 1) you get perspective on the variety of riders, their perspectives, and their writing styles, and 2) it suggests further sources of motorcycle literature. But because the caliber of contributions perhaps befittingly matches the lack of sophistication or maturity of many bikers, I suggest that you borrow a copy (or buy used) and then do a lot of skimming.




4. The idea of this book -- a collection of short stories that explore the rich phenomenon of why people ride motorcycles -- is terrific; but the execution is disgusting. Anyone genuinely clueless and curious about why people ride would get a perverse enlightenment from SHE'S A BAD MOTORCYCLE. Just one story from a Hell's Angel perspective would have been plenty. Instead, most of the selections are from motorcycle gang members who are too busy bragging about raping, terrorizing, torturing, and pillaging to bother with good writing. Few ever get around to the subject of what motorcycle riding means to them.
   
   Zanetti also seems to have trouble finding a ride out of California. The other 49 states are severely under represented.
   
   The only reason this book is worth even 2 stars is that it includes a couple token gems that deserve far better company. Entries from Melissa Holbrook Pierson, Robert F. Fulton, and a handful of others aren't enough to make the book worth buying; but they are well worth reading on their own.



5. I enjoyed a couple of the stories but the rest of them served to repeatedly remind me: these stories were written by WRITERS (I should've paid more attention to the subtitle.)...not by motorcyclists, bikers, enthusiasts, etc. If you absolutely love motorcycles then you'll likely find the stories to be trite, self-aggrandizing, and irrelevant. Most of the "writers" treat bikes as transient items in their respective lives...mere accessories to their inflated sense of "coolness" and self-importance. The book is filled with stories that follow the "I did this, I did that, I knew him, I saw this" model.

No comments about Dirt Bikes (Cool Rides).

No comments about Haynes Honda Foreman & Rubicon ATVs Ownes Workshop Manual: 1995 thru 2007 (Owners Workshop Manual).

2 comments about Honda Cb900 - 1100 Fours, 1980-1983: Service, Repair, Performance.

1. This book has helped me a lot during the past few weeks, and I can see no reason why this shouldn't go on. Very well illustrated book, filled to the rim with easy-to-follow and absolutely understandable instructions on how to repair and/or overhaul the Honda. I like it a lot!



2. Great book to have. I started working on my CB900C the next day and have replace many parts on it. I'm glad I bought it.

5 comments about Legendary Motorcycles: The Stories and Bikes Made Famous by Elvis, Peter Fonda, Kenny Roberts, and Other Motorcycling Greats.

1. First off, this is just a beautiful book. By mixing surprising archival photography with his own solid portraiture, Basem Wasef takes you on a trip in a time machine, from the Bonneville Salt Flats to the flatlands of Indiana and the hometown of James Dean. They are all here and the rides that are forever etched in the American motoring consciousness: Elvis and his 'Glide, Fonda and his chopper and, of course, Evel. But this is no lightweight populist read. Nor is it a look back done from a desk. Wasef literally crisscrossed the country and reported on each and every one of these machines in person. This is a deep dive onto rare bikes that will glue the most avid motorsickle rider to every rich page.



2. I've never held a special interest in motorcycles, other than acknowledging that they are one of the coolest objects in existence. I bought Legendary Motorcycles because I figured it would serve as a nice conversation piece on my coffee table. I was right - it has been picked up and perused far more often than any other book within reach. The striking cover artwork continues inside, with photos that compel one to flip through the pages. I found myself (and my house guests) wrapped up in many of the stories which accompany the pictures. I expected the writing to be long-winded, boring, and too arcane for anyone other than the 'in' crowd. However, while this book is a must have for motorcycle aficionados, the author also caters to those of us with little or no knowledge of the history and significance of these classic bikes. Very well done, and highly recommended!



3. I am always a little sceptical everytime a new historical motorcycle book comes out. But "Legendary Motorcycles" really manage to capture my interest, as being well written and well balanced between technical details and interesting histories about the famous people who rode them.
   Highly recommendable!



4. I'm not a motorcycle expert, but this book has interesting stories and includes rare photos of important motocycles and their owners. A great gift idea; highly recommended!



5. I thought this would be more like info on the bikes owned by the elite & famous. It is mostly people who raced bikes or owned racing empires. Not popular names like the title implies.

3 comments about The Encyclopedia of the Harley Davidson.

1. Awesome book. Great pictures. Great documentation of the history of the Harley's. But.....printed in China. Give me a break.



2. Recently a friend of my daughter's came into possession of a Harley Sporster model year 1973.. I have been a Harley fan forever..and I'm 79 years of age..I hadn't been on a Harley in over 8 years..the last one being an Electra Glide and I rode behind my son in Ore. Unexpectedly one day I got to ride on the Sportster..and it really was a good ride...I found the Harley book on line with Amazon and bought it for the owner of
   the 73..He was very surprised and pleased..and I hated to give it up , but at my age..that was probably my last ride..I'll still listen for the Harley engine..and will probably order the book for myself one of these days..well worth the money.
   M.L.Canfield



3. This book was given as a present, whom I consider an expert in Harley-Davidson facts, and he found this book very enlightening! He has not put it down yet and continues to express how much he is learning. I recommend this book for the Harley-Davidson newbie and expert alike.